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Whatever your interest, these are the top institutions to explore.
Key Points
- The Louvre in Paris and The Met in NYC hold globe-spanning works and famous masterpieces, and many art lovers make the pilgrimage to see the Sistine Chapel frescos in the Vatican Museums.
- Chicago's vast Griffin Museum of Science and Industry covers broad ground with interactive exhibits, while Miraikan in Tokyo is ideal for visitors interested in robotics and environmental sciences.
- The Natural History Museum in London displays its renowned collection—including groundbreaking dinosaur discoveries—in an opulent Romanesque Revival building.
For travelers exploring a new city or country, a visit to a world-class museum is often a highlight of the trip. In these grand buildings (which are typically impressive in their own right), you'll find masterpieces by renowned artists and artifacts that showcase a destination's culture and heritage.
Whether you're interested in art, history, science, or a bit of everything, the best museums inspire, educate, and entertain. From national treasures like New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Louvre in Paris to niche institutions in far-flung destinations, these are some of the best museums in the world.
Art Museums
Vatican Museums, Vatican City
Inside Vatican City, the Vatican Museums are a series of chapels, galleries, and traditional museums showcasing work amassed by the Catholic church. The most famous draw is the magnificent fresco-covered Sistine Chapel, with its ceiling by Michelangelo depicting biblical scenes from "Genesis." Other highlights include Raphael's Rooms, former papal chambers featuring paintings by the Renaissance master, and the Profane Museum, which displays pre-Christian art and artifacts.
Louvre, Paris
The Louvre has long been a worldwide favorite. Before becoming a museum, the building was a palace, so the exterior alone is worth seeing when in Paris. The towering glass pyramid, designed by I.M. Pei, created controversy among Parisians when it debuted in the late 1980s. Inside the Louvre's historic walls, you'll find celebrated works of art like the "Mona Lisa" and "Venus de Milo." But beyond the famous pieces, the museum's nine curatorial departments encompass everything from Egyptian antiquities to decorative art.
National Museum of China, Beijing
There's no better place for travelers interested in Chinese history and art than the National Museum of China. Founded in 1912, the museum sits off Tiananmen Square in Beijing and holds a massive 1.4 million-piece collection of artifacts, fine and decorative art, and books. You can view everything from ancient jade objects to contemporary works.
The National Gallery, London
It's all about European art at London's National Gallery, housed in a stately complex overlooking Trafalgar Square. The museum, which is one of the best free things to do in the British capital, welcomes millions of visitors every year. Spanning more than 2,300 works and several centuries, the collection includes masterpieces by van Eyck, Titian, Turner, Velázquez, and Monet.
Tate Modern, London
Set within the imposing former Bankside Power Station, Tate Modern is one of a series of free art galleries in London, Liverpool, and Cornwall. Alongside the Tate's collection of contemporary art, the museum frequently features interactive art exhibits from artists like Marina Abramovic. If you want to visit both Tate Modern and Tate Britain in one day, hop aboard the Tate to Tate boat, which runs along the Thames to Millbank.
The British Museum, London
With a free admission policy (except for some special exhibitions) and a collection that includes notable artifacts like the Rosetta Stone, The British Museum is one of the most popular attractions in London. The museum houses eight million permanent works, many of which were collected by the British Empire during its colonial period.
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Madrid
Located in Spain's capital city, the Reina Sofía is the national museum of 20th-century art and has a renowned permanent collection as well as rotating exhibits. Once you've explored the sprawling museum, walk through Retiro Park to see the Palacio de Cristal, a conservatory made almost entirely of glass.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, better known as The Met, is one of the best museums in the U.S. The permanent collection of more than 1.5 million works includes everything from an ancient Egyptian temple to contemporary installations. Don't miss the renowned impressionist collection with paintings by Monet and van Gogh. The museum is also known for its schedule of crowd-pleasing temporary exhibits and the star-studded Met Gala each spring, which benefits its fashion department, the Costume Institute.
State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg
This world-renowned State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg was originally founded by Catherine the Great and now encompasses multiple buildings, including the Winter Palace, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Inside the complex, you can peruse more than three million objects, from imperial porcelain and carriages to several centuries of European paintings.
Musée d'Orsay, Paris
The Musée d'Orsay may sit in the shadow of the iconic Louvre, but as any Parisian or art lover knows, this stunning museum (which was once a railway station) is the place to go if you want to surround yourself with French paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography. It's particularly known for impressionist and post-impressionist art.
Victoria and Albert Museum, London
The brainchild of Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, the Victoria and Albert Museum opened in 1852 to showcase design and manufacturing. Design is still at the core of the museum's incredibly varied collection, which encompasses everything from the Great Bed of Ware (referenced in Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night") to the Raphael Cartoons (tapestry designs by the Renaissance master) and the archive of David Bowie. This is where to go if you're interested in architecture, fashion, furniture, and exhibits related to theater and performance.
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Located on the National Mall, the National Gallery of Art features a sweeping collection of art and artifacts ranging from Byzantine to Pop. Highlights include paintings by Claude Monet, photographs by Gordon Parks, and mobiles by Alexander Calder. After you've made your way through the museum, swing by the adjacent sculpture garden for alfresco art.
