Trip Ideas Attractions Museums + Galleries 27 Best Museums in the World Expansive exhibits and renowned works are what make the top museums. By Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on January 23, 2022 Some of the best trips include a day or more spent deep inside the halls of a museum. It's in these grand buildings (which are often impressive in their own right) that travelers can find masterpieces by renowned artists and artifacts that showcase a destination's culture and history. While museums are largely subjective — some visitors love art, while others are fascinated by science, exhibits consistently seek to educate and entertain. Though popularity might be one indicator of the best museums, the impressive collections and exhibits are another standard to consider. Some of the world's best-known museums might be highly visited, but others are equally compelling due to the sheer size of the exhibits to highly specific subject matter. From national treasures like New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art to niche venues in far-flung destinations, these are the best museums in the world. Art Museums Vatican Museums, Vatican City Design Pics/Getty Images Housed inside Vatican City, the Vatican Museums are a series of chapels, galleries, and traditional museums dedicated to showcasing work amassed by the Catholic church (think famous Roman sculptures, a collection of modern art, and more). I Explored the Vatican's Secret Spaces Before Dawn With the Head Key Keeper — and Soon You Can, Too Louvre, Paris Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images The Louvre has long been a worldwide favorite. Before becoming a museum, the building was a palace, so the exterior alone is worth the trip. Inside the historic walls, you'll find celebrated works of art like the "Mona Lisa" and "Venus de Milo." Apart from renowned pieces, the Louvre's exhibits are extensive enough that anyone could spend days strolling and browsing the galleries. National Museum of China, Beijing Henry Westheim Photography/Alamy 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 National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London. © Laura Porter (2007) licensed to About.com, Inc. It's all about European art at London's National Gallery, located in Trafalgar Square. Housing more than 2,600 paintings, it welcomed over three million visitors in 2023. With some pieces dating back to the mid-13th century, the gallery is home to works by artists like Cézanne, Monet, and Van Gogh. 19 Best Free Things to Do in London Tate Modern, London godrick/Getty Images Tate Modern is one of a series of free art galleries found in London, Liverpool, and Cornwall. Alongside the Tate's collection of contemporary art, the museum has exhibits allowing visitors to interact with the works and highlight how renowned pieces were made. Visit the reading rooms to browse the library or plan ahead by making an appointment to view works that are not actively on display. The British Museum, London David Pearson / Alamy With a free admission policy (except for some special exhibitions) and a dedication to preserving and showcasing human history, 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. Others are spoils of war, purchased pieces, or even donated works. Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Madrid Bruce Yuanyue Bi / Getty Images Located in Spain's capital city, the Reina Sofía is the national museum of 20th-century art and houses many pieces in its permanent collection, as well as rotating exhibits. Once visitors are done exploring the sprawling museum, they can walk through Retiro Park to see the Palacio de Cristal, a conservatory made almost entirely of glass. 30 Best Things to Do in Madrid, From Palace Tours to Flamenco Shows The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure The Metropolitan Museum of Art, better known as the Met, is one of the best-known museums in the U.S. Apart from its famed star-studded event each spring, the Met Gala, the museum is home to many famous works by some of the world's most renowned artists. With a permanent collection of more than 1.5 million works and a rotating series of visiting exhibitions, there's plenty to see and do. Don't miss paintings by Monet and Van Gogh. State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg Tanja Giessler/Getty Images In addition to being one of the most popular museums in the world, this St. Petersburg museum holds works from the world's most notable artists such as Rembrandt, Picasso, and Gaugin. The eye-catching green building with gold and white accents houses more than three million artifacts and works of art. In 2023 alone, the museum welcomed nearly three million visitors. Musée d'Orsay, Paris Sam Tarling/Getty Images The Musée d'Orsay may sit in the shadow of the wildly 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. Victoria and Albert Museum, London Getty Images As you'd expect from a museum named after royalty — Queen Victoria and Prince Albert — the Victoria and Albert Museum is heralded for its collection of great works. There, you'll find Renaissance works by Botticelli among others. All that's to say this is where you'll want to go if you're interested in architecture, vintage fashion and furniture, and exhibits dedicated to theater and performance. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Robert Alexander/Getty Images Seated right on the National Mall is the impressive National Gallery of Art. The museum boasts a collection of notable works from painters, photographers, and sculptors, including pieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Gordon Parks, and Monet. When you've made your way through the museum, swing by the attached Sculpture Garden for art al fresco. The Uffizi Gallery, Florence Julian Elliott Photography/Getty Images One of the crown jewels of Florence, the Uffizi Gallery holds an extensive collection of Italian Renaissance works. The gallery came to own a staggering number of priceless masterpieces when the last Medici heiress gifted the collection to the city. While you'll have to plan an additional visit to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's statue of David, you will find one of the most widely known paintings in the world: the Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli. Don't miss Caravaggio's Medusa either. The Getty, Los Angeles Located in Brentwood, The Getty offers free admission to visitors — though a timed reservation is required. The exhibits span everything from ancient sculpture to modern photography. And while there is no shortage of art to explore, the museum itself is worth seeing. Known for its impressive architecture, expansive gardens, and some of the best panoramic views of Los Angeles, it's worth planning ahead to book your reservation. Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna rusm/Getty Images Vienna's art history museum, Kunsthistorisches Museum, was built to house the royal family's art collection. It opened to the public in 1891 and continues to display ancient Egyptian works, Baroque pieces, and the notable Picture Gallery among other mediums and styles. Apart from the range of art this museum holds, the rich history of the collection — from the Habsburgs' curation to surviving World War II — is as interesting and culturally rich as the works themselves. Science Museums Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida Jon Hicks/Getty Images 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. The center opened in 1967, but has grown 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 which allows access to additional sites and buildings. National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Tokyo Often referred to as "Miraikan," the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation is a must-see attraction for many adults and families visiting Tokyo. Outfitted with a dome theater, high-tech exhibits, and interactive displays, the museum focuses on robotics, the science behind growing older, and environmental efforts. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago Bloomberg/Contributor/Getty Images 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, the museum covers a wide range of sciences including design, energy, manufacturing, and technology. No matter the 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 indigenous 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 planning a visit at night, though. Once the sun goes down, you can learn to use your own telescope or listen to an elder during an Aboriginal astronomy night. History Museums Natural History Museum, London Diliff Situated in South Kensington, the Natural History Museum showcases a wide array of animal bones, 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. While the museum is free to visit, you can skip the line with a (free) ticket in hand — similar to a reservation. Wits Origins Center, Johannesburg While the oldest human footsteps are fossilized in Tanzania, the Wits Origins Center in South Africa provides an excellent introduction to the beginning of humanity. In the permanent exhibits, you'll find ancient artifacts like tools, rock art, and the makings of early civilization. Take a look at the museum's calendar to plan around lectures, walks, and book launches. Museum of High Altitude Archeology, Salta Seated in Salta, Argentina, a northwest province, the Museum of High Altitude Archeology was created for the conservation of three Inca children who were found perfectly preserved at the top of Llullaillaco volcano in 1999. Today, you can explore the exhibits which feature items that were found alongside the bodies such as tools and other objects that lend insight into their rituals and culture. The museum is specially designed to help emulate the temperature and humidity conditions of high altitudes to protect the items on display. National Palace Museum, Taipei Sam Yeh/Getty Images 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. To see artifacts, uniforms, and items diplomats gifted to President Josip Tito, a visit to the former Yugoslav capital and modern-day Serbian capital, Belgrade, is worth the trip. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C. Saul Loeb/Getty Images 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. Gold Museum, Bogotá The Museo del Oro, or the "Gold Museum," in Colombia's capital is dedicated to 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 indigenous history and the legend of El Dorado too. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam Frans Lemmens/Getty Images Located in the Museum Square, Rijksmuseum is a popular museum with 80 galleries to experience. The bustling museum features works by Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer, but it's the history that is shared that makes it an important visit. Apart from the impressive art, the galleries hold items that explore The Netherlands' culture and heritage since 1200.