I'm an art historian by training and spent much my undergraduate and grad school days trolling sites like the Web Gallery of Art to study for exams or for a quick reference to remind me what a painting actually looked like. Sites like the Web Gallery of Art (particularly it's search capabilities) are great for the traveler, as well. Their expansive catalogue of art from all over the world (categorized by artist, time period, and location) offers the traveler a great resource for planning their art itinerary.
I recently started using these sites in a new way, searching by city to see what great works of art are exhibited where I will be visiting. It's an easy way to pick and choose what you might want to see the next time you head to Boston, or Bologna. While it's by no means complete and focuses on Western art, it will tell you more than a guidebook can in a tiny museum description anyday. Plus, it's tailored to you by artist preference or museum collection. Forget the days of slogging through museum websites, this is a one stop shop for the art-loving traveler.
So agreed! I've loved this site ever since I was an undergrad and still use it today. The search by collection is a great feature. Great tip!
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