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27 of the Best Museums in the U.S.

These are 27 of the best museums in the U.S. for art, history, culture, science, and more.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

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A good museum can open your mind and expand your world, unlocking the door to another culture, a piece of ancient history, or a style of art. And what makes the experience so special is that it can often be found in a building down the street or across the state — you don’t have to travel to Spain to see the work of Pablo Picasso, or visit Egypt in order to learn about ancient Egyptian history. Some of the world’s best museums are found right here in the United States.

Although what makes a museum good is highly subjective — some people love art, others would rather immerse themselves in another culture or a time in history — we’ve pulled a mix of renowned institutions, interesting experiences, and lesser-known, quirky museums that often get overlooked. Here are 27 of the best museums in the U.S.

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art — New York City

If you’re looking for quantity, there is no better place. Better known as “ the Met ,” this museum is the largest art museum in the U.S. and the fourth-largest museum in the world. As you might expect, there’s a lot to see — the permanent collection alone contains more than 1.5 million pieces of work.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Washington, D.C.

You can explore the wilds of the natural world — from bugs to dinosaurs — at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History , which sits right on the National Mall. And it doesn’t hurt that admission is free for everyone and the museum is open 364 days a year.

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The Getty — Los Angeles

The Getty is known for its art and architecture, but part of the museum’s draw is what lies outside the walls. The center has amazing gardens with views overlooking Los Angeles.

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum — Santa Fe, New Mexico

The entirety of this museum is dedicated to Georgia O’Keeffe, an artist who has been called the “mother of American modernism.” This is the place to go to see her iconic paintings of enlarged flowers, as well as her New Mexico landscapes and New York skyscrapers.

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The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest museums in the U.S., and its collection is proof of its longstanding place among the world's best art museums. In addition to housing a massive collection of art, the museum is set in Chicago’s Grant Park, just steps from other Windy City attractions like Crown Fountain and the famous Cloud Gate, or "Bean."

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Wynwood Walls — Miami

While perhaps lesser-known than some of the other spots on this list, Miami's Wynwood Walls are just as interesting — if not more — than a more traditional museum. The institution consists of 300,000 square feet of outdoor murals rather than a centralized, indoor collection, and it showcases colorful and thought-provoking street art and graffiti from artists around the globe.

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Chihuly Garden and Glass — Seattle

Set at the base of the Space Needle is this long-standing exhibit showcasing the spectacular glass art of Dale Chihuly. The wildly colorful installations, in both the garden and the museum building, are sure to amaze. 

National Gallery of Art — Washington, D.C.

This museum has a coveted spot on the National Mall and its own attached sculpture garden, which you won’t want to miss. Inside the museum walls, you’ll find works by artists that range from Leonardo da Vinci and Johannes Vermeer to Gordon Parks and Joan Miró. Plus, admission is always free.

Denver Botanic Gardens

These gardens may be high in the Rocky Mountains, but you’ll find a surprising variety of plants and flowers in this 24-acre park , which has a conservatory, themed gardens, and a sunken amphitheater that hosts live music in the summers. 

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Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum — Tucson, Arizona

This museum complex has it all — a zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, natural history museum, and art gallery. Oh, and don’t forget the walking paths that traverses 21 acres of Sonoran desert. 

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Believe it or not, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children's museum in the world. Its massive size is only eclipsed by the quality and quantity of exhibits and activities it offers — including a dinosphere, a mock space station, and a carousel. 

The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum — New York City

Right next to One World Trade Center is this museum and memorial , which pays tribute to those lost in the September 11, 2001, attacks and examines the impact and ongoing effects of the historic tragedy.

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Museum of Pop Culture — Seattle

If you love rock music, classic films, and other ephemera of contemporary life, head to Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture , better known as “MoPOP.” The entire place is dedicated to modern popular culture, and it boasts an eye-catching exterior reminiscent of a smashed electric guitar.

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Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum — Washington, D.C.

This Smithsonian museum boasts the “world’s premier collection of air and space artifacts, stories, and expertise,” meaning there’s no better place for anyone who’s even mildly interested in space and air travel. For the full experience, combine your visit with a trip to the museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

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The Neon Museum — Las Vegas

Love it or loathe it, Las Vegas is an important part of modern-day U.S. culture. And The Neon Museum , which showcases 800 signs rescued from 200 Vegas institutions, is proof of that. Visit to explore a "Neon Boneyard" filled with signage that once adorned everything from casinos and motels to restaurants and bars.

The Andy Warhol Museum — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

There are works by Andy Warhol in museums all over the world, but no collection is as extensive as what you’ll find at The Andy Warhol Museum in the artist’s hometown of Pittsburgh. Inside North America's largest museum dedicated to a single artist, you’ll find beloved Warhol works like Campbell's soup paintings and floral lithographs.

Mmuseumm — New York City

Set in a quiet alley in lower Manhattan, this miniature museum occupies just 36 square feet of space inside a former elevator shaft. The collection, which changes annually, hinges on the idea of "object journalism," where seemingly random items (the shoe thrown at George W. Bush in Iraq, for instance) are displayed together to illuminate the nuances of modern life.

Pulitzer Arts Foundation — St. Louis

The Pulitzer Arts Foundation , better known as “the Pulitzer,” is full of thought-provoking modern art. But it is the building itself that will first catch your eye. The mega-modern structure was designed by Tadao Ando, an acclaimed architect, who designed the brutalist building to interact with and complement the art inside. 

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Museum of Fine Arts Boston — Boston

The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is expansive, with more than 100 galleries filled with art. There is, in short, something for everyone. Popular exhibits include Egyptian sculptures and mummies and an Impressionist wing that includes that largest collection of Monet's works outside of France.

Exploratorium — San Francisco

With a location on Pier 15 in San Francisco, the Exploratorium claims that it “isn't like other museums.” The super hands-on exhibits are designed around science, technology, and the arts, providing informal — and most importantly, fun — learning experiences.

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Whitney Museum of American Art — New York City

With fewer crowds than the Met and the MoMA (which are both worth a visit in their own right), the Whitney Museum of American Art is a wonderful place to experience art at a slower pace. Set in the Meatpacking District, "the Whitney" is unique because it focuses exclusively on American art and artists from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Center of Science and Industry — Columbus, Ohio

Better known as COSI, the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus has long been known for its excellence in making science learning fun with over 300 hands-on exhibits. The museum has been in operation since 1964 and even has an after-dark event for adult visitors.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture — Washington, D.C.

This Smithsonian Institution museum is dedicated to sharing the journey and cultural heritage of African American people. The museum , which is set in a stunning building on the National Mall, features exhibits on Black food, language, culture, and art.

The National WWII Museum — New Orleans

This museum shares the stories of World War II and comments on its significance in the history of the world. The goal of the well-curated exhibits, as stated on their website, is to ensure that “all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn.”

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Meow Wolf — Santa Fe, New Mexico

The immersive and kaleidoscopic art installations of Meow Wolf are designed to transport visitors into another world. Though the collective now has outposts in Texas, Colorado , and Nevada , the original (and funkiest) is in Santa Fe, where the group's 70-room museum is called the House of Eternal Return .

Pearl Harbor National Memorial — Honolulu

It’s well worth leaving the sandy beaches of Waikiki to see the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor . The memorial site and museums commemorate the events of Dec. 7, 1941, and provide a peek into a key moment in American history. 

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Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — Cleveland

Set on the shore of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland is this museum dedicated to the musicians and songwriters who have shaped the history of music. Highlights include an exhibit where you can play instruments and photographs that showcase stars and key moments in musical history.

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30 Best Museums in the U.S., Ranked

30 best museums in the u.s..

There are more than 35,000 museums in the United States — an impressive figure, even when considering the massive size of the country. It’s impossible to visit them all, of course, but you can prioritize and conquer the most important ones.

From the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, this list takes you on a tour of the U.S. museums you absolutely have to visit at least once. (And more if you can!)

Some, like the MoMa, are world-renowned, while others are hidden gems. Within each, you’ll gain a breadth of knowledge on subjects as diverse as space, Ancient Egypt, dinosaurs, Renaissance art, World War II and beyond. 

Note: We may earn money from affiliate partners if you buy through links on our site.  

30. Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science - Miami, Florida

While Miami is more known for its art scene — whose Latin American coverage is one of the best in the country — one of the most fun museums you can visit is the Frost Science .

The highly interactive institution covers everything from the environment of the Everglades to the production of electricity and the inner workings of the body. You'll also see a rare model of a dinosaur as they actually were: feathered.

Geared towards children, there is also a three-level aquarium where you can see many species native to South Florida as well as other animals from around the world.

Where to stay:  citizenM Miami World Center

Must-See at the Frost Museum: The Mammoths Hall

On the museum's fourth level, you'll find the fossils of mammoths.

You can follow the fascinating history of these giants that once roamed North America and learn about their extinction.

29. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis - Indianapolis, Indiana

No one ever has to wonder what to do on a family trip to Indianapolis, as the state capital has the largest children’s museum in the entire world. (Its size? Nearly half a million square feet.) 

Of course, the museum is highly interactive, with kids being encouraged to touch and play with almost everything. Little ones can hunt for fossils at the Dig Site, examine a model mastodont skull, climb rock walls, build toy boats to float in actual water and much (much) more.

Even your antsiest kid will never get bored. 

Where to stay:  Stone Soup Inn  

Must-See at Children’s Museum of Indianapolis: Paleo Prep Lab

Kids are (finally!) allowed to touch a real T-Rex bone at this interactive lab. How cool is that? 

And let’s be real: Adults love it too.

28. Chihuly Garden and Glass - Seattle, Washington

Two hours will be enough to see the entirety of Seattle's Chihuly Garden and Glass . But the unique institution proves that size doesn't always matter. 

The entire museum is dedicated to the glasswork of Dale Chihuly, perhaps the best-recognized artist in this medium. But rather than present his beautiful pieces on their own, they are interwoven with the garden, in a way that the line between the natural and the intervened can become blurry. 

When you visit Seattle, this is a must-see attraction.

Where to stay:  Hyatt House Seattle Downtown

Must-See at Chihuly Garden and Glass: The Glasshouse

A gigantic glasshouse houses hanging glass pieces that are broken into fractals when reflected on the walls. 

From the outside, the Glasshouse could easily be confused with a greenhouse. But step inside to see the majestic display of glass on glass on glass.

27. USS Midway - San Diego, California

Right in downtown San Diego, this museum is located on a floating aircraft carrier. Within the large space, there are 60 exhibits, including flight simulators, virtual reality games and restored aircrafts. Its interactive collection was planned with families in mind, as people of all ages find it easy to engage. 

The USS Midway also has a beautiful view of the San Diego skyline, which makes for great photo opportunities. And while you're enjoying that, your kids can complete a scavenger hunt to get their wings.

Where to stay:   Intercontinental San Diego, An IHG Hotel  

Must-See at the USS Midway: Sailor's Bunks

Although it's cool to see things in museums, sometimes it's frustrating not to be able to touch them. At the Enlisted Sailor's Bunks exhibit, you can touch, play and pretend as much as you want.

You are encouraged to lay down in one of the bunks and imagine what it was like for sailors onboard the Midway.

26. The Broad Museum - Los Angeles, California

Opened in 2015 in downtown Los Angeles, the Broad Museum seeks to bring contemporary art to the general public. Because of this, admission is always free for permanent exhibitions.

Its collection counts 2,000 pieces, which is impressive for a museum of its age. You'll find well-known contemporary artists like Andy Warhol, Roy Liechtenstein and Yayoi Kusama. The museum also has the largest Cindy Sherman collection on the planet.

Where to stay:  Omni Los Angeles Hotel California Plaza

Must-See at the Broad Museum: Yayoi Kusama's 'Longing for Eternity'

Inside a seemingly simple white box, you can peer through an entrancing kaleidoscope of colors.

25. Modern Art Museum - Fort Worth, Texas

The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is know equally known for its gorgeous exterior as for the quality of works it houses in its interior. 

The museum was designed by Tadao Ando, whose use of light, straight lines and a reflecting pool has been applauded. Inside, the collection focuses on post-World War II modern and contemporary art. Featured artists include Picasso, Susan Rothenberg, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Takashi Murakami and Mario Garcia Torres.

Where to stay:  Home2 Suites by Hilton Fort Worth Cultural District  

Must-See at the Modern Art Museum: David Bates' 'The Cleaning Table'

Though not the most famous artwork in the collection, this bold painting was made by Texan artist David Bates. It is celebrated for its broad brushstrokes and is a fine representation of local art.

24. Asian Art Museum - San Francisco, California

If you want to escape Eurocentrism in art galleries, San Francisco has the perfect antidote. 

This large collection of Asian art includes pieces from across the entire continent. Some of the works in the collection date back several thousand years, ranging from samurai armor to Hindu deities from Cambodia to ancient Persian ceramics. 

Where to stay:  San Francisco Proper Hotel  

Must-See at Asian Art Museum: Seated Buddha

Dating all the way back to 338, this is the oldest known Chinese Buddha sculpture. It remains in remarkably good condition considering its age. 

23. Greenfield Village - Dearborn, Michigan

This sadly underrated museum is not as well known as others on this list. However, it is quite significant, considering that it has collected several important artifacts from American history. You can see the bus where Rosa Parks refused to stand up, as well as the Wright Brothers’ bicycle shop and home. 

The outdoor museum is part of the Henry Ford Complex and includes his furnished childhood home and prototype garage. Some sections of the village showcase life in different periods of the country, complete with costumed actors demonstrating old-time daily tasks. 

Check out this hidden gem before people finally catch on! 

Where to stay:  The Henry Autograph Collection  

Must-See at Greenfield Village: John F. Kennedy Limousine

The limousine President JFK was riding in when he was assassinated makes for a chilling display. In a similar vein, you can also see the theater chair that President Lincoln was sitting in when he was shot.

22. National Air and Space Museum - Washington D.C

This Smithsonian museum is so gee-whiz exciting that it is loved even by people who generally find museums boring —  including but not limited to restless youngsters.

Explore everything related to the magic of taking your feet off the ground, including the Wright Brothers’ earliest flight machines, warplanes used in WWI and the famous “Spirit of St. Louis,” which Charles Lindbergh flew on the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight in 1927.

You can also enjoy the space exhibitions featuring several artifacts from the iconic Apollo missions.

Where to stay:  Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf  

Must-See at National Air and Space Museum: Lunar Rock

Although other museums have lunar rock samples, you are actually allowed to touch this one. It's the next best thing to actually stepping on the moon.

21. National September 11 Memorial & Museum - New York City, New York

Commemorating the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11 and the 1993 attack on the World Trade Center, this memorial stands as a public statement of resilience. 

The museum covers what happened before, during and after these tragic events, always keeping those lost and those who lost someone at the forefront of the narrative. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come each year to pay their respects while exploring powerful exhibits featuring artifacts, photography and archival recordings. 

Where to stay:  World Center Hotel

Must-See at National September 11 Memorial & Museum: The Survivor Tree

Recovered from the ruins with only one branch alive, this tree also survived a storm that uprooted it while it was being replanted in the Bronx. It now stands tall in the memorial, a symbol of strength and hope.

20. Kennedy Space Center - Titusville, Florida

If you’ve ever dreamed of going to space, or are merely curious to know how it's possible, head to NASA’s Floridian visitor center. Here, you can learn about the physics behind the launches, see moon rocks and maybe even meet some astronauts. 

The museum is interactive, has two IMAX theaters and is extremely child-friendly. We don’t want to say it, but this probably beats a visit to Disney. 

Where to stay:  R ocke

Must-See at Kennedy Space Center: Shuttle Launch

Check this handy schedule to see if your visit coincides with an actual shuttle launch — an amazing experience few people in the world get a chance to witness.

19. Museum of Fine Art - Houston, Texas

As the first and oldest public art museum in Texas, the Museum of Fine Art Houston has a noteworthy selection. The pieces in its collection span over 6,000 years and come from every inhabited continent. You will be able to see ancient decorative arts, classical East Asian paintings as well as modern works by artists like Kandinsky.

The museum also has extensive gardens with sculptures that you can walk through. The gardens are one of the best spots in the museum to take a small break.

Where to stay:  The Inn at St Botolph  

Must-See at the Museum of Fine Art: James Turrell's 'The Light Inside'

It isn't often that you get to walk through a piece of art, let alone one that seems to transport you to another world of reality. This tunnel made up of brightly colored walls and sharp light lets you connect between two buildings of the museum.

18. The National WWII Museum - New Orleans, Louisiana

World War II has obviously shaped the history and culture of this country in many significant ways, and there’s no better place to learn about it than at this extensive, thoughtful NOLA museum.  

Built on a former factory where D-Day boats were made, the museum is heaven for any history buff. To arrive at the entrance, you must board a train car, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. You can spend the rest of the day walking through the museum’s six acres, listening to oral histories, seeing boats and tanks up close, and even greeting some veteran volunteers happy to tell their stories. 

Where to stay:  The Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio Collection by Hilton

Must-See at National WWII Museum: War-Themed Canteen

Unwind from all the heavy history while still feeling immersed in it at this canteen featuring all-American foods and authentically old-fashioned entertainment (think: swing bands and vocal trios). 

17. The Getty Center - Los Angeles, California

One of the best art museums on the West Coast is a piece of modern art unto itself. The undulating and circular structure, designed by legendary architect Richard Meier, is perfectly complemented by 86 acres of manicured gardens, where visitors can stroll after exploring the galleries and gaze out over West L.A.

The collection centers on European art from the Renaissance to modernity but also includes photography, decorative arts, and so much more. Oh, and admission is free!

Where to stay:  Palihotel Westwood Village

Must-See at The Getty: Van Gogh’s 'Irises'

Van Gogh painted this beauty, one of his most well-known pieces, just a year before his death. 

16. Cleveland Museum of Art - Cleveland, Ohio

With more than 60,000 pieces of art from around the world, this museum is regarded as one of the country’s best. It has an impressive collection of Asian art and a renowned decorative-art wing. Still, perhaps its greatest selling point is its photography wing, featuring powerful pictures of the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. 

Unlike precious few museums on this list, its exhaustive collection is also free an open to the public.

Where to stay:  Intercontinental Cleveland, An IHG Hotel

Must-See at Cleveland Museum of Art: Botticelli’s 'Virgin and Child with the Young John the Baptist'

You don’t have to go to Italy to see the works of Renaissance master Botticelli, whose composition skills are gorgeously displayed in this work. But is it really Botticelli’s? Some people believe the piece was actually painted, in part or in full, by Botticelli’s student, Filippino Lippi.

15. Salvador Dalí Museum - St. Petersburg, Florida

No one expects the largest collection of Dalí works outside of Europe to reside in a small beach town on the west coast of Florida. Then again, when has anything related to Dalí been conventional? 

The museum was born from the private collection of a couple who decided to share the masterpieces they had in their possession with the world. The building itself is inspired by surrealism and houses drawings, objects, paintings, photographs, prints and even book illustrations made by the artist. 

Keep an eye out for the Aphrodisiac Telephone , more commonly known as the Lobster Phone.

Where to stay:  The Inn on Third

Must-See at Dalí Museum: 'The Hallucinogenic Toreador'

One of the artist’s most significant masterpieces was inspired by his wife’s distaste for bullfighting. You could spend your entire day staring at its surrealist elements and symbols, trying to parse their meaning. 

14. Philadelphia Museum of Art - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Mainly housed in a 1928 building, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is among the best in the city. With more than 225,000 works, the museum's collection is America's largest — certainly a source of pride for locals who love their city's rich history. 

The collection spans centuries and includes works from all over the world. You'll see paintings of Benjamin Franklin as well as works by Van Gogh, Renoir, Picasso and Duchamp. 

Where to stay:  Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown

Must-See at the Philadelphia Museum of Art: Jean Metzinger's 'Le Goûter'

Picasso usually takes over the name of Cubism.

If you want to see other masterpieces from the movement, we recommend this gorgeous painting by Jean Metzinger.

13. Detroit Institute of Arts - Detroit, Michigan

Listed as a National Historic Place and as one of the most visited art museums in the world, the DIA is a reminder that Detroit was once a major, thriving American city. (Happily, in recent years, it’s been working to reclaim this mantle.)

As with other large institutes of its kind, the museum covers thousands of years of art history, ranging from Ancient Egyptian encryptions to contemporary art. Of course, you can expect works from the great masters of Western art as well, including bold-face names like Degas and Van Gogh.

Where to stay:  The Inn On Ferry Street

Must-See at Detroit Institute of Arts: Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals

Commissioned in the 1930s, this series of murals depicting labor at the Ford Motor Company and the history of Detroit is the artist's personal favorite work. 

12. National Portrait Gallery - Washington, D.C.

The National Portrait Gallery houses the portraits of every U.S. president and other important figures of American history. Since Hillary Clinton, the gallery also houses portraits of first ladies. 

Whether you love American history or want to learn more about it, it's fascinating to see the portraits that have allowed us to remember prominent faces. At the museum, you can also see daguerreotypes of the likes of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas.

Where to stay:  Conrad Washington, DC  

Must-See at the National Portrait Gallery: Abraham Lincoln Daguerreotype

Though cracked, this plate of a Lincoln daguerreotype is considered priceless. It was done by famed photographer Alexander Gardner in 1865, the same year the president would be assassinated. 

This is the last seated portrait of Lincoln before his death.

11. The Whitney Museum of New York - New York City, New York

It's not easy to stand out from the pack in New York City, home to some of the best museums in the  world . But the Whitney is very much worth visiting, especially if you want to focus more on modern and contemporary art. 

The museum has a collection of over 25,000 works of 20th- and 21st-century art. These include everything from 25,000 paintings to sculptures to films and prints. As one of the most respected institutions in the city, you can count on it to always be excellent.

Where to stay:  The Standard High Line

Must-See at the Whitney Museum: Edward Hopper's 'New York Interior'

Hopper's "Nighthawks" (housed in the Art Institute of Chicago) is much more famous than this piece. But "New York Interior" keeps the artist's signature style of looking at intimate moments in the city. An air of loneliness surrounds the painting, even while activity is evident. 

Because it peeks inside a bedroom, anyone seeing the painting feels as if they were not meant to see it. And yet you can't take your eyes away from it. 

10. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum - Washington D.C.

This museum is the nation’s official monument in commemoration of one of the most horrifying tragedies in human history. Upon entering, visitors receive a card with the name and story of a Holocaust victim or survivor, a way to make the almost incomprehensible number of victims less abstract. 

Permanent exhibitions containing original letters from victims, audio and visual recordings of their testimonies, and various recovered artifacts further help tell the story, to painful but important effect.

Where to stay:  Salamander Washington DC  

Must-See at United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: The Hall of Remembrance

An eternal flame burns bright in memory of the victims in this somber hall. Visitors are encouraged to light a candle as a way of paying their respect. 

9. The Field Museum - Chicago, Illinois

Though it's not  the best natural history museum in the U.S. (that'll be listed later), the Field Museum is still very much worthy of attention. 

With museums, fossils and archaeological artifacts from around the world, the Field brings together the past and the present. One of its most interesting aspects is its focus on the effects of climate change and what that means for the current world. 

Where to stay:  Le Méridien Essex Chicago

Must-See at the Field Museum: Inside Ancient Egypt

Did you know that Egyptians mummified more than humans? At the field museum, you can see over 20 mummies and several mummified animals, who were often beloved pets of rulers. 

You can also see authentic hieroglyphics that go back around 5,000 years.

8. Museum of Fine Arts - Boston, Massachussetts

After The Met, this source of pride for all Bostonians boasts the second-largest collection of art in North America , a fact that every local you encounter will happily throw your way. 

Though it focuses mostly on European and American art — it even has more Monets than any museum outside Paris — the museum also has more diverse offerings. Its Ancient Egyptian sculptures, in particular, are well worth seeking out.

Where to stay:  Sonder at Pierce Boston

Must-See at Museum of Fine Arts: Gilbert Stuart’s 'George Washington'

This unfinished painting of America’s first president is the model that was used for the one-dollar bill. 

7. National Museum of African American History and Culture - Washington D.C.

Opened in 2016 to much acclaim, this relatively young Smithsonian museum has enjoyed immense popularity. In fact, it has already earned a place within the country’s 10 most visited museums . 

