Online Lectures & Courses, Friends' Events & In-Person Tours
Art History in Focus organises various lectures and courses throughout the year, which are open for all to join. These are characterised by a relaxed and entertaining learning environment, which often allows for lively discussion.
All of Siân’s lectures are currently being live streamed online – these are easy to access, entertaining and informative, with prices from £10. Tune in from anywhere in the world – join the live sessions with Q&A, or watch later on catch-up.
Our Cultural Travels from Home programme comprises guided tours and exclusive museum openings, broadcast live from various cultural cities around the world. We are the only organisation in the world to have been allowed special access to some of the world’s greatest galleries and cultural sites – please check our programme below which is updated regularly.
We have a few in-person events: just look out for “in-person” in the event heading.
Virtual Rome Part II: Treasures of Art and Architecture
8-week course: 12th May - 7th July, 11.00-12.45 (UK time)An exciting new course combining art lectures with exclusive. livestream museum visits and walking tours in Rome. Includes an exclusive private opening of the Palazzo Farnese (the French Embassy) and a special guest lecture by author Sarah Dunant
Further information
Artist in Focus: Giotto
Monday 19th June 6.00PM BSTJoin Art History in Focus director Siân Walters for an exploration of the life and work of Giotto di Bondone, often described as the father of Italian Renaissance painting.
Further information
Friends’ In-Person Event: A Private Viewing of the Deutsche Bank Art Collection, London
Wednesday 21st June 6.00PM BSTA private (in-person) event and wine reception in London, for Friends of Art History in Focus.
Further information
Cultural Travels from Home: an Evening Tour of Pompeii
Thursday 29th June 5.00PM BSTJoin our live, interactive tour broadcast live from the ancient city of Pompeii, in the company of an expert archaeologist. On this visit we visit the House of the Faun and the Forum.
Further information
Friends’ Lecture: Curator’s Introduction – Rubens & Women Exhibition
Thursday 14th September 6.00PM BSTA special online guest lecture for Friends of Art History in Focus by exhibition curator Dr Amy Orrock, in advance of her new show “Rubens & Woman” which opens at Dulwich Picture Gallery at the end of September.
Further information
Live from Ukraine: Highlights of the Ancient City of Kyiv
Friday 15th September 11.00AM BSTJoin our new colleague Olga for a very special online presentation, broadcast from home in her native city of Kyiv.
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Cultural Travels from Home: The Frari Basilica in Venice
Thursday 28th September 11.00AM BSTJoin us for the world’s first live broadcasted tour of the magnificent Frari Church in Venice, following the restoration of Titian’s magnificent Assumption.
Further information
Europe’s Great Galleries II: A Virtual Tour
A 10-week course: 29th September - 8th December 2023. Fridays 11.00-12.45 GMTEnjoy a virtual tour of some of Europe’s greatest art collections from the Wallace Collection in London to the Mauritshuis in The Hague, with expert lectures and livestream tours broadcast direct from museums. Includes the world’s first livestream tour of the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice.
Further information
In-Person Tour: Highlights of the National Gallery
Tuesday 3rd October 10.30AM BSTJoin Art History in Focus Director Siân Walters for an in-person tour of National Gallery highlights, including refreshments and followed by lunch.
Further information
Frans Hals: Exhibition Introduction
Monday 9th October 6.00PM BSTThe autumn the National Gallery in London hosts a major exhibition dedicated to the art of Frans Hals. Join us for an introductory online lecture.
Further information
Cultural Travels from Home: Live from Siena Cathedral
Thursday 26th October 11.00AM BSTA live broadcast from the Duomo di Siena, one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in all of Italy. Our online guided tour includes a walk to the atmospheric Piazza del Campo.
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Artist in Focus: El Greco
Monday 20th November 6.00PM GMTThe autumn a major exhibition dedicated to El Greco opens in Milan. Join us for in-depth exploration of the life and work of one of the most unusual, original and visionary painters of his age.
Further information
Cultural Travels from Home: Amsterdam’s Light Festival by Boat
Thursday 7th December 6.00PM GMTExperience the magic of Amsterdam’s famous Christmas lights on this special festive cruise through the city’s canals.
Further information