Artistic Capitals of Europe
When planning a city break, modern travelers consider a range of pros and cons. Are the hotels up to standard? Where are the tastiest places to eat? And what exactly is there to do in the city?
A city’s artistic and cultural heritage plays an essential role in shaping the views of potential tourists. Art, style, and architecture influence travel decisions; as a result, new museums, galleries, and touring shows emerge in Europe’s capitals at an ever-increasing rate. Therefore, which city comes out on top? What is Europe’s artistic capital?
A recent study by posterXXL, a German company specializing in personalized photo products, provides some insights. They assigned scores to European cities based on various factors, including the concentration of art galleries, the number of buildings designed by famous architects, the birthplaces of contemporary artists, and the prevalence of art schools and art festivals. While the continent’s renowned fashion capitals are represented, some entries may surprise and inspire alternative artistic escapes.
10. Paris
The City of Light is a must-visit destination for lovers of art, style, and architecture. Within the top 10, the competition from other European cities is evident. Gaze upon the Monalisa and Venus de Milo in the Louvre, discover Impressionist wonders in the Musée de l’Orangerie, and take time to wander through the French capital’s back streets, observing the architectural details refined over centuries.
9. Lyon
What makes Lyon unique is the eclectic mix of its artistic offerings. In the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, you will find historical works by Early Modern artists alongside contemporary pieces and an extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts. This vibrant city bursts with color each autumn during the Peinture Fraîche Festival, celebrating street art, graffiti, and contemporary art.
8. Helsinki
Finland’s capital deserves more attention for its artistic and cultural heritage. With several well-stocked galleries and museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma and the Sinebrychoff Art Museum, Helsinki impresses with its architectural highlights like the 20th-century Helsinki Central Station. Additionally, the city hosts the annual Helsinki Festival, the largest arts festival in the Nordic countries, held every summer.
7. Milan
Milan’s influence on Europe’s fashion circles is undeniable. Each year, fashion weeks draw global glitterati into this glitzy Italian city for a packed schedule of runway shows and high-profile events. While the catwalk showcases head-turning designs, the historic buildings and galleries house iconic artworks by masters like Botticelli, Raphael, and Da Vinci. Visitors can marvel at The Last Supper, the fresco in the Museo Cenacolo Vinciano depicting the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples.