Its collection thoughtfully educates visitors on the history of slavery, segregation and the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting the figures who have often been ignored by mainstream history. Photographs, oral histories, clothing and song recordings contribute to an immersive storytelling experience. 

Where to stay:  JW Marriott Washington, DC  

Must-See at National Museum of African American History and Culture: Harriet Tubman’s Personal Items

Learn about the extraordinary woman who helped countless slaves gain their freedom through the use of the underground railroad by exploring a collection of her personal items — including presents given to her by Queen Victoria.

6. National Gallery of Art - Washington D.C.

Located near Capitol Hill, it is difficult to imagine that this expansive gallery started from the donation of a patron’s personal collection. Established in 1937, the museum mainly focuses on European and American art, boasting pieces by the likes of Henri, Monet and Dégas. (Ever heard of them?)

Like most of DC’s museums, this one is also free to explore.

Where to stay:  Riggs Washington DC

Must-See at National Gallery of Art: Leonardo da Vinci’s 'Portrait of Ginevra de' Benci'

This stunning oil painting depicting a 15th-century aristocrat is the only da Vinci work on display in all of the Americas.

5. American Museum of Natural History - New York City, New York

Although the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in D.C. is amazing, New York’s first museum steals its spotlight. More than 32 million specimens are preserved within the walls of this magnificent institution, considered one of the best science museums in the world. 

You’ll get to see dinosaur fossils, taxidermied elk and underwater creatures from around the world. The museum is interactive, with an extremely fun space wing and 3-D film showings.

Where to stay:  Hotel Belleclaire  

Must-See at American Museum of Natural History: T-Rex Fossil

Displayed in a stalking position, this fossil is both awe-inspiring and a little scary. It’s just one part of the museum’s exhaustive collection of fossil mammals and dinosaurs, the largest of its kind in the world.

4. National Museum of American History - Washington D.C.

Fitting the history of a nation within a museum is a difficult task, but the National Museum of American History is more than up to the job.  

Exhibits cover different periods, from the life of indigenous communities before European colonization until today. The collection includes original letters from the Civil War, props used in iconic movies, propaganda posters for WWII and even Julia Child’s kitchen. 

It doesn’t capture all you need to know about U.S. history, obviously, but the breadth and diversity of its collection wows. 

Where to stay:  Grand Hyatt Washington  

Must-See at National Museum of American History: Original Star Spangled Banner Flag

Located in the center of the second floor, this is the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the poem that would become the country’s stirring anthem. 

3. The Art Institute of Chicago - Chicago, Illinois

Holding about 300,000 pieces, the Art Institute of Chicago earns its rank among the world’s great art museums, and touts an enviable location in the city’s Millennium Park to boot. 

The museum’s collection covers the span of humanity’s affair with art, beginning with ancient curiosities and ending with contemporary showstoppers. It says something that the museum houses both Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” and Mary Cassat’s “The Child’s Bath,” and neither are what we’re highlighting as the most iconic piece to see. 

Where to stay:  Kimpton Gray Hotel  

Must-See at The Art Institute of Chicago: George Seurat’s “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte”

Perhaps the most recognized work of Pointillism depicts a beautiful day in Paris along the banks of the Seine. This is one of those pieces that it’s easy to get lost in.

2. Museum of Modern Art - New York City, New York

With works like van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” Dali’s “Persistence of Memory” and Frida Kahlo’s “Self-Portrait with Cropped Hair,” the MoMA boasts one of the best collections of modern art in any country. Located right in the center of Manhattan, it is a New York must-see, with patrons often making multiple visits in order to see its 200,000 pieces. 

The collection has everything from impressionism to cubism to abstract geometry and boundary-pushing contemporary works. It’s also better than ever, thanks to a just-completed $450 million renovation and expansion that, among other changes, added a new space for live and experimental programming to the mix. 

Where to stay:  Omni Berkshire Place  

Must-See at Museum of Modern Art: Picasso’s 'Les Demoiselles d’Avignon'

One of the artist’s most famous works was crucial to the development of cubism, making it not just riveting, but important.

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art - New York City, New York

The Met is an icon of culture and the largest museum in the U.S. It is impossible to see everything in this vast museum in a visit (or two or even three), as the collection includes an Egyptian temple, ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, Middle Age armor, Nigerian ivory masks, Renaissance paintings, contemporary masterpieces and so (so) much more. 

With more than 2 million pieces in its collection, this museum should be on every art and history bucket list. The Met also curates special exhibitions, bringing masterpieces from around the world to New York City, and hosts a wonderful lecture series. 

Must-See at The Met: Raphael’s 'Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints'

The only altarpiece by the artist in the United States is a beauty. Other must-sees include Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Cow Skull,” van Gogh’s “Self-Portrait with a Straw Hat” and Monet’s “Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies,” to name just a few of many, many classics on display. 

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The best art museums in America

These incredible cultural institutions offer up world-renowned art in all mediums

While there is lots to love about world-renowned art museums like the Louvre and the Uffizi Galleries, you don’t necessarily need to leave the country to admire incredible works. In fact, America boasts some of the world’s most impressive art museums, highlighting a number of different mediums (think mixed media, sculptures, photography, paintings, and more) genres (from abstract to Renaissance and beyond). What’s more, these anything-but-boring boast captivating exhibits and galleries that are sure to impress art enthusiasts, and many offer bonus features like sculpture gardens, rooftops and, in some cases, free admission. Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite art museums across the U.S.

RECOMMENDED:

The weirdest museums in the U.S. 10 immersive experiences in the U.S.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

The top art museums in the U.S.

1.  museum of modern art (moma) | new york city, ny.

• Art and design
• Midtown West

Established by three women in the 1920s, the Museum of Modern Art, along with MoMA PS1 in Queens, attracts millions of visitors annually. It displays some of the most impressive artworks from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Its permanent collection encompasses six curatorial departments: architecture and design, drawings and prints, film, media and performance, painting and sculpture, and photography. Highlights include Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon , Van Gogh’s The Starry Night , Dalí’s The Persistence of Memory and masterpieces by Giacometti, Hopper, Matisse, Monet, O’Keeffe, Pollock, Rothko, Warhol and many others. The Philip Johnson-designed Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, which dates to 1939, contains works by Calder, Rodin and Moore. Don't miss the on-site Michelin-starred restaurant, The Modern, which overlooks the garden.

2.  Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) | New York City, NY

• Central Park
• price 3 of 4

Not only does this massive institution—comprising 17 curatorial collections and more than 2 million objects—preserve treasures such as an Egyptian temple from 10 B.C.E., but it is also in a state of constant self-improvement. By 2025, the $70 million renovation of The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing should be completed, with collections focused on the arts of sub-Saharan Africa, Oceania and the ancient Americas. The 19th-century and early 20th-century European galleries contain some of the Met’s most famous works, namely the two-room Monet holdings and a colony of Van Goghs that includes his oft-reproduced Irises . Don’t miss the Cloisters, with a chance to experience the art, architecture and gardens of medieval Europe, or the selection of modern/contemporary art by artists such as Kara Walker, Louise Nevelson and Helen Frankenthaler.

3.  Art Institute of Chicago | Chicago, IL

• price 2 of 4

You could spend the next four years getting to know this comprehensive institution, which owns nearly 300,000 artworks and artifacts from all over the world and from every era. Our favorite pieces include Japanese prints, blueprints and furniture by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Thorne Miniature Rooms. Meanwhile, the light-filled Modern Wing is the perfect place to enjoy the architecture and design collections, modern and contemporary art, and, to top it off, gorgeous views of Millennium Park. Several of the most famous paintings in the world call this museum their permanent home, including Van Gogh’s The Bedroom , Grant Wood’s American Gothic , Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks and, a favorite of Ferris Bueller’s, Georges Seurat's massive Pointillist masterpiece A Sunday on La Grande Jatte .

4.  National Gallery of Art | Washington, D.C.

• National Mall

Pittsburgh investment banker and industrialist Andrew Mellon donated the National Gallery’s neoclassical West Building to the nation in 1941. His son, Paul, commissioned the East Building, designed by I.M. Pei, which opened in 1978. The former’s sky-lit main floor covers European and American art from the 13th to the early 20th centuries, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Portrait of Ginevra de’ Benci , Botticelli’s Adoration of the Magi , and Jan van Eyck’s Annunciation . The sculpture galleries contain the world’s largest collection of Edgar Degas’s wax and mixed-media sculptures. An underground concourse connects the two buildings via a moving walkway through Multiverse , a starry installation by American artist Leo Villareal. After three years of construction, the East Building reopened in the summer of 2022, boasting two spectacular towers and a roof terrace outdoor sculpture garden overlooking Pennsylvania Avenue.

5.  Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) | Los Angeles, CA

• Miracle Mile

LACMA is truly a multi-day destination, given the size and scope of its collection. From Chris Burden’s iconic entrance installation Urban Light , a piece made up of 200-plus cast-iron street lamps gathered from around L.A., to the Pavilion for Japanese Art (temporarily closed for repairs), a day at LACMA can include works spanning hundreds of years and thousands of miles. Highlights in the collection include Diego Rivera’s Portrait of Frida Kahlo , 17th-century artist Georges De La Tour’s The Magdalen With The Smoking Flame , and Henri Matisse’s La Gerbe . Exhibitions at the Renzo Piano-designed Resnick Pavilion have included retrospectives by artists such as Alexander Calder, James Turrell and Tim Burton.

6.  Whitney Museum of American Art | New York City, NY

• Meatpacking District

Another woman-established art museum, the Whitney began as a studio in Greenwich Village and hopped to several different spaces before its current siting in the Meatpacking district at the foot of the High Line. Officially founded in 1930 by sculptor and art patron Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, the institution holds more than 25,000 pieces from approximately 3,600 artists, including Willem de Kooning, Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Claes Oldenburg. Yet, its reputation has rested primarily on its temporary shows, particularly the prestigious and controversial Whitney Biennial. Today’s nine-story, steel-and-glass building was designed by Renzo Piano with space for a comprehensive display of the collection, including iconic works such as Alexander Calder’s Circus and Jasper Johns’s Three Flags . The dramatic, asymmetrical structure features a series of outdoor terraces: on the fifth, sixth, and seventh floors, you can take in alfresco sculptures and installations while admiring sweeping views of the Hudson River and the city.

7.  National Museum of Women in the Arts | Washington, D.C.

The National Museum of Women in the Arts (or NMWA for short) was founded back in 1981; today, it’s known for being “the world's only major art museum solely dedicated to championing women through the arts.” It houses over 5,500 works spanning six continents and six centuries—some dating as far back as the 16th century—from over 1,000 artists. Collection galleries include Photo Credit (which, you guessed it, showcases photography), Seeing Red (which showcases how different artists have used the color red) and Fiber Optics (which highlights the history of textile work), to name a few. Bonus: Admission is free on the first Sunday and second Wednesday of every month.

8.  Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden | Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian’s spectacular, aggressively modern cylindrical building by Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill was completed in 1974 to house the 20th-century painting and sculpture collection of self-made Wall Street millionaire Joseph Hirshhorn. Today, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden presents all types of art, including paper works, painting, installation, photography, sculpture, digital, and video art. The galleries on the third level are home to the permanent collection, including one of the largest public collections of works by Thomas Eakins in the world. There is also a significant Giacometti collection and a pair of Willem de Kooning’s rare “door paintings” (the museum, too, boasts one of the largest public arrays). Located on the side of the gallery facing the National Mall, across Jefferson Drive, the Sculpture Garden features art by Rodin, Matisse, Koons, Calder and more.

9.  Getty Center | Los Angeles, CA

L.A.’s hilltop acropolis is a home for the contents of the J. Paul Getty Trust, but that’s the only straightforward thing about it. Architect Richard Meier started designing the museum in 1984, but it took 13 years, several additional designers (to work on the interior and landscaping), and a cool $1 billion to complete. The result is a remarkable complex of travertine and white metal-clad pavilions that resembles a monastic retreat with panoramic views that James Bond would dig. The Getty’s colorful, tranquil gardens are a highlight. The lobby is also a show-stopper, an airy, luminous rotunda that opens to a fountain-filled courtyard surrounded by six pavilions housing the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. You’ll view everything from medieval art to furnished rooms in the French decorative arts style to modern and contemporary works. Fun bonus: the visit starts with a light rail tram ride from the parking structure.

10.  Philadelphia Museum of Art | Philadelphia, PA

• Ben Franklin Parkway - Kelly Drive

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest museums in the United States, with 200 galleries containing some 240,000 objects from the first century A.D. to the modern era. Its broad holdings include renowned American painting, sculpture and decorative arts collections, particularly 18th- and 19th-century American furniture and silver and Pennsylvania German art. The museum also houses the most important works by American realist artist Thomas Eakins. What has made the PMA a mecca for generations of artists is the Louise and Walter Arensberg Collection of Modernist Masterworks—including Marcel Duchamp’s The Large Glass, which the couple donated to the museum in 1950. A little over three years ago, in May 2021, 90,000 square feet were added to the historic Frank Gehry building. It’s worth noting that the price of admission also gets you into the Rodin Museum, which PMA administers.

11.  Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art | Bentonville, AR

This sprawling American art museum hidden in the Ozarks offers a comprehensive cultural experience.  Crystal Bridges encompasses permanent exhibitions of American artworks spanning five centuries, educational programming and a 120-acre outdoor park featuring walking trails dotted with impressive outdoor installations by the likes of James Turrell and Yayoi Kusama. Most of the experience is free except for temporary exhibitions, which is a good reason to splurge on lunch at Eleven, where executive chef Timothy Ordway has dreamed up a delectable burger, among other dishes.

12.  The Cleveland Museum of Art | Cleveland, OH

The Cleveland Museum of Art is a longtime art anchor with more than 45,000 objects in its collections covering 6,000 years of art-making within 16 departments. It’s one of the most wealthy and most visited art museums in the U.S.; its endowment means free admission. Renowned for its deep Asian and Egyptian holdings, it’s also strong on medieval art and boasts a growing collection of postwar masterpieces. Mid-century Modernist Marcel Breuer designed the North Wing, while an expansion designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly doubled the museum’s floor space to a staggering 592,000 square feet. The myriad treasures on view range from a copper and iron ancestral commemorative head (uhunmwun-elao) from mid-1500s-early 1600s Nigeria to Morning Glory with Black by Georgia O’Keeffe.

13.  Museum of Fine Arts | Boston, MA

• Fenway/Kenmore

The Museum of Fine Arts’s globe-spanning collection encompasses nearly 500,000 objects. The collection of American art is impressive and includes Paul Revere’s silver Sons of Liberty Bowl and paintings by John Singleton Copley. The Egyptian collection—much of which was acquired through excavations in conjunction with Harvard University in the first half of the 20th century—is also fantastic. Additionally, the exceptional array of Japanese art is the largest collection of such work outside of Japan. Finally, there are the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including one of the largest collections of Monet’s work in the U.S. There are also seven galleries devoted to Dutch and Flemish art. Our best recommendation? Walk through the contemplative space of the Japanese Tenshin-en, the 'Garden of the Heart of Heaven.'

14.  National Museum of Wildlife Art | Jackson, WY

Next time you find yourself in Jackson, consider a stop at the National Museum of Wildlife Art , a mere two miles from the gateway of Grand Teton National Park. Known as the nation’s only museum dedicated solely to wildlife art, this 51,000-square-foot institution overlooks the National Elk Refuge and boasts an impressive collection of works from 550-plus artists such as Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe and John James Audubon. Don’t miss the Carl Rungius Gallery, which features the largest public collection of work by the artist, known for being one of America’s top wildlife artists. After perusing the museum, stop for lunch at the on-site Palate restaurant, which offers everything from game stew to cowboy caviar, to bison gyros; the seasonally open patio is an added bonus, too.

15.  The Menil Collection | Houston, TX

Set on a 30-acre campus and housed in one of Renzo Piano’s earliest and most serene museum buildings, The Menil Collection exhibits the private collection gathered by John and Dominique de Menil. The museum’s holdings comprise approximately 17,000 pieces ranging from Byzantine icons to Surrealist paintings, and all follow the couple’s deep belief in the spiritual or transformational power of art. Thus, galleries of works by Duchamp, Warhol and Twombly are accompanied by such permanent exhibits as “Witnesses to a Surrealist Vision,” a display of the sort of anthropological objects and other curiosities that fascinated and inspired the Surrealists. Also on the Menil campus is the interfaith Rothko chapel, which contains a suite of 14 canvases by Latvian-American painter Mark Rothko and the Menil Drawing Institute, which furthers the study of modern and contemporary drawings. A number of bungalows in the area have also been painted ‘Menil gray’ and add to the campus look.

16.  Museum of Contemporary Art | Chicago, IL

• Streeterville

Housing one of the nation's largest collections of modern art, the Museum of Contemporary Art also hosts major touring exhibits, film screenings, and performing artists. Busy bees. The museum opened in 1967 as a kunsthalle, a non-collecting art gallery focused on novel and experimental work and education programs. We're talking dance, theater, and music on the MCA stage, Edlis Neeson Theater, or the Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden, as well as community meetings, panels, and artist projects at The Commons. When you need a break from the extensive network of galleries, get some air in the picturesque sculpture garden, but don't forget to exit through the gift shop—the museum boasts one of Chicago's best selections of offbeat tchotchkes. Bragging rights: it’s the first building ever wrapped by Christo in the U.S.

17.  Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery | Washington, D.C.

As the country’s largest and most inclusive museum dedicated to American art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum showcases work from the Colonial period until today. The primary collection displays more than 7,000 artists, including famed portraitist John Singer Sargent, painter Mary Cassatt, multi-media innovator Nam June Paik, and pieces by lesser-known artists. The museum’s vast jumble of classic works and unusual museum fare (like video games and VR apps) can be interpreted as a reflection of modern-day America. SAAM’s separate Renwick Gallery, known as “The American Louvre,” now showcases craft objects and decorative arts created in the past two centuries; its 1858 building was the first in the U.S. organized as a public art museum.

18.  The Broad | Los Angeles, CA

Founded on the principle of making contemporary art more accessible to the public, The Broad offers free general admission to view their permanent collection of artwork which features 2,000 works by over 200 artists, including Kara Walker, Cindy Sherman and Takashi Murakami. The building itself, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler, is distinctive for its ‘veil and vault’ concept. The veil, designed by architect Liz Diller, is a honeycomb-like structure that provides filtered daylight for the galleries and wraps around the vault, which holds The Broad’s storage. Rather than hiding off-exhibit objects as most museums do, the Broad offers viewing windows into the vault so visitors can peer right in. Of course, given all of the iconic pieces and exhibits on view—including several works from Jean-Michel Basquiat—you’ll barely miss the pieces not on display.

19.  Walker Art Center | Minneapolis, MN

One of the five most visited contemporary art museums in the U.S., the Walker Art Center was founded in 1879 by lumber baron Thomas Barlow Walker. Since then, it has evolved into a 17-acre campus with multiple buildings. Many well-known artists have debuted here with their first major exhibition, such as Joseph Cornell, Frank Gehry and Kara Walker. Reflecting the museum’s commitment to art in all mediums, the Walker also offers an acclaimed performing arts program in the state-of-the-art McGuire Theater. You’ll recognize (and love) the Instagrammable Spoonbridge and Cherry installation in the adjacent Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

20.  de Young | San Francisco, CA

• Golden Gate Park
• price 1 of 4

The most prominent feature of this futuristic-primitive building is the massive perforated copper tower that emerges from the surrounding canopy of trees, making those who approach from the Ninth Avenue entrance to Golden Gate Park feel like they’ve stumbled across an abandoned mothership. The de Young ’s impressive holdings include some 27,000 paintings, sculptures, objects, crafts and textiles from Africa, Oceania and the Americas. Rotating exhibitions cover a wide swath, ranging from the treasures of King Tut and the Impressionists to Keith Haring. The de Young is one of the top 10 most visited U.S. art museums. Bonus: the observation tower, which can be entered without paying admission and commands excellent views of the park, is worth the trip alone.

21.  High Museum of Art | Atlanta, GA

The High’s first home was Mrs. Joseph M. High’s former mansion on Peachtree Street, donated by her in 1926. Since then, it’s grown into a world-class institution housed in structures designed by Richard Meier and Renzo Piano, totaling over 300,000 square feet of space. The permanent collection of more than 18,000 works is heavy in American 19th- and 20th-century fine and decorative arts. In addition to its growing contemporary art and photography holdings—including a peerless stash of Civil Rights era photographs—the High has assembled one of the most significant collections of American self-taught and vernacular art worldwide. The Rodin sculpture The Shade outside the Stent Family Wing was given to the museum by the French government in memory of 122 Atlantans who died in a plane crash at Orly Field after touring European capitals.

22.  Phillips Collection | Washington, D.C.

• Dupont Circle

Duncan and Eliza Phillips, son and mother, opened this mansion-turned-gallery in 1918 to overcome grief from the loss of Duncan’s father in 1917 and his brother in 1918 from the flu pandemic. Duncan and his brother had been gathering contemporary American paintings for two years with a $10,000 annual budget granted by their parents. Duncan married artist Marjorie Acker, in whose hands the directorship fell after his 1966 death. Subsequent extensions added airy galleries dedicated to contemporary art, an outdoor sculpture terrace and café, a library and archives, and spaces for education programs and community exhibitions. The museum’s signature painting, Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party, enjoys pride of place in the permanent collection galleries. You’ll also find a solid selection of works by Klee, Rothko, Lawrence and O’Keeffe.

23.  Barnes Foundation | Philadelphia, PA

• Greater Philadelphia

At the turn of the century, a white American chemist Albert C. Barnes collected and displayed French Impressionist paintings next to African masks and Native American jewelry, a believer in social justice and the idea that art, as well as people, should not be segregated. In 1927, he established a scholarship fund to support Black artists, writers and musicians and continued a lifelong commitment to racial equality. Today, the collections include works by Impressionist and Modernist masters—among them, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Renoir, Picasso, Matisse and Rousseau—as well as Native American ceramics, Greek antiquities, Pennsylvania German furniture, African art and decorative ironwork. The works are grouped in ‘ensembles’ based on color, light or motif echoes rather than geography or era.

24.  Milwaukee Art Museum | Milwaukee, WI

This fun museum has an installation on its rooftop called ‘Burke Brise Soleil’ with winglike structures that open when the museum opens, close and reopen at noon, and close when it shuts its doors for the night. The collections are diverse, with work from antiquity to the modern day and contain more than 32,000 objects of all mediums. Some highlights include German Renaissance master clocks, 20th-century Haitian art and works by the Ashcan School (who documented everyday life in New York’s poor neighborhoods), the turn-of-the-century American painters group called The Eight, and Georgia O’Keeffe. There are also folk and self-taught art collections, inspirational for those who want to create work but haven't been trained.

25.  Baltimore Museum of Art | Baltimore, MD

Following Baltimore’s Great Fire of 1904 and thanks to its revitalization plan, the Baltimore Museum of Art was established in 1914 with a single donated painting. The BMA owns more than 95,000 objects spanning from today all the way back to ancient Egypt. With a holding of American art encompassing the Colonial era to the late 20th century, the museum is notable for its long history of collecting works by African American artists. Its Cone Collection was assembled in the early 20th century and donated to the museum by the adventurous Baltimore sisters Claribel and Dr. Etta Cone in 1949. The siblings visited the Paris studios of Matisse and Picasso, met Gertrude Stein, and eventually amassed a collection of some 3,000 objects, including 600-plus works by Matisse—the largest array of the artist’s pieces in a public institution.

26.  Seattle Art Museum | Seattle, WA

Founded in 1933, the Seattle Art Museum owns approximately 25,000 works spread over three separate facilities. In the main building in downtown Seattle, you’ll find the museum’s collections of ethnic, modern, and contemporary art. The cornerstone of the contemporary holdings is the Wright Collection of more than 200 works, documenting major art movements such as Abstract Expressionism, Pop, Minimalism and Light and Space. When you build up an appetite, visit the Seattle Market Fishmonger & Eatery now housed in the museum: grab a lobster roll, Dungeness crab or oysters with a beer. A 20-minute walk away is the museum’s nine-acre waterfront Olympic Sculpture Park with monumental contemporary sculptures by the likes of Calder and Serra. It also features spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. To visit the museum’s renowned Seattle Asian Art Museum, you’ll have to hop in a vehicle or ride a bike; it’s more than two miles away in a 1933 Art Deco building that was SAM’s original home.

