We’ve curated this collection of the best art history games that make learning about art fun. Exploring art history doesn’t have to be confined to textbooks and museums—it can be an engaging, hands-on experience right in your living room! Whether you’re an art aficionado, a traveler wanting to deepen your knowledge for better trips, or a parent looking to inspire your kids, there’s a game out there for you.
As an experienced travel education consultant I support people in having their best trips possible. Often that involves helping them find resources to learn more about their destinations before they depart. And as a former teacher games are one of my favorite ways to inspire natural curiosity. Having an understanding of art history can make the experience of viewing art in person much richer and more interesting.
Dive into these educational games to enhance your understanding of art and art history, adding richer layers to your future museum visits and travels.
Why Play Art History Games?
Games offer an interactive way to learn art history, making it easier to remember artists, styles, and historical contexts. By engaging in playful learning, you’re setting yourself up for more meaningful travel experiences. Let’s explore some of the best art history games that can turn you into an art expert in no time!
Art History Board Games
Educational art games are designed to teach players about different artists, art movements, and techniques while keeping the experience fun and engaging. Here are some of the top educational art games that can help you deepen your appreciation of art.
CMON Classic Art Board Game
In this strategy game, players step into the role of art collectors, predicting the value of classic artworks in a competitive market. Each player bids on paintings from famous artists, trying to amass the most valuable collection while navigating the fluctuating art market. With a focus on strategy and a bit of bluffing, this game offers a fun way to engage with art history and the dynamics of art collecting. It’s perfect for game nights with adults who appreciate a mix of art and strategy.
CMON Modern Art Board Game
In this intense auction game, players take on the role of art dealers competing to buy and sell modern artworks. Each round, players host auctions, trying to outbid each other while predicting which artists’ works will skyrocket in value. With dynamic gameplay that mimics the highs and lows of the real art market, this game challenges players to strategize, negotiate, and outsmart their opponents. It’s ideal for art enthusiasts who love a competitive and fast-paced game night.
CMON Modern Art: The Card Game
This card game version of the classic auction board game brings the thrill of the art market to your tabletop in a fast-paced, compact format. Players bid on cards representing modern artworks, trying to predict which artists will become the most valuable. With a mix of strategy, luck, and a keen sense of timing, this game captures the excitement of art auctions, making it a fun and accessible option for both families and art enthusiasts alike. Perfect for those who enjoy quick, competitive gameplay with an artistic twist!
Art Society
Art Society is a new and engaging game that puts players in the roles of art collectors and critics, tasked with building prestigious art collections while also learning to articulate their thoughts on various artworks. The game involves curating pieces, hosting exhibitions, and critiquing each other’s collections, fostering a deeper understanding of art evaluation and appreciation. Ideal for those who enjoy discussing and debating art, Art Society helps players refine their skills in talking and thinking about art in a fun, competitive setting.
Fresco
Fresco is a beautifully immersive board game where players take on the roles of Renaissance painters tasked with restoring a grand cathedral’s fresco. Players must manage their apprentices, mix colors, and balance their time to complete the most impressive restorations. With a focus on strategic planning and resource management, the game offers a unique glimpse into the art and craft of fresco painting. Perfect for art lovers, Fresco combines historical context with engaging gameplay, making it a delightful way to experience the challenges and rewards of being an artist in the Renaissance era. It is an older game and can be hard to find, but it is worth it once you do.
Games that dive deep into art history help players connect with the stories and significance behind the masterpieces. From board games to digital experiences, here are the top picks that will get you hooked on art history.
More Art History Games
Master Pieces: The Curator’s Game
Though primarily a book, Master Pieces: The Curator’s Game doubles as an interactive art challenge that invites readers to become curators themselves. Players match pieces of famous artworks to reconstruct the masterpieces, learning about the details and stories behind each work. It’s a captivating blend of art history and puzzle-solving, making it a delightful way to engage with art while testing your eye for detail and knowledge of famous artists. Perfect for solo play or small group fun!
Make Your Own Mondrian
Make Your Own Mondrian is a hands-on puzzle game that allows players to recreate the iconic geometric style of Piet Mondrian using colorful pieces. The game encourages creativity and a deeper understanding of modern art principles, such as balance, composition, and color theory. It’s both a relaxing and educational experience, perfect for art enthusiasts who enjoy puzzles and want to connect with the artistic process of one of the most influential modern artists. A great activity for solo play or a fun challenge with friends!
Art History Card Games
Art history card games are compact, portable, and perfect for on-the-go learning. They’re great for quick sessions and can be used as flashcards to build your art knowledge.
