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Art & Culture Travel Blog

Spring in Art: Most Beautiful Paintings Inspired by Spring

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The most intriguing art heists in European museums

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What To See in Lublin 🇵🇱

What to see in Lublin

The Polish town of Lublin is a place where history meets modernity. Its cobbled streets are filled with fascinating legends, colourful historic houses, and a profound Second World War history. Located on the ancient road between Kraków and Vilnius, it comes as no surprise that Lublin was the site where the Polish-Lithuanian Union was signed in 1569. As many locals proudly noted, this historic agreement signed at Lublin Castle was, in many ways, a predecessor to the European Union.

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Get Inspired: Women in the Rijksmuseum Collection

Women in the Rijksmuseum Collection

When the Rijksmuseum first opened its doors in 1885, it was designed as a temple to Dutch identity, art, and history. The museum’s architect, Pierre Cuypers, was a man; its directors were men; and the artworks on display were almost exclusively made by the Great (male) Masters of art history. For a long time, it felt as if there were no women in Dutch art history. Today, that is finally changing. In 2021, the Rijksmuseum launched the “Women of the Rijksmuseum” project to correct this historical imbalance. From the Middle Ages to the modern era, keep on reading to meet the women who shaped the Dutch soul.

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Easter Traditions in Europe

Easter traditions in Europe

Easter traditions in Europe are as diverse as the countries on the Old Continent themselves. From the classic egg hunts in England and the ornate Easter trees (Osterbaum) of Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, to the intricately coloured eggs of Central and Eastern Europe and the solemn religious processions of Spain and Italy, these customs represent a magnificent treasury of European culture.

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Canadian Artists at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto

The Group of Seven paintings at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto

As an art historian who has visited the majority of European museums, I (foolishly) believed I was quite familiar with Western art. So, imagine my surprise when I stepped into the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). The works of Canadian artists, particularly the Group of Seven, struck me with the explosion of raw, northern power and a fierce struggle for a unique national identity. It made me realise there is still so much to discover for me within the art world. Here is my guide to the work of Canadian artists at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto.

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Cultural Guide: Best Things To Do in Toronto

Best things to do in Toronto

Toronto isn’t just Canada’s largest metropolis. It’s a living, breathing mosaic of global cultures, and a city filled with stories. Walking underneath its massive skyscrapers, Toronto felt like New York’s little brother. However, spending more time among its residents, the city’s true personality emerged: polite, comfortable, and grounded, like a sibling who had grown up in the British countryside. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Toronto, keep on reading my cultural guide to Toronto.

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Tulips in the Netherlands Guide (Updated March 2026)

Where to see tulips in the Netherlands

Tulips are the enduring symbols of the Netherlands, and the primary reason millions of travellers flock to the country each spring. From the vivid patchwork of the tulip fields and Amsterdam’s Tulip Festival to the masterworks in Dutch museums, there are endless ways to immerse yourself in these blooms. Although I live in the Netherlands, they are so beautiful, I always discover something new during about tulips each spring. To help you get the most of it, here is my guide to everything you need to know, including the best places to see tulips in the Netherlands (updated for the 2026 season).

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Valentine’s Day Celebration: Love in Art History

roy lichtenstein kiss II love in art

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I’ve curated a list of the ten most beautiful artworks centred on the theme of love. Love has been a beloved topic in art history for centuries, serving as a primary muse to painters and sculptors. From the subtle electricity of a shared gaze to the passionate kiss, these works prove that love remains art’s most enduring inspiration.

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Rijksmuseum Hidden Secrets: The Best Rijksmuseum Guided Tour

Best Rijksmuseum guided tour

Imagine standing in front of “The Night Watch” and realising it isn’t just a piece of canvas – it’s a coded message of rebellion, a love letter to Amsterdam, filled with numerous symbols we are still uncovering today. If you’re looking for the best guided Rijksmuseum tour, you have to look beyond the surface. As a guide, I don’t just show you where the artworks are; I show you why they still matter.

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How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Antwerp (+ Extra Tips for Art Lovers)

Weekend in Antwerp travel tips

Living in the Netherlands makes Belgium a stone’s throw away and an easy destination to visit. And boy, am I enjoying that benefit now when I’m back there. A few weeks ago, I spent a weekend in Antwerp, which was likely my fifth or sixth visit to that beautiful city. So, I finally gathered here a guide with the best places to see during a weekend in Antwerp (including some extra tips for art lovers).

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