10 Must-See Museums to Visit Around the World

Exploring the world’s most renowned museums is an incredible way to immerse yourself in history, art, culture, and science. These incredible institutions are often home to some of the world’s most prized artifacts, rarest artworks, and most fascinating information. Whether you’re a museum enthusiast or just looking for a few interesting places to visit while traveling, here are 10 must-see museums around the world.

1. The Louvre, Paris

The Louvre is one of the most iconic and renowned museums in the world – and for good reason. Located in the heart of Paris, the Louvre is home to some of the world’s most famous artworks, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. With over 35,000 pieces of art spanning from the Middle Ages to 1848, the Louvre is an absolute must-see for any art enthusiast.

The Louvre’s vast collection of artwork is divided into eight sections, including the Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, and the Islamic Art department. Visitors can easily spend hours wandering the museum’s hallowed halls, admiring the works of art housed within. In addition to its incredible art collection, the Louvre also has a number of interesting exhibits, such as the Napoleon III apartments, the Richelieu wing, and the Apollo Gallery.

The Louvre is one of the world’s most visited museums, with over 9 million visitors every year. It’s best to plan ahead and reserve tickets in advance to avoid the long lines. Admission to the Louvre is free for visitors under 18, as well as for all visitors on the first Sunday of every month.

2. The Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian Institution is a complex of 19 museums and galleries located in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive collections of art, artifacts, and scientific specimens. With over 136 million objects, the Smithsonian is an absolute must-see for any traveler.

The Smithsonian Institution is comprised of a number of different museums, each with its own unique focus. The National Air and Space Museum showcases some of the world’s most impressive aircraft and spacecraft, while the National Museum of Natural History houses over 125 million specimens from around the world. Other popular Smithsonian museums include the National Museum of American History, the National Gallery of Art, and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery.

The Smithsonian Institution is open every day of the year except for December 25th. Admission is free, although some of the Smithsonian’s museums and galleries do charge admission for special exhibits. Be sure to check the Smithsonian’s website for up-to-date information about hours, admission fees, and special events.

3. The British Museum, London

The British Museum is one of London’s most famous attractions, and one of the world’s oldest and largest museums. Founded in 1753, the museum is home to over 8 million artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and the mummies of ancient Egypt.

The British Museum is divided into four main departments – Ancient Egypt and Sudan, Greek and Roman, Prints and Drawings, and the Middle East – and houses a number of fascinating exhibits. Some of the museum’s highlights include the Alfred Jewel, the Lewis Chessmen, the Sutton Hoo burial ship, and the Lindow Man. In addition to the permanent collections, the British Museum also hosts a number of special exhibitions throughout the year.

The British Museum is open every day of the year, except for December 24th and 25th. Admission to the museum is free, although special exhibitions may charge a fee. A number of audio tours are available for visitors, as well as guided tours of the museum’s highlights.

4. The Acropolis Museum, Athens

The Acropolis Museum is a must-see for anyone who loves ancient Greek history and culture. Housed in a modern building in the heart of Athens, the museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts from the Acropolis of Athens, including the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaea, and Temple of Athena Nike.

The Acropolis Museum is divided into four floors, with each floor dedicated to a different period of the Acropolis’s history. Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries, which are filled with sculptures, inscriptions, and architectural elements from the Acropolis. The museum also houses a number of interactive exhibits, including a virtual tour of the Parthenon and a 3D model of the Acropolis.

The Acropolis Museum is open every day except Monday. Admission is free for visitors under 18, as well as for all visitors on the first Sunday of every month. Audio-guides are available for rent, as well as guided tours of the museum’s highlights.

5. The Prado Museum, Madrid

The Prado Museum is one of Madrid’s most famous attractions, and home to some of the world’s most renowned works of art. Founded in 1819, the museum is home to over 8,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings from the 12th to the 19th century.

The Prado Museum is divided into four main collections: Spanish, Italian, Flemish, and German. Visitors can explore the museum’s impressive galleries, admiring works by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Rubens, and more. In addition to its collections, the Prado also hosts a number of interesting exhibits, such as its “The Prado in Context” exhibition.

The Prado Museum is open every day of the year except Mondays. Admission is free for visitors under 18, as well as for all visitors on the first Sunday of every month. Audio-guides are available for rent, as well as guided tours of the museum’s highlights.

