From Renaissance to Contemporary: Our very best art & design school trips

A school trip focused on art and design means more than just a visit to a gallery – instead, it offers an immersive experience that allows students to engage with masterpieces, architectural wonders, and creative processes firsthand. For students from KS3 to A-Level, these destinations provide invaluable insights into artistic movements, historical contexts, and modern innovations.

Here’s how our top art and design school trip destinations align with the curriculum and inspire creativity beyond the classroom.

Art school trips to… Italy: The Birthplace of the Renaissance

Florence

As the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence offers a deep dive into one of the most influential artistic movements in history. The Uffizi Gallery showcases masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli, while the Accademia houses the iconic David sculpture. Walking the streets of Florence is also a lesson in itself, with its breathtaking frescoes, sculptures, and architecture.

Venice

A city built on water, Venice’s art scene is equally fluid and dynamic. Students can explore the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica, the intricate works of Titian at the Gallerie dell’Accademia, and – if you time it right – the cutting-edge installations at the Venice Biennale, which offers a glimpse into contemporary global art and architecture.

Rome

Home to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling by Michelangelo, and Bernini’s baroque sculptures, Rome is an excellent choice for an art school trip, owing to its blend of classical, Renaissance, and baroque art.

Art school trips to… Spain: A Celebration of Colour & Form

Barcelona

Antoni Gaudí’s architectural genius is the centrepiece of any art and design trip to Barcelona. Students can explore the acclaimed artist's surreal and incredible creations throughout the city, including the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló. Barcelona’s contemporary art scene also thrives in the MACBA (Museum of Contemporary Art).

Madrid

Home to the ‘Golden Triangle of Art’, Madrid boasts three world-class museums: the Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza. Here, students can witness the evolution of Spanish art, from Velázquez and Goya to Picasso’s Guernica – an essential piece for understanding art’s role in political discourse.

Art school trips to… France: The Epicentre of Art Movements

Paris

Often dubbed the City of Art, Paris is an essential trip for any budding artist. The Louvre houses da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, while the Musée d'Orsay covers the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movements, featuring works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas. For modern and contemporary art, the Centre Pompidou is a must-visit, while the streets of Montmartre provide insight into the Bohemian art scene.

Art school trips to… The Netherlands & Germany: Masters of Realism & Innovation

Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, the Rembrandt Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh Museum introduce students to the Dutch Masters, while the contemporary art spaces in the city explore new digital and interactive mediums. Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Van Gogh’s expressive brushwork provide essential study materials for art students.

Berlin

A city synonymous with creativity and resilience, Berlin offers a mix of classical, modern, and street art. The East Side Gallery, an open-air museum on the remnants of the Berlin Wall, showcases how art can be a tool for political expression, while the Bauhaus Archive explores one of the most influential design movements in history.

Art school trips to… USA: Art on a Grand Scale

New York

The undisputed art capital of the world, New York is home to MoMA, the Met, and the Guggenheim – providing an unmatched introduction to global art history, with everything from Renaissance classics to contemporary installations. The city itself is also home to vibrant street art (especially in Brooklyn), and several public sculptures which add to its artistic landscape.

California

From the Getty Center in Los Angeles to San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art, California boasts an eclectic mix of fine art, digital innovation, and contemporary expression. Students can also visit the Walt Disney Family Museum to explore animation as an art form, bridging traditional and digital creativity.

Art school trips to… London: A Gateway to Global Art

London’s vast collection of galleries and museums makes it one of the best destinations for an art and design school trip. The National Gallery and Tate Modern provide a sweeping overview of Western art, while the Victoria & Albert Museum delves into design history. Street art in Shoreditch and immersive exhibitions in the Saatchi Gallery introduce students to contemporary and interactive experiences.

Book an art & design school trip today

Each of these destinations offers a unique perspective on art and design, helping students deepen their understanding of artistic techniques, cultural influences, and historical significance.

To book an art and design trip, or enquire about booking a school trip, please call us on 01273 648248. You can also fill out our webform, and our school trip experts will get back to you as soon as we can.