The Art Game: New Edition by Laurence King
The Art Game: New Edition is a beautifully designed card game featuring fifty cards that showcase some of the most iconic artworks and artists in history. Players compare artworks based on categories such as influence, value, and historical significance, making it a fun and educational way to learn about different art movements and styles. Perfect for art lovers, this game encourages players to think critically about art and sparks engaging conversations, making it a great tool for both learning and entertainment.
Clarkson Potter Show Me The Monet
This fast-paced card game combines art appreciation with competitive strategy. Players act as art dealers, wheeling and dealing their way to build the most valuable collection. The game features iconic artworks and clever puns, making it a fun way to learn about art while honing your negotiation skills. Perfect for art lovers who enjoy a bit of wit with their gameplay.
Artful Fishing: Go Fish Card Game
Artful Fishing is a creative twist on the classic Go Fish game, featuring beautifully illustrated cards with classical artworks. Players collect sets of art-themed cards while learning about famous paintings and artists along the way. Designed as both a fun game and an educational tool, it’s perfect for art enthusiasts of all ages who want to enjoy a casual game that also deepens their appreciation for art. It’s a great gift for art lovers and a delightful way to introduce players to the world of classical art!
50 Pairs Memory Matching Game: Famous Paintings
GISGFIM 50 Pairs Memory Matching Game is a delightful concentration game that challenges players to match pairs of famous paintings while enhancing their memory skills. Featuring iconic artworks from renowned artists, this educational game not only sharpens focus and recall but also introduces players to a wide range of art styles and masterpieces. It’s an excellent choice for adults and art enthusiasts who want a fun, fast-paced way to engage with art history in a playful format.
Piatnik Playing Cards – The Art Pack Single Deck
Piatnik Playing Cards – The Art Pack features a beautifully curated collection of famous artworks on each card, making every game an opportunity to engage with art history. This versatile deck can be used for traditional card games or as a creative learning tool to explore art.
Famous Paintings Cards by Usborne
Famous Paintings Cards by Usborne is a beautifully illustrated set of cards that introduces players to some of the world’s most iconic artworks. Each card features a masterpiece with detailed information about the painting, artist, and art style, making it a wonderful educational tool for art lovers of all ages. The cards can be used in various games, as flashcards, or simply as a fun way to learn about art history. This set is perfect for families, students, and anyone looking to deepen their appreciation and knowledge of famous paintings.
Professor Noggin’s History of Art
Professor Noggin’s History of Art is an educational trivia card game that introduces kids to the world of art history through fun and engaging questions. Players test their knowledge about famous artists, art movements, and techniques with questions at two difficulty levels, making it suitable for a range of ages. The game encourages learning and curiosity, offering a playful way for kids to explore art history while boosting their critical thinking skills. It’s a perfect blend of education and entertainment, ideal for young art enthusiasts and family game nights.
At History Games For Kids
When using art games and cards with kids it’s important to keep the experience light and fun. Rather than quizzing them on facts or turning the game into a test, let your child guide the play. Use the cards to spark open-ended conversations, asking questions like, “What do you think is happening in this painting?” or “Which colors do you like best and why?” Encourage them to invent their own stories. The goal is to cultivate curiosity and enjoyment, helping them connect with art in their own way. By following your child’s lead and keeping the atmosphere playful, you’ll foster a love for art that lasts a lifetime.
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: Use the cards to start conversations about the artworks. Ask questions like, “What do you notice first?” or “How does this painting make you feel?” These questions encourage kids (and adults!) to observe and think critically without feeling pressured to know specific facts.
- Create Your Own Stories: Invite players to invent stories about the scenes or characters depicted on the cards. This not only makes the art more memorable but also encourages creative thinking.
- Art Match-Up Game: Mix the deck and try matching cards based on similar themes, styles, or color palettes. This helps players make connections between different artists and movements in a fun way.
- Art Detective Challenge: Select a card, and give clues about the artwork without showing it, while others guess which painting it is. This game sharpens observation skills and makes art history interactive.
- Personal Favorites Gallery: Have each player pick their favorite card and explain why they like it. It’s a simple way to share personal tastes and learn about different perspectives on art.
Art History Puzzles
Games About Art
Azul
Azul is a beautifully designed strategy board game inspired by the intricate art of Moorish tilework. Players take on the role of artisans, drafting colorful tiles to create stunning mosaics while strategically managing their resources. The game encourages creative thinking and spatial planning, making it an engaging way to appreciate patterns, design, and art history. With simple rules but deep strategic elements, Azul is perfect for families and art lovers alike, offering an artistic twist to traditional board games.
