The pandemic has changed how we’re spending time on the weekend or in our free time. No more are we crowding into stadiums to watch a ballgame or hopping over to the Louvre Museum in Paris to stand in masses waiting to see the Mona Lisa.
Today, we’re more selective about both how we spend our time and where we spend it. With that in mind, you can still get your art and cultural fix by thinking outside the box. For example, many of the bigger museums now offer virtual tours. Another option is to choose less crowded sites, or places that are situated outdoors. We’ve got a few ideas for you below, so keep reading to get inspired.
Here are 10 of the best art and cultural stops worth visiting in the U.S. during the pandemic.
This offers outdoor paths with multiple sculptures around every bend. The winding trails lead to hidden smaller statues, while the gently winding you toward towering pieces of art. Too far away? Discover the art and gardens here.
The grounds host weddings, because it’s such a gorgeous site. That should inspire a visit alone. Add in the vast collection of art, and you’ll find a treasure of treats at the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden. Polasek’s focus was on how movement created beauty and flow.
Wayne Porter’s sculptures add a touch of whimsy and fun to the large property they sit upon. With his father’s blacksmithing, Wayne found his calling as a child, creating a sculpture early on. By 12 he was welding. Time Magazine listed this as a top roadside attraction. Don’t miss the 60-foot tall bullhead!
Outdoor sculptures abound, with changing exhibits. They combine art and nature, almost seamlessly at times. Their focus is on contemporary styles, with a nod toward large-scale sculptures. See what they have to offer today.
With coves, music, and artwork displayed among the walkways, Chicago Riverwalk is a popular destination. Bring a mask with you and check out the museum on the walk that focuses on moving bridges.
Art, sculptures, and architecture combine with nature at Glenstone. You’ll find 300 acres encompassing unique buildings, meadows, nature inspired sculptures and more in this private art collection that’s open to the public Thursdays through Sundays. Reservations are highly recommended.
While there’s a museum and library on site, for our special COVID edition we’re focusing on the botanical gardens which makes for easier social distancing. The vast collections of different gardens offer something for everyone with a unique berth of styles.
Cast your eyes on 130 metal-welded sculptures via the work of Ricardo Breceda. This is a can’t miss visit if you’re anywhere near the area. You’ll be greeted with everything from a dinosaur and elephant to a Jeep and giant scorpion.
One of the things you’ll love is their accessibility. They state, “Wheelchairs may be used throughout our barrier-free property and are available upon request.” As this is across from the New Orleans Museum of Art, it’s a double win.
With a vast choice of attractions, it’s easy to get your art and culture fix even amid COVID restrictions. When it comes to the great outdoors, you have less to worry about as it’s easier to social distance. Be sure to follow the state’s current guidelines on mask-wearing—as each state sets its own rules regarding indoor and outdoor procedures that need to be followed.
It would be wise to also check the websites of the attractions you plan to visit in case there are restricted hours or changes to how they’re conducting visiting times to control the number of people at one time. With that in mind, you’ve got a lot of great choices. Where will you go first?