Museums and galleries across the world have closed due to the coronavirus, however many have decided to be creative and offer self-isolaters with kids something to do.
More than 2,500 world-class museums are providing virtual tours via Google’s Arts & Culture pages, the New York Academy of Medicine has asked libraries and other cultural institutions to send in colouring books and pages based on their collections.
More than 100 organisations have so far taken part, with more on the way. Submissions have come in from as far away as the New York Botanical Garden, the Smithsonian and the University of Melbourne.
The colouring books are free to download as PDFs to be printed or worked on via an application like paint.
That’s not to say that colouring books are reserved solely for kids. In fact, there is huge evidence that colouring for adults has been proven to increase relaxation and decrease anxiety (which is something we could all do a little bit of right now).
The Getty Musuem and the Getty Research Institute in Los Angeles is doing something similar; the 2020 edition of ‘Colour Our Collections’ gives art lovers a look into both institute’s archives.
The Getty colouring book is divided into themes of beatuy, longing, and strength.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has also announced a selection online content and social media initiatives, including interactive tours, lessons and educational resources. You can also browse audio guides, and the museum’s extensive video vault.
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