At Kensington Place Redwood City, we are observing CDC guidelines of social distancing to keep our residents, staff, and their loved ones safe. Our regularly scheduled calendar of events and outings have been canceled for the time being.
Museums and zoos across the nation have closed in order to contribute to the efforts of preserving public health. While these places are unfortunately not accessible for viewing in-person, thanks to the Google Art Project, several virtual tours allow us to explore these attractions from our own homes. Here are three virtual experiences being offered that others can enjoy as much as we do:
The San Diego Zoo
At 100 acres, the San Diego Zoo is home to more than 3,700 animals from 660 species. It’s well known and praised for its lush habitats and conservation efforts for endangered species. For giant pandas alone, they have dedicated 22 years into giant panda research.
Their mission is to work towards not just generating interest and wonder for the many types of animals that roam our planet, but to work diligently towards research and studies that help protect species from extinction.
While the walkways and various exhibits are not open for physical tours, their website has 11 different live cameras available for 24/7 viewing. From playful penguins and pandas, to towering giraffes and elephants, they are just a few of the different furried and feathered friends you can pay a virtual visit to!
Their online live cameras can be found here: San Diego Zoo
Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University
Cantor Arts Center is located within Stanford University’s campus, and has resided there since 1891. The name was changed in 1991 to honor the donors Iris and B. Gerald Cantor as an expansion to the museum was also established.
The 44,000 works allow visitors to be taken back in time and experience different continents’ cultural influences and styles. 5,000 years of history can be found here to observe within its 24 galleries.
Their online experience showcasing 105 of their most interesting objects and pieces can be found here: Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University
De Young Museum
The largest art institutions in San Francisco are the Fine Arts Museums of de Young in Golden Gate Park, and the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park. Established in 1895 and named in honor of Michael H. de Young, it houses works spanning from the Americas to Africa, with mediums that range from painting, sculpture, to even costume and textile arts.
Experience familiar names like Monet and Pablo Picasso, and get acquainted with new ones. Their online collection has 365 items for digital viewing and can be found here: de Young Museum
As we observe the CDC recommendations for social distancing, it is bringing some of us closer to our homes and families, and we look for ways to make the most out of each day. While museums and other fun attractions remain closed, it does not mean we cannot still find a way to enjoy them, thanks to technology.