27.  Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum | Boston, MA

• Mission Hill

As remarkable as its eccentric socialite founder, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a lavish reconstruction of a 15th-century Venetian palace, complete with an exquisite interior courtyard. Conceived by Gardner and her husband to house their growing collection amassed during their extensive travels, the museum opened in 1903. Every item in the 16,000-piece collection—which spans European, Asian, and Islamic art from classical times to the turn of the 20th century— is meticulously placed according to Gardner’s instructions. The downside is the empty frames that once contained priceless paintings, stolen in 1990. The museum’s tragic history is documented as being perhaps the only one whose website includes a tab called ‘Theft’ in which $10 million is offered to recover the 13 stolen works. Among the many still-there highlights are John Singer Sargent’s El Jaleo and Titian’s The Rape of Europa . The 2012 New Wing, designed by museum maestro Renzo Piano and separated from the original building by a glass corridor, houses gallery space for special exhibitions and other facilities.

28.  Detroit Institute of Arts | Detroit, MI

Founded in 1885 but now housed in a 1927 Beaux Art building termed the ‘Temple of Art,’ the Detroit Institute of Arts offers a show-stopper across east and west walls in its vast open court: Diego Rivera’s modernist Detroit Industry Murals fresco cycle. The DIA is also known as holding the first Van Gogh painting to enter a US museum collection, his Self-Portrait  from 1887, acquired in 1922. With a diverse collection of 65,000 works–including the General Motors Center for African American Art curatorial department tasked with expanding the museum's collection of African American art, the DIA is in the top six of art museums in the nation.

29.  MASS MoCA | North Adams, MA

Located in a converted 19th-century factory complex in a former mill town, MASS MoCA is one of the country's largest centers for contemporary visual art and the performing arts. As such, visitors can expect 250,000 square feet of exhibition space, 5,000 square feet of rehearsal space, a black box theater, and workshop and art fabrication facilities—along with a sandwich shop, brewhouse, cafe and retail shopping. The center focuses on presenting large-scale and complex installations that can’t be realized in more conventional exhibition spaces. An exhibition of more than 100 monumental-sized wall drawings and paintings conceived by Sol LeWitt will be on view through 2043 (yes, that year is correct: wall drawings ‘til we drop!).

30.  Chinati Foundation | Marfa, TX

Much of the work here is sited outdoors in Marfa’s desert landscape, making it one of the most unusual places in the world to view art. Established by minimalist artist Donald Judd in 1986, the Chinati Foundation is dedicated to permanent large-scale installations by a small number of artists. Located on 340 acres of land on the site of Fort D.A. Russell, it was initially conceived to display the work of Judd, John Chamberlain and Dan Flavin but has expanded to include sculptures and installations by many others, including Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. These are displayed in converted military buildings (each structure devoted to a single artist) and on the grounds. On your way out of town, check out the fake Prada store erected in 2005 by Elmgreen and Dragset, endlessly Instagrammed for its solitary boutique anchored on the desolate roadside.

31.  Asian Art Museum | San Francisco, CA

• Civic Center

While it is now the country’s largest showcase for Asian art, the older section of the Asian Art Museum once served as San Francisco’s main library at Civic Center. The 1917 structure was beautifully adapted by Gae Aulenti, the architect responsible for the Musée d’Orsay conversion in Paris, and retains remnants of its previous role, including bookish quotes etched into the fabric of the building. The institution holds one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Indonesian and Southeast Asian art, spanning 6,000 years of history with more than 18,000 objects. Artifacts range from Japanese Buddhas and Indonesian shadow puppets to sacred texts and porcelains from the Ming Dynasty.

32.  Pulitzer Arts Foundation | St. Louis, MO

• Covenant Blu

Established in 2001, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation is a non-collecting institution. Its permanent collection contains only three works—one sculpture each by Richard Serra, Ellsworth Kelly and Scott Burton. Instead, the museum hosts an impressive array of temporary exhibitions. Past exhibitions have featured art from around the world, including ‘Ruth Asawa: Life’s Work.’ The impeccable minimalist building designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando is one of the loveliest places in the country to look at art. The foundation also offers participatory programming for visitors.

33.  Denver Art Museum | Denver, CO

This museum is housed in three buildings that seem to be artwork in themselves, such as the reflective glass-tiled Martin Building designed by Italian architect Gio Ponti (his only U.S. build) and architect Daniel Libeskind’s Hamilton Building, which resembles the mountainous peaks around Denver and its rock crystals. Plenty of public art is scattered around the 70,000 square-foot campuses, such as the beloved 35-foot-tall broom and dustpan installation called Big Sweep by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, so you don’t even have to enter to enjoy a visit. Yet inside is a massive collection of African art, architecture and design, Indigenous arts of North America, Asian art, modern and contemporary art, photography, and Western American art that's worth exploring.

34.  North Carolina Museum of Art | Raleigh, NC

The museum ’s People’s Collection actually belongs to the residents of North Carolina, thanks to the state’s 1947 decision to set aside $1 million to start purchasing art: the first state in history to do so. And the beneficence continues: the museum is free. Surrounded by a 164-acre park (with artwork and trails galore), the museum’s initial acquisition of 185 pieces has grown into an impressive collection that spans over 5,000 years and includes everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to 14th-century Italian paintings and 21st-century works. Of particular note is the Rodin collection, containing 30 sculptures beautifully installed in the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Court and Garden, as well as a celebrated collection of European paintings from the Renaissance through Impressionism. Additionally, NCMA hosts one of only two permanent displays of Jewish ceremonial art in an American art museum.

35.  Brooklyn Museum | Brooklyn, NY

One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, The Brooklyn Museum ’s history began with the 1823 Brooklyn Apprentices’ Library, with Walt Whitman as one of the first librarians. The library-turned-institution offered early exhibitions of painting and sculpture. (However, the massive structure that we know today was built between 1893 and 1927, opening in 1897.) The expansive collection seeks to display artistic traditions found across the globe, including work from Egypt, Europe, the Pacific Islands, the Americas and Africa. The museum began collecting African art in 1900 and was the first U.S. museum to display African objects as works of art in a 1923 exhibition. The Brooklyn Museum also initiated the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, an exhibition space and education center dedicated to showcasing feminist art, including Judy Chicago’s monumental installation The Dinner Party .

36.  The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art | Kansas City, MO

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Kansas City’s Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art opened its doors in 1933, with lines to enter stretching down the street. Not only does the original building–featuring beautiful Beaux-Arts architecture—remain intact, but you’ll also find the striking Bloch Building, which was compared to a Walmart and which museum officials even said looked like a 67-story skyscraper resting on its side (but at night, it does glow luminously!) Altogether, this sprawling museum is home to over 40,000 objects, including an impressive collection of Asian art and works dating back 4,000 years to ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. In the 22-acre Donald J. Hall Sculpture Garden, you’ll find Robert Morris’s Glass Labyrinth and four giant shuttlecocks helmed by artists Claes Oldenburg and Coojse van Bruggen—selfies are strongly encouraged. Oh, and did we mention the museum offers free admission?

37.  Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art | Scottsdale, AZ

The SMoCA is all about architecture, design and—of course—contemporary art. A permanent installation worth lingering in is James Turrell’s Knight Rise , one of only 14 U.S. skyspaces open to the public. Housed in a former movie theater and now a Minimalist built by architect Will Bruder, the museum’s four galleries follow the footprint of the movie screening areas with ample space for large-scale installations. There’s also an outdoor sculpture garden.

38.  Nevada Museum of Art | Reno, NV

Always showing thrilling and provocative art, this museum 's permanent collection has four themed areas: Altered Landscape Photography, Art of the Greater West, Contemporary Art, and the (interestingly named) Work Ethic, which focuses on imagery of people...working. The museum dates to 1931 when a small group of landscape painters ran it, and today’s impressive four-story building by architect Will Bruder harks to the love of landforms, as it is intended to evoke the geology of the Black Rock Desert. 

39.  The Haggin Museum | Stockton, CA

This institution is half art museum, half history museum, but the part that is focused on art is worthy of its own structure. The standout of the permanent collection is the work of J.C. Leyendecker, an early 21st-century illustrator popular for Saturday Evening Post covers and advertisements for Arrow Collar and Kellogg’s Corn Flakes. There are also 12 paintings by early American artist Albert Bierstadt, including a Yosemite Valley landscape once on loan to the White House, as well as several works by painter Rosa Bonheur, given new fame by her mention in The Queen’s Gambit . In the historical area, objects focus on Native American and early Gold Rush history, agriculture, shipbuilding and firefighting. Bonus haunted artifact? The blood-stained trunk of Emma LeDoux, who murdered her husband and stashed him in it.

40.  Crocker Museum of Art | Sacramento, CA

Half of this museum is an 1872 National Register mansion with grand foyers and staircases, filled with European art from the globetrotting and railroad-financing Crocker family, while the other half is a thoroughly-modern pavilion that doubles the gallery space and focuses on contemporary and antique art. A large Chihuly Golden Teal Chandelier graces the entry, while the museum has a close association with Wayne Thiebaud, who lived nearby and occasionally tinkered with paintings in situ until his 2021 death (fortunately, he had already visited the Crocker’s exhibition "Wayne Thiebaud: 100’ on the occasion of his 100th birthday in 2020)." The Crocker’s is also known for its stellar collection of work by Californians from the Gold Rush to today, one of the largest international ceramics collections in the U.S. and its collections of Asian, African and Oceanic art.

41.  Colby College Museum of Art | Waterville, ME

This art museum (the largest in the state) contains 10,000 works in all media, focusing on American and contemporary art. It’s always free, housed on the campus of this liberal arts college about an hour from Portland. It's well worth the visit if only to see the 900-work collection of artist Alex Katz, a figurative artist known for his large-scale flat figurative portraits of people. This collection began with Katz’s 1992 donation of more than 400 of his works and has grown exponentially since then. This museum is one of very few in the U.S. with an entire wing devoted to the work of a single living artist, the Paul J. Schupf Wing. Additionally, there’s a strong folk art collection and site-specific works by Richard Serra and Sol LeWitt.

42.  Franconia Sculpture Park | Shafer, MN

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Founded in 1996, this cool outdoor art museum sits on 50 acres in the St. Croix River Valley. Walk around and see diverse, experimental sculptures on cultivated prairie grassland where deciduous and coniferous forests meet. The sculpture park hopes to be a “national model for how a contemporary outdoor art museum can engage and collaborate with the community” by creating a dialogue between artists and audiences and by supporting artists in the production of new work, including through an artist’s residency program. There’s also an indoor Mardag Gallery with rotating exhibitions, and educational programming open to the public happens typically on a weekly basis.

43.  Peabody Essex Museum | Salem, MA

Begun in part as a cabinet of curiosities, this facility—which combined two separate museums, the Peabody and the Essex , in 1992—has grown to embrace a strong connection to the arts. It holds more than 840,000 works of art and culture covering maritime art; American, Asian, Oceanic and African art; two large libraries of books and documents; and even 22 historic buildings, including Yin Yu Tang, a 200-year-old Chinese building brought to Salem to be reerected. It’s the oldest continuously operating and collecting museum in the United States, and given its siting, it, of course, holds an invaluable collection of materials related to the city’s infamous witch trials.

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USA TODAY 10Best

What are the best museums across the United States?

February 23, 2024 // By 10Best Editors

By 10Best Editors February 23, 2024

There are more than 35,000 museums in the United States, according to a figure released by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. That means there's more than twice as many museums in the country as there are McDonald's restaurants — a staggering figure.

To narrow that enormous number down to the best museums across eight categories, from history museums to science museums, we tasked an expert panel with nominating their top picks. Then, readers voted for their favorites to decide the winners.

Click on each category below to see the full winners list:

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Best Children's Museum: The Children's Museum of Indianapolis in Indianapolis, Indiana

A favorite Indy attraction, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the largest museum of its kind in the world, encompassing nearly 30 acres of fun-filled exhibits. Kids can snap a selfie with a T. rex, explore outer space through the lens of NASA’s Project Mercury, travel overseas without a passport in "Take Me There: Greece," and play one of 12 sports outdoors in a fabulous interactive sports park with health in mind.

Full list of winners: Best Children's Museum »

Best Free Museum: National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center in Columbus, Georgia

Immersive exhibits at the National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center in Columbus, Georgia, take visitors through the last 240 years of U.S. military history. More than 70,000 artifacts tell the story of what it means to be a U.S. soldier. Admission is free and tours are self-guided.

Full list of winners: Best Free Museum »

Best History Museum: Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Heinz History Center preserves the history of Western Pennsylvanians and helps educate visitors with interactive exhibits spread across six floors. A highlight is the "Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood" exhibit, which houses artifacts from the popular children's show that was filmed in Pittsburgh. You'll get to see the welcoming living room set, The Great Oak Tree, King Friday XIII’s Castle, and plenty of other notable items.

Full list of winners: Best History Museum »

Best Music Museum: Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville, Tennessee

This dedicated space to "The Man in Black" is packed with Johnny Cash memorabilia, including costumes, gold and platinum records, handwritten song lyrics, and even a piece of the wall from the home he shared with his wife, June. A small theater screens clips of Cash’s television and movie appearances.

Full list of winners: Best Music Museum »

Best Open Air Museum: Plimoth Patuxet Museums in Plymouth, Massachusetts

The Plimoth Patuxet Museums in Plymouth, Massachusetts, feature meticulously reconstructed and preserved structures, including the Mayflower II, a full-scale reproduction of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America, and replica villages representing both the English and Native American villages. Visitors are immersed in a living history experience, interacting with historical interpreters who portray both Pilgrims and Wampanoag inhabitants and showcase daily life of the period.

Full list of winners: Best Open Air Museum »

Best Pop Culture Museum: Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting, Indiana

Who doesn’t love a good sports mascot? At this charming museum just a half-hour outside of Chicago, you’ll get to explore interactive exhibits and memorabilia honoring some of the most popular mascots of all time across numerous sports. That includes the Oriole Bird, Phillie Phanatic, Mr. Met, Rocky the Mountain Lion, and even the Chicago Blackhawk’s own Tommy Hawk.

Full list of winners: Best Pop Culture Museum »

Best Science Museum: The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, New York

Located in the Adirondacks, The Wild Center is situated on a beautiful 115-acre campus that's home to more than 900 live animals. A 54,000-square-foot building houses the center's main exhibits, while trails, a private pond, and river frontage form the outdoor experience. From naturalist-led walks to animal encounters, there's always a special event happening here.

Full list of winners: Best Science Museum »

Best Small Town Museum: Museum of the Big Bend in Alpine, Texas

Located on the campus of Sul Ross State University, Museum of the Big Bend strives to preserve and share the history and culture of the Big Bend region of Texas and Mexico through exhibits and artifacts. It’s nestled in the mountains in the high desert in Alpine, Texas.

Full list of winners: Best Small Town Museum »

Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote in our other Readers' Choice Awards contests.

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• Art & Culture

Top 10 Must-Visit Museums in America: A Journey through Art, History, and Culture

Marilyn walters.

• July 5, 2023

Take an immersive journey through the top ten museums in the United States, where every exhibit sparks imagination, creativity, and learning.

• The Met, Smithsonian National Museum, and Art Institute of Chicago are cultural icons, housing diverse collections of art and history.
• Specialized museums like the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and National WWII Museum offer deep dives into specific areas of art and history.
• Institutions like the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis provide engaging, educational experiences for all ages.

The Remarkable Tale of the Top Museums in the US

Imagine embarking on a voyage through time and space, right here on American soil. Museums, these remarkable vessels of knowledge, offer us this unique journey. They awaken our sense of curiosity, feed our hunger for culture, and ignite a passion for lifelong learning. Here we will dive into a thrilling exploration of the finest museums in the US, discovering what makes each one an unrivaled gem.

The Majestic Museums of the Big Apple and Beyond

• First, we head to the heart of New York City where the Metropolitan Museum of Art , known affectionately as The Met, stands proudly. Dating back to 1870, this iconic institution houses artworks that span an incredible 5,000 years, drawing millions of awestruck visitors annually. Its spectacular exhibits include the historic Temple of Dendur and the captivating Washington Crossing the Delaware.

• Next, we venture to Washington D.C., the home of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Considered the best overall museum in the US, it boasts the most extensive natural history collection globally. Its iconic exhibits include the awe-inspiring Hall of Human Origins and the Butterfly Pavilion.

• Our tour continues to the Art Institute of Chicago, nestled in the vibrant downtown by Millennium Park. This cultural treasure chest, established in 1879, showcases thousands of global artworks. Marvel at the breathtaking creations of Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Georgia O’Keeffe.

Discovering Cultural Gems in Diverse Corners of the US

• We then make our way to Santa Fe, where the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum celebrates the life and legacy of this pioneering artist. Here, you’ll find curated galleries of O’Keeffe’s exceptional work, alongside insights into her creative process.
• Our journey takes a historical turn in New Orleans with the National WWII Museum. This invaluable institution remembers and explores the significant events, key players, and impactful outcomes of World War II.
• As we venture back to Washington D.C., we’re welcomed by the National Gallery of Art. This artistic hub flaunts over 141,000 pieces of Western art, from the middle ages to today. Delight in the masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, and more.
• Back in New York City, the American Museum of Natural History offers a fascinating exploration into the world’s cultures and the planet. From the vibrant Hall of Biodiversity to the immersive Hall of Ocean Life, it’s a scientific spectacle.

Journey to the Stars and Beyond

• Next, fasten your seat belts as we head to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. This cosmic adventure displays the world’s largest collection of aviation and space artifacts.
• We then explore the significant African American narratives at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, also part of the Smithsonian Institution. This museum, affectionately known as the Blacksonian, tells a compelling story of African American history and culture.
• Finally, we end our tour in Indianapolis, at the world’s largest Children’s Museum. This exciting hub offers hands-on exhibits ranging from dinosaur explorations to a discovery of ancient Greece, promising an unforgettable experience for young minds.

Marilyn is a seasoned journalist known for her investigative reporting and insightful analysis. Her relentless pursuit of truth and dedication to journalistic integrity have established her as a respected voice in today's dynamic news landscape.

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Top 100 best museums in United States

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The best museums in United States in August 2024

These are the top 100 best museums in United States , ranked by their rating and popularity in 2024. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in United States, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in United States .

Looking for the best museums in United States? These are the best ones:

St. Patrick's Cathedral

National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Empire State Building

Battleship Missouri Memorial

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Natural Bridge Caverns

Space Needle

National Museum of African American History and Culture

American Museum of Natural History

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Aquarium of the Pacific

Fort Stevens State Park

Fruitlands Museum - The Trustees of Reservations

Gatorland Orlando

Titanic Museum Attraction

Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory

SeaWorld Orlando

Guggenheim Museum

National Air and Space Museum

Lion Country Safari

Central Park Zoo

Flamingo Gardens

Madame Tussauds New York

9/11 Tribute Museum

Intrepid Museum

The Art Institute of Chicago

National Museum of American History

Shedd Aquarium

National Gallery of Art

Field Museum

Boston Tea Party - Ships and Museum

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

Uss Midway Museum

San Diego Zoo

Filoli Historic House & Garden

American Prohibition Museum

Milwaukee County Zoo

Arlington National Cemetery

De Young Museum

Museum of Contemporary Art

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Olana NY State Historic Site

White House

World of Coca-cola

Whitney Museum of American Art

Ground Zero Museum Workshop

California Citrus State Park Visitor Center

Bird Kingdom Niagara Falls

Cheekwood Estate and Gardens

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

Page Museum - La Brea Tar Pits

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Space Center Houston

National WWII Museum

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

International Spy Museum

The Getty Center

Eric Sloane Museum

Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

Old Westbury Gardens

Betsy Ross House

Museum of Sex

San Francisco Zoo

Museum At Eldridge Street

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Madame Tussaud's

National Museum of Natural History

Aquarium of the Bay

Alcatraz Island

Rodin Museum

Ripley's Believe It or Not! St. Augustine

Zoo Atlanta

Museum of Science

Ford's Theatre

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Liberty Bell Center

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Paul Revere House

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Grand Prairie

Wild florida.

Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum

Fraunces Tavern Museum

Battleship Uss Iowa

Miami Beach Botanical Garden

Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science

The banksy museum.

Iolani Palace

Glazer Children's Museum

Woodland Park Zoo

Boch Center - Wang Theatre

Exploratorium

All museums in United States

Best museums in United States

Best museums in new york, best museums in philadelphia, best museums in washington d.c., best museums in los angeles, best museums in san francisco, best museums in chicago, best museums in houston, best museums in new orleans, best museums in san diego, best museums in boston, best museums in baltimore, best museums in atlanta.

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The 10 Best Art Museums in the USA

The United States is home to some of the most sophisticated art museums in the world and houses some of the most famous works of art. From Leonardo da Vinci to Roy Lichtenstein, every artistic era and medium is represented in museums throughout the country.

The following list, which covers museums from New York City to Los Angeles and everything in between, is compiled thanks to a  Ranker survey of America’s most visited art museums. Keep in mind that there are many, many other worthy art museums in the United States, but this is a good start.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

TripSavvy / Kelsea Watkins

Bordering NYC's Central Park , the Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest museum in the United States, housing more than two million pieces in its permanent collection curated from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The Museum is always expanding and transformed its Whitney space in March 2016 to the new Met Breuer, a separate museum of the Met that houses exclusive contemporary art pieces.

Must-See Works of Art: The Egyptian Collection including the Temple of Dendur, an original temple from 15 B.C. The complete Vermeer collection. Couture designs by Chanel, Laurent, and Balenciaga.

Museum of Fine Arts Boston

The more than 450,000 works of art that make up the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston make it one of the largest museums in the United States. Its most renowned collections are its American Art, Egyptian Art, and ongoing #techstyle exhibit that features fashion in the age of sci-fi technology. Thanks to Boston's twinning with the city of Nagoya—the MFA's Japanese art collection (the Edward S. Morse Collection)—this museum houses America’s most extensive collection of Japanese art and pottery outside Japan. A big fan of music? Don’t forget to also check out the gallery of 1,100 musical instruments from the Medieval times to now, complete with daily gallery demonstrations.

Must-See Works of Art: John Singleton Copley's portrait of Paul Revere (left). Also noteworthy are Copley's "Watson and the Shark;" Gilbert Stuart's portrait of George Washington; works by Gauguin, Cézanne, Monet.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a museum of the old and the new and features one of the largest collection of American artworks found in the USA, next to its ​acquisition of important paintings by Cezanne, Manet, DuChamp, and Marisso. The bustling museum contains more than 220,000 pieces, such as intricate Persian and Turkish rugs, and also houses one of the world’s most-visited Rodin sculpture collections. For young art lovers or fashionistas, the museum has a bevy of interesting art exhibits, from its fashion-heavy Creative Africa exhibit to play installations by Joseph Kosuth.

Must-See Works of Art: Creative Africa exhibition; AMOR sculpture on museum steps; Monte Sainte-Victoire by Paul Cezanne; Basket of Fruit by Edouard Manet. Also, the Keith L. and Katherine Sachs Collection of Private Art is one of the country’s leading private collections that is now open to the public at this museum.

National Gallery of Art

TripSavvy / Victoria Chamberlain

The National Gallery of Art, established in 1937, is the United States' national collection of fine art housed on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The museum is split into west and east buildings. The former contains the museum's American and European Collections, specifically its Kress collection featuring an abundance of Italian pieces, and the latter containing mostly modern art and special exhibition space. (Note: The National Gallery of Art is not under the jurisdiction of the Smithsonian Institution.)

Must-See Works of Art: Portrait of Ginevra de' Benci by Leonardo da Vinci (left). This is the only Leonardo painting in the Americas. Samuel Kress Collection.

Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in Midtown Manhattan contains a vast collection of Modernist art and organizes short exhibitions featuring collections from overseas in its stunning white abstract backdrop. Some of the 20th Century's most recognizable paintings by the likes of Van Gogh, Rousseau, Pollock, and Picasso grace the walls of the MoMA.