6. The Pergamon Museum, Berlin

The Pergamon Museum is one of Berlin’s most iconic attractions, and one of the world’s largest and most impressive collections of ancient artifacts. Founded in 1930, the museum is home to over 1 million artifacts from the ancient Near East, the classical world, and Islamic art.

The Pergamon Museum is divided into three departments: the Antiquity Collection, the Middle East Museum, and the Islamic Art Museum. Visitors can explore the museum’s vast galleries, admiring artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the ancient Near East. Some of the museum’s highlights include the Ishtar Gate, the Pergamon Altar, and the Market Gate of Miletus.

The Pergamon Museum is open every day of the year except Mondays. Admission is free for visitors under 18, as well as for all visitors on the first Sunday of every month. Audio-guides are available for rent, as well as guided tours of the museum’s highlights.

7. The State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg

The State Hermitage Museum is one of St. Petersburg’s most iconic attractions, and one of the world’s oldest and largest art museums. Founded in 1764, the museum is home to over 3 million works of art, spanning from prehistoric times to the present day.

The State Hermitage Museum is divided into five main collections: Western European Art, Russian Art, Oriental Art, Numismatics, and Applied Art. Visitors can explore the museum’s impressive galleries, admiring works by Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, and more. In addition to its collections, the Hermitage also hosts a number of interesting exhibits, such as the Hermitage in Winter and the Hermitage in Bloom.

The State Hermitage Museum is open every day of the year except Mondays. Admission is free for visitors under 18, as well as for all visitors on the first Sunday of every month. Audio-guides are available for rent, as well as guided tours of the museum’s highlights.

8. The Uffizi Gallery, Florence

The Uffizi Gallery is one of Florence’s most famous attractions, and one of the world’s oldest and most renowned art museums. Founded in 1581, the museum is home to over 1,300 works of art, including masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci.

The Uffizi Gallery is divided into two main collections: Italian and International Art. Visitors can explore the museum’s impressive galleries, admiring works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, and more. In addition to its collections, the Uffizi also hosts a number of special exhibitions throughout the year.

The Uffizi Gallery is open every day except Mondays. Admission is free for visitors under 18, as well as for all visitors on the first Sunday of every month. Audio-guides are available for rent, as well as guided tours of the museum’s highlights.

9. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of New York City’s most iconic attractions, and one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive art museums. Founded in 1870, the museum is home to over 2 million works of art, spanning from ancient times to the present day.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is divided into 19 main collections, including American Art, European Paintings, Ancient Near Eastern Art, and Asian Art. Visitors can explore the museum’s vast galleries, admiring works by Rembrandt, Monet, van Gogh, and more. In addition to its collections, the Met also hosts a number of interesting exhibits, such as the Costume Institute and the Arms and Armor galleries.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is open every day of the year except Mondays. Admission is free for visitors under 18, as well as for all visitors on the first Sunday of every month. Audio-guides are available for rent, as well as guided tours of the museum’s highlights.

10. The National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City

The National Museum of Anthropology is one of Mexico City’s most popular attractions, and one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive anthropology museums. Founded in 1964, the museum is home to over 23 million artifacts, including ancient Mayan and Aztec artifacts, paintings, sculptures, and more.

The National Museum of Anthropology is divided into five main collections: Pre-Hispanic Art, Mexican Art, Popular Art, Textiles, and Photography. Visitors can explore the museum’s impressive galleries, admiring artifacts from the Mayan, Aztec, and other pre-Hispanic cultures. In addition to its collections, the museum also hosts a number of interesting exhibits, such as the Mayan and Aztec Empires and the Mural Paintings of Mexico.

The National Museum of Anthropology is open every day of the year except Mondays. Admission is free for visitors under 18, as well as for all visitors on the first Sunday of every month. Audio-guides are available for rent, as well as guided tours of the museum’s highlights.

Exploring the world’s renowned museums is an incredible way to learn about history, art, culture, and science. From the Louvre in Paris to the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, there are so many incredible museums around the world. Whether you’re a museum enthusiast or just looking for a few interesting places to visit while traveling, these 10 must-see museums should definitely be on your list.