I was recently disappointed on a visit to an art gallery while traveling in Vancouver, BC. The admission was way more than the poorly lit, unimpressive exhibits and sparse displays were worth, in my opinion. The gift shop was more interesting!
When visiting big cities, it is easy to assume that their art galleries are going to be impressive and well worth spending an afternoon in, but as I have often discovered, this is not always the case.
But how do you know if a gallery is going to be worth visiting, or not? This post is a good place to start!
Here is a list of galleries that will be worth your time, and money (plus some bonus ones that are also awesome, because — let’s be honest — there are WAY more than seven amazing art galleries in the world!).
1. Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA)
The structure that houses the AGA — designed by the late architect Randall Stout — is as much a work of art as the art that it displays.
It is a beautiful swirl of glass, steel, and zinc inspired by both the Northern Lights and the curve of the North Saskatchewan River that runs through the heart of the city where it is located (Edmonton, Canada).
The exhibits are always revolving and showcase art created in Alberta, Canada, and from around the world, including visiting exhibits of works from top museums and galleries in Europe. It also contains an award-winning restaurant and a cafe with an incredible view.
2. The Tate Modern
This blocky, industrial-looking building is located on the south side of the River Thames in London, England. It houses an incredible collection of works in its permanent galleries that are FREE to visit, and don't disappoint!
There are always a few galleries that contain paid exhibits, and these are full of works by working artists or traveling collections of famous ones. It has a lovely cafe overlooking the river, and a rooftop restaurant.
3. The Hamburger Banhof
After a reconstruction by architect Josef Paul Kleihues, the Hamburger Bahnhof reopened in 1996 as the Hamburger Bahnhof: Museum für Gegenwart (Museum for Contemporary Art) — one of the first state museums in Berlin devoted to "living art."
This beautiful gallery — my absolute favorite in Berlin, Germany — is now all skylights, white walls, and polished wooden floors and is the home of an outstanding collection that focuses on art created since 1960.
The central collection is from Berlin entrepreneur Dr. Erich Marx, that includes work by Beuys, Rauschenberg, Lichtenstein, and Warhol (whose iconic Mao has a permanent home here).
4. The Louvre
Located in the heart of Paris, France, the Louvre will not disappoint. BUT, you must step off the beaten path a little bit, and actually absorb what you are seeing rather than try just to cross the "must-see" items off your list. (See: 8 Things to See at The Louvre That Aren’t The Mona Lisa).
First of all, take a moment to really absorb where you are. The gallery is housed in the former royal palace and the ceilings, views, and architecture are breathtaking. There are priceless treasures in the galleries (yes, more than just the Mona), so many that you could spend days and still not see them all.
There are restaurants and cafes located on-site, but they are a bit pricy. (Check out my post: Tips For Visiting The Louvre).
5. The Musee d'Orsay
I could have stayed at the Musee d'Orsay in Paris, France for days. The Impressionist works in the collection are stunning, priceless, and have a home in this former train station that is now full of natural light, high ceilings, and whitewashed walls.
Like most of my favorite galleries, the building is as interesting as the art, which says a lot because the art is stunning. You will find a vast collection of works by Monet, Pissarro, Degas, and other masters.
6. Uffizi Gallery
Located near the river in the center of Florence, Italy, this stunning gallery showcases the best of the Renaissance with sculpture, large-scale artworks, and fascinating sketches housed in a beautiful colonnaded building.
This is the home of Botticelli's famous, breathtaking pieces "The Birth of Venus" and "Primavera" (detail pictured above). Warning: There are incredibly long lines to get into this gallery in the summer months, but it is worth the wait.
7. Picasso Museum
This museum and art gallery was a total surprise to me, as when I visited I was not familiar with Picasso’s early work, which is VERY different from the cubist and abstract works that we know him best for.
This museum showcases his early, figurative works that are full of color and incredibly interesting.
The building itself is historic, with gorgeous courtyards, and sets the tone for the fantastic art that is displayed within. You will find it in Barcelona, Spain.
More Must-Visit Galleries
Pin Me!
Meet The Author
Lindsay Shapka is an avid traveler and the creator of The Anthrotorian — a website dedicated to sharing travel tips, stories about adventures, culture quirks, artists you should know, fascinating bits of history, and more!
She is also an artist, marketing specialist, editor, and freelance writer who has work featured on websites, blogs, and in magazines like National Geographic Traveler.
This stunning work by Picasso is housed in the Museu Picasso in Barcelona.
I was completely enchanted by this work when I came upon it while walking through the museum one afternoon. It is oversized, and unlike anything that I had ever seen before — by Picasso or any other artist for that matter.