Rick Steves Shares His Expert Insights on Discovering Europe’s Finest Art

The latest season of “Rick Steves' Europe,” which debuted in early October, consists of 12 episodes that explore Europe’s magnificent art and architecture, charting the evolution of Western Civilization from the Egyptian pyramids to Picasso.

“Art offers the closest experience to a time-travel adventure we can have on our journeys,” Steves remarked in a recent interview with Dinogo. His enthusiasm for sharing art and history during travels inspired him to dedicate the entire 12th season of his show to this theme, now airing on public television stations across the U.S.

Steves, renowned for his beloved guidebooks and television series, has always harbored a deep passion for art history and a strong desire to convey that enthusiasm during his travels. While earlier seasons of his show typically featured a museum visit or an art lesson, each episode was distinctly anchored in a specific locale.

“It was exciting to liberate myself from the necessity of being in the same city to discuss the art,” Steves mentioned. “Now, I could cover the entire movement.”

An art-centric season has been in the works for two decades, Steves revealed, requiring careful planning and research. He teamed up with various art professors to review the writing and guarantee the accuracy of the content he was presenting.

To capture updated footage, the crew explored several cities, including Florence, Rome, Athens, London, Paris, and Madrid. The earlier episodes focus on the art of ancient Greece and Rome, while the latter ones delve into Renaissance and Baroque art.

'When you grasp the art around you while traveling, it becomes your little telescope into history,' Steves remarked. 

In his mission to make European museums more approachable, Steves shared valuable tips for travelers eager to navigate the rich world of art and architecture across Europe.

Be discerning. Not everything in a museum deserves your focus, Steves advised. Select what you want to see based on your interests and the museum’s specialties. “We all have finite attention spans and energy,” he noted. “It’s nice to have a reason to return. You shouldn't try to see everything at once.”

Get settled. Make yourself at ease in the museum. Remove your coat, store your bag, and take a few moments to familiarize yourself with what the museum offers. Get oriented, and decide how to explore different sections—whether in chronological order, by artist, or in any way that works for you, Steves suggested.

Take advantage of guided tours. Numerous museums, churches, and landmarks provide guided tours that offer valuable insights into the art and architecture. Steves has developed a free app called 'Rick Steves Audio Europe,' which features self-guided tours of some of Europe’s finest museums and cities.

'Art can be enjoyable, but it ultimately depends on how much understanding you bring to it,' Steves stated.

Grasp the historical context of what you’re observing. Steves cautions travelers against being 'chrono-centric' (meaning overly focused on our own time) and encourages them to view the art from the perspective of those who lived during that period. “I prefer to appreciate art within its own context, era, and sensibility,” Steves remarked.

Prepare in advance. Making reservations, especially for the most sought-after museums and attractions, can help you save time and avoid frustration. Steves recommends visiting on less busy days, like Sundays or Mondays if possible. A savvy traveler does their homework before visiting, checking opening hours, closed days, and any special entry requirements.

Steves emphasizes the importance of being well-prepared and open-minded when exploring museums in Europe, ensuring that your cultural experiences are both enjoyable and enlightening. This season of 'Rick Steves' Europe' offers an engaging journey through history and culture, immersing viewers in the essence of Europe’s artistic heritage — with the hope of inspiring and educating future travelers, according to Steves.

“I have a passion for history, art, and guiding tours, and I believe that blending these elements during travel enhances the experience. It expands our horizons,” Steves expressed.

“Rick Steves’ Europe” Season 12 debuted on October 1 on public television stations nationwide. If you miss an episode, the entire season is available for free at RickSteves.com.