Sagrada
Sagrada is a stunning dice-drafting and placement strategy game where players become artisans crafting intricate stained glass windows inspired by the Sagrada Família. Players carefully select and place colorful dice to create patterns, balancing aesthetics with strategic objectives. The game combines art appreciation with thoughtful planning, challenging players to think creatively about color and design while competing to build the most beautiful window. Ideal for families and art enthusiasts, Sagrada offers a visually captivating and engaging experience for all ages.
Art Decko
Art Decko is a strategic deck-building game that immerses players in the world of art collecting and investment. Players buy, sell, and trade art pieces to build their collections, all while trying to influence the market value of different art styles. The game combines financial strategy with art appreciation, offering a unique experience that challenges players to think like collectors and curators. Perfect for those who enjoy strategic gameplay with an artistic flair, Art Decko adds a sophisticated touch to game night.
HUES and CUES
HUES and CUES is a vibrant, color-guessing board game that challenges players to describe and guess specific hues from a board of 480 color squares. Players give creative clues to help others identify the correct color, encouraging them to think critically about shades, tones, and the language of color. This game is perfect for honing your ability to observe, describe, and discuss color in a fun and engaging way, making it a fantastic addition for both family game nights and art enthusiasts looking to sharpen their color vocabulary.
Art History Games Online
If you prefer digital games or want to sneak in some art learning on the go, online art history games are an excellent choice. They’re often accessible on various devices and offer a range of experiences, from casual quizzes to in-depth simulations.
Check out our post on the best art history apps to find lots of interactive games.
Free and Engaging Educational Art Games
Here are some free, fun, and engaging games you can play to dive into art and art history, perfect for sparking curiosity and deepening your appreciation without spending a dime!
1. Art Scavenger Hunt
Create an art scavenger hunt using a museum’s online collection or by visiting a local gallery. Make a list of items or themes to find, such as “a painting with a cat,” “a portrait of a famous person,” or “a landscape with mountains.” You can play solo, with friends, or even virtually with others by sharing screen captures or photos. This game encourages you to look closely at details and learn more about the artworks you discover.
2. Art Charades
Play charades using famous artworks or art movements. One player acts out a piece of art or an artist’s signature style without speaking, while the others try to guess. For example, you might mime painting starry swirls for Van Gogh or pretend to be chiseling marble for Michelangelo. This game helps players learn to recognize artists and their distinctive traits in a lively, interactive way.
3. Artist’s Telephone
Similar to the classic game of “telephone,” but with drawing! Start with a famous artwork and describe it to the first player, who then draws what they think it looks like based on the description alone. Pass that drawing to the next player, who describes it without seeing the original art. By the end, compare the final drawing to the original—often with hilarious results! This game is great for learning how to describe art and seeing how interpretations evolve.
4. Art Mix-and-Match Collage
Print out or sketch elements from different famous artworks and mix them together to create your own unique piece. Imagine Van Gogh’s sunflowers in Monet’s water lily pond or Mona Lisa wearing Frida Kahlo’s floral crown. This playful mashup game helps you learn about different styles while letting your creativity run wild.
5. Art-Inspired Poetry
Choose an artwork and write a poem or short story inspired by it. Describe the scene, imagine the thoughts of the characters, or let the colors and mood guide your writing. This activity helps deepen your understanding of the emotional impact of art and adds a creative twist to art appreciation.
6. Art Pictionary
Similar to traditional Pictionary, but with an art twist! Players take turns drawing prompts related to art history—like “Renaissance,” “abstract,” or “Mona Lisa”—while the others try to guess. This is a fantastic way to learn art terminology and styles in a lively, fast-paced game setting.
7. Dress Up Like Characters in Works of Art
This creative game became popular during the pandemic when people recreated famous artworks at home using everyday items. Choose a character or scene from a well-known painting and challenge yourself to dress up like them using whatever you have around the house. You can recreate the scene with props, lighting, and costumes, then share your version online with friends or on social media. It’s a fun way to connect with art history, exercise your creativity, and enjoy a playful tribute to iconic artworks!
7. Virtual Museum Tours and Quizzes
Many museums offer free virtual tours and interactive quizzes on their websites. Explore the galleries of The Louvre, The Met, or The Uffizi from home, and challenge yourself with their educational games and quizzes. It’s an engaging way to learn art history while navigating some of the world’s most famous collections.
Enjoy Art History Games
Art history games are more than just fun—they’re gateways to a deeper understanding of the world’s most treasured artworks. By playing these games, you’ll enrich your art appreciation skills, making your next museum visit or art-themed trip that much more rewarding. Whether you’re diving into the role of a curator, competing in an art auction, or simply enjoying a trivia challenge, these games offer an engaging way to connect with art on a whole new level.
So, which game will you start with? Happy playing, and may your newfound knowledge turn your travels into a personal art history adventure!
