When it comes to travel, it’s great to get out into the world with a sense of purpose. History, food, and natural scenery are all reasons that people pack their bags and fly off to experience a new destination. And there are few better reasons to explore a new place than to experience a world of art and culture.
But many art lovers will be sick and tired of hearing the same recommendations over and over again. Though they have certainly earned their reputations as the art capitals of the world, visiting cities like Paris, London, and New York is only scratching the surface of what the world of art has to offer.
All around the world are lesser-known gems of art and culture, waiting to be explored. From South America to East Asia, and everything in between - here are some of the lesser known art hubs of the world to add to your travel bucket list!
1. Chicago, USA
Chicago has quite the name in the art world as it is, playing host to the famous Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art. However, the cultural scene of Chicago extends far beyond these beloved institutions.
The city’s bustling Loop district is home to a vibrant cultural scene, filled with little theatres, galleries, and works of public art. In fact, Chicago has gained quite the reputation for its public art installations - boasting works by Pablo Picasso, Anish Kapoor, and Jean Dubuffet all within walking distance of one another.
2. Lagos, Nigeria
Nigeria’s biggest city is an absolute hive of cultural activity, and a city in which you’ll never grow bored! With a population of over 21 million, it should come as no surprise that the list of interesting things going on in the city each day is practically endless.
The city is home to Centre for Contemporary Art and African Artists’ Foundation, which were both set up in 2007 and have since put Lagos on the map for major art institutions. Lagos not only takes pride in showcasing the art of Nigeria, but has become a stage for the art of Africa as a whole, playing host to many of the continent’s major awards ceremonies and artistic festivals.
On the list of up and coming art destinations for the future - Lagos is most certainly one to watch.
3. Singapore, Singapore
Both a city and a country all in one, the cultural offerings of Singapore are as densely packed as they are rich in nature. The city is packed with many museums and galleries boasting impressive collections, including the Institute of Contemporary Arts, the Singapore Art Museum, and the National Gallery Singapore.
Beyond these impressive museums, which oversee the world’s largest collection of Southeast Asian art, the city is dotted with unique and exciting gems of art and culture. Merely walking the streets of Singapore is enough to enjoy works of public sculpture by acclaimed artists such as Salvador Dali, Chong Fah Cheong, and Fernando Botero.
4. Berlin, Germany
The German capital has had a tumultuous history to say the least, all of which has fed into its unique and thriving art scene. Bombed, divided, and reunited all throughout the 20th century, Berlin became a cultural focus point for the world as a stage on which the soft power politics of the Cold War went head to head.
As the meeting point between East and West, Berlin embodied its roots as a cultural powerhouse of the German Empire and used art as a means to understand its complicated place in the world. Although Germany has been reunified since the 1990s, Berlin remains a hub that experimental artists from around the world flock to in order to participate in the city’s thriving alternative scene.
As Germany’s capital, the city boasts a fascinating mix of classical art institutions and pocket communities of avante-garde artists.
5. São Paulo, Brazil
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Users on Couchsurfing offer up their homes to others from around the world, giving you the chance to travel cheaply, stay somewhere free of cost, and connect with locals along the way!
6. Melbourne, Australia
While a good bit more out of the way than most of the other entries on this list, if you make the long journey across the Pacific Ocean to make a visit down under, make sure that a trip to Melbourne makes it onto the itinerary. Melbourne is Australia's second city, with a population of over 5 million inhabitants, and a reputation as a hub for arts and culture.
Home to some of the country’s most impressive institutions, such as the National Gallery of Victoria, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, and the Gertrude Contemporary - there’s no shortage of exciting visits to make. While you’re there, take your time to soak in the art of the streets - from works of public sculpture to the hip scene of the artsy Fitzroy neighbourhood.
Go beyond the standard art trips to Paris, Florence, and New York City and explore the lesser known gems of these must-see destinations for art lovers around the world!
