Table of Contents
The 10 Best Art Museums to Visit in the US
Introduction
The United States is home to some of the world’s most prestigious art museums, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a great day out, these 10 art museums are well worth a visit. From the iconic pieces of traditional and modern art to the hidden gems waiting to be discovered, these museums offer something for everyone. Here’s our list of the best art museums to visit in the US.
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, commonly known as ‘The Met’, is one of the most visited art museums in the world. It boasts an impressive collection of art from all over the world, spanning 5,000 years of history. While the museum is particularly well known for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, it also houses a vast array of other works, from ancient Egyptian and Greek sculptures to modern art. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also hosts a range of special exhibitions and events throughout the year.
2. The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and most well-known art museums in the United States. Founded in 1879, the museum houses a collection of over 300,000 works of art, from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces. The museum’s collection includes works by Monet, van Gogh, and Picasso, as well as a range of American, European, and Asian art. It is also home to the world-famous Thorne Miniature Room, a collection of over 200 miniature rooms created in the 1930s.
3. The Museum of Modern Art, New York City
The Museum of Modern Art, commonly known as MoMA, is one of the world’s most renowned modern art museums. Founded in 1929, the museum houses an impressive collection of art from the late 19th century to the present day. The museum features works by iconic figures such as van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol, and Pollock, as well as a range of other modern and contemporary art. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also hosts a range of special exhibitions and events throughout the year.
4. The Phillips Collection, Washington DC
The Phillips Collection is an art museum in Washington DC that is dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Founded in 1921, the museum houses an impressive collection of art that ranges from Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings to modern and contemporary sculptures and installations. The museum also features a range of special exhibitions, lectures, and events throughout the year.
5. The Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia
The Barnes Foundation is a Philadelphia-based art museum that is dedicated to displaying the vast collection of art that was assembled by Albert C. Barnes in the early 20th century. The museum houses a range of works by Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Modern artists, including works by van Gogh, Cezanne, Monet, Picasso, and Matisse. The museum also hosts a range of special exhibitions and events throughout the year.
6. The National Gallery of Art, Washington DC
The National Gallery of Art is one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the United States. Founded in 1937, the museum houses an impressive collection of art from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum’s collection includes works by iconic figures such as Rembrandt, Monet, van Gogh, and Picasso, as well as a range of other European and American art. The museum also hosts a range of special exhibitions and events throughout the year.
7. The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the United States. Founded in 1870, the museum houses an impressive collection of art from all over the world, spanning from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces. The museum’s collection includes works by iconic figures such as Rembrandt, Monet, van Gogh, and Picasso, as well as a range of other European and American art. The museum also hosts a range of special exhibitions and events throughout the year.
8. The Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington DC
The Smithsonian American Art Museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the United States. Founded in 1829, the museum houses an impressive collection of American art from all eras, from colonial times to the present day. The museum’s collection includes works by iconic figures such as Thomas Eakins, Winslow Homer, and Jackson Pollock, as well as a range of other American art. The museum also hosts a range of special exhibitions and events throughout the year.
9. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the United States. Founded in 1965, the museum houses an impressive collection of art from all over the world, spanning from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces. The museum’s collection includes works by iconic figures such as Picasso, van Gogh, and Monet, as well as a range of other European and American art. The museum also hosts a range of special exhibitions and events throughout the year.
10. The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington DC
The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is a museum in Washington DC that is dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Founded in 1974, the museum houses an impressive collection of art from the late 19th century to the present day. The museum’s collection includes works by iconic figures such as Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol, as well as a range of other modern and contemporary art. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also hosts a range of special exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Conclusion
The United States is home to some of the world’s most prestigious art museums, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a great day out, these 10 art museums are well worth a visit. From the iconic pieces of traditional and modern art to the hidden gems waiting to be discovered, these museums offer something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and explore the art museums of the United States.
