Leonardo da Vinci, born in 1452 in Vinci, Italy, stands as one of the most remarkable figures in the history of art and science. His unparalleled contribution to art during the Renaissance period marks him as a true polymath whose works continue to influence and inspire.

Tracey Emin, born in 1963 in Croydon, London, has emerged as one of the most prominent and controversial figures in contemporary art. Her work, often autobiographical and confessional, encompasses a wide range of mediums including drawing, painting, sculpture, film, photography, neon text, and sewn appliqué.

Shanghai, the bustling metropolis on China's eastern coast, stands as a testament to the country's rich cultural and artistic heritage. This city, often regarded as the most cosmopolitan in China, has a unique art history that blends traditional Chinese aesthetics with contemporary influences, making it an important destination for art enthusiasts.

Valencia, Spain's third-largest city, is a vibrant mix of the old and new, making it a significant hub for art lovers. With a history that stretches back to Roman times, the city has evolved into a canvas displaying a range of artistic expressions, from medieval architecture to cutting-edge modern installations. Valencia is not just a city; it's an open-air museum showcasing centuries of artistic evolution.

The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, situated in the heart of Madrid, stands as a beacon of modern and contemporary art, not just in Spain but globally. Inaugurated in 1992, the museum is housed in a former 18th-century hospital, an elegant building that combines historical architecture with modern expansions, including an extension designed by Jean Nouvel.

The Museum of the Royal Tombs of Sipán, located in Lambayeque near Chiclayo, Peru, is a modern museum dedicated to preserving and presenting the extraordinary archaeological discoveries from the ancient Moche civilization. Opened in 2002, the museum houses some of the most significant archaeological finds in Peru since the discovery of Machu Picchu.

The Hole, a contemporary art gallery located in New York City, has rapidly become a hub for new artistic movements and emerging artists since its inception in 2010. Founded by Kathy Grayson, a former director at the legendary Deitch Projects, The Hole continues the mission of bringing avant-garde and unconventional art to the forefront of the contemporary art scene.

White Cube, a contemporary art gallery first opened in 1993 by Jay Jopling, has been a revolutionary presence in the art world. Located initially in London's Duke Street, St James's, its name comes from its original space's small, almost domestic scale, contrasting with the larger warehouse spaces that were popular at the time. The gallery's influence has grown over the years, with additional spaces opening in Bermondsey and Mason's Yard, as well as international locations.

Damien Hirst, born in Bristol, England, in 1965, is undoubtedly one of the most controversial and talked-about artists of our time. His work, often provocative and unsettling, challenges the conventional boundaries of art, life, and death. Hirst rose to fame as a leading figure in the Young British Artists (YBAs) movement in the late 1980s and early 1990s, a group known for their avant-garde approach and shock tactics.

Jan van Eyck, born around the year 1390 in Maaseik, was a Flemish painter who played a pivotal role in the Northern Renaissance. He is often credited with being one of the first to perfect and popularize oil painting, a technique that allowed for unprecedented precision and depth in art. Van Eyck's work was marked by an extraordinary attention to detail, vibrant colors, and complex iconography, making him a central figure in early Northern European art.

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, stands today as a vibrant metropolis where modernity meets tradition, making it an important hub for art in Asia. The city’s art scene is a dynamic blend of the ancient and the contemporary, a testament to its rich cultural heritage and its embrace of the new.

Florence, the capital city of Italy's Tuscany region, is universally celebrated as the birthplace of the Renaissance. This enchanting city, which flourished between the 14th and 17th centuries, changed the course of art history with its extraordinary innovations in painting, sculpture, and architecture. Florence's contribution to the world of art is immeasurable, making it a pilgrimage site for art lovers and historians.

The Nike Art Gallery, nestled in Lagos, Nigeria, stands as a vibrant testament to African art and culture. Founded by Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, a renowned artist and designer, the gallery is not just a space for art; it's a center for cultural heritage and learning. Spanning four floors with over 8,000 artworks, it is one of the largest art galleries in West Africa.

The Acropolis Museum in Athens stands as a modern monument to the artistic achievements of ancient Greece. Opened to the public in 2009, this museum, designed by Bernard Tschumi and Michael Photiadis, is dedicated to housing and displaying artifacts from the Acropolis. Its design, with glass floors and panoramic windows, offers a contemporary contrast to the ancient artifacts within, and a direct view to the Acropolis itself, creating a dialogue between the present and the past.

Nestled within the heart of Vatican City, the Vatican Museums represent a pinnacle of art history, boasting an unparalleled collection that spans across centuries and styles. Founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, these museums have grown to encompass a vast array of art, including some of the most renowned masterpieces in the world.

303 Gallery, founded by Lisa Spellman in 1984, stands as a testament to the evolution and vibrancy of the contemporary art scene in New York City. Initially located on Park Avenue South, the gallery has had several homes, including a space in SoHo and later in Chelsea, before moving to its current location on 21st Street in a building designed by Foster + Partners. The journey of 303 Gallery is a narrative of artistic innovation and daring.

Sean Kelly Gallery, founded in 1991 in New York City by British-born Sean Kelly, has established itself as a critical destination for contemporary art. The gallery initially operated out of a private space on the 43rd floor of the New York Mercantile Exchange building. It moved to its current location in a converted 1914 industrial building on Tenth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen in 2012. Designed by award-winning architect Toshiko Mori, the space reflects the gallery’s commitment to innovative and influential contemporary art.

Vincent van Gogh, a name synonymous with the post-impressionist movement, remains one of the most influential figures in the history of Western art. Born on March 30, 1853, in Zundert, Netherlands, van Gogh's life was marked by passion, emotional turmoil, and a relentless pursuit of his artistic vision. Despite his fame today, he was not commercially successful, and his works were only recognized after his death on July 29, 1890.

Shara Hughes, an American artist born in 1981 in Atlanta, Georgia, has emerged as a formidable force in the contemporary art world. Her journey into the realm of art began with her education at the Rhode Island School of Design and later at the Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture. Hughes's style, marked by vibrant colors and expressive brushwork, occupies a unique space in the landscape genre.

Moscow, the heart of Russia, has long been a crucible of artistic and cultural significance. This city, with its complex history and vibrant contemporary scene, offers an unparalleled journey through the evolution of Russian art. From iconic landmarks to world-class museums, Moscow's art scene is as diverse as it is profound.