The Uffizi Gallery, Florence
One of the crown jewels of Florence, the Uffizi Gallery holds an extensive collection of Italian Renaissance works, amassed by the powerful Medici family. The last Medici heiress gifted the family collection to the city in the 18th century, so today's visitors can view masterpieces by Caravaggio, Botticelli, and Michelangelo. Here, you can gaze at one of the world's most famous paintings, Botticelli's "Birth of Venus," though you'll have to plan an additional visit across town to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's statue of David.
Getty Center, Los Angeles
Perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the city, the Getty Center offers free admission to visitors, though a timed reservation is required. The exhibits span everything from ancient sculpture to modern photography. While there is no shortage of art to explore, the impressive architecture—incorporating more than a million square feet of Italian travertine—and expansive gardens are worth the visit alone. The Getty Villa, on the site of J. Paul Getty's former home in Pacific Palisades, showcases classical works in a replica Roman estate.
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna
Vienna's art history museum, Kunsthistorisches Museum, was built to house the royal family's art collection and opened to the public in 1891. Here, you can view everything from ancient Greek sculpture to elaborate gold clocks. The notable Picture Gallery features Venetian and Flemish paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as Italian Baroque masters such as Vermeer, Velázquez, and Rembrandt. The museum's collection, which was curated by the imperial Habsburgs and survived World War II, has a history as interesting and culturally rich as the works themselves.
Science Museums
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Merritt Island, Florida
Located just an hour's drive east of Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is one of the best destinations for space and NASA enthusiasts. Opened in 1967 as an information center for NASA-affiliated guests, it has grown over the decades to include an array of artifacts from former missions and interactive displays. You'll find mission simulators, an IMAX theater, the Astronaut Hall of Fame, and a bus tour that allows access to additional sites and buildings like the Apollo/Saturn V Center and Launch Complex 39B.
Miraikan – The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Tokyo
Miraikan is a must-see attraction for many visitors to Tokyo and a particular hit with tech-loving kids. Outfitted with a dome theater, high-tech exhibits, and interactive displays, the museum focuses on areas such as robotics and environmental efforts.
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
One of the world's largest science museums, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry sprawls over more than 400,000 square feet. Filled with interactive and immersive exhibits, this Chicago museum covers a wide range of sciences, including design, energy, manufacturing, and technology. No matter your specific area of interest, you'll find an exhibit that speaks to you.
Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory, Yeal
Located roughly an hour north of Perth, Australia, the Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory blends science, nature, and Aboriginal culture. From a garden walk that introduces the solar system to a biodiversity gallery, there are many attractions to explore during the daytime. It's worth reserving a nighttime observatory tour, though, to stargaze through the center's telescopes or listen to an elder during an Aboriginal astronomy night.
History Museums
Natural History Museum, London
Situated in South Kensington, the Natural History Museum showcases a wide array of animal specimens, lifelike dioramas, and educational exhibits dedicated to the natural world. You'll find the bones of a blue whale suspended from the ceiling and part of the first Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered. Although the museum is free to visit, you can skip the line by reserving a timed admission slot online.
Wits Origins Centre, Johannesburg
While the oldest human footsteps are fossilized in Tanzania, the Wits Origins Centre—part of the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa—provides an excellent introduction to the beginning of humanity. The permanent exhibits include ancient artifacts like tools and rock art alongside contemporary art installations that help illuminate the development of early civilization. Take a look at the museum's calendar to plan your visit around lectures, walks, and book launches.
High Mountain Archeological Museum, Salta
Located in Salta, a northwest province of Argentina, the High Mountain Archeological Museum was created after the well-preserved bodies of three Inca children were discovered at the top of Llullaillaco volcano in 1999. The exhibits feature more than 100 artifacts found alongside them, such as tools, clothing, and other objects, providing insight into their rituals and culture. The museum is specially designed to emulate the temperature and humidity conditions of high altitudes to protect the items on display.
National Palace Museum, Taipei
The National Palace Museum in Taiwan is home to nearly 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese imperial art and artifacts. This is the place to go if you're interested in delving into the 8,000 years of Chinese history—from the Neolithic age to today.
Museum of Yugoslavia, Belgrade
It isn't too often that the world map changes, which is why the Museum of Yugoslavia is so interesting. When the former nation fell in 1991, it was a profound change that affected how we experience the Balkan region today. If you're planning a trip to the Serbian (and former Yugoslav) capital, Belgrade, it's worth a visit to see artifacts, uniforms, and items that diplomats gifted to President Josip Broz Tito.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.'s National Museum of Natural History tells the story of planet Earth, touching on its fiery beginnings and the evolution of life. Exhibits include a Bone Hall (with giant sea turtle and flying fish skeletons) and a Hall of Human Origins.
Museo del Oro, Bogotá
The Museo del Oro (or Gold Museum) in Colombia's capital contains 34,000 historic gold objects created and used by Indigenous peoples. The exhibits include ritualistic vessels, art, and accessories. With audio and texts available in English and Spanish, you can learn about precolonial cultures and the legend of El Dorado, the mysterious South American "city of gold."
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Located in the Museum Square, the popular Rijksmuseum not only features works by Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer, but also explores the Netherlands' culture and heritage since 1200. Special collections contain musical instruments, ship models, and historical costumes that rotate out every six months. Meanwhile, the Cuypers Library—the oldest art history library in the country—is open to the public and houses roughly 450,000 objects and books.
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