A good way to start learning art history is to choose an introductory course focused on a period, theme, or type of art that interests you. If you are drawn to recent art, Modern Art & Ideas or Modern and Contemporary Art and Design from The Museum of Modern Art can introduce key concepts through accessible examples. If you prefer a chronological foundation, Historia del Arte: Del Arte Prehistórico al Renacimiento covers art from prehistory through the Renaissance. Coursera’s course selection lets you start with a broad overview or follow a specific interest such as modern art, archaeology, or heritage management.‎

Yes. You can start learning art history on Coursera for free in two ways:

1. Preview the first module of many art history courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera AI (where available).
2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in art history, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

Strong beginner options for art history include Modern Art & Ideas, Modern and Contemporary Art and Design, and Historia del Arte: Del Arte Prehistórico al Renacimiento. These courses offer accessible entry points into visual analysis, major artistic movements, and the relationship between artworks and their cultural settings. Learners interested in broader historical context might also consider Introduction to Archaeology: Knowing The Past, Greek and Roman Mythology, or Magic in the Middle Ages. On Coursera, you can choose a beginner course based on your preferred language, time period, or interest in museums, ancient cultures, or modern art.‎

Art history courses typically cover visual analysis, artistic movements, historical periods, cultural context, materials, interpretation, and the role of institutions such as museums. Depending on the course, you might study prehistoric and Renaissance art, modern and contemporary art, classical mythology, medieval culture, archaeology, or heritage management. The Coursera page includes examples such as The Modern and the Postmodern (Part 1), Modern Art & Ideas, Arts and Heritage Management, and Introduction to Archaeology: Knowing The Past. Exploring these courses can help you connect artworks to broader questions about history, identity, belief, and society.‎