Rick Steves Just Gave Us His Tips on Finding the Best Art in Europe - Travel + Leisure

The newest season of “Rick Steves' Europe,” which premiered at the beginning of October, features 12 episodes showcasing Europe's great art and architecture, tracing the rise of Western Civilization from the Egyptian pyramids to Picasso.

“Art is the closest thing to a time-tunnel experience we can get in our travels," Steves said in a recent interview with Travel + Leisure. His passion for teaching art and history while traveling led him to dedicate the entire 12th season of his show to the subject, now on public television stations across the U.S.

Steves, known for his iconic guidebooks and TV series, has always had a profound love for art history, and a deep-rooted desire to share that passion while traveling. While previous seasons of his show usually included a museum stop or an art lesson, each episode was rooted firmly in a specific location.

“It was fun to free myself from having to be in the same city to teach the art,” Steves said. “Now, I could talk about the whole movement.”

An art-focused season has been in the making for 20 years, Steves said, and needed meticulous planning and research. Steves collaborated with different art professors to vet the writing and ensure the accuracy of the information he was presenting.

Courtesy of Rick Steves' Europe

For updated footage, the crew visited a number of cities, including Florence, Rome, Athens, London, Paris, and Madrid. Earlier episodes are dedicated to the art of ancient Greece and Rome, while later episodes get into Renaissance and Baroque art.

"If you understand the art that surrounds you when you travel, that is your little telescope into the past," Steves said. 

In his quest to make European museums more accessible, Steves offered some expert recommendations for travelers seeking to explore the vast world of art and architecture across Europe.

Be selective. Not everything in a museum is worth your attention, Steves said. Choose what you want to see based on your interests, and what the museum is known for. “We all have limited attention spans and limited energy,” he said. “It's nice to have an excuse to come back. You should not try to exhaust what it has to offer.”

Get comfortable. Make yourself at home in the museum. Take off your coat, check your bag, and spend a few minutes understanding what the museum is all about. Orient yourself, and decide how to approach different wings — whether chronologically, visiting certain artists, or any other way that suits you, Steves said.

Use guided tours. Many museums, churches, and landmarks offer guided tours that provide insight into the artwork and architecture. Steves has actually created a free app called "Rick Steves Audio Europe," which offers self-guided tours through some of the greatest European museums and cities.

“Art can be fun, but it's really a matter of how much understanding you bring to it,” Steves said.

Courtesy of Rick Steves' Europe

Understand the historical context of what's on view. Steves warns travelers against being "chrono-centric" (meaning stuck in our own current time) and to try to see the art from the perspective of the people who lived during that era. “I like to see art in its terms, in its age, with its sensibilities,” Steves said.

Plan ahead. Reservations, especially for the most popular museums and sites, can save you time and frustration. It's also wise to visit on less crowded days, such as Sundays or Mondays if possible, Steves said. A smart traveler does their research ahead of time on the places they plan to visit, including opening hours, closed days, and any special requirements for entry.

Steves places immense importance on being prepared and open-minded when visiting museums in Europe, ensuring that your cultural exploration is both enjoyable and educational. This season of "Rick Steves' Europe" is a captivating journey through time and culture, transporting viewers to the heart of Europe's artistic legacy — hopefully inspiring and educating future travelers, Steves said.

“I love history, I love art, I love tour guiding, and I love how if you mix it together through the travels, it helps people have a more rewarding trip. It broadens our perspectives,” Steves said.

“Rick Steves’ Europe” Season 12 premiered Oct. 1 on public television stations across the country. If you miss an episode, you can find the entire season for free on RickSteves.com.

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