MoMA's Summer Escape: Travel the World Through Art, No Passport Required

© Sanlé Sory. Courtesy of the artist and Yossi Milo Gallery, New York.

With summer in full swing, the world feels alive with travel plans, passport stamps, and sun-soaked itineraries. But if your summer looks a little more “staycation” than “vacation,” don’t worry—MoMA has the perfect getaway waiting for you, no plane ticket necessary.

Through the lens of art, the museum invites you on a dreamlike journey across coastlines, mountains, and moments in nature, curated from its iconic collection. Kick things off with Ticket – Alitalia (2001) by Gabriel Orozco—your symbolic boarding pass to an imaginative, art-filled adventure.

First stop? The French fishing village of Concarneau, as captured by Paul Signac in his 1891 masterpiece Setting Sun. Sardine Fishing. Adagio. Feel the golden light dance on water as boats drift across the sea, merging art with atmosphere.

Next, climb to new heights in Stephen Shore’s nostalgic photograph of Yosemite’s Merced River. His 1979 snapshot glows with quiet wonder—like flipping through a family photo album on a lazy afternoon.

The itinerary continues through nature’s grandeur: Oregon’s Crater Lake, Yellowstone’s roaming wildlife, and the wild hypnotic waves painted by Raymond Pettibon. His dynamic strokes practically crash off the canvas, daring you to dive in.

Still craving saltwater therapy? Picture-perfect beaches call out—from the coasts of San Francisco and Rhode Island to a sunlit Thai paradise found by artist Aram Bartholl.

And sometimes, the best summer escape is the simplest: a picnic in the park, lemonade in hand, and sunshine pouring through the trees. MoMA’s playful posters bring these timeless pleasures to life, making everyday moments feel extraordinary.

So pack your (imaginary) Air Afrique bag and let your mind wander—because this summer, MoMA is your gateway to wonder. No passport required.