8 Best Museums to Visit This Year

Are you a history buff, an art lover, or a curious traveler looking to learn more about the culture you are experiencing?

One of these eight museums is sure to give you exactly what you are looking for.

Each offers vast collections, iconic artifacts, and rich histories that put them on this list of the best museums to visit this year.

The Louvre
Paris, France

The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum and also a historic monument in Paris. Famous for being the home of the Mona Lisa and countless masterpieces, this former royal palace is a treasure trove of human creativity. Its galleries span over 72,000 square meters, showcasing works from ancient civilizations to 19th-century Europe. The museum’s architecture itself is a work of art, blending classical and modern styles.

Quick history of the Louvre

Founded in 1793 during the French Revolution, the Louvre transitioned from a royal palace to a public museum, showcasing works collected over centuries. Its iconic glass pyramid entrance (featured in Dan Brown’s book/movie The Da Vinci Code) was added in 1989.

Must-see well-known artifacts

Note that these are the most sought after artifacts in the Louvre, which means these are where you will find the crowds. Learn more about what else there is to see here: 8 Things to See at the Louvre That Aren’t the Mona Lisa.

• Mona Lisa

• Venus de Milo

• Winged Victory of Samothrace

• The Egyptian Antiquities collection

Insider tips

• Visit in the early morning or late evening for fewer crowds.

• Book tickets online to skip the long lines.

• Don’t miss the underground Medieval Louvre exhibit.

For a full guide of tips and tricks to make the most of your experience check out this post: Tips for Visiting the Louvre: How to Avoid The Crowds and Make the Most of Your Visit.

The details

Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Website: https://www.louvre.fr/en

The British Museum
London, England

Housing over 8 million artifacts (!), the British Museum is a global encyclopedia of human history and culture, offering a journey through time across continents. Its collection covers everything from ancient Egyptian mummies to modern-day artifacts. The building’s neoclassical architecture and the spectacular Great Court provide an inspiring setting for exploration.

Quick history of The British Museum

Established in 1753, the British Museum was the first public national museum in the world. It became a center for research and education, showcasing treasures collected from the British Empire and beyond.

Must-see well-known artifacts

• The Rosetta Stone

• Parthenon Elgin Marbles

• The Egyptian mummies

• The Sutton Hoo treasure

Insider tips

• Take a free gallery talk.

• Start your visit with the Enlightenment Gallery for an overview of the museum.

• The Great Court is a stunning architectural highlight worth spending some time sitting in.

The details

Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.britishmuseum.org

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The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Washington, D.C., USA

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is one of the most visited museums in the world, featuring exhibits that span the history of our planet and beyond. Its immersive displays include everything from dinosaur fossils to intricate gemstones. The museum’s layout allows visitors to experience and understand the interconnectedness of life on Earth.

Quick history of The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Opened in 1910, the museum is part of the massive Smithsonian Institution and has become a cornerstone of scientific research and education.

Must-see well-known artifacts

• The Hope Diamond

• The Fossil Hall featuring a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton

• The Ocean Hall

• The Human Origins exhibit

Insider tips

• Admission is free, but arrive early to avoid crowds.

• Check out the live insect zoo and butterfly pavilion.

• Use the museum’s app for self-guided tours.

The details

Address: 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20560, USA
Website: https://naturalhistory.si.edu

The Vatican Museums
Vatican City

Due to the vast wealth and power of the long-standing institution, The Vatican Museums house one of the most significant art collections in the world, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling and Raphael’s Rooms. The galleries feature works from ancient civilizations, Renaissance masterpieces, and religious artifacts. The museum’s seemingly never-ending corridors and ornate halls are as awe-inspiring as the artworks they contain.

Quick history of The Vatican Museums

Founded in the early 16th century by Pope Julius II, the Vatican Museums have grown to encompass over 70,000 works of art, showcasing the Catholic Church’s vast artistic patronage.

Must-see well-known artifacts

• The Sistine Chapel

• Raphael’s School of Athens

• The Gallery of Maps

• The Apollo Belvedere

Insider tips

• Book a skip-the-line ticket online.

• Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy fewer crowds.

• Combine your visit with a St. Peter’s Basilica tour.

The details

Address: Viale Vaticano, 00165 Rome, Vatican City
Website: https://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en.html

The Grand Egyptian Museum
Giza, Egypt

The NEW Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located just outside Cairo, is the largest archaeological museum in the world, dedicated to preserving Egypt’s ancient history. Overlooking the pyramids of Giza, this state-of-the-art facility showcases an unparalleled collection of artifacts, including the complete treasures of King Tutankhamun. Visitors can journey through 5,000 years of history within its expansive galleries.

Quick history of The Grand Egyptian Museum

Slated for its official grand opening in 2025 (at the time of writing, the museum is partially open for visitors who pre-book tickets), the GEM has been years in the making, designed to become a global hub for Egyptology. Its cutting-edge design and sustainable architecture aim to honor Egypt’s heritage while providing a modern visitor experience.

Must-see well-known artifacts

• The full King Tut collection, including his iconic golden mask.

• The colossal statue of Ramses II.

• Ancient papyri, jewelry, and everyday objects from ancient Egypt.

• The Solar Boat, an ancient vessel discovered near the Great Pyramid.

Insider tips

• Book tickets online in advance to secure your preferred visiting time.

• Visit early in the day to combine your trip with a tour of the nearby pyramids.

• Don’t miss the immersive multimedia exhibits that bring ancient Egypt to life.

The details

Address: Al Remaya Square, Pyramids Plateau, Giza, Egypt
Website: https://www.visit-gem.com/en/home ---

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York City, USA

The Met is an art lover’s (aka my) paradise, featuring over 2 million works spanning 5,000 years of global history. Its diverse collection ranges from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern art installations. With its grand halls and specialized galleries, the Met offers a unique blend of artistic and cultural exploration that you can spend days wandering through.

Quick history of The Met

Founded in 1870, the Met has grown into the largest museum in the Americas, with its iconic Fifth Avenue location welcoming millions annually.

Must-see well-known artifacts

• The Temple of Dendur

• Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze

• Van Gogh’s Wheatfield with Cypresses

• The Egyptian collection

Insider tips

• Admission is pay-what-you-wish for locals.

• Don’t miss the rooftop garden for stunning city views.

• The cafes and restaurants are well-worth taking a break in with great food and ambiance.

For more tips and info on what you will see, check out: 10 Reasons Why I Love The Met in NYC and You Will Too.

The details

Address: 1000 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA
Website: https://www.metmuseum.org

The Uffizi Gallery
Florence, Italy

The Uffizi Gallery is synonymous with the Italian Renaissance, featuring masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Its compact layout allows visitors to explore iconic works within a manageable timeframe (though also leads to some crowded galleries and bottlenecks). The gallery’s architecture is a work of art itself, and its riverside location adds to its allure.

Quick history of The Uffizi

Established in 1581 by Francesco I de’ Medici, the Uffizi is one of the oldest art museums in the world, housed in a historic building overlooking the Arno River.

Must-see well-known artifacts

• Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus (though I prefer Primavera)

• Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo

• Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation

• The Medici Venus

Insider tips

• Book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines (note, you will still be lining up for your slotted time, you just won’t be waiting as long as those that don’t have tickets yet).

• Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience.

• Enjoy the view of Florence from the gallery’s top floor.

• Don’t miss the lesser-visited, quieter galleries on the lower floor.

The details

Address: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Florence, Italy
Website: https://www.uffizi.it/en

The Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Rijksmuseum is a celebration of Dutch art and history, showcasing masterpieces from the Golden Age and beyond. Its expansive collection includes works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh, set in a stunning Gothic Revival building. The museum also features intricate artifacts, sculptures, and historical exhibits that span centuries.

Quick history of The Rijksmuseum

Opened in 1885, the Rijksmuseum stands as one of the most significant cultural institutions in the Netherlands. It underwent a major renovation in 2013, restoring its architectural beauty while modernizing its facilities to provide a better visitor experience.

Must-see well-known artifacts

• Rembrandt’s The Night Watch

• Vermeer’s The Milkmaid

• The 17th-century dollhouses

• The Gallery of Honor featuring Dutch masterpieces

Insider tips

• Arrive early to admire The Night Watch without crowds.

• Download the museum’s app for an interactive experience.

• Take a stroll through the surrounding Museumplein for scenic views and a relaxed atmosphere.

The details

Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Website: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en

These eight museums serve not just as repositories of artifacts but as gateways to understanding our shared heritage. They inspire curiosity, creativity, and a deeper connection to the world around us.

Don't forget to plan ahead, book your tickets, and allow yourself enough time to truly soak in the culture, art, and history of what you are seeing and experiencing.

Looking for more art and history?

• 13 Things To See At MoMa in NYC

• 7 Reasons to Visit Canada’s National Art Gallery

• Why You Need to Add The Getty to Your Travel List

• The 6 Art Galleries You Must Visit in Paris

• Is the Guggenheim Worth Visiting?

• 10 Reasons You’ll Love The Met in NYC

• Why You Need to Visit The Gothenburg Museum of Art in Sweden

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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. 

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