Baroque Art focused Custom Museum Itineraries
United States
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago, founded in 1879, is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. Located in Grant Park, it houses a vast collection of artwork spanning centuries and cultures. Notable highlights include Grant Wood's "American Gothic," Georges Seurat's "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte," and works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso. The museum is also renowned for its extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, decorative arts, textiles, and architectural drawings. With its iconic lion statues guarding the entrance, the Art Institute is a cultural landmark and a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces.
Italy
Palazzo Barberini
The Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica at Palazzo Barberini in Rome is a treasure trove of art from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Housed in a stunning Baroque palace designed by Carlo Maderno, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and Francesco Borromini, the gallery showcases masterpieces by artists like Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian. Originally the Barberini family's residence, it became a national museum in 1953. The collection includes over 4,000 works, offering a chronological journey through Italy's artistic heritage.
Galleria Doria Pamphilj
The Galleria Doria Pamphilj in Rome is a fascinating private art collection, open to the public, housed in the grand Palazzo Doria Pamphilj. It features an impressive array of masterpieces by renowned artists like Caravaggio, Velázquez, and Carracci. The gallery is known for its richly decorated rooms and historical significance, offering visitors a glimpse into the artistic heritage of one of Rome's most influential families. With over 400 paintings dating from the 15th to the 18th centuries, it's a must-see for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike. This itinerary highlights our favorite Baroque pieces in this wonderful collection.
Rome Basilicas and Churches
Across the Tiber river from the Vatican are three must see churches all containing works from Caravaggio and other Baroque luminaries. Caravaggio was commissioned to paint the paintings for the churches and the paintings have remained in place for over 400 years and are still in excellent condition. Both St. Luigi and St. Augustine’s churches are near Piazza Navona and Santa Maria del Popolo is a short 15 minute walk north from there.
Galleria Borghese
The Galleria Borghese, is a vital destination in Rome for Baroque art appreciation. It boasts an extensive collection of Baroque masterpieces, particularly sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and paintings by Caravaggio. Bernini's works, including "Apollo and Daphne" and "The Abduction of Proserpina," epitomize the intense emotionality and dynamic movement of Baroque sculpture. Meanwhile, Caravaggio's paintings, such as "Boy with a Basket of Fruit" and "David with the Head of Goliath," showcase his dramatic use of chiaroscuro, a hallmark of Baroque painting. The gallery also includes significant works by High Renaissance artists like Raphael and Titian, providing context for the evolution leading to the Baroque period. The Borghese Gallery captures the artistic zeitgeist of the Baroque era, emphasizing movement, contrast, and emotional exuberance, making it an essential visit for enthusiasts of this period.
FRANCE
St. Germain des Prés & St. Sulpice Walking Tour
Called by many the most classically Parisian neighborhood, St-Germain-des-Pres gets its name from the oldest church in Paris, which has been a place of worship for over 1500 years. Our tour also covers another amazing church, “Eglise St-Sulpice” whose grounds have been a place of worship for nearly 800 years. Both of these churches feature some Baroque architectural features as well as Baroque Artwork.
The Louvre
The Louvre, located in Paris, France, is the world's largest and one of the most famous art museums. Originally a royal palace, it became a public museum in 1793. The Louvre's vast collection spans thousands of years, featuring artworks from ancient civilizations to the 19th century. The museum is divided into eight departments, showcasing a diverse range of art and artifacts. With its rich history and immense collection, the Louvre remains a beacon of art and culture.
There are literally thousands of Baroque works housed in the Louvre, our quick visit itinerary hits most of the famous baroque pieces (with some additional pieces) in under 1 hour. The full visit itinerary (coming soon) will take about 4 hours but will visit nearly all the rooms with Baroque works.