There are enormous collections of artwork and artifacts throughout the globe that are open to the public for viewing. Some are centred on a particular artwork or place, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. In contrast, others bring together masterpieces collected across the globe, such as British Museum, Louvre, State Hermitage, etc.
But one thing common to our favourite list of best museums is the capacity to startle you as soon as you enter their doors. But, of course, that could be due to the building itself (the bigger and more out-there, the better, we reckon).
It might also be that a world-famous sculpture or object looms over you in the foyer (museums like to freak you out like that). In many cases, happily, it’s both. So whether you are a museum enthusiast or looking for a new way to spend your vacation, you will love this list of excellent museums from all over the world.
Museum of Modern Art, New York, USA
The Museum of Modern Art, New York City, is one of the most famous museums in the world. It is home to more than two million pieces of art, including works by well-known artists like Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh.
The museum has a wide variety of exhibits, from traditional painting and sculpture to modern art and architecture. Admission to the museum is free for all visitors, making it a great place to visit if you’re genuinely looking for a fun day out or are interested in learning about critical artistic movements.
State Hermitage, St Petersburg, Russia
The State Hermitage, located in Saint Petersburg, Russia, is one of the world’s most iconic museums. The museum has a vast collection of art dating back to the Middle Ages, including works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Rubens.
Other highlights of the State Hermitage include its impressive collection of Russian paintings and sculptures from the 18th century onwards and its extensive decorative arts collection.
Jewish Museum, Berlin, Germany
The Jewish Museum, Berlin, is a must-see museum for anyone visiting the city. The museum has a vast and varied collection of artifacts and documents from all aspects of Jewish history.
Highlights include a stunning collection of traditional Jewish ceremonial objects and a unique monofilament Yiddish theatre curtain from the early 20th century. The museum also has an excellent section on Nazi persecution and genocide, sure to horrify even the most hardened visitor.
The British Museum, London, UK
The British Museum, London, UK, is one of the world’s most visited museums. With more than 15 million visitors annually, it is home to a vast and varied collection of art, artifacts, and fossils dating back over two thousand years.
The museum features an impressive range of permanent exhibitions, including the prehistoric gallery covering the Palaeolithic period until Roman times. Special arrangements are regularly held here, giving visitors a unique insight into various aspects of history. The museum is open all day, every day except Christmas Day.
The Vatican Museums, Vatican City, Italy
The Vatican Museums are home to one of the world’s most impressive art collections, making it one of the world’s best museums. The museum has been built over centuries and contains an incredible array of artwork worldwide. Highlights of the collection include paintings by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Leonardo da Vinci.
The Vatican Museums can be reached in a few different ways; you can take public transportation or use the Vatican City metro. If you choose to use public transport, you can hop on a train or bus that will take you right to the doorstep of the museums. Alternatively, parking is available nearby at a lower price per day if you can access a car.
Once you arrive at the museum, remember to take your ticket! The ticket office is located on level 1 near the main entrance, and it is open from 9:00 am until 7:00 pm every day except for Christmas Day, when it closes at 4:00 pm.
Le Louvre, Paris, France
The Louvre is one of the world’s outstanding museums and home to some of the world’s best art. The museum is massive, covering an area of more than two million square feet. Over two million objects are displayed at the Louvre, including paintings, sculptures, and coins.
The museum also has a library with over 500,000 books. Admission to the Louvre is expensive, but it is worth it for a visit to one of the world’s best museums.
The Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC, USA
The Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC, USA, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned museums. Home to over 2 million objects, it offers a diverse range of exhibits that appeal to all ages.
Highlights include the National Air and Space Museum, which showcases aviation and space history; the National Museum of American History, which covers American history from the colonial period to the present; and the National Museum of Natural History, which features specimens from all corners of the earth. The Smithsonian also hosts temporary exhibitions that change regularly, so every visit is unique.
The Egyptian Museum, Cairo
The Egyptian Museum, Cairo, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned museums. Spanning over two million square feet, the museum contains an incredible range of artifacts from all over ancient Egypt.
Highlights include the mummies of Tutankhamun and Ramses II and the world’s oldest known book. The museum is regularly updated with new exhibits, so there is always something to explore. The museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Saturday and remains closed on Sundays and public holidays. Admission is free for all visitors.
National Archaeological Museum, Athens, Greece
Known worldwide for its archaeological collections, the National Archaeological Museum in Athens is a must-see on any trip to Greece. Housed in one of the most stunning ancient buildings in the city, the museum has a staggering amount of artifacts from all over the Mediterranean region.
Highlights include:
-Remains from Troy
-An impressive collection of Mycenaean pottery and jewellery
-A vast array of statues and art from Ancient Greece
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, so check their website for current offerings.
Prado, Madrid, Spain
Museo del Prado is one of the fantastic museums in Madrid, and with good reason. It houses an incredible collection of art from history, from ancient Greek and Roman sculpture to works by Spanish masters like Diego Velázquez and Francisco de Goya.
The group is so vast that it’s divided into several different galleries, but even a quick stroll around will give you a sense of the fantastic range and quality on display. If you need to spend a day in Madrid, there’s no better way to do it than by checking out the Museo del Prado.
Conclusion
If you’re in the mood for a cultured experience, check out any of the best museums in the world! From ancient ruins to cutting-edge art exhibits, these establishments are worth a visit for any museum lover. By checking out these best ten museums in the world, you wouldn’t be disappointed with the unforgettable experience.
