Private Gay Museum Tours Worth Splurging On: Louvre, Met, and Beyond

Discover the greatest LGBTQ+ artworks on the planet, from Florence to New York

Traveling to a new city opens up many possibilities for art lovers. Even if you’re not that interested in art, visiting the Louvre and looking at the Mona Lisa (as she stares back at you!) is a major bucket list experience. And yes, her beady eyes do follow you.

LGBTQ+ people have created many of the most famous artworks known to man: Leonardo da Vinci himself doesn’t appear to have been straight. Michelangelo’s statue of David is one of the most homoerotic works ever created, although it isn’t possible to say whether or not he was gay. In more recent times, artists like Francis Bacon have communicated LGBTQ+ themes in a far more direct way.

We can arrange private tours at many of the world’s finest art galleries, where you can take a deep dive into the history of LGBTQ+ art with an expert guide. We can arrange small group tours and one-to-one tours with art historians.

Oscar Wilde Tours

Oscar Wilde Tours are geared towards gay art lovers. Founded in 2013 by Andrew Lear, a scholar with a deep passion for LGBTQ+ history and classical art, the company specializes in creating personalized, private tours that dive into the often-overlooked stories of LGBTQ+ figures and themes in the finest museums.

One of their standout offerings is the “gay secrets” museum tours, where guests can explore LGBTQ+ histories hidden within the art collections of world-renowned institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the National Portrait Gallery in London. These tours shed light on the gay narratives embedded in famous works of art, from ancient Greek statues to the Renaissance and beyond. Additionally, Oscar Wilde Tours organizes multi-day excursions to cities like Rome, Florence, and Paris, where you can learn about the LGBTQ+ heritage that shaped these cities and regions.

If you’re interested in the life and legacy of Oscar Wilde, the company offers specialized tours, such as “Oscar Wilde’s Dublin, London & Paris”, which takes you through Wilde’s significant life events, from his birthplace in Dublin to his final resting place in Paris. These tours not only cover Wilde’s personal story but also highlight his lasting impact on the cultural and intellectual landscape of these cities.

Oscar Wilde Tours is led by expert guides, including Lear himself, whose academic background in ancient history and LGBTQ+ studies enriches the experience. Recognized for their contributions to LGBTQ+ travel, the company has earned several awards, including the 2016 Travvy Silver Prize for best LGBT tour operator and the 2017 Lux Global Excellence Award for best museum tour operator in New York.

Louvre Museum, Paris – LGBTQ+ Art Tours

The Louvre Museum in Paris is home to many of the world’s most famous artworks (hi, Mona!), and its history is intertwined with stories of gay artists. Louvre LGBTQ+ Tours are available through specialized services, offering insights into how LGBTQ+ themes have been represented in art. We can arrange private viewings of the finest artworks on display.

These tours often focus on works from artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and others whose relationships and sexual orientations have become subjects of scholarly debate.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York – LGBTQ+ Art History Tours

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) has several bespoke private tours that highlight the contributions of LGBTQ+ artists throughout the centuries. Through these tours, you can learn about iconic works from artists like Andy Warhol, David Hockney and others. The Met is also the setting for the annual Met Gala, where many of the biggest fashion statements are made on the red carpet, as nervous celebrities make their way up the stairs to meet Anna “Nuclear” Wintour. One day in the future, art galleries will no doubt explore what the fabled Met Gala says about our own era.

The National Gallery, London – Private LGBTQ+ Tours

The National Gallery in London features several works with notable LGBTQ+ themes. Notable highlights include the works of John Singer Sargent, whose portraits of same-sex couples and intimate depictions of friends have been the subject of much analysis. The gallery also houses pieces by Francis Bacon, whose raw, emotional paintings often explore themes of desire, isolation, and existential angst. Additionally, works from the Victorian era, such as those by James Whistler, are increasingly understood through LGBTQ+ perspectives. You can also see portraits of the most notable figures from British history and immortal works like Vincent van Gogh’s “Sunflowers”.

Uffizi Gallery, Florence – Private LGBTQ+ Tours

Discover the LGBTQ+ highlights of the Uffizi’s Renaissance collections. One notable example is Sandro Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus”, which, while not explicitly queer, has been explored for its androgynous depiction of beauty and desire. Leonardo da Vinci, often regarded as history’s greatest artist, also has works within the Uffizi that have been reinterpreted through queer lenses, particularly his portrayal of male figures. Additionally, the gallery’s vast collection of Renaissance art, including pieces by Michelangelo and Caravaggio, has sparked discussions around the representation of often-overlooked homoerotic undercurrents in classical art.

The British Library

Marvel at the treasures in the British Library, including Oscar Wilde’s handwritten letters and manuscripts. This repository of literary history allows visitors to glimpse Wilde’s creative process and his eloquent voice.

Booking a Private Art Tour With Out Of Office

Do these art tours sound appealing? We can arrange bespoke tours at any of the museums on this list and tailor each tour to your specific interests. We can send you on a tour with a small group or organize a private tour with a local expert. Skip the lines and head straight to the masterworks with your guide: a very civilized way of expanding your mind.