Best Museums in the World

1. State Hermitage Museum

A massive building, the State Hermitage Museum houses over 3 million artifacts. Visitors can see everything from art to archaeological discoveries to arms and armory. The building itself is a work of art as well, making any visit to the State Hermitage Museum a special trip.

 

2. Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Met, is a well-known fixture in New York City. The Met is going to feature a wide variety of paintings and sculptures. And, with constantly changing exhibitions, art enthusiasts will enjoy going to the Met time and time again. If you are in NYC, the Met is a must-see. Also, while you are in NYC, look to catch a show or dine at one of the amazing restaurants in NYC.

 

3. Imperial War Museums

 The Imperial War Museums consists of five museums throughout England. Three museums are in London, one is in Manchester, and one in Cambridgeshire. With sites like Churchill’s war room and a retired Navy ship, each museum is unique in its own way. Although each museum is unique, they are all dedicated to exploring the causes of war and its impact on people’s lives. The museums are going to paint a picture of life during wartime. With lots of interactive exhibits, educational activities, and ever-changing displays, the Imperial War Museums are some of the best museums in the world and worth visiting.

 

4. van Gogh Museum

The van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is a must-visit for any admirer of van Gogh. Thousands of van Gogh’s works are displayed here. Pieces like van Gogh’s self-portrait and his flower pieces highlight the museum’s offerings. Amsterdam is one of the best European destinations, so add in the beautiful surroundings, and the van Gogh Museum is a must-visit.

 

5. Pergamon Museum

The Pergamon Museum is nothing short of a wonder in itself. Its rooms are overflowing with some of the world’s most impressive, long-buried treasures, and encompasses the vast history of the Ancient East. The museum is named after the Pergamon Altar, a Hellenistic masterpiece of white stone architecture. This imposing structure invites you to walk the steps of 2000 years of history. Don’t get lost in this wonder for too long, though, as there are many more wonders under the museum’s roof.

 

6. Museo del Prado

Almost 200 years old, the Museo del Prado is Spain’s national art museum and one of the best museums in the world. Located in central Madrid, the museum houses an extensive collection of European art. These pieces are going to date from the 12th century to modern times. If you love all things Spanish and all things art, the Museo del Prado should be a definite stop. If you can swing it, try visiting Madrid in December as they have one of the best Christmas lights displays as well.

 

7. British Museum

The British Museum is a large museum that covers everything from Africa and Ancient Egypt to coins and prints. The museum has ten curatorial and research departments that help with creating these fantastic exhibits. Best of all, the museum is free and is easily accessed by several London tube stops. Plan for at least a whole day of exploring here – you will need it!

 

8. National Air and Space Museum

With thousands of air and space objects on display, the National Air and Space Museum is fun for all. Displays include the original Wright brothers airplane, a lunar rock, and more. There are two locations, one in Washington D.C. and one in Chantilly, Virginia. The museum also features a planetarium, an IMAX Theater, and a public observatory.

 

9. Uffizi

The Uffizi is a premier art museum in the heart of Florence, Italy. It offers ancient sculptures and paintings from the Middle Ages to the Modern period. Masterpieces include works from Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo, Mantegna, and other greats. The Uffizi also has a collection of ancient statues and busts from the Medici family as well. The Uffizi museum is an excellent destination for both art and sculpture lovers.

 

10. Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum is the Dutch national museum and is located in Amsterdam. It features items from over 800 years of Dutch history within a global context. Visitors can see famous works by Rembrandt and van Gogh and explore Delftware, sculptures, clothing, and more. If you want a museum that features both art and history, Rijksmuseum is a great choice.

 

11. Vatican Museum

The “Museum of Museums,” the Vatican Museum is a breathtaking collection of art, archaeology, and more. It is one of the best places to visit in Italy and also the world. These pieces were put together by the different Popes from over the centuries. The collections are something every culture lover should witness at some point. Even the rooms themselves are pieces of art, with the Sistine Chapel and other significant rooms housed at the Vatican.

 

12. World Museum

The World Museum in Liverpool, England, is one of the best museums in the world and will have something for everyone. It features varied collections and displays from the life sciences, earth sciences, and cultures from around the world. Visitors can enjoy the famous Terracotta Warriors exhibit, visit the aquarium and planetarium, discover dinosaurs and planets, and so much more.

 

13. National Palace Museum

With a permanent collection of almost 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese artifacts and artworks, visitors to the National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan, can spend days enjoying the collections. And, with pieces that date back to the 10th century as well as modern pieces, the National Palace Museum is a must-see for any lover of Asian culture.

 

14. Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum, or the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, in Cairo, Egypt houses more than 100,000 Egyptian artifacts. The museum was commissioned in 1835 as a way to help stop the plundering of Egypt’s archaeological sites. So if you love ancient Egyptian antiquities, this is the museum for you.

 

15. Natural History Museum

The world-famous Natural History Museum in London, England, features a variety of interesting exhibits and displays. Visitors can enjoy the Life and Earth Galleries, as well as a wildlife garden, geological collections, and so much more. For a diverse, exciting museum, the Natural History Museum is a must-visit.

 

16. The Vasa Museum

One of Scandinavia’s most visited museums, The Vasa Museum, is one of a kind. It consists of a restored warship that is hundreds of years old. Visitors can learn about maritime and transport history at the museum. As well as wonder at the unique and well-preserved inner workings of the warship.

 

17. WWII Museum

The WWII Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, gives visitors an inside look at the war that changed the world. It consists of immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, and an extensive collection of artifacts. For anyone fascinated with World War II, this is one of the best museums in the world and a great way to connect with history and learn.

 

18. The Louvre

The most visited museum in the world, The Louvre is situated smack dab in the middle of beautiful Paris. From its iconic glass pyramid entrance to the famed Mona Lisa, this museum has endless rooms and corridors open for exploration. You can easily spend all day here, so plan accordingly.

 

19. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

The main building on the National Mall, the Museum of Natural History, contains 1.5 million square feet of space. Exhibits include everything from dinosaurs to gemstones to insects and plants. Everyone from kids to adults will enjoy this museum, and as part of the National Mall, the Museum of Natural History also offers free admission. 

 

20. National Museum of China

Founded in 2003, the National Museum of China is a merger of two previous museums – the National Museum of Chinese History and the National Museum of Chinese Revolution. Highly visited, the museum is a leader in displaying Chinese cultural relics and artwork.