A museum is a sanctuary of art and history, where visitors can learn about the past in an immersive way. It’s a space to explore new ideas and gain a fresh perspective on the world around them. It’s a place to slow down and look closely at paintings by Rembrandt or etchings by Degas and discover how the modern world came to be.
The word museum derives from the ancient Greek word museion, meaning “seat of the Muses.” But it was in Renaissance Italy that the idea of creating permanent collections became popularized as a means to showcase nationalistic fervor. As a result, museums quickly spread throughout Europe and beyond, establishing a unique cultural landscape with a diverse range of artifacts.
Over the years, these institutions have evolved in size, architecture, and collection scope to accommodate their growing audiences and changing worldviews. Today, the best museums in the world are expansive and inclusive, bringing together the past and the present for the benefit of everyone who walks through their doors.
From the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the Museum of Natural History, these global landmarks are a must-visit for anyone with an interest in learning about culture, art, and science.
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
More commonly known as the Met, this iconic museum is home to over 5,000 pieces spanning more than 3,000 years of history and includes works by renowned artists like Van Gogh and Monet. The Met also offers a variety of events and programs for the public, including the annual prestigious Met Gala.
2. The Louvre
This sprawling palace was once a medieval fortress and the seat of the French monarchy, before it began hosting art exhibitions two centuries ago. Its collection is vast and varied, with masterpieces by Botticelli, Rembrandt, and Vermeer in addition to the Mona Lisa. And the Louvre isn’t just about art; it also houses a stunning array of antiquities, including the Winged Victory of Samothrace and the Temple of Dendur.
3. Natural History Museum of London
The Natural History Museum is the most visited museum in Europe and it’s easy to see why. With a focus on education, the museum’s massive Hintze Hall is arguably its crown jewel, featuring Dippy the dinosaur and Hope, an 82-foot blue whale, among other specimens. The museum also features collections of minerals and gems, earth sciences, and even a planetarium.
4. Museum of Fine Arts, Hanoi
The MFA is a must-visit in Vietnam’s capital and the largest art museum in Southeast Asia. Its extensive collections of Vietnamese and Chinese art cover over 500 years, from the era of royal court painting to contemporary works by prominent local and international artists. The MFA is also a center for cultural exchange and research and hosts international conferences and workshops.
5. The Shanghai Museum
Located in the heart of downtown Shanghai, the Shanghai Museum is an architectural and social wonder that houses rare and valuable works of art and historical documents. This museum is also a center for educational activities that promote the development of culture and education in China.