Visitor's Tips for the MoMA: Note that admission to the MoMA is free on Fridays from 4-8 p.m. (expect crowds). The Modern, the restaurant that is open only to museum patrons, is one of New York City's Michelin-starred restaurants The Modern does not accept reservations.

Must-See Works of Art: Vincent Van Gogh's "Starry Night" is incredible to see in person. Other must-see works include "The Sleeping Gypsy" by Henri Rousseau; "Number 31" by Jackson Pollock; "Flag" by Jasper Johns; Andy Warhol's "Campbell Soup Cans;" and Gustav Klimt’s “Adele Bloch Bauer II.”

Cleveland Museum of Art

Taking a trip down to Ohio and want to saunter through an art museum? Look no further than Cleveland Museum of Art, a buzzing 45,000-piece art museum that houses Botticelli, Van Gogh, Goya, Matisse and other famous painters in less crowded, larger spaced galleries compared to the Met or MoMA. The museum has art for every age, from ancient Tibetan pieces to art models for kids, and is the only American museum to possess a surviving Gothic table fountain. This year, the museum is pushing its boundaries for its Centennial Celebration by featuring the largest amount of Albert Oehlen artwork to-date in the US.

Must-See Works of Art: The Parisian Gothic Table Fountain from 1320-40; 18th-century French monarchy and bourgeoisie pre- and post-French revolution paintings; Albert Oehlen; Woods near Oehle.

Art Institute of Chicago

 TripSavvy / Cory Giguere 

Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Art are the highlights of the collection at The Art Institute of Chicago, the second largest art museum in the US. The museum is famed for its expansive collection of American art, African-American art, antique Asian art and 20th-century furniture. If you are a Monet enthusiast, don’t forget to stroll through this museum to catch one of America’s largest collection of Monet paintings.

Must-See Works of Art: Georges Seurat's "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" (left) is a famous piece in the Art Institute's collection. Additionally, there are numerous paintings from Monet, Manet, Cézanne, Renoir, and Cassatt. In its American Collection, look for Grant Wood's "American Gothic."

Detroit Institute Of The Arts

Detroit Institute Of The Arts is one of the smaller museums on this list, with 65,000 pieces on display but its packs a punch. Containing exclusive collections of Early European art paintings, American art, and ancient artifacts, the museum frequently ranks in the top 5 art museums to see of the US. This museum is the museum you should run to if you are desperate to stare at Rodin’s “The Thinker”, and glimpse Peter Bruegel The Elder’s “The Wedding Dance.”

Must-see Works of Art: Rodin’s “The Thinker” (left); Diego Rivera’s mural for the museum.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

The LACMA, as it is usually called, is the largest art museum west of Chicago, with an estimated 100,000 works of art dating from ancient times to present day. It's best known for its American galleries, which focus on pre-Columbian and Latin American art. Thanks to perpetually fine weather, the LACMA has numerous temporary and permanent outdoor installations.

Must-See Works of Art: LACMA's newest star artwork is "Levitated Mass," a boulder sculpture realized by artist Michael Heizer. "Urban Light" (left) by Chris Burden is another iconic installation.

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Set in a distinctive, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is known for its modern artworks. Originally called The Museum of Non-Objective Painting when it opened in 1939, the Guggenheim started with a collection of American and European abstract and non-objective works. Renamed after its founder in 1952, the Guggenheim now displays its core abstract collection along with works from all manner of contemporary art genres, among them Dada, Impressionism, Pop Art, and Surrealism.

Must-See Works of Art: Any number of works by Vasily Kandinsky, an artist for whom a whole gallery is dedicated. "Paris Through the Window" by Marc Chagall; Amedeo Modigliani's "Nude;" Édouard Manet's "Before the Mirror;" Pablo Picasso's "Woman with Yellow Hair;" the Robert Mapplethorpe Photography Collection.

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25 Best Museums in the United States In 2024

Are you a culture buff looking to explore the best museums in the United States? Look no further — from world-class art galleries to fascinating science centers, this comprehensive guide brings together some of America’s most iconic and awe-inspiring museums.

Whether you’re traveling for pleasure or education, prepare to be amazed by these incredible institutions scattered throughout the country! Get ready for an unforgettable journey as we discover everything that makes American museum visits so unique.

The Best Museums in the United States

The US boasts over 35,000 museums across the country – featuring famous sculptures , artworks, and exhibitions. While you may be spoilt for choice, it can be helpful to narrow things down. 

This list takes you on a tour of the best museums in the United States, offering various cultural activities for every taste and budget. 

We present this list in no particular order, as all of these United States museums have their own merits. Deciding which ones to visit first depends on where you live and what your particular interests are.

1. American Museum of Natural History, New York City

Settled in the Upper West Side within Manhattan, this historical gem has been a site of wonder and learning for nearly half a century. 

Visitors are inspired daily with over 32 million specimens and artifacts of the natural world to discover. Ranging from birds to awe-inspiring dinosaurs, these exhibits will provide an unforgettable experience. 

Engross yourself in a tour of the museum to explore various facilities. The incredible butterfly sanctuary,  and amazing replicated creatures will be sure to be a highlight of your trip. 

2. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C.

Whether you frequent museums or not, this revered center is worth a visit. Divided into two facilities, this museum welcomes over 8 million visitors annually – more than any other museum in the country.

The America by Air gallery is part of the museum’s extensive permanent collection. In The Wright Brothers & the Invention of the Aerial Age , enjoy the Wright Flyer exhibit. Head to the Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall and experience being in the same room as a piece of the moon!

3. The Art Institute of Chicago

If you find yourself walking in Chicago, be sure to enter this art institute to capture the vibrance of this Windy City’s art scene . At 280,000 square feet, this is one of the largest museums in America, surpassed only by the Metropolitan Museum of Art at 633,100 square feet.

Admire Grant Wood’s American Gothic , Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte , Nighthawks by Edward Hopper and a portrait of Elizabeth Taylor by Andy Warhol.

Enjoy a delicious meal at the Terzo Piano restaurant which boasts sweeping views of Millennium Park and the Chicago city skyline. And if art’s not your scene, fans of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” can reenact the film’s famous scene among the museum’s iconic halls.  

4. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City

The epitome of old-world meets new, this incredible center of art is one of America’s finest and should be on every art or history enthusiast’s list. It’s also the largest art museum in the U.S., spanning over 630,000 square feet.

The Met’s storied walls feature over two million works and collections.

Marvel at various exquisite historical pieces, such as the Egyptian temple and ancient Roman sculptures. Well-known names, like Rembrandt and Monet, will be sure to make any art enthusiast swoon.

5. National Portrait Gallery, Washington D.C.

Based in the country’s capital, this Smithsonian institution features portraits of famous Americans, past and present, to get history fanatics in their element. 

Spend hours roaming the hallways and rooms filled with an abundance of curated pieces in this art-lovers dreamland. 

6. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Holding over 4.5 billion years of history and over 35 million specimens and artifacts, this is a special place. With a 3D theatre, nature gardens, and a dinosaur lab, there’s plenty for every kind of visitor to enjoy. 

It provides a culmination of nature, science, and culture for a truly unique experience. So whether you fancy fossils, bugs, or the gem and mineral hall; you’re sure to be enthralled. 

7. The National WWII Museum, New Orleans

There’s no better place to learn about the significant ways WWII shaped US culture than in this heaven for history buffs. You’ll board a train car to reach the entrance, creating the sensation that you really are traveling back in time. 

Spend the day listening to oral histories and marvel at boats and tanks up close. And for those who want an authentic experience, you’ll have the opportunity to chat with some veteran volunteers who happily share their stories.  

8. The Getty Center, Los Angeles

One of the best museums on the West Coast and a piece of modern art in and of itself. The Getty Center has an undulating structure perfectly complemented by stretches of manicured gardens. 

Once arriving via driverless tram, must-see attractions include Van Gogh’s Irises and Rembrandt’s Old Man in Military Costume . There are four pavilions displaying art from the 1400s to today, as well as a large selection of modern artworks in the grounds.

Visitors can stroll the lawns after a day of viewing the expansive collection from European Renaissance art to modernity, as well as the incredible photography displays.  

9. The National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.

Located on the National Mall, this is the perfect spot to escape the bustle of the city for a few hours to recharge and unwind. With over 3,000 works to view, you’re in for a treat.

There’s a fine collection of Impressionist artworks and the stunning Ginevra de’ Benci oil painting by Leonardo da Vinci. Be sure to pop into the Gallery Shop for the perfect art-inspired gift. 

You can also opt to explore the culture garden, where you can admire 21 modern and contemporary sculptures while you roam this oasis in the heart of the city. 

10. Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Dearborn

If you find yourself in the great state of Michigan, on a road trip perhaps, then this indoor-outdoor museum is the perfect addition to your itinerary. Be sure to view Kennedy’s limo, Lincoln’s chair, and the bus where Rosa Parks sat.

Visitors of all ages will be entertained for hours in this hub of innovation.  

11. Philadelphia Museum of Art

Fans flock worldwide to climb the famous “Rocky Steps” from the iconic film and pose by the Rocky statue in front of this museum. 

There is also a vast collection of art that spans over centuries for visitors to admire. Gaze at paintings of Benjamin Franklin or marvel at contemporary art by the likes of van Gogh, Picasso, and Duchamp. 

12. The Museum of Modern Art, New York City

In the heart of Manhattan and regarded as one of the most influential modern art museums in the world, this is top listed on any visit to the Big Apple . 

See van Gogh’s Starry Night and Self-Portrait with Cropped Hair by Frida Kahlo up close or famous Surrealist artists’ work like The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dali. Patrons often make multiple visits to the MoMA to see its over 200,000 pieces in the halls adorned with rich art history. 

13. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Whether you’re an art aficionado or not, this Boston museum is bound to impress you. It holds one of the most comprehensive collections in America. 

Marvel at the incredible Monet exhibit or soak up the impressive archeology collection which ranges from African, Middle Eastern, Asian and Egyptian cultures. End your excursion with a delectable lunch in the serene outside garden. 

14. National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington D.C.

This Smithsonian Institution museum had an opening in 2003 led by President Barack Obama and makes for a thought-provoking tour while in the capital.

Here you’ll take an emotional journey through time and feel the power of human resilience in the countless exhibits, stories, and displays. Boasting a wealth of knowledge, this museum is both educational and inspiring.  

15. The Cleveland Museum of Art

Any visit to Ohio state should have this free museum at the center of their trip. Get up close to incredible paintings where you can admire every brushstroke in detail.

Check out the Armor Court for a unique look at medieval life or gaze at the African, Islamic, French, and Renaissance tapestries. There’s also one of the best collections of Japanese art outside of Japan.

16. USS Midway Museum, San Diego

One of the US’s longest-serving aircraft carriers from the 1940’s to the First Gulf War in 1991, the USS Midway now sits comfortably in the San Diego Bay and enchants visitors from far and wide. 

This museum houses more than 60 exhibits including a war room, galley, sleeping quarters, and brig. You will also get to tour the 24-plus restored aircraft on the flight deck. This is the perfect outing for the whole family.

17. The Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago

Soak up this amazing learning experience that mixes modern curation with ancient history. Look forward to viewing the riveting dinosaur exhibit where you can marvel at the oldest T-Rex, “Sue”, fully assembled.

Tuck into a delicious hot meal in the cafeteria or pack a lunch to enjoy in the picnic area. 

18. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

A museum abuzz with kiddies’ laughter, this is an awesome place for youngsters to engage with interactive learning exhibits. 

Watch their curiosity blossom at everything – from steam trains and dinosaurs to learning the day-to-day life of an astronaut in the space station. 

Each floor appeals to different ages and you’ll likely have a hard time getting your bambinos to leave the exciting outdoor play area. 

19. Los Angeles County Museum of Art

One of LA’s top attractions, filled with paintings and exhibits, you will lose track of time in this museum of treasures. 

Equipped with an in-depth look at the artist Yoshitomo Nara , LACMA is the place to witness the evolution of Nara’s works. This extensive collection spans over 30 years on a multitude of mediums. There are also some fascinating temporary exhibits which change regularly.

20. National Museum of the US Air Force, Ohio

The NMUSAF is the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world. With more than 360 aircraft artifacts on display, this is a paradise for any military, aviation, or history savant. An added bonus, this monumental museum is free!

21. Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle

This long-term exhibition offers an opportunity to learn all about the glass-blowing industry and promises to be the highlight of your trip to Seattle. 

Chihuly has led the avant-garde scene with the development of glass as a fine art medium. This display is a beautiful collection of his work to be admired while strolling through the gardens. 

22. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York City

The Guggenheim Museum stands as a shining monument to the power of artistic expression in the United States. Designed by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the building’s spiraling design makes it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and architectural aficionados alike.

Visitors can peruse the museum’s extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by the likes of Kandinsky, Warhol, and Picasso. The Guggenheim Museum is a masterpiece of both art and architecture.

23. Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island , Florida

The Kennedy Space Center is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in science, technology, and the legacy of manned flight. It is a place where history and technology blend seamlessly, transporting visitors into the world of aerospace exploration and innovation.

As you stroll through the Rocket Garden, admire the towering rockets and spacecraft that paved the way to the stars. Experience the thrill of space flight in the flight simulator, and witness the awe-inspiring achievements of NASA in the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit.

24. Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Washington D.C.

This iconic American museum stands as a cornerstone of the country’s cultural heritage, housing some of the most celebrated artifacts in the nation’s history. Among the priceless exhibits are the Star-Spangled Banner, which inspired the country’s national anthem, and the iconic ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the timeless classic, The Wizard of Oz.

Stepping inside this world-renowned institution is a profound experience that takes visitors on a journey through America’s rich history.

25. 9/11 Memorial & Museum, New York City

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum stands as a symbol of resilience for the United States and its people. Built in the World Trade Center complex, the museum offers a moving tribute to those who lost their lives during the tragic events of September 11th, 2001.

As visitors make their way through the halls, they are presented with a powerful reminder of the human cost of terrorism, but also of the enduring spirit of those who survived. The exhibits are carefully curated to tell the story of that fateful day, and the bravery and selflessness of the heroes who risked everything to help others.

Final Thoughts on the Best US Museums

As you can see, there are a variety of different museums in the United States that are all worth visiting. With so many options available, it’s hard to narrow down the best ones.

However, these historic sites and museums offer some of the most interesting and novelty exhibits that are sure to educate and entertain everyone in the family. So if you’re looking for an amazing museum experience, be sure to check out one of these top institutions on your next trip.

For more ideas on things to do in the United States, be sure to check out our other articles.

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• Best Virtual Art Museum Tours
• Famous Impressionist Paintings
• Famous Sculptures
• Most Expensive Cities to Live in the United States
• Most Famous Artists in the World
• What to See in Florida Apart From Theme Parks

Looking for more travel hacks and tips? From hidden gems to unique experiences, we’ve got you covered. Join us on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  Pinterest  and  Twitter .

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Suze and Paul Renner

Suze and Paul are the founders of LuxuryColumnist, one of the leading luxury online magazines worldwide.

10 thoughts on “25 Best Museums in the United States In 2024”

Crystal Bridges in Bentonville Ark deserves to be on list too!

Thanks Cliff, we’ll check it out!

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston

Great tip, thank you.

The National World War 1 museum in Kansas City, Missouri is a world class museum. It has extensive and ever changing artifact displays and interactive displays. I have been to several of the museum s on this list. The National WW1 museum should definitely be on this list.

Thanks for the recommendation, Jay – we’ll check it out.

Great list! I have 6 to still visit.. One that’s not on your list and was so fascinating, the Alphabet Museum in North Carolina. Tracing languages around the world with visual appeal, a visit to this museum makes it interesting for all ages. Another museum that I loved was Stax Museum in Memphis which chronicles the history of soul music.

You’re doing very well! Thanks for the suggestions which we’ll definitely consider as these museums sound fascinating.

Very interesting article. There are several on this list I hope to see. I suggest you look at the Barnes museum in Philadelphia . Very eclectic works displayed according to the collector’s home layout Incredible impressionist pieces.

Thanks for the suggestion Brian, we will do!

Comments are closed.

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The Best Museums To Visit In The US

If you're seeking a captivating travel experience, look no further than the United States. While famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Golden Gate Bridge are truly awe-inspiring, this country is also home to numerous remarkable museums. The United States boasts some of the world's most impressive museums, showcasing various artefacts such as paintings, sculptures, and exhibits on natural and cultural history. We are thrilled to present our top three museum recommendations, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this magnificent country's captivating stories and vibrant cultural heritage.

Metropolitan Museum Of Art

If you're looking to explore a variety of art pieces in New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (also known as "the Met") is a must-visit destination. Covering almost 2 million square feet, it is the largest art museum in the United States and boasts the largest floor area of any museum in the world. With so much to see, you could easily spend a whole day there or take a shorter Highlights Tour. This three-hour tour allows you to skip entrance lines and be led by a knowledgeable guide to the most iconic artworks, explaining their significance and history.

You'll find a little of everything in The Met's permanent collection, which includes over 2 million pieces divided among 17 curatorial departments. Their paintings span over 5,000 years of artwork worldwide, from ancient Greece and Egypt to first-century Rome, and they also have extensive collections of armour, costumes, weapons, and musical instruments. The museum was established in 1870 and continues to be one of the world's best, dedicated to showcasing and representing various artworks and masterpieces, with a branch devoted to multiple arts.

Museum Of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is an exquisite museum in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, offering breathtaking contemporary art views. It is one of the world's largest and most influential museums, with an extensive collection of modern art that includes works dating back to the late 19th century in Europe and America. The museum showcases a variety of art forms, including paintings that employ cubism, surrealism, and abstract styles. One of the museum's most famous treasures is Pablo Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon.

      View this post on Instagram A post shared by MoMA The Museum of Modern Art (@themuseumofmodernart)

If you're visiting New Orleans, check out the National WWII Museum. This military history museum, previously known as the "National D-Day Museum," is a top tourist destination in the city and ranks second in the US as a way to experience World War II. The museum offers interactive exhibitions, multimedia environments, and an impressive collection of artefacts and oral histories that provide an immersive experience of this significant historical event. In addition to its on-site exhibits, the museum offers virtual field trips, webinars, and travel programs for those who cannot visit in person. The museum is also a stop on the New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour, making it easily accessible to visitors. Don't miss out on this beautiful, engaging destination connecting the community with history and the arts.

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Latest stories, the 12 best museums in the u.s. that should be on your bucket list, whether you like history, art, or simply learning something new, these museums are worth paying a visit..

Throughout the United States, you’ll find many wonderful museums—documenting everything from history to art to sports to professions and so much more.

Large and small, these museums tell the stories of people, places, communities, nature, animals, and more from centuries past all the way through to current events. They are worth traveling to in order to gain a broader perspective on life, where we've come from, and where we may be headed. Plus, they can be a part of a truly memorable trip or vacation.

Narrowing down the list of must-see museums is quite the challenge, but here are 10 of the best museums in the U.S. that should be on your bucket list.

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The Best Museums in the U.S.

1. tenement museum - new york city.

Located in New York, the Tenement Museum showcases the stories of the immigrants and migrants who came to America between the 1860s and the 1980s.

See how they lived in the historically recreated tenement apartments as they pursued the “American dream.” Their determination, resiliency, and endless desire to carve out a better life not only reflects the depths of the human spirit, but also how America came to be the country it is today. No wonder Reuters named the Tenement Museum "the world’s third-best non-art museum," and the White House awarded it a National Medal for Museum Services.

2. International Spy Museum - Washington D.C.

For those interested in the world of intrigue, intelligence, and espionage, the Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. features the largest collection of international espionage artifacts available to the public.

Some of the most notable artifacts include a 1922 silver dollar with a spring-loaded pin laced with a lethal toxin worn by U.S. pilots who could choose death over capture, Operation Bernhard forged currency created by the Nazi SD (Sicherheitsdienst) intelligence service to disrupt the British economy, and the four-rotar Japanese Enigma machine used to send scrambled messages.

3. National Museum of the American Indian - Washington, D.C.

Also in Washington, D.C., the National Museum of the American Indian contains one of the world’s largest collections of native artifacts, photographs, archives, and more documenting Native Americans in the entire Western Hemisphere.

Featuring both ongoing and temporary exhibits, the museum documents the many ways American Indians are embedded in American history and culture by looking at individual tribes and notable figures in history. Current exhibits dive deep into treaties between the United States and American Indian Nations and why Native Americans serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.

4. Mississippi Civil Rights Museum - Jackson, Mississippi

Shining a spotlight on the people and places of Mississippi that changed a nation, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson features eight galleries filled with interactive exhibits that tell the stories of oppressed black Mississippians and their fight for equality from 1945 to 1976.

You’ll hear the stories of Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Vernon Dahmer, but you’ll also hear about the many men, women, and children who also fought to be recognized as equals not only as Mississippians and Americans, but also as humans with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Artifacts include a “colored” entrance sign, textbooks from segregated schools, the rifle used to assassinate Evers, a burned cross, and a button from the 1966 March Against Fear.

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5. The National WWII Museum - New Orleans

New Orleans’ No. 1 attraction, the National WWII Museum , takes an in-depth look at why World War II was fought, how the Allies won, and what that victory means for today through exhibits, personal accounts, and multimedia experiences spread out through five galleries.

Visitors can see how the U.S. became involved in the war, explore key moments such as D-Day and the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and put themselves in the shoes of those who had to make difficult decisions during the war. You even can take a 4D journey through the war in “Beyond All Boundaries,” narrated by Tom Hanks.

6. Musical Instrument Museum - Phoenix, Arizona

With more than 8,000 instruments from more than 200 countries, the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, focuses on instruments played every day by people around the globe. Each piece demonstrates how music is a universal language, one that won’t be denied regardless of location or circumstance.

From examining the inner workings of a Steinway grand piano to an African xylophone to a Japanese shõ mouth organ, it’s amazing to see how music has been brought to life throughout the years. There’s even an exhibit showcasing instruments made from recycled and discarded materials including oil drums, kitchen utensils, water pipes, and X-rays.

7. Booth Western Art Museum - Cartersville. Georgia

In association with the Smithsonian Institution, the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, showcases the largest permanent exhibit for Western American art in the country. Paintings, sculptures, photographs, and more document the people and places that lived in the West.

In the Frank Harding Cowboy Gallery, all cowboys, including Black, Caucasian, Hispanic, and Asian, are honored in a variety of artwork. A notable gallery is the Carolyn & James Millar Presidential Gallery, which features a one-page, signed letter from every U.S. president. There’s even an interactive gallery, Sagebrush Ranch, geared to children between the ages of 2 and 12.

8. Bishop Museum - Honolulu, Hawaii

In Honolulu, the Bishop Museum honors Hawaii’s culture and heritage through more than 25 million historical, cultural, and natural artifacts. Items are displayed in permanent and temporary exhibits such as “Taxonomy: Our Lives Depend On It,” which looks at how the identification and naming of plants and animals affect our day-to-day lives.

Be sure to check out the museum’s outdoor murals, which bring together traditional culture, creative expression, and indigenous perspectives.

9. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum - Washington, D.C.

At the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., visitors can experience a narrative and haunting history of the Holocaust that took the lives of approximately six million European Jews and at least five million prisoners of war.

Exhibits include historical artifacts, photographs, video footage, and personal accounts from both victims and survivors. It also includes an exhibit that looks at Americans’ responses to Nazism, war, and genocide, plus an exhibit that shares the experiences of Americans who saw firsthand evidence of Nazi atrocities. This is a heartbreaking but necessary step back in history that everyone should see.

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10. Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum - Oklahoma City

Located in the heart of Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum documents the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building and honors the victims, the survivors, and the community that was forever changed by the event. Visitors can learn the stories of those who died this day as well as those who survived, plus walk through law enforcement’s efforts to piece together what happened to not only find and arrest the bombers, but also put together the necessary evidence to bring the bombers to justice.

When there, take time to walk among the Field of Empty Chairs in the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial, which represents the victims.

11. Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum - Boston

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum , on the waterfront in Boston, allows tourists to not only see where the tea was thrown into the harbor almost 250 years ago, but also to take on the role of someone who witnessed the historical event.

The one-hour program begins in the Meeting House, where each participant is issued a feather and assigned a character from the original Tea Party, Leslie Carbone a travel expert at Sancerres at Sunset tells Best Life . 

The tour is quite immersive and will easily transport you back to one of the most talked about events of American history. "It has an original crate from 1773, and retrievable replicas for young patriots to throw overboard into the Harbor," Carbone says.

From there, folks can enjoy the rest of the museum, as well as the gift shop and Abigail’s Tea Room & Terrace for light food and beverages.

12. National Museum of Natural History - Washington, D.C.

As part of the Smithsonian Museums in Washington D.C., the National Museum of Natural History boasts a unique and timeless collection of artifacts. Carbone says they have an astonishing accumulation of more than 145 million different items.

Located in the National Mall, there's more than enough to see at this museum. "Its beaux-arts design gives it one of the city's most elegant museum interiors—an elegance it maintains despite the presence of an 11-ton elephant in its rotunda," Carbone jokes.

It's also home to the famous Hope Diamond, as well as hundreds of different butterfly species. The museum is completely free, so go ahead and spend hours getting lost in all the historical gems.

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These 10 science museums were voted the best in the U.S.

Top 20 Most Visited Museums in the US

June 21, 2023

Museums throughout the United States are some of the most interesting and educational attractions that the country has to offer. Millions of people of all ages, generations and cultures visit and enjoy US museums for a multitude of reasons.

Recently, AECOM (a leading infrastructure firm) teamed with the Themed Entertainment Association (an organization dedicated to representing creatives) to study museum attendance in the US, and their findings were interesting.

They published a new report in 2020 covering their discoveries about the attendance of museums in the previous year.

They found that overall attendance at American museums dropped by 13.2% from 2018 to 2019 – and will likely decrease substantially in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

So without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the 20 most popular museums in the United States this year:

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Attendance: 6,770,000

2. american museum of natural history. attendance: 5,000,000, 3. national museum of natural history. attendance: 4,200,000, 4. national gallery of art. attendance: 4,074,000, 5. national air and space museum. attendance: 3,200,000, 6. national museum of american history. attendance: 2,800,000, 7. california science center. attendance: 2,200,000, 8. national museum of african american history and culture. attendance: 2,000,000, 9. smithsonian american art museum. attendance: 2,000,000, 10. the museum of modern art. attendance: 1,992,000, 11. houston museum of natural science. attendance: 1,974,000, 12. national portrait gallery. attendance: 1,700,000, 13. the art institute of chicago. attendance: 1,666,000, 14. u.s. holocaust memorial museum. attendance: 1,600,000, 15. field museum of natural history. attendance: 1,494,000, 16. denver museum of nature & science. attendance: 1,487,000, 17. museum of science. attendance: 1,458,000, 18. the j. paul getty center. attendance: 1,439,000, 19. museum of science and industry. attendance: 1,388,000, 20. california academy of sciences. attendance: 1,321,000.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the most visited museum in the United States, totaling 6,770,000 visitors in 2019. This is however an 8% decrease from the previous year’s total of 7,360,000 visitors.

One reason why the museum attendance dropped is because of new admission fee structures for both local and out of town visitors, while The Met was also closed for a portion of 2019 because of an expansion.

The museum also hosted two extremely popular exhibitions ( Heavenly Bodies and the Catholic Imagination and Michelangelo: Divine Draftsman and Designer) in 2018. Without these very popular exhibitions in the following year, attendance numbers fell.

Known fondly as The Met, the museum is the 5th largest museum in the world and showcases more than two million permanent art pieces from around the globe.

Taking the second spot on our most visited museums in the US list is the American Museum of Natural History. Located in New York City near Central Park, The American Museum of Natural History boasted 5,000,000 visitors in 2019, the exact same number of visitors as the previous year.

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the largest natural history museums in the world and is home to 45 permanent exhibition halls, a planetarium and a library. This museum spans 26 connected buildings and is also a leading research institution, home to more than 200 scientists.

Founded in 1869, this popular spot is a rich part of American history, as are the exhibitions and scientific collections inside. The museum’s mission is “to discover, interpret, and disseminate — through scientific research and education — knowledge about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe” .

Third on our list is located in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History had 4,200,000 visitors in 2019, a 12.5% decrease from the 4,800,000 visitors the year before.

However, these numbers might not be as accurate as the figures of other museums – their attendance is free and security guards use handheld clickers to count visitors into the building.

Opened in 1910, this Washington landmark first housed art, culture and historical collections. Throughout the years, it evolved into a beloved museum and is now home to 126.5 million artifacts. These include bones to butterflies to bearded ladies to creatures under the sea.

All cultures and artists from A to Z are represented in the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., the 4th most visited museum in the US.

Touted as a gift to the nation, there were 4,074,000 visitors here in 2019, all of whom attended the gallery to enjoy thousands of masterpieces and learn about various forms and styles of art. This was a 7.5% drop in attendance from the previous year, when 4,404,000 people visited the gallery.

The mission of the National Gallery of Art is to serve the United States of America by preserving, collecting, exhibiting and fostering the understanding of national and international works of art.

A popular 2018 exhibit here showcased Renaissance artist Andrea del Verrocchio, who mentored Leonardo da Vinci.

Flight is the theme of the National Space and Air Museum, the museum that takes the 5th spot in our top 20 list.

Its rich history began many moons ago (get it?) but the museum now “commemorates the past and is committed to educating and inspiring people to foster an appreciation for the importance of flight to humanity” .

Located in Washington D.C., 3,200,000 visitors came here in 2019 to learn about the history of aviation. That’s almost half of the attendance the previous year, when 6,200,000 tourists visited.

This decline in attendance may be due to an unexpected government shutdown and a major, multiyear renovation in late 2018.

Washington, D.C. is the home of the National Museum of American History, which takes the sixth spot on our top 20 list. Thousands of artefacts from American History are located here, including the original Star-Spangled Banner, Abraham Lincoln’s top hat and Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz.

Attendance in 2019 was 2,800,000 compared to 4,100,000 in 2018, a 31.7% drop from the previous year. The decrease may be due to the increase in competition among museums and art centers as well as a declining American population.

Lucky number seven on our top 20 list is the California Science Center, located in Los Angeles in CA’s Exposition Center. The center experienced a 12.7% decrease in visitors in 2019 ( 2,200,000 ) compared to visitors in 2018 (2,520,000).

This decrease in visitors may be due to the closure of their successful exhibit King Tut: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh, which drew extra visitors to the center.

The California Science Center’s mission is to stimulate curiosity and inspire scientific learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences, and enriching lives.

Number eight on our top 20 list is the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which experienced a 5.3% increase in attendance between 2018 and 2019. There were 1,900,000 visitors in 2018 and 2,000,000 in 2019.

This increase in attendance may be due to the increased interest around equality in America – and the Black Lives Matter movement throughout the country and the world.

Located in Washington D.C., the National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history and culture.

The museum, part of the Smithsonian, “raised the bar of awareness around African-American history and museums” .

The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) in Washington D.C. is number nine on our top 20 most visited museum list. They reported 2,000,000 visitors in 2019, a 36.5% decrease from 2018 when 3,150,000 visited.

This decrease in visitors is mainly due to the venue’s transition into its own separate museum. While the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery previously reported attendance together as the Donald W. Reynold Center for American Art and Portraiture, that’s no longer the case.

This national art museum is dedicated to collecting, understanding and enjoying the extraordinary creativity of American artists and related global collaborations.

New York City’s The Museum of Modern Art, fondly known as MoMA, experienced a 28.2% decrease in attendance from 2018 to 2019. There were 2,774,000 visitors reported in 2018 and 1,992,000 visitors reported in 2019.

This drop in attendance may be due to a decline in NYC foot traffic and the emergence of a modern trend – some studies show that the public is changing, and losing interest in galleries.

The MoMA has celebrated and showcased art since the 1920s and its mission is “to share great modern and contemporary art with the public” . MoMA is the home of some of the most modern and contemporary artwork in the whole of the US.

Northern Houston, TX is the home of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, number 11 on our list of the top 20 most visited museums in the USA. Since 1909, the museum’s mission has been to preserve and advance the general knowledge of natural science.

Attendance in 2018 was 2,313,000, compared to 1,974,000 visitors in 2019, a 14.7% decrease.

This time-honored museum has five floors of permanent exhibits ranging from astronomy to Native American culture to energy to seashells. It also showcases special temporary exhibitions like their 2019 Lego inspired exhibit, “The Art of the Brick,” which was named as one of CNN’s top 10 “Global Must-See Exhibitions”.

Number 12 on our top 20 list is the National Portrait Gallery, a historic art museum located in Washington D.C.. 2,300,000 people visited in 2018, while 1,700,000 visited in 2019, a 26.1% drop.

Founded in 1962, the gallery’s mission is to tell the story of America by portraying the people who’ve shaped the nation’s history, development and culture. Part of the Smithsonian, this amazing gallery continues to tell the “ever-changing” American Story of remarkable people, including presidents, actors, villains and more.

The extremely high attendance in 2018 is partly due to the exhibit honoring President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama ( link ).

Number 13 in our top 20 list of the most visited museums in America is The Windy City’s Art Institute of Chicago.

This beloved museum is one of the oldest and largest in America. It is a three-minute walk from Crown Fountain and is recognized for housing collections that “span centuries and the globe” .

Attendance to this popular landmark was slightly up in 2019, a 2.7% increase totaling 1,666,000 visitors compared to 1,622,000 visitors in 2018.

Some of the exhibits featured in 2019 included Connoisseurship of Japanese Prints, Rembrandt Portraits, Manet and Modern Beauty, and Everyone’s Art Gallery: Posters of the London Underground .

Taking the number 14 spot on our top 20 list is the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, a living memorial to the Holocaust.

Located among the national monuments to freedom on the National Mall, this Washington D.C. museum attracted 1,600,000 visitors in 2019. This represents a 3% annual decrease in attendance from the 1,650,000 visitors in 2018.

Since it opened its doors, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has had more than 40 million visitors. In April 2018, the museum marked its 25th anniversary, which may have bolstered attendance for the year.

The 15th most visited American museum on our top 20 list is also located in the Windy City of Chicago. The Field Museum of Natural History had 1,494,000 visitors in 2019 compared to 1,525,000 visits the year before, marking a 2% drop.

This museum “believes science is for everyone and is ready to share it with their visitors” .

In 2018, The Field Museum marked its 125th anniversary by exhibiting a cast of the biggest dinosaur ever discovered. This was thanks to a $16.5 million gift from one of the largest private contributions to a Chicago museum on record. This may have bolstered attendance for the year.

Number 16 on our most visited museums list is in Denver, CO. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a treasured four-storey landmark featuring award-winning wildlife dioramas, gems, minerals and more.

Attendance increased from 2018 to 2019 by 5.1% – 2018 tallied 1,415,000 visitors while 2019 tallied 1,487,000 visitors .

Three 2019 exhibits that may be responsible for the attendance increase are:

• Leonardo Da Vinci: 500 Years of Genius,
• Our Sensed: Creating Your Reality,
• Extreme Sports: Beyond Human Limits.

Our number 17 top visited museum is located in America’s East Coast city, Boston, MA. The Museum of Science enjoyed the exact same attendance numbers in both 2018 and 2019: in both years, 1,458,000 visitors enjoyed exhibitions and education inside this Boston museum.

The museum’s mission is “to play a leading role in transforming the nation’s relationship with science and technology” .

Their 2019 line-up kept attendances strong by including a variety of exhibits and events targeting different audiences and interests.

Some of the best included College Fridays in September, celebrating National Chemistry Week with Marvelous Metals, Women & Girls in STEM, Music Under The Dome and many more.

Ranking number 18 on our top 20 list is the J. Paul Getty Center located in sunny Los Angeles, CA. Commonly referred to as Getty, this center is popular for its permanent collection of pre-20th century European paintings, drawings, manuscripts, sculpture and decorative arts.

A total of 1,439,000 people visited the Getty in 2019 compared to 1,509,000 people in 2018, marking a 4.6% decrease.

In 2018, The Getty made one of the most significant acquisitions in its history – it featured the original works of some of the most celebrated European draftsmen of all time, including Michelangelo, Andrea del Sarto and Degas.

Our number 19 spot is located in Hyde Park, Chicago, IL. The Museum of Science and Industry – one of the largest science museums in the world – reported 1,388,000 visitors in 2019, a 10.7% drop from its 1,555,000 visitors in 2018.

Visitors explored award-winning exhibits covering everything from tornadoes to Teslas. Their mission is to inspire inventive genius.

The museum’s attendance decrease in 2019 may be due to the closing of their celebrated and popular The Science Behind Pixar exhibition.

The San Francisco landmark of the California Academy of Sciences is recognized as one of the largest research institutes of natural history in the world, housing over 46 million specimens.

Their mission is, “to explore, explain and sustain life around the world” .

The Academy is an aquarium, planetarium, rain forest and natural history museum all wrapped up into one exciting venue. It’s thought that their new outdoor stage featuring live entertainment and concerts will transform the facility into one of San Francisco’s most unique live music venues.

A total of 1,321,000 folks visited the academy in 2019 compared to 1,295,000 in 2018, a 2% increase in attendance.

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25 Best Museums in the US for Families

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links to the products we earnestly love and recommend, meaning at no extra cost to you, we might make a teeny-weeny commission if you click on the link and decide to buy something. The money will be used to sustain this little cozy blog we call our virtual home.

Do you know how many museums are there in the US? A whopping 35,144 museums.

Isn’t that a massive number of museums in the US? From some of the world’s best art museums in the US to the best Science museums in the USA to historic battleship museums in the USA, there are options galore. Check our curated list of the best US museums for families as recommended by fellow travelers to help pick a museum in the United States for your next trip.

Best Museums in the US for Families

Get inspired by the list of famous museums in the US. These museums in the United States are a must-visit with family and kids for a fun and knowledgeable time.

Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, Washington DC

Editor’s Pick

A visit to Washington D.C. is incomplete without a visit to one of the Smithsonian museums. There are around 20 museums and galleries to choose from and one of the interesting places to visit is the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum .

This is a delight for space enthusiasts who love reading and knowing about the moon, Mars, astronauts, and everything about space. Kids and adults both get fascinated by this far-away world.

As you enter one of the best museums in the US, you are welcomed by huge aircraft hanging from the ceiling. The hall has a display of spaceships, and jet aircraft that are significant in history.

The museum is huge with many galleries that exhibit everything from the history of American Air transportation, the expedition to the moon, history created by the Wright Brothers, and many more.

The Wright Brothers gallery has a replica of the aircraft and information about the event of creating and flying the first airplane. The kids get to see different things required during a space mission including the space suit, tools, food, and other instruments of the astronauts.

The museum even exhibits the rover that stepped on the moon beside an abundance of information and activities.

There are simulators that can transport you to the space for an adventurous experience. There are IMAX theaters to watch 3D films on space and aviation history making it a great experience. There is a ticket to watch a show at the IMAX theater though. 

The museum is located on Independence Ave SW, between 4th and 7th streets. Tickets: Entry to the museum is free. Even though there is a ticket for shows in the IMAX theater. Book a guided tour to get detailed information about the exhibits. Timings: The regular hours of the museum are 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. with extended hours during summer till 7:30 p.m. 

Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum, Washington DC

Jennifer of DC Family Travel

The National Postal Museum is an incredible Smithsonian museum in Washington, DC. It is definitely a “hidden gem” in the list of 18 Smithsonians in DC because it is off the National Mall with a pretty unassuming name. There is so much more to this museum than “boring stamps!”

The Postal Museum could be called the “transportation museum” because it has an actual 18-wheeler truck, train, and even stagecoach to explore inside and out! There are also fascinating stamp exhibits where you can pick out 6 international stamps to take home.

Another great exhibit for older kids is the Behind the Badge exhibit which shows the surveillance work of the Post Office Inspector General. The exhibit is interactive with spy elements.  

Museum is located right next to Union Station, which is a great place for a  family lunch or dinner  after your visit.

Union Station has 35 restaurants so there are tons of options for everyone. Hourly parking can be found in the parking garage attached to the back of Union Station. 

Tickets: Like all Smithsonians, the Postal Museum always has free admission! Timings: The Museum is open every day except December 25 from 10 am to 5:30 pm and more information can be found on their website  here . 

Kennedy Space Center, Florida

Debbie Fettback from World Adventurists

Explore the gateway to space at NASA’s  Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Organized into mission zones and in chronological eras, you’ll explore everything from the dawn of space exploration to current missions.

One of the highlights is being able to view Space Shuttle Atlantis . You’ll find it suspended from the ceiling in mid-air with its cargo bay open for viewing.

There are also several interactive exhibits and high-tech simulators to help give you an up-close and hands-on understanding of the possibilities of humans in space.

One of the coolest experiences is getting to meet a real astronaut that has been to space. You can even have lunch with an astronaut and visit restricted areas by booking a complete Space Experience . This is the only museum in the United States to witness a live rocket launch if your visit coincides with a mission.

Make sure you arrive early and be prepared to spend the entire day exploring the exhibits and attractions. To save from the long lines, Book the skip-the-line ticket . Tickets: A Single Day admission is $57US (12 years+), and $47US (Ages 3-11). If one day is not enough time for you, you can also get a multi-day admission pass. A guided tour ($20US/person) is a fantastic way to explore. A fun add-on is the Astronaut Training Experience ($175US).

Timings: The current hours of operation are from 10 AM – 4 PM daily, with the last entry to the complex ending an hour before closing. To reach on time take a round-trip from Orlando to the Space Center.

You can find out more about the Kennedy Space Center and plan your visit at  https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com .

Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia

One of the best things to do in Philadelphia with kids is visiting the Please Touch Museum.

This children’s museum mainly attracts younger kids who get to experience the outside world but in a safer environment.

There are exhibits spread over two floors of this museum. The kids love to role play in different characters from shopping market employees to bus drivers to excavator operators. This is the best way to build confidence in children and make them ready for the world.

There is a big River adventures exhibit where they float their boats on the mini Schuylkill river and work up with the dam. This is such a fun way that the kids don’t even realize that they are practicing STEM principles. Don’t forget to end the trip with a ride at the historic carousel around 100 years old at the Please Touch Museum . Tickets: If plan to make multiple trips to the museum, then it is advisable to buy the Annual membership. The first Wednesday of every month the ticket is $2 from 4 pm – 7 pm, but mind the long lines. It is advisable to come between 3 – 3:30 pm to be able to get in by 4.

Related Read: Best Hotels in Philadelphia for Families

Franklin Institute of Science, Philadelphia, PA

Derek and Mike of Robe Trotting

One of the most family-friendly travel destinations in the United States is Philadelphia. There’s so much to do and see including brilliant historical attractions and world-class museums.

Among all these great reasons to visit is the Franklin Institute of Science , Philadelphia’s best museum to visit as a family. It’s located in the city’s museum district, a neighborhood dotted with historic buildings, museums, luxury hotels, and Philadelphia Airbnbs .

In the spirit of American founding father, Benjamin Franklin, the museum creates a safe and fun learning environment for kids to explore the scientific world.

The interactive exhibits include a giant heart that visitors can walk and climb through to learn more about the cardiovascular system. Live science shows also entertain families who visit the Franklin Institute with dissections, demonstrations, and science shows held on-site.

Guests to the museum also love the Fels Planetarium, a cutting-edge planetarium that puts on a dazzling light show to recreate the night sky.

Other popular exhibits cover topics such as aviation, sports science, environmental science, and in the spirit of Ben Franklin, electricity. It’s a museum where families can learn and play together in the spirit of science.

Tickets: Admission to the Franklin Institute is $23.00 for adults (adults age 12+) and $19.00 for children ages 3-11. This is no free day of the week but there are monthly community nights where admission is free after 5:00 PM. To save on admission tickets, book a Philadelphia Sightseeing pass that includes free admission to many attractions. Timings: Wednesday to Friday: 10 am – 5 pm On Saturday and Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Website: https://www.fi.edu/

Madam Tussauds Museum, New York

Editor’s Pick

Madame Tussauds needs no introduction. The greatest wax museum in the world lies in the heart of Times Square on 42nd Street in New York City. If visiting for 2 days, then it must be added to the New York 2 days itinerary. Spread across 5 floors, it’s undoubtedly one of the best things to do in NYC with kids. Kids and kids-at-heart love to strike a pose with the world’s most iconic figures – from musicians, Hollywood stars, Bollywood stars, and sports legends to historical figures and world leaders. When you’re done meeting your favorite celebrities, join one of the many interactive exhibits including Star on Broadway, Mission: Undead 7D Zombie Game, Marvel 4D Film, Join the Ghostbusters, Faceoff with King Kong, and more. Whatever you do, know that there’s never a dull moment at Madame Tussauds New York. Timings: The museum is open all days of the week from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets: The ticket ranges from $24.99 to $36.99. It’s recommended to buy skip-the-line tickets online in advance to skip the long lines.

Website: For more information about the exhibits refer to the museum website.

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City

Claudia Tavani of My Adventures Across The World

New York is a fantastic city with a lot to offer to tourists.  Views of New York  are impressive and one of the main reasons to go, but its museums are also worth visiting. 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (AKA the MET) is not only one of the best museums in NYC but one of the best museums in the world.

One of the best art galleries in the world, there are all sorts of exhibits – with a whopping 19 curatorial departments managing different collections, usually divided by historical periods and art trends.

With so much to see, you won’t have trouble finding one that is entertaining for children too. The Egyptian exhibit, with mummies, is particularly interesting for people of all ages.

Such a vast museum requires quite a bit of time to visit, but the good news is that re-admissions are allowed on the same day; so you can leave to have lunch and a break, then walk back in to find another interesting collection.

Timings: The museum is currently open Thursday to Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets: Admission is $25 USD for adults. Visiting is free for children under 12. It is a very popular museum and can get crowded, so book a guided tour with skip a line ticket to save time and hassle. Buy NYC City Explorer Pass which includes admission to many museums and attractions in NYC.

The Strong International Museum of Play, New York City

Michael Sweeny from Affordable Family Travel

The Strong, International Museum of Play  has a variety of areas for children to explore. The most popular areas to explore include Wegmans Super Kids Market, Sesame Street, and American Comic Book Heros.

The museum is designed to make a learning environment fun for children. There are large areas of pretend play such as the SuperMarket. Kids enjoy making and serving entrees at the Diner in the Bernstein Bear area.

There are interactive learning displays where kids can learn about forced perspective photos. The rock wall and superhero balance activities are great for physical education.

At the Build, Drive Go Exhibit, kids enjoy building and playing with vehicles. The Big Building area is fun for kids to build with large foam blocks. There’s also a test track and much more.

Even big kids will enjoy the Pinball Playfield section of the museum. The Museum of Play is home to New York State’s only year-round indoor butterfly exhibit which you can enjoy for an additional cost.

There’s also a lot of information about the history of toys along with antique toys that older kids and adults will enjoy. The museum offers special exhibits that are full of interactive displays. Timings: Hours are Monday–Thursday: 10 am – 3 pm, Friday & Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm, and Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm. Tickets: Admission costs $18 per person for ages 2 and up, under 2 is free. 

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), California

Jyoti Baid from Story at Every Corner

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art was the first museum on the West Coast dedicated entirely to 20th-century art. It’s been a favorite museum in San Francisco ever since.

After a three-year construction project, it reopened in 2016. When it reopened, it was expanded to twice the size in terms of gallery space and six times the open spaces. 

The museum is one of the largest museums of contemporary and modern art in the world . The collection in the museum is exceptional and popular among patrons of all ages. No wonder, SFMOMA is internationally recognized for its collection of modern and contemporary art. 

SFMOMA is a great museum for teenagers because the kids can relate to modern works of art. The younger one will enjoy the hands-on activities, the unusual art, and the open spaces. The museum always has special exhibits that are current. 

SFMOMA gift shop on-site and at the SFO airport are a must-visit for very cool gifts, made with exceptional design and style in mind.  

Website :   https://www.sfmoma.org . 

Tickets: The museum has free or discounted tickets for several groups such as corporate partners, local residents, educators, etc. as described on their deals and discounts page. The general admission for Adults is US $25 while Seniors are charged US $22. Book the tickets online to save time. If you’re in the area for a day trip to San Francisco , you must visit the open spaces in Golden Gate Park, Lincoln Park, and the gorgeous tiled steps of San Francisco. 

Exploratorium, San Francisco, California

Tracey of Pack the PJs

The  Exploratorium  is not just a science museum but a living-learning experience that allows visitors to explore their surroundings through science, art, and human insight.

The museum, located on San Francisco Bay’s Pier 15, is a very open entity that is tasked to create inquiry-based experiences to transform learning by taking you there.

Some of the experiments and the displays you will see nowhere else on the planet and are the kind of things that can bring science alive for children. 

The museum is divided into galleries. These include The Physics of Seeing and Listening (Light and Sound), Human Behaviour, Living Systems, Tinkering (including electricity and magnetism), the Outdoor Gallery, and the Bay Observatory Gallery, which focuses on the local environment, weather, and landscape.

There are over 600 interactive exhibits on display at any one time in the museum and these are changed often for special events and for changing seasons. The Exploratorium is also engaged in the development of science education, webcasts, websites, and special science events. 

The Exploratorium offers visitors a variety of ways to interact with it. For the kids, there is a huge tidal clock; they can perform psych experiments; they can make art and do crafts, set up magnetism and electrical experiments, build bridges, and see the world in many strange ways – even under a microscope. There is a huge amount to see and do. 

Website: For more information refer to their website . Tickets: General adult admission is $29.95; children 4-12 are $19.95; youths (13-17), as well as students, teachers, seniors, and people with disabilities, are $24.95. Children 3 and under are free. Every Thursday night from 6 pm to 10 pm there is reduced admission called After Dark (for ages 18+) where you can lose yourself in hundreds of interactive exhibits, enjoy adults-only programming, hear unique guest speakers, listen to great music, watch specialty films, demonstrations, and one-of-a-kind activities. Timings: 10 am – 5 pm.

Expert Tip: If you plan to visit more than one museum and attraction in SFO, it is advisable to buy a Go San Francisco Pass that provides up to 60% discounts.

California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, California

Noel Morata at Travel Photo Discovery

One of the best family-friendly museums to visit in San Francisco is the  Academy of Sciences in San Francisco .

Located in Golden Gate Park, the museum is very kid-friendly with wonderful rotating exhibits and fun regular exhibit spaces that are colorful, filled with easy-to-read information and dioramas, and lots of natural history, science, and local exhibits that look to inspire children to learn and experience at the same time. One of the favorite exhibits at the Academy of Sciences involves walking through the bottom of an aquarium and climbing up to the tree tops in a circular format to see butterflies in an immersive experience that is fun to do.

There are also so many fun things to explore outdoors at the museum grounds and even a green roof garden that lets you see native flora and views of the park grounds from above. You’ll love visiting and once a month is a designated free day for families to visit. When you are visiting San Francisco more extensively, check out the post on the  fun and unique things to do in San Francisco  for more inspiration and cool things to do around the city outside of the typical attractions.

Tickets: Book the tickets.

Timings: Mon-Sat: 9:30 am – 5 pm, Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm. Though the members can enter one hour early.

Griffith Observatory, LA, California

Alanna Koritzke from Periodic Adventures

The absolute best museum in Los Angeles for families with kids is  Griffith Observatory . This 2-story science museum is one of the most well-curated and designed museums that kids will love and adults can’t help but appreciate.

Explore interactive exhibits about the history of astronomy, the planets, stars, our galaxy, and those beyond, and more! See an active Tesla coil in the Hall of the Eye, check how much you weigh on each planet in the Depths of Space Exhibit, and at night, even take a glance at the cosmos through the telescopes on the roof.

Tickets: Entry to Griffith Observatory is free for everyone. However, there is a stunning planetarium show that does require separate paid tickets that cost $7 for adults, $5 for students, and $3 for children 5-12 years old. Note that the visuals and sounds of the shows can be disorienting for young children. Timings: Operating hours of the Observatory are from noon to 10 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. on weekends, and closed on Mondays.

Griffith Observatory is located in Los Angeles within Griffith Park on Mount Hollywood with views of the Hollywood Sign and Los Angeles skyline. Book this tour to combine the visit to the observatory with a hike to the Hollywood sign.  Parking at Griffith Observatory  can be tricky when crowded, so it’s best to take the DASH Shuttle.

USS Midway San Diego, California

Maria of San Diego Explorer

The  USS Midway  is one of the top San Diego tourist attractions and should not be missed on any trip to San Diego. This huge aircraft carrier is located right on the waterfront in Downtown San Diego, which makes it easily accessible.

This museum is perfect for families, as it has so much to explore and experience. It is fascinating to learn about the daily life on board the ship and the routine of the sailors when they were on board for months at a time.  There are guided tours as well as various rides and experiences such as flight simulators, 3D movies, and virtual reality experiences that are fun for kids and adults alike.

Another fun program for kids is the Junior Pilot Program, which is like a little scavenger hunt throughout the museum . After the kids complete all tasks, they will have a ceremony where they will be presented with their Wings.  The deck of the ship offers one of the most stunning views of the San Diego Skyline. There are plenty of photo opportunities with the various aircraft and fighter jets with the high-rises of downtown as a backdrop. Another stunning view is from the Bridge, overlooking downtown and San Diego Bay. 

Address: 910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 Timings: Daily 10 am – 4 pm Tickets: Adult 18+: $26.00, Children 6-12 & Vets w/ID: $18.00, Children under 6: Free; Military, Law Enforcement, Firefighters w/ID: Free. The Museum is very popular and can get crowded, so to skip the lines, book the tickets here . Website:   https://www.midway.org/

San Diego Maritime Museum, California

The  San Diego Maritime Museum  is a fun family attraction right in the heart of San Diego. This museum is home to the largest collection of ships in the United States, so this is a perfect place for all boat lovers.

The location right in Downtown San Diego makes it also very accessible and easy to work into any San Diego itinerary.

There are guided group tours for $35/person, however, there are also docents on the various ships that can give information about the various vessels in a less formal way during the exploration of the museum.  The museum is home to some original ships as well as replicas. One of the most stunning ships in their collection is the Star of India, a sailboat from the UK that has circumnavigated the world several times, transporting goods across the ocean.

Another must-see is the replica of the “Surprise”, which was used as a ship in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.  Included in the ticket is also a 45-minute historic harbor cruise (limited availability), which is a fun and family-friendly adventure and a great way to see San Diego from the water. 

Address:  1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 Timings : Currently Saturday and Sunday only 10 am – 5 pm Tickets : Adult 18+ – $20.00; Senior 62+, Military w/ID, Students 13-17 years – $15.00; Child 12 and under – $10.00. If plan to explore other San Diego attractions, then booking Hop-on-Hop off tours are a great option. Website:   https://sdmaritime.org/

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Seattle, Washington

Chrysoula of Travel Passionate

MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture) in  Seattle  is definitely the ideal place to go for a nostalgic trip to the pop culture of yesteryear and is great for the whole family too! This interesting museum has more than 100,000 exhibits and is one of the world’s largest collections of pop culture history! There are sound and video recordings, musical instruments, items of clothing, posters, concert programs, old record players, and old manuscripts.

The museum has a fun ‘adopt an item’ initiative so that you can ‘adopt’ a certain exhibit and help fund its preservation.

There is Jimi Hendrix’s hat that he wore on one album cover, Janis Joplin’s cerise feather boa, and many other items. Teenagers will especially love all the film memorabilia. 

Address: The museum is situated at 325 5th Avenue N, Seattle. Timings: It is open from Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.

Tickets: $30 for adults, youth $21, and children aged 0-4 years have free entrance. Senior citizens $27. You can buy the tickets online . If exploring multiple attractions in Seattle, it is good to buy a Seattle City Pass to save on admission tickets.

Denver Selfie Museum, Colorado

Daria of The Discovery Nut

Who doesn’t like a good selfie?

The answer is we all do. 

And if you are looking for a colorful background with an artistic touch, there’s no better place than a selfie museum. It is located in Denver, one of the most beautiful places in Colorado .

One kind of museum in the country, Denver Selfie Museum offers colorful backgrounds that are perfect for flexing your creative muscle.

Some of the most colorful art installations at this place are the wall of doughnuts, a glowing sign that reads “I can’t control myself,” a huge yellow punching bag, and the pink room with an entourage.

It’s a great place where you can have fun and take a creative selfie on your next trip to Denver, so make sure to check it out!

Address: Denver Selfie Museum is located at 1531 Stout Street in Denver

Timings: The museum is open from 12 pm to 8 pm from Monday through Friday; from 10 am to 10 pm on Saturday and from 10 am to 8 pm on Sunday. 

Tickets: Costs $25 on weekdays and $29 on weekends. You can purchase them online or at the door.

Website: Check for more information at https://denverselfiemuseum.com/

Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago , Illinois

Michele at Endless Family Travels

The Field Museum is a natural history museum on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago.  Located on the east side of Grant Park in the South Loop, the Field Museum is one of the premier natural history museums in the world.

Why is it an incredible museum to visit with kids? The Field Museum is renowned for its dinosaur skeletons and animal exhibitions. Home to the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex specimen ever discovered. ‘Sue’ the T.Rex will delight both kids and adults alike.

In the grand Stanley Field Hall, you can see the skeleton of the largest dinosaur ever known – the Titanosaur!

From prehistoric creatures to the animals of today, the Field Museum in Chicago makes science, ancient civilizations, and the natural world accessible to all ages; and is a must-see for those visiting  Chicago on a family vacation .

Timings: The Field Museum is open 9 am – 5 pm (last admission 4 pm) from Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays).  Tickets:  Field offers discounts and free days for Chicago and Illinois residents; alongside discounts for Museums for All and Active Military Personnel and other groups too. Ticket prices start at $19 for out-of-state visitors; although I recommend purchasing an all-access pass, which includes the 3D and ticketed exhibitions. All access passes are between $29-40 for out-of-state visitors. Buying a Chicago Go Pass is advisable if visiting multiple attractions to save.

The Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, Michigan

Julie of  Family Travel Lifestyle

The  Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation  is really unlike any other museum. Its mix of historic artifacts, artwork, inventions, and interactive displays will capture the attention and imagination of museum-goers, young and old.

This is a fantastic family destination because there truly is something for everyone at this Dearborn, Michigan attraction.

From the actual bus where Rosa Parks sparked a Civil Rights revolution to JFK’s Presidential limousine to a real-life experience working a Ford assembly line, the historical and interactive experiences at the Henry Ford are unmatched.

Kids will love how many hands-on opportunities there are. Your train, plane, and automobile lovers will marvel at the collection of historic vehicles to wander through. History buffs will love seeing the artifacts from each generation of the 20 th  century, including fashion and pop-culture items.

And who wouldn’t want to drive in a Model T Ford or walk through an exact recreation of Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park laboratory?

Located just outside Detroit or a short drive from Ann Arbor, the campus of the Henry Ford Museum includes Greenfield Village, a Ford factory tour, and a large-screen cinema.

Plan to spend at least the whole day here, but it could easily be a multi-day experience. The museum offers vacation packages that include stays at nearby hotels along with museum tickets.

Tickets : $25.00, with discounts for youth and seniors; children under 4 are free. The Factory tour, large screen experience, and Greenfield Village have additional ticket charges.

Timings: The museum is open all 7 days from 9:30 am – 5 pm. It is closed on Christmas and Thanksgiving Day.

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, South Dakota

Lotte from Beste Voor Kids 

This National Historic Site is a great place to visit for families, especially those interested in the Cold War. The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is located in South Dakota, approximately a one-hour drive from Rapid City.   

Explore the Visitor Center, stroll around the terrain while listening to a narrated ranger-guided tour of the Delta-09 on your phone, and learn about the life of the people who worked at the Minuteman Missile Site. 

The Minuteman Missile Center isn’t particularly suitable for families with younger children. While the visitor center is  stroller -friendly, the exhibits won’t keep your toddler entertained for a long time.

However, for families with kids ages 10 and older, the site is very engaging, and especially the ranger-led tour of the Delta-01 Launch Control Facility is highly recommended.  

Note that in order to join you will have to make a reservation (either online or by phone). Spots are limited so plan ahead for this one. During this highly engaging tour, you will descend 31 feet underground to the Launch Control Center.     

Timings: Between March and October, the Minuteman Missile Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. During the winter season, the site is closed on Sundays and Mondays .  

Tickets: There is no entrance fee for the Visitor Center and the site itself. However, when you join one of the Delta-01 tours, you’ll have to pay a fee of $12/$8 (adult/youth).  

Website: Visit  https://www.nps.gov/mimi/index.htm  for more information about the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. 

Mardi Gras World, New Orleans, Louisiana

Emma of Emma Jane Explores

Mardi Gras World in New Orleans  is a behind-the-scenes look at the region’s most famous festival. The colors and vibrancy of Mardi Gras World make it the perfect family day out and the tour of the float workshops is really remarkable.  

The tour itinerary for Mardi Gras World begins with a short 15-minute video presentation which is engaging for adults and kids alike and then the real highlight of the tour begins as you walk from workshop to workshop watching artists create the enormous sculptures that adorn the floats when the Mardi Gras Parades make their way through the city.  

The final stop on the tour is the float room where the kids will love getting a close-up view of the brightly colored floats. If you visit right after Mardi Gras, you might even get lucky and find some leftover Mardi Gras masks or beads to take home.  

The Mardi Gras World Museum is located at 1380 Port of New Orleans Place which is a little far away from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter. However, Mardi Gras World does run a free shuttle service for those taking a tour and will pick visitors up around Canal Street. Timings: The museum is open from 9 am and 5.30 pm every day of the week with the last entrance at 4.30 pm.   Tickets : $22 USD for adults and $14 USD for children and while it’s not the cheapest thing to do in New Orleans, there’s nowhere else that will provide the up close and personal Mardi Gras experience like this museum that everyone in the family will love. Book the tickets for a one-of-a-kind museum. Website: https://mardigrasworld.com/

Dallas Museum of Art, Texas

Priya Vin from Outside Suburbia

Dallas is known for its many educational and engaging museums, from natural science to art and everything in between.

Located in the Dallas Arts District, the Dallas Museum of Art is one of the best places to visit in Dallas if you are an art aficionado.

The DMA has quite an impressive collection of artworks from around the world and they host a variety of rotating exhibitions that things fresh throughout the year. The Museum offers many experiences for visitors of all ages like readings, film screenings, docent-led tours, and family programs. There are nearly 25,000 works of art inside the Dallas Museum of Art . The entrance is free but there is a small fee for parking in their garage. You can easily spend hours perusing the collection of art which ranges from the third millennium BC to the present day with works from Rodin, Cezanne, Monet, and Picasso to name a few. We have had several exhibitions here from Jackson Pollock to Frida Kahlo and most recently a beautiful collection of dresses by Dior. Adjacent to the Dallas Museum of Art in a 2.4-acre site is Nasher Sculpture Center where you can walk across the beautiful garden and see works by modern and contemporary masters.

Across from the museum is Kylde Warren Park where you can spend some time in nature and also get food from the food trucks. Tickets: Admission is free but need to book a timed ticket in advance. Timings: Thur – Fri: 2 pm – 8 pm, Sat – Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm. The museum is closed Mon to Wed. Website: For more information refer to the museum website – https://dma.org/

Philbrook Museum of Art Tulsa, Oklahoma

Ashlee Fechino of The Happiness Function

Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Philbrook Museum of Art is an incredible midwestern gem. The previous estate to oil tycoon Waite and his wife Genevieve Phillips during the roaring 20s, the grounds were turned into a museum in 1939.

The Philbrook is home to private and permanent displays of art but is most famous for its elaborate fountains and formal gardens. Museum visitors are treated to world-class treasures.

The art inside includes Egyptian artifacts, Native American pottery, European, Modern, and Contemporary artworks, as well as global antiquities. The Philbrook even has a Picasso cubism piece!

The Philbrook hosts national and international exhibitions. For example, in June 2019, the Art & Islam through Time & Place exhibition included artwork, tile, tapestries, and textiles highlighting the global impact and diversity of Islamic art.

Visit the  Philbrook website  for upcoming exhibitions and calendar events.

During the summer months, tour the galleries, walk the magnificent gardens, indulge in a walk-up burger bar, and enjoy a movie on the lawn.

Be sure to check out their very cool gift shop with all kinds of treasures for the entire family.

Opening Hours : Wednesday-Sunday 9 am to 5 pm and Fridays 9 am to 9 pm.

Entrance Fees : General Admission is $12 per person with youth 17 and under FREE.

Discounted Days : Every Friday after 5 p.m. General Admission tickets are $5.

Museum of Life and Science, Durham, North Carolina

Nadine of Le Long Weekend

More than simply a museum that’s suitable for families, the Museum of Life and Science in Durham NC was designed especially with families in mind! It’s the ideal place to spend the day, no matter what the weather, and there is so much to see and do – both inside and out. Whatever your children’s interests, they’re sure to find something that they love at the museum. Whether that’s taking a deep dive into science and engineering, learning about health and the human body, going on an archaeological dig, or simply playing in the amazing age-appropriate play areas! Animal-loving kids will also enjoy the Butterfly House, Insectarium, and Farmyard with its curious collection of alpacas, donkeys, and pigs.

And the wetland walk will introduce you to the resident bears, wolves, and lemurs. The Dinosaur trail, sailboat pond, and train rides are sure to be a hit, and the Hideaway Woods provides hours of fun in the treetops, with ropes, bridges, and huts to climb between. Tickets : Cost $23 for an adult and $18 for a child. Children aged 2 and under go free. If you live locally and plan to visit often, check out their Membership options for reduced rates. Timings: The museum is open from Wednesday – Sunday every week, from 10 am – 5 pm. Website: https://www.lifeandscience.org/

USS Yorktown / Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, South Carolina

Dymphe of Dymabroad

One of the best museums in the USA for families is the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum . Here you find the USS Yorktown.

This is an aircraft carrier that was built during the Second World for the navy of the United States. It was used in World War II, and after modernization used later in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Since 1975 the ship has been a museum ship. You can find the museum and the ship at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, SC. The aircraft carrier is great to see for kids, but there is much more! For example, there is a destroyer ship and a submarine, among other things. This is so much fun for children!

A great tour of the USS Yorktown is the Captain’s Tour. During this tour, you learn more about the vessel and you hear stories about the people who worked on the ship.

In fact to add to some adventure book Patriot Point’s haunted tours in the night to share the spooky side. This museum in Charleston is certainly one of the best museums in the USA and going here is one of the best things to do in Charleston! Besides that, there are also many  romantic things to do in Charleston . Timings: The museum is open every day, except Christmas Day. On weekdays you can visit from 10 AM to 5 PM, and on weekends the museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. On certain days, there are different opening hours. Tickets: The price for an adult ticket is $24, tickets for children cost $16, and senior tickets cost $19. There are no free entrance days. Website: https://www.patriotspoint.org/

Mystic Seaport Museum, Connecticut

Stella Jane of Around the World in 24 Hours

The  Mystic Seaport Museum  in Mystic, Connecticut is one of those rarest of creatures: a history museum that’s actually tons of fun for kids. In fact, the museum often hosts wonderful programming especially dedicated to children.

But adults escorting their favorite kids around the Mystic Seaport Museum will have a fabulous time there too. 

Some of the attractions that children will love include the Home Port children’s activity center and the outdoor play area. But the most popular attraction is the Charles W. Morgan, the last remaining wooden whaling ship in the world.

Kids will get a thrill actually exploring this real whaling ship with the guiding hand of the many docents who are experts at explaining the history of this ship to children.

When they step off the ship, children can participate in special events and demonstrations, like classes on navigating using the stars at the Planetarium or demonstrations on the various knots that sailors used.

Tickets: Adult admission is $19, but children under 18 are $16, and children under 4 are free. Book the tickets here . To save money, you can buy the Mystic Pass, which adds admission to the popular Mystic Aquarium. Timings: Hours vary depending on the season. The Mystic Seaport Museum is open from 10-4 Thursday-Sunday in the winter, but it’s open on more days and for longer hours in warm weather months.

How did you like the hand-picked list of best museums United States? Which US museums are your favorite? Do share your thoughts about these best US museums in the comments section below.

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14 thoughts on “25 Best Museums in the US for Families”

A great post! We loved visiting the museums in NYC but need to get to California and see some of the awesome museums there too. The Mystic Seaport Museum looks great and my husband would love the Dallas Art Museum! Bookmarking for future travels!

Thanks Katie. Yes NYC has some great one. We even have an exclusive post on NYC museums. Do check it out. Absolutely California has an amazing list to visit. DO share your experiences of travels to these museums in future. Would love to hear.

I’m a bit of a museum nerd so I love these suggestions. I’ve only been to 3 on this list: MoPop in Seattle, Field museum in Chicago and the Academy of sciences in San Francisco. The Field museum was probably my favorite of those three, it was so good. But MoPop was a different kind of museum experience. Can’t wait to do more on this list

Oh Wow! Good to hear that. I had visited Field Museum long time back and loved it. If you like Natural History museums, then NYC and DC have some amazing ones. I haven’t been to MoPop, but it sounds so interesting and would love to visit sometime.

So many museums to explore. Would love to go to the space museum! We are planning a family trip to the US this summer, and will take this as a handy guide of all the amazing places for us to discover. I think the kids are kind of hoping for some of the exhibits to come to life.

Yes absolutely, a diverse and exhaustive list to get inspired. That’s great that you will be visiting US, do share which all museums you could visit. My kids even love Space museums. They thoroughly enjoyed the Air & Space in DC.

I love these suggestions. We have visited a few of them and my boys always love going fun family museums.

Thanks a lot for reading and loving it. Yes we even have visited quiet a few. My kids love the children’s museums and of course related to Space.

That is a lot of museums in the states! Really glad that you’ve narrowed some of them down for us!

Ha ha that is so true. It’s overwhelming to see so many, easier to pick from these. Hope we can visit at least these.

So many great museums and would need a lot of time to visit the 35,000 museums in tbe US. Would love to see the Sam Francisco Museum of modern art though. Thanks for a great post.

Absolutely. I was amazed to read the whopping 35,000 museums. Definitely so many added to my bucket list now for an interesting time.

I loved being part of this collab – so many wonderful and interesting museums for the whole family!

Thanks Emma for your contribution. Yes of course, so many museums for us to visit.

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Home / Blog / 9 Best Museums in the USA

9 Best Museums in the USA

Posted December 1, 2021 in Blog Posts

Get to know the history and people of the United States on your next road trip with visits to the best museums and cultural centers in the country.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

New York City, New York Perhaps the most famous museum in the country, the Metropolitan Museum of Art houses one of the world’s largest and most diverse collections of modern art in the world, including over 200,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and photographs.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Cleveland, Ohio I.M. Pei’s postmodern, geometric Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is perhaps the most iconic building in Cleveland. Opened in 1995, the museum is much larger than it looks, with a significant portion underground.

Start your tour by heading down the escalator to the permanent gallery, where a sensory feast awaits visitors with music, videos of live performances, costumes, memorabilia, and instruments from the biggest names in popular music. The gallery tells the story of rock and roll’s evolution, starting by recognizing early influencers in blues, gospel, country, and folk and moving through every decade to the present.

The actual Hall of Fame Gallery is on Level 3, with an exhibit on the year’s inductees and the Power of Rock Experience, a 15-minute compilation of some of the induction ceremony’s musical highlights. Elsewhere in the museum, try your hand at playing some classics, brand your own band logo, and shop in the massive gift shop.

Chickasaw Cultural Center

Sulphur, Oklahoma The Chickasaw Cultural Center’s extensive facility recounts the history and cultural traditions of the Chickasaw people through permanent and temporary exhibits of fine art and artifacts, a re-creation of a traditional village, and interpretive programs. In addition to the indoor displays, the 109-acre (44-hectare) grounds feature gardens, sculptures, and an elevated viewing platform that looks over the traditional village.

National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Cooperstown, New York The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum was established in 1939 as an homage to America’s favorite pastime. It’s loaded with state-of-the-art displays covering every aspect of the sport, from famous ballparks and women’s baseball, to the World Series, Negro League, and baseball in the Caribbean. Jackie Robinson’s warm-up jacket, Hank Aaron’s locker, Willie Mays’s glove, and Yogi Berra’s catcher’s mitt are among the memorabilia on display.

Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois The stunning selection of famous and familiar works in the Art Institute of Chicago include such icons of U.S. art as American Gothic and Nighthawks.

Freer and Sackler Galleries

Washington DC Part of the Smithsonian Institution, the connected Freer and Sackler Galleries display an impressive array of Asian art.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Los Angeles, California Arguably the best museum on the West Coast, the complex of buildings that comprise the LACMA house fine and decorative art and artifacts from around the world.

National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Hotel

Memphis, Tennessee The pursuit of equality for all continues, and this unforgettable museum traces where we’ve been and what we’ve achieved. The National Civil Rights Museum was built on the Lorraine Motel site, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Exhibits display original letters, audio recordings, photos, and newspaper clippings from events including the Montgomery bus boycott, Brown v. Board of Education, Freedom Summer, and the march from Selma to Montgomery.

Heard Museum

Phoenix, Arizona It is possible for the observant visitor to the Heard Museum to come away with a rather deep knowledge of the cultures, religions, and histories of the state’s Indigenous peoples. The museum has 10 galleries featuring the art, artifacts, and historical narratives of each of the state’s tribes. The large display on the Hopi is particularly comprehensive and includes Barry Goldwater’s kachina collection. It’s not all static history, though. Several galleries feature contemporary art by Native Americans and others. Sculptures dot the grounds while artists demonstrate their methods to onlookers. If you’re in the market for Native American art (or if you just like looking at it), especially that produced by Hopi and Navajo artists, don’t miss the museum’s store.

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12 Unique & Best History Museums in the US

History buffs are in for a treat with the number of museums our history-rich country has, but these 12 best history museums in the US are definitely the must-visits.

Let’s be honest, every state is going to be rich in it’s own history that it’s hard to really narrow this list down.

So I went ahead listed the 12 most unique and attention grabbing museums from all different parts of the country, many of which are free to enter.

12 Best History Museums in the US

If you’ve got time off to visit just one museum, pick from any of these 12 amazing destinations.

You’re sure to leave with a deeper understanding of our ancestors, culture, and history.

1. Smithsonian National Museum of American History

• Address : 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
• Tickets : Admission is FREE
• Hours : 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, except Dec. 25

If you’re in Washington, DC and want to explore without spending cash, make sure to visit the National Museum of American History, one of the Smithsonian Institute’s many museums in the country.

This is one of the bigger ones – at THREE FLOORS packed with interesting artifacts and historical info, you can easily spend a day inside the museum discovering/rediscovering stuff.

When you visit the National Museum of American History, don’t miss checking out Abraham Lincoln’s hat (he was wearing it on the night of his assassination) and the cast of his “face”, the clothes of former Presidents and First Ladies, and a cool-looking Incandescent Lamp made by the Edison General Electric Company around 1891.

(If you do decide to visit, include some of these 10 other FREE things to do in Washington, D.C. )

2. National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center

• Address : 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, GA 31903
• Tickets : FREE admission, but donations are welcome.
• Hours: Closed on Mondays, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. It is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9am to 5pm, and 11am to 5pm on Sundays.

The museum entices people to “experience 240+ years of American history in immersive exhibits that put you in the fight for the Last 100 Yards.”

But, does it hold up?

There’s a reason the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center has been voted USA Today’s Best Free Museum and one of CNN Travel’s 12 Best military museums in the world.

The 190,000-square-foot museum is a huge tribute to infantrymen of the past, present, and future. There are exhibit spaces from the Revolutionary War to modern-day wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

3. Museum of the American Revolution

• Address : 101 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
• Tickets : Varies (From FREE to $25/person)
• Hours: Open daily from 10am to 5pm, except on Election Days, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

This 118,000-square-feet museum is filled with artwork, manuscripts, printed works, weapons, examples of clothing, sculpture, household items and other artifacts from the country’s Revolutionary Period.

The museum offers guided tours for a fee, as well as family-focused highlight tours, but you can definitely explore everything on your own. Just don’t miss climbing through the sweeping staircase that takes you to all the exhibits upstairs.

After visiting the Museum of American Revolution, you’ll come out with more knowledge about how the colonists got to a breaking point, fought for independence and won.

4. National Civil Rights Museum

• Address : 450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN 38103
• Tickets : From $15 to $18 (4-year-old kids and below get in free)
• Hours: Open from 9 am to 6 pm daily, except on Tuesdays (when the museum is closed).

The National Civil Rights Museum preserves the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and all the other movers of the American civil rights movement.

If the museum looked like a hotel from one side, that’s because it is the exact hotel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, more specifically on the balcony outside his second-floor room#306.

Also don’t miss the life-sized statues of Rosa Parks and the crowd at the “Standing up by Sitting Down” exhibit. You’d be surprised that thousands of unfamiliar names have given up their lives or contributed to America’s civil rights history beyond what we’ve been thought in school.

5. National Museum of African American History & Culture

• Address : 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
• Tickets : Free entry, but need to reserve timed-entry passes.
• Hours: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but the museum allows visitors to enter only until 4pm. It closes its doors on December 25.

The National Museum of African-American History & Culture (NMAAHC) is another Smithsonian Institute museum, so expect world-class tours and exhibits that are well-organized and comprehensive.

Some must-see exhibits here include the Point of Pines Cabine (which was shipped from South Carolina and installed in the gallery whole), the Emmett Till Memorial, and the breathtaking Contemplative Court.

6. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

• Address : 50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Tickets : $10.50 to $15 (kids 3 and under go in free)
• Hours: The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but is open the rest of the week from 10 am to 4:30pm.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center hosts the world’s first museum-quality permanent exhibition on the subjects of modern-day slavery and human trafficking.

Opened in August 2004, the museum offers an eye-opening experience from the era of the Underground Railroad to contemporary times.

Make sure to check out the Slave Pen (built in the early 1800s), Brothers of the Borderland, and Invisible: Slavery Today.

7. The Henry Ford

• Address : 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124
• Tickets : From $24 to $32
• Hours: Open everyday from 9:30 am to 5pm

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation features a 250-acre of an awe-inspiring museum with collections of big and small breakthroughs and inventions that have made our world what it is today.

There are many historic vehicles here (From Rosa Parks’ bus to an 1896 quadricycle), some of the earliest planes in the world (like the 1939 Douglas DC-3 airplane), a replica of Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park lab, and the interesting, round-shaped Dymaxion House.

8. USS Constitution Museum

• Address : Building 22, Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, MA 02129,
• Tickets : $5 to $15, depending on age of visitors
• Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

The museum may look simple from outside with its all-gray walls, but the USS Constitution Museum and the ship of the same name are voted must-see Boston attractions.

USS Constitution Museum features plenty of interesting artifacts and exhibits covering the history of this USS Constitution landmark.

You can see over 2,000 different artwork, arms and other navigation equipment (as well as 10,000+ archival documents) from hundreds of years ago.

Note that the two historic ships (including the USS Constitution ship) are owned by the United States Navy and operated separately from the Museum.

Go here if you’re interested in visiting the ship (pictured above) – it’s free to visit, but you’d need to reserve passes to be given entry.

9. Erie Maritime Museum

• Address : 100 Blasco St, Erie, PA 16507
• Tickets : From $3 to $7 (kids 2 and below go in free)
• Hours: Open Thursday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m, last ticket sold at 4:00 p.m.

The Erie Maritime Museum showcases the maritime history and heritage of the Greater Erie region, so expect to see the artwork, documents, photos, and artifacts from military service and the maritime industry.

The Battle of Lake Erie was a pivotal moment in American history, and the museum brings the memory of this event alive with its exhibits and educational programs focused on the lessons learned from this battle.

Don’t miss the U.S. Brig Niagara – it’s the museum’s centerpiece.

This massive ship is the flagship of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

10. The Mob Museum

• Address : 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101
• Tickets : $29/person
• Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Mob Museum is the most comprehensive museum on organized crime. It’s one of the coolest history museums in the US.

Some of my favorites include the mob museum’s super-cool speakeasy & distillery, the interactive crime lab, firearm training simulator, and the giant wall of mobsters (100 years of mob history with pictures/info of all the big bosses that took over the country during their respective eras).

Go on and spend an extra $2 for the audio tour – this gives an insider’s perspective and brings you back to those mob-filled eras.

11. Autry Museum of the American West

• Address : Griffith Park, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027
• Tickets : From $6 to $14 (depending on the age of the visitor)
• Hours: The museum and store are closed on Mondays, but open from 10 am to 4pm on Tuesdays to Fridays, then up to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays

The Autry Museum of the American West is an LA-based museum dedicated to exploring an inclusive history of the American West, including exhibits, lectures and public programs.

Established in 1988, The Autry Museum features over 500,000 pieces of art and artifacts, including the largest and most significant collection known as the Southwest Museum of the American Indian Collection.

Interestingly, this museum doesn’t just focus on the movie star Gene Autry, even if the museum was named after the guy.

12. Museum of Native American History

• Address : 202 SW O St, Bentonville, AR 72712
• Tickets : FREE
• Hours: Open Mondays to Saturdays from 9am to 5pm

Founded in 2006 by local businessman and Cherokee Nation member David Bogle, The Museum of Native American History showcases Native American history, art, and culture.

There is a priceless collection of arrowheads, tools, pottery, clothing, headdresses, photographs, and other interesting artifacts here that takes you on a 14000-year journey through America’s past.

Beyond the Best History Museums in the US

Many cities and states have a museum dedicated to the place’s historical roots. Here are some examples:

• North Carolina Museum of History
• The New York Historical Society and The Museum of the City of New York
• Boston Tea Party Museum
• Atlanta History Center
• Michigan State History Museum
• Tennessee State Museum
• Chicago History Museum

If you’ve visited all the interesting history museums in the US I featured above and want to explore other museums, make sure you check out my best-of-the-best lists:

• Dinosaur museums
• Best zoos in the country
• Art museums
• Best aquariums in US
• Space museums

Those of you visiting Florida can read up on the state’s best museums here .

If you’re deciding between the natural museums in Washington DC and New York, read this guide to make an informed decision.

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Best Museums in the United States You Need to Visit

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Want to visit some of the coolest museums in the United States? Read on to learn about the best museums in the USA!

Getting lost in a museum is always a good idea for us!

The United States is full of amazing museums to visit from art museums to history museums to the niche and unique. With the help of our blogger friends, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best museums in the United States. Explore and visit one of these amazing museums in the US to take your trip to the next level!

Best Art Museums in the United States

Museum of modern art new york city.

Visiting MoMA is one of the unmissable  things to do in New York . The Museum of Modern Art of New York, is one of the most interesting museums in the United States. Its main focus is modern and contemporary art and it has a massive exhibit where art geeks will be entertained for hours at end. 

Located on 11 West 53 Street, Manhattan, MOMA is open every day from 10.30 am to 5:30 pm. Closing time is 9:00 pm on Fridays and on the first Thursday of the month. Admission is $25 USD and you may want to book in advance for a swift entry and to skip the line at the ticket counter. Classes and groups are encouraged to take guided tours which usually last around 2.5 hours. 

The exhibit at Moma includes some of the most iconic pieces of modern and contemporary art you have likely read about in art books or heard about in art classes. Among the paintings on display, you will be able to see the works of artists such as Starry Night and The Olive Tree of Vincent van Gogh; Campbell Soup’s Cans by Warhol; pieces by Matisse and Gauguin; Picasso’s Les Demoiselles and Le Bateau; The Persistence of Dali and paintings by Pollock. 

Contributed by Claudia of My Adventures Across the World. Follow her adventures on Instagram !

The Broad, Los Angeles

One of my all-time favourite museums I ever visited was The Broad in Los Angeles. It’s a contemporary art museum located right next to the Walt Disney Concert Hall and close to the Grand Central Market in downtown LA . In the museum, you can find more than 2000 art pieces of contemporary art from more than 200 artists worldwide. Some of these featured artists are Mark Bradford, Barbara Kruger, Kerry James Marshall, Ed Ruscha and many, many more. So, if you’re into modern art, The Broad is the perfect place for you to be! However, even if you’re not really a fan of modern art, there are two simple reasons why you should still visit The Broad.

First, the tickets are completely free . Yes, you read it correctly, you don’t have to pay anything to enter this museum. Therefore, I recommend reserving them online in advance to avoid standing in a queue for too long. The second reason why you should visit The Broad is an awesome installation from the artist Yayoi Kusama called Infinity Mirrored Room. If you enter it, you find yourself in a mirror-lined room with LED lights flashing in different colors. Unfortunately, you have only 45 seconds to enjoy the mysterious atmosphere inside. However, it’s really a one-of-a-kind and magical experience you shouldn’t miss!

Next to the installation, in the entrance hall, there’s an escalator leading to the upper floor. That’s the area where the actual exhibition takes place. Take your time and admire astonishing masterpieces such as the Balloon Dog from Jeff Koons or other amazing artworks from Andy Warhol and co.   

Contributed by Lina of World of Lina . Follow along with her adventures on Instagram

Isabella Stewart Gardner ​Museum

The Isabella Stewart Gardner ​Museum in Boston, Massachusetts is an art museum in the United States featuring an extensive private collection, a beautiful courtyard, and a 30-year unsolved mystery. The museum was founded in 1903 by Isabella Gardner, who had collected more than 7,500 paintings, sculptures, pieces of furniture, and other objects. The museum has a homey feel, with the art being displayed in furnished rooms. Isabella herself also lived in the museum and continued to rearrange the art and installations for the rest of her life. 

The museum is easily one of the most instagrammable places in Boston, with its lush green courtyard. The architecture of the building was inspired by 15th-century Venetian palaces, featuring open balconies and archways overlooking the courtyard on each floor. The collections are even more impressive; you’ll find works by Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Degas. The museum also houses the first Matisse ever to become part of an American collection; this colorful oil painting of a terrace in Saint-Tropez is showcased in the Yellow Room. 

What is perhaps most intriguing about the museum, however, is its 30-year unsolved robbery. In 1990, two thieves disguised as police officers made off with $500 million in art, including a Rembrandt and Vermeer. The works have still yet to be recovered, and the museum is offering a $10 million reward for information that leads to the stolen art. Because Isabella Gardner’s will stated that no changes were to be made to the installations, empty spaces and frames remain where the stolen art was once displayed

All types of visitors would enjoy the museum, including children. Children under 18 actually get free admission, and there’s also an education studio for kids 7 and up to create their own art. Admission for adults is $15, while tickets are $10 for students and $12 for seniors. The museum is located in Boston’s Back Bay Fens and is easily accessible by public transport on the Greenline. Even better, it’s only a short walk from the Museum of Fine Arts, another major Boston attraction

Contributed by Lily of Imperfect Idealist Follow along with her journeys on Instagram

Milwaukee Art Museum

Milwaukee may not be on the radar of many travelers out there. However, the largest capital of Wisconsin holds plenty of things to do. Not only does Milwaukee boast some of the best restaurants and breweries in the Dairy State, but on top, the town boasts one of the top museums in the United States. 

I am talking about the Milwaukee Art Museum. It counts on four floors of over forty galleries of art that are rotated regularly with works from antiquity to the present. There are more than 2,500 pieces of art, including one of the largest collections of work by Georgia O’Keefe. However, the building is probably most famous for its Santiago Calatrava-designed Quadracci Pavilion and its wings.

Other highlights are the “American Decorative Arts and Chipstone Foundation” and “Marcia and Granvil Specks Collection”. Both collections hold items that can’t be anywhere else in the US. Indeed, the American Collections present one of the nation’s most important ensembles of pre-1900 decorative arts, and the Marcia and Granvil Specks Collection is considered one of the most important collections of German Expressionist prints in the US.

If you are wondering  where to stay in Milwaukee  in order to be close to the best museums, I recommend staying in Downtown Milwaukee. From an assortment of beers to a full-blown dinner, Milwaukee Downtown has what you need to make your visit unforgettable. You will be close to major restaurants and bars to end your night the right way.

Milwaukee Art Museum 700 N. Art Museum Drive Milwaukee, WI 53202

Contributed by Paulina of Paulina on the Road. Follow her adventures on Instagram

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Art fans visiting Kansas City, Missouri, shouldn’t miss a stop at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Since opening its doors in 1933, the museum has grown its collections, now housing over 40,000 art objects. Its location in the heartland of America belies some of the most treasured collections art admirers will recognize.

Just as there are so many other great outdoor activities to do in Kansas City , the Nelson-Atkins Museum is instantly recognizable by many people for its sculpture garden. As a fun piece of art, the main building acts as a net in a giant game of badminton with four giant shuttlecocks spread out over the gardens. The “Shuttlecocks” bring a sense of whimsy and fun to the art scene. The sculpture garden can be enjoyed at any time and makes for a magnificent backdrop for a picnic.

Inside, visitors will find one of the top three Asian art collections in the world, outside Asia. One of the centerpieces of the collection is a Chinese Buddhist sculpture from the 11th or 12th century, the Guanyin of the Southern Sea. The museum houses an impressive impressionist and post-impressionist collection. The Boulevard des Capucines by Claude Monet is perhaps one of the best-known pieces on display. Caravaggio’s Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness will appeal to fans of the Italian Baroque period.

The museum’s philosophy is to make art approachable to all. It does so in several ways. Admission, other than for special exhibits, is free. Thursday and Friday evenings, the museum remains open until 9 pm. Third Thursday sees a host of community activities at the museum, including live local bands. These policies encourage people to take their time in exploring the museum at a more leisurely pace and in returning to the museum time and again.

Because of its ability to make art approachable to everyone, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri, is an art museum that shouldn’t be missed when traveling through the midwest.

Recommended by Annick Lenoir-Peek, The Common Traveler

National Gallery of Art in Washington DC

Washington, D.C. is  one of the best places to visit  in the United States, especially if you love museums. Whether you are interested in the prehistoric era, African American history, or the portraits of the U.S. Presidents, there is a museum for you. One of the best free museums in the capital for art-lovers is the National Gallery of Art. Located just off the National Mall, the National Gallery of Art has 2 museums in one. It’s West Building houses classical art, sculpture, and artifacts, while the East Building showcases modern and contemporary art. Works from prominent artists such as Pollock, O’Keefe, and Rothko can be found in the East Building. The West Building houses Van Gogh, da Vinci, Monet, and Degas, just to name a few artists.

Depending on which building you visit, even the architecture coordinates with the art housed inside it. While the classic art side looks like a traditional museum, the modern art side has a more contemporary feel. Regardless of which side you explore, the seating is plentiful and the atmosphere is welcoming, so you enjoy your visit no matter where you are. The buildings are connected by an underground tunnel that takes you through the gift shop, café, and even more art, a light installation called  Multiverse .

The museum also offers some nice outdoor spaces to admire the art, including the sculpture garden next to the West Building and the roof terrace on top of the East Building. The sculpture garden features Jazz in the Garden concerts every Friday night in the summer and has an ice rink during the winter, while the roof terrace contains the iconic blue rooster sculpture. No matter what time of year or what type of art you are interested in, when visiting D.C., the National Gallery of Art is a must-visit. 

Contributed by Jordan of Georgia Girl Meets World

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City (or The Met, as it more commonly called) is one of the most famous art museums in the world.  In addition to paintings, sculptures and photography, there are large collections of cultural artefacts from around the world, musical instruments, armor and much more.  It is possible to spend hours – or even days – wandering around the enormous collection and still not see it all.  In addition to the permanent collection, there are frequent temporary exhibitions, including the famous costume museum displays, which are themed with the annual Met Gala. 

The museum is spread over three (soon to be two) locations.  The Cloisters in uptown Manhattan houses the museum’s medieval collection.  The building is custom-built – formed from a collection of actual cloisters moved from European monasteries.  There are several courtyards to enjoy, and in summer, there is a café in one of the lower cloisters. 

In the main museum on Fifth Avenue, there is also a café on the roof garden in summer, along with an annual site-specific installation.  The terrace has one of the best views of Central Park in the city.  Another popular spot is the Temple of Dendur – an actual Egyptian temple set in a specially designed room with an entire wall of glass.  Don’t miss the nearby mummies and large ancient Egyptian collection.  Other  highlights of the Met  include an indoor Chinese garden, reached though a circular moon gate; towering statues of Buddha; re-created French rooms; the façade of a bank moved from lower Manhattan; a light-filled indoor garden filled with ancient European statues; and a Spanish courtyard.  There is something for everyone at the Met!

Contributed by James of Travel Collecting

The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is the city’s most popular museum, and for good reason. There is a little bit of something for everyone in this sprawling art museum which boasts over 300,000 diverse works of art. The museum twists and turns through hallways decorated with sculptures, ancient artifacts, pottery, textiles, and paintings in diverse genres, styles, and time periods. The building itself is a work of art.

Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago is like hopping into a time machine to explore past civilizations. There’s a chance to discover fascinating art from the ancient Egyptians. Move through six continents to explore artifacts from Chinese and Japanese cultures, observe works from India and the Himalayas, and even visit exhibitions on Native American and African art. Be transported to the Byzantine empire, or gawk at extravagant paintings from the Renaissance time. Of course, there is a wide range of modern artist using methods of impressionism, surrealism, and cubism.

Highlights of the museum include:

• American Gothic, Grant Wood
• A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Georges Seurat
• Nighthawks, Edward Hopper

On top of these highlighted paintings, find many works of art by Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, El Greco, Andy Warhol, and many more well-established artists. The museum is constantly hosting temporary exhibits, which stay on average for 3-6 months.

It’s possible to spend the whole day appreciating the thorough museum. The best way to explore is to make a list of highlights you care to see, otherwise the museum can feel a bit overwhelming. Plan on spending at least 4 hours here to really soak in all of the diverse exhibitions. After you feel you’ve seen all you could, don’t miss the chance to walk one block over to Millennial Park. This is home to one of Chicago’s most iconic reflective sculpture, “Cloud Gate,” or simply known as “the bean.”

Practical Info

Find the Art Institute of Chicago at: 111 S Michigan Ave. Chicago. It’s located on the outskirts of Grant Park.

General Admission: $25

Contributed by Megan of Packing up the Pieces . Follow along with her journeys on Facebook

Salvador Dalí Museum

If you like modern and surrealistic art, the Salvador Dalí Museum in Saint Petersburg ( Florida ) is a must-see. The museum has a collection of over 2400 artworks by the famous Spanish artist Salvador Dalí. It was founded because of a private collection by A. Reynolds and Eleanor Morse, who was fascinated by the works of Dalí and also became friends with the artist and his wife Gala. The building of the museum is a piece of art as well, with a hand that looks just like a work by Dalí. The museum also has an app, which allows you to explore the museum from everywhere in the world. 

Museum Highlights

Lithography: Lincoln in Davilision

There are two versions of this artwork made by Salvador Dali himself. One can be found in the Dalí Theatre and Museum in Spain (where Dalí was buried) and the second one resides in Florida. From 20 feet away, it’s a portrait of former president Abraham Lincoln, but up close, you will see lots of different images. Very interesting to see, you’ll see something different every time you’ll approach the artwork. 

Surrounding the museum there is a garden, which is also in the style of Dalí’s art. There are a labyrinth and a wish tree, where thousands of colorful papers are tied to with the wishes of the visitors of the museum. One of the highlights of the garden is the bench with the melting clock, which you can also find in many of Dali’s paintings.  

Saint Petersburg, Florida

Cost: $25 (discounts available)

Contributed by Jacoba of Opreismecto

Best History Museums in the United States

National museum of african american history and culture.

The next time that you’re in Washington, DC, the museum that should be at the top of your list is the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The museum is worth a visit by people of all ages, and I recommend it to anyone that enjoys history or just wants to learn more about the Black American experience.

The museum’s History Galleries are organized to demonstrate the rise of African American’s out of slavery, as you start on the bottom floor with the middle passage, rise to the civil rights era on the second floor, and then move to the impact that black people have had on the culture of the United States over time. I will note that some of the topics/content found in the museum can be a little heavy, but also quite moving as you learn about how former slaves persevered despite the adversities faced.

While at the museum, you must check out the Sweet Home Café, which provides delicious food, particular to African Americans, based on region in the United States. It’s probably the best museum café that I’ve ever visited, so I highly recommend it. Also, if you have additional time after seeing the History Galleries below ground, the Culture Galleries and exhibits on popular musicians should be your next stop to “live” popular blues, R&B, pop, and hip-hop music of the past.

The cost to visit the museum is totally free! The only caveat is that you do need to secure a timed pass to secure entry into the museum, given its high popularity. In all of the United States, no museum (or history book, for that matter) tells the story of black Americans as comprehensively as this museum does, which is why it is just so special.

Contributed by Christen of Travel Wander Grow . Follow along with her journeys on her Instagram

Learn more about visiting places in the United States that highlight Black history and culture.

Senator John Heinz History Center

The Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh is one of the flagship museums of this relatively small but culturally rich city. Pittsburgh has gone from a smoke-filled coal town to one of the largest healthcare research cities on the east coast in a couple of decades. This amazing transformation is beautifully captured within this museum.

Pittsburgh is not only the birthplace of Andy Warhol but also ketchup. Yes, ketchup! The Heinz History museum is named after H.J.Heinz who founded one of the biggest food companies in the world and the Heinz ketchup that we all love. The most famous exhibition here, ‘From Farm to Table with the Heinz Collection’ documents the journey of this incredible man that went from making pickles in his mother’s garden to building an empire of immeasurable size.

The exhibition boasts various glass containers each of which was used to store pickles and jams from 1876 to the present day upside-down ketchup bottle we have. It also documents every ketchup ad developed, some of which are insanely hilarious in retrospect. The keystone though is a very Instagram worthy 10 foot tall ketchup bottle.

Other exhibitions such as ‘The Legacy of Fred Rogers’ and ‘Women Forging the Way’ are powerful and delicately curated collections. They portray the lives of those figures which were key in making the city known over the country. The ‘Vietnam War’ temporary exhibition last year drew a lot of crowds from all over the city.

Due to the unique concepts and artifacts, this museum has curated, it is frequented by college students and families alike. On weekends especially the traffic is substantial. Located at 1212 Smallman St and with an $18 admission for adults, it is one of the best museums to visit in Pittsburgh.

Contributed by Kanupriyaa of My Lost Camel Follow along with her on Instagram

New Orleans’ Backstreet Cultural Museum

New Orleans’ Backstreet Cultural Museum is a place that every tourist traveling to New Orleans should visit, yet few do.

Tucked inside an unassuming house in Treme, New Orleans’ oldest traditionally black neighborhood, the museum is the love child of self-taught photographer Sylvester Francis. Decades ago, Francis started photographing the black culture that is quintessential New Orleans—second-line funeral parades, Mardi Gras Indian costumes, and the jazz scene—as a way to avoid paying for other people’s photos. His rule? “If I was to take anybody’s picture, I’d give them a copy.” Over the years, as Francis handed out copies of his increasingly skilled photography, people began to gift him items in return. He amassed a collection of everything from jazz memorabilia to old clothing to the vibrant, hand-made feather costumes of the famed Mardi Gras Indians. These days, the museum is a lovingly curated collection of black culture and history in New Orleans—a perspective that is often overlooked or forgotten in favor of drunken debauchery in more white-washed or gentrified parts of the city. Clearly crafted by someone strongly attached to his neighborhood and roots, the museum feels more like wandering through a grandfather’s living room than it does visiting a cut and dry exhibit. Visit during  Mardi Gras season in New Orleans , and you’re sure to get an invite to come watch the famous Red Beans parade that ends right around the museum’s front door! If you want a deeper understanding of the culture at New Orleans’ foundation—or just want to see some really fantastically colorful Mardi Gras costumes—the Backstreet Cultural Museum should be your first stop. The Backstreet Museum is at 1116 Henriette Delille Street; admission is $10 per person.

Contributed by Alex of Lost with Purpose

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

After 5 years as a digital nomad , traveling the US and abroad, exploring dozens of museums, galleries, and exhibits the one that left the biggest impression on me is the US Holocaust Memorial Museum.

The Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC is located just off the National Mall and is a must-see for any visitors to the nation’s capital. 

This historical museum will evoke a level of emotion and compassion unparalleled by other galleries while delivering some powerful context around one of history’s most heartbreaking eras. Exhibits are cleverly designed to communicate an extraordinary amount of information in a digestible format including the use of art, photographs, letters, audio narratives, video, and 3D models. Visitors will have the opportunity to hear, see and touch history in a way that leaves a lasting impression. This style allows the museum to be enjoyed by all ages from young children to the elderly.

With over 260,000 square feet spread across 3 floors, the museum offers multiple rotating exhibits that visitors can spend hours exploring. 

For those searching for knowledge and understanding, the permanent exhibit, “The Holocaust” offers an extensive chronological history of the years 1933-1945. Delivered mostly through artifacts, photographs, and written panels, this exhibit takes the deepest factual dive into the history of the Holocaust.

For those looking for a lasting impression, the “American Witnesses” exhibit will evoke emotions not easily forgotten. My personal favorite part of the museum, this is a must-see exhibit that details what the American soilders encountered when they found and liberated the Nazi concentration camps. If stretched for time, visitors should dedicate at least 20-30 minutes to visit this area of the museum. 

Another impactful part of the museum, and my wife’s favorite area, is the Voices from Auschwitz installment. In a simple room featuring only benches, visitors can listen to the personal memories of Auschwitz survivors as their audio recordings play throughout the room. The powerful impact of this exhibit is not to be missed.

Tickets into the museum are free, but if you’re visiting during the spring or summer months admission lines can become quite lengthy. For just $1, you can reserve a time online for guaranteed entry. 

Stephen Gary is the co-founder of Flashpacker Co, a lifestyle brand aimed at helping the growing number of global flashpackers get the most out of their adventures. He’s been a digital nomad for the past 5 years traveling all across the global while running several successful businesses. You can read more of his writing over on the Flashpacker Chronicles or on Instagram @FlashpackerCo.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Tucked away along the banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati is home to a spectacular civil rights museum; The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.  It is fitting the museum calls Cincinnati home as it is where thousands of slaves crossed the Ohio River to freedom.  

While the exhibits and displays at The Freedom Center may be heartbreaking and difficult to face it is important that all people learn about freedom’s heroes and the injustices of the past.    Step inside an actual slave pen, experience what it was like to be Rosa Parks and don’t forget to view the eternal flame. Many exhibits focus on the courage, cooperation, and perseverance shown by the abolitionist movements’ most influential figures during their fight to end human enslavement in America. 

While this museum focuses mostly on the past there is a moving exhibit about Slavery today that highlights how slavery is still an issue in the modern world. Currently, there are upwards of 27 million people that are currently enslaved around the world, more than any other time in human history. This exhibit dives into this topic and is not to be missed. Throughout the year the museum does get a wide variety of exhibitions and puts on educational programs. 

The cost to get into the museum is $15.00 an adult, $10.50 for children however, admission is free on Martin Luther King Day. Martin Luther King Day is a wonderful time to visit the museum as there are special programs, a parade and other events being held at and around the Freedom Center that day. 

50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Contributed by Consistently Curious. Read more about the beautiful park right next to the Freedom Center: Smale Riverfront Park: The Cincinnati Riverwalk You Can’t Get Enough Of

Lower East Side Tenement Museum

Immigrants have played  a pivotal role in the story of America and one of the best places to observe this history firsthand is to visit the Lower East Side Tenement Museum in New York City.

Founded in the late 1980s,  visitors to this unique living history museum get to step back in time when they pass through the doors of 97 Orchard Street, a tenement that was once home to approximately 7,000 people from over 20 nations between 1863 and 1935. Out of the 22 apartments that once comprised the five-story tenement, seven have been restored, along with a lager beer hall that people can visit, each one  showcasing a different time period and ethnic group when they would have lived there. Although their individual stories and backgrounds are different, all of the immigrants who lived at 97 Orchard Street  shared one common thread- they all journeyed to America in search of a better life.

There are a total of six themed apartment tours along with three unique themed tours only offered on Thursday evenings. The apartment tours vary, ranging from immigrant families who operated their own sweatshops within the confines of their small 325-square-foot apartments to how two families, one Jewish and one Italian, survived through two of America’s most horrific economic periods, the Panic of 1873 and the Great Depression. No matter the tour you take, you’ll be amazed to see and learn about the resilience of the immigrants who lived on Orchard Street and how even in the most austere and unimaginable  conditions like windowless apartments and no running water, they still managed to create new lives for themselves and future generations.

For many Americans,  even those whose ancestors were not urban immigrants, it will prove a fascinating place to visit to experience the immigrant story and for non-Americans, it’s a wonderful first-hand telling of the country’s more modern past. For the six themed apartment tours, tickets cost $27 for adults and $22 for seniors and students. The Thursday evening tours are $28 and $23 respectively. Children six and older are permitted on the tours. Tickets sell out in advance as the number of visitors is capped due to the small space of 97 Orchard Street.

Contributed by Julie of the Red Headed Traveler . Follow along with her adventures on Facebook

Most Unique Museums in the United States

Best science museums in the united states, tech interactive san jose.

If you’re looking for a museum that will keep kids of all ages occupied, while not boring yourself half to sleep, Tech Interactive is a perfect choice. Nestled in downtown San Jose, about 40 minutes drive south of San Francisco,  Tech Interactive  is as hands-on as museums get.  

It is a science and technology center and, as its name implies, Tech is focused on teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics in an engaging and interesting way. So get ready to experience virtual reality like never before at the  Reboot Reality  exhibit. Here you can soar above buildings like a bird, with a Virtual Reality set strapped to your face, while laying in a chair that dips and rises with your flight! Create 3D paintings with a program that mimics the creation of art with oil paints, right down to the way it dries on a canvas. Or maybe you want to explore the world under the sea? Head to  Wave Atlas , where you can swim to the ocean floor and create creatures to interact with.

If your interest lies in the biology field, check out the  Living Colors Lab , where you can use lab equipment to engineer multi-colored bacteria, then look for it amongst others projected on a wall. Younger children will love the  Social Robots  section of Tech Interactive, where they get to build and program a real robot using sensors. It also houses the IMAX dome theater, which is the world’s first laser projector for a dome theater and is truly a movie experience to behold.

There’s so much more to experience, but this should whet your appetite for a visit! Why not make a day of it and explore a few more  family-friendly attractions in San Jose ?

Where:  The Tech Interactive, 201 S. Market Street, San Jose, California, 95113. Cost: Exhibits: Adults $25; Child (3-17), Student, and Seniors $20. IMAX film: Adults $12; Child (3-17), Student, and Seniors $10. Combo exhibits and IMAX: Adults $31; Child (3-17), Student, and Seniors $24.

Contributed by Katherine of Bright Lights of America. Follow along with her on Facebook

American Museum of Natural History in New York City

The American Museum of Natural History sits on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, across from Central Park. With twenty-six connected buildings and wings, forty-five permanent exhibits, rotating temporary galleries, a planetarium, and a library, it is one of the world’s largest natural history museums and one of the best museums in the United States!

The museum is dedicated to exploring culture, the universe, and the natural world. Its halls feature exhibits on human origin, biodiversity, forestry, mammals, and dinosaurs. It contains over 34 million specimens and artifacts.

It is home to the 15.5-ton iron Willamette Meteorite, found in Oregon. Visitors can also enjoy the Hayden Planetarium, among other exhibits dedicated to the origins of the universe.

A visit to the AMNH is incomplete without catching a glimpse of the iconic blue whale model, sitting above the Hall of Ocean Life, or seeing the two dinosaur halls. The halls feature a dinosaur trackway and fossils from Tyrannosaurus, Stegosaurus, and others. Together with additional mammal fossils, the halls make up the world’s largest fossil collection.

Visitors can spend hours, even days, at the American Museum of Natural History and barely scratch the surface of what there is to see. It’s a must-see museum for anyone interested in culture, history, science, or space. Ideal for families as well, children will enjoy the dinosaur exhibits and children’s Discovery Center.

Suggested general admission to the AMNH is $23 for adults, $13 for children. Pay what you wish admission is available at ticket counters, in person.

It is located at 200 Central Park West, New York NY 10024.

Contributed by Tory of Tori Leigh .

Field Museum- Chicago

The Field Museum in Chicago is a natural history museum and one of the largest in the world. In its massive hall, the museum houses one of the largest dinosaurs ever to be discovered. The museum houses at least 9 permanent collections and has a host of world-renowned educational and scientific programs available to the public. The museum is a wonderful experience for anyone, and draws over 2 million visitors a year due to its extensive collections and up to date scientific findings, and continuous educational opportunities. 

One of the most interesting exhibits is Inside Ancient Egypt which has 23 mummies on display as well as 31 mummified animals. The Egypt exhibit is one of the most fascinating and popular exhibits in the museum. Other exhibits include Evolving Planet, What Is An Animal, World of Mammals, Traveling the Pacific, and the Grainger Hall of Gems in which the color spectrum is beautifully displayed through the various rocks as well as the magnificent Tiffany Glass window display. 

The museum has over 20 million specimens on display and even a 25,000 volume library.  While it’s nature and cultural exhibits are the primary draw for many visitors, temporary exhibits are also very popular, such as the King Tut exhibit that made it through the museum.  The Field Museum is also home to Sue, the largest, most complete, and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex in the world.

An All-Access Pass is $40/adults, $29 (children ages 3-11) and $35 for seniors and students with ID.

Contributed by Diana of Travels in Poland Follow along with her adventures on Facebook .

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is a unique floating museum docked at the Hudson River in NYC. Once an active aircraft carrier in the Cold War, the Vietnam War, and World War II – USS Intrepid was decommissioned to be converted into a museum. Intrepid is one of the best places to visit in  New York with kids  no matter how old your kids are. Kids enjoy the unusual experience where they can see the world’s fastest jet on display, the Concorde that could fly from New York to London, and a submarine from inside. The museum has four decks – Hangar Deck, Gallery Deck, Third Deck, and Flight Deck. The Hangar Deck houses interesting exhibits like Space Shuttle Pavilion. You can witness NASA’s first space shuttle inside the Space shuttle pavilion – The Enterprise. There are many simulators that kids can ride to get a realistic experience. A Gallery Deck is where the pilots used to get the briefings before their take-off, and the other crew members would keep track of the aircraft and the ships. Flight deck, the top-level, displays airplanes and helicopters that would have landed on this deck during the wartime. Seeing the fighter planes up close is an experience in itself. Plus, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the iconic Manhattan skyline from the Flight deck. The entry ticket costs $33 per adult and $24 per child. Tip: We recommend you buy the tickets online to grab a good deal and skip the line.

Contributed by Anjali of Travel Melodies

The Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry, a sprawling science museum in Chicago, Illinois, is literally fun for all ages!

The gorgeous art deco building dates back to the famous 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, when it was called The Palace of Fine Arts. As one of the few World’s Fair buildings to be built with a substantial stone-and-mortar structure, it was preserved, and even housed the Field Museum (another premier Chicago museum) in its early days. The Museum of Science and Industry in its current form was sparked by a $5 million donation from Julius Rosenwald, the CEO of Sears Roebuck. One of his conditions was that the exhibits should always be interactive. MSI opened to much fanfare in 1933.

Almost eight decades later, Rosenwald’s words have lived on. Interactive exhibits like a 13-foot human heart are some of the centerpieces of the museum. For an extra charge, you can even take a tour of a replica of a coal mine housed underneath the building.

MSI’s collection is incredibly vast. Walking through the main hall, you can see a number of aircraft suspended from the ceiling, such as a Boeing 727, a WWII-era Spitfire, and a Stuka dive-bomber–one of only two complete models in existence. One section alone houses an entire WWII German U-Boat. There’s also the Apollo 8 command module and a replica of the Pioneer Zephyr , the first diesel-powered passenger train. You can also view an entire miniature replica of the downtown Chicago Loop.

General entrance to the museum costs $22, with children age 11 and under getting in for $13. You can also get tickets to MSI as part of the CityPass: Chicago booklet.

Unfortunately, as of March 2020, the Museum of Science and Industry is closed due to coronavirus. However, there is a $2 discount for virtual exhibits accessible online.

Contributed by Alek of 9 to 5 Voyager

Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory  is one of the best science museums in Los Angeles (arguably the country) and makes for a perfect activity for couples, solo, or families! Griffith Observatory has been featured in many movies including The Terminator, Charlie’s Angeles, Transformers, and La La Land because the picturesque building sits upon Mt. Hollywood overlooking the Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood Sign.

The free museum features showcases and exhibits on the phases of the moon, the role of the sun in our solar system, history and progress of astronomy, and a fun, interactive exploration of the planets in our solar system (plus Pluto). One of my favorite parts of this museum is that you can see how much you weigh on each planet! I’m also a chemist so I love the interactive periodic table that has samples of each element (when possible).

Don’t forget to watch the free films in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon or catch a ticketed show in the Planetarium, which is the only part of the museum you have to pay for. It’s definitely worth it though and sometimes provides a much-needed air-conditioned break from wandering Griffith Park. Outdoors you’ll find beautiful panoramic views of Los Angeles and hiking trails that cover the mountain. If you look to the right, you’ll spot the Hollywood sign on an adjacent hill. You can also find entrances to the large telescopes upstairs outdoors, which occasionally are open for star gazing at night! Whether you’re in it for the movies, the science, the views, or just want a fun free thing to do in Los  Angeles, Griffith Observatory is the perfect spot!

Location: 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Cost: FREE except for Planetarium shows (the room featured in La La  Land), which are $7 per adult, $5 per student and seniors, and $3 for  children ages 5-12.

Contributed by Alanna of Periodic Adventures

California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco

The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park offers an aquarium, a rainforest, a swamp, a natural history museum, and a planetarium, all under one roof. It’s no wonder it makes it on our list of the best museums in the United States! You can spend a morning or the entire day perusing all the areas of this museum. You’re sure to find something to interest everyone in your group.

A massive T. rex greets you in the main lobby. Other natural history items include an 87-foot-long blue whale skeleton that hangs from the ceiling. You’ll also find a rotating 30-foot Foucault pendulum and be hypnotized watching the ball swing slowly back and forth. Here are other main areas of the museum.

The aquarium.  My favorite area, the aquarium, is vast and you can wander here, seeing sea life below you as well as swimming in glass tanks above you at other points. Many exhibits are shown on different floors, so you can study the fish and other sea creatures up close and from several angles. About 40,000 sea creatures live in this aquarium.

The Swamp.  This area features an ancient albino alligator named Claude. You can observe him from above and then go to the lower floor and see him closer to eye level through the glass.

Gems and Minerals.  The gems and minerals on display in the museum will fascinates anyone interested in geology. You can marvel at nearly 400 dramatic, colorful specimens from the Academy’s collection.

The Rainforest.  A main attraction of the Academy of Sciences is the four-story rainforest. Enter and wind up a curved ramp among trees and tropical plants. A glass dome 90 feet in diameter encloses this biodiverse display. Butterflies flitter around you. I learned that they love oranges. Frogs attach themselves to walls and birds fly about freely inside.

The Living Roof.  End your day at the museum with a visit to the Living Roof. Solar panels and a weather station are here, but the real attraction for visitors is the vegetation covering the hills of the roof. More than one million plants provide a home for birds, insects, and other creatures.

The Academy of Sciences is open every day of year. Prices: $35.95 for adults, $25.95 for children ages 4 – 11, and $30.95 for ages 12 – 17 and students. Visit the  museum website  to learn more about the programs and exhibits.

Contributed by Sharon of Exploring Our World . Follow along with her on Pinterest

Museums of San Diego

San Diego offers some amazing museums.  Balboa Park has 15 museums all in one location.  In the Marina District, there are also interactive ships such as the USS Midway and at the Maritime Museum that you can actually go aboard and explore.  

When planning any vacation we usually check out the ASTC program to see if our local museum pass can get us into museums when we travel.  In San Diego, we found that the Fleet Science Center and the San Diego Natural History Museum were included.

Admission for the Fleet Science Center is normally $22 for adults and $18 for children and for the Natural History Museum it is $20 for adults and $11 for children.  We have saved so much using the ASTC program when we travel.  

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is so beautiful and the buildings in which each museum is located are incredible works of art. We decided to go to the San Diego Natural History Museum.  This is a great museum for families.  There is an interactive camping section where you can pretend to camp and learn all about the creatures outside. We spent about an hour and a half in the NAT and felt like we were able to see a lot.  

You could easily museum hop in this area as everything is relatively close together. There are also free shuttles that will transport you from each museum.  

One of our favorite museums in San Diego is located in the  Marina District -The USS Midway.   The USS Midway is a retired Navy ship.  It was in use from WWII through Desert Storm.  My kids loved climbing in airplanes and exploring how sailors lived while on the ship.  

 Admission is $26 for adults and $12 for children.  

Contributed by Lisa of Planning Away

SPYSCAPE in New York City

SPYSCAPE is a newly open fully-interactive spy museum in the heart of Manhattan, New York City. With so many high-quality traditional museums, the SPYSCAPE museum stands out by taking a new approach to how visitors absorb the information presented. Unlike traditional museums where you go from exhibits to exhibits, reading paragraphs after paragraphs, SPYSCAPE allows your entire body to be part of the learning process. Throughout the visit, guests can partake in many of the interactive tasks such as surveillance, detecting liars, and even a laser maze. Your performances in these interactive tasks are then recorded into your own personal account. At the end of the museum, you will be assigned a role in the spy community based on how well you performed. Some of the titles you can receive are hackers, surveillance officers, and others. Like traditional museums, SPYSCAPE also has plenty of readable information about the different aspects of being a spy. It even talks about the famous Enigma machine used to defeat the German in World War II. With the perfect mixture of getting your mind and your body active, this museum is suitable for kids and family!

SPYSCAPE is located at 928 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019, a few blocks away from Columbus Circle and Central Park. It is open from 10 AM to 9 PM daily and the entrance cost varies depending on the group.

For an adult, a single ticket costs 70 USD. For a child under 12, it is 58 USD. For a family (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children), the cost is 215 USD. For students, the cost is 58 USD.

Contributed by Sean of Living Out Lau . Follow along with him on Instagram !

Paley Center for Media

Have you ever wished to watch a specific episode from that obscure T.V. show you remember loving as a kid? Located just outside Rockefeller Center in New York City, the Paley Center for Media is a museum to get lost in reruns of your most favorite T.V. shows, radio broadcasts, and even footage from old Olympic Games. Originally named the Museum of Broadcasting, the museum was founded in 1975 by William S. Paley to “lead the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms for the professional community and media-interested public.” It was renamed in 2007 to the Paley Center for Media to encompass all forms of media entertainment, including T.V., radio, movies, streaming, podcasting, and more. 

When you visit the Paley Center, plan to spend your time getting lost in The Archives. Indeed, they have a collection of over 160,000 different broadcasts in their database. Once you select a program, like The Beatles’ first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, or one of your favorite Nickelodeon shows from the 1990s, you’re welcome to view it solo or in a small group with up to four people. Or, stop by for one of the Paley Center’s many organized screening events on one of their theater-sized screens.

Recent exhibitions include The Soprano’s 20th Anniversary special, the NFL 100, LGBTQ+ Stonewall Anniversary Weekend Screenings, and a Doctor Who Christmas Episode Marathon. Admission to the Paley Center for Media is free for up to 1.5 hours, but they do have a suggested contribution. Access to their screenings is free as well, but make sure to get there early as they’re first-come-first-serve.

Paley Center for Media 25 West 52 Street New York, NY 10019

Free Admission for 1.5 hours, suggested contribution is $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, $5 for children under fourteen

Contributed by Lyndsay of The Purposely Lost . Follow along with her on Instagram

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

From baby to 80+ years old, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis offers joy and amusement for hours upon end to everyone. Adults will find just as many opportunities as children to reminisce about childhood as kids will to play and explore.

As one of the largest children’s museums in the world, you need to devote an entire day to explore the facilities. With over three floors filled to the brim with activities, things to touch, and actors to interact with, everyone in your group is going to love a day at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

Part of the bottom floor is completely devoted to dinosaurs. You’ll find life-size replicas, places where you can practice your paleontology skills, and where you can watch real scientists work with dinosaur bones. On this floor, you’ll also find an Egyptian exhibit, where you can explore the tombs of pharaohs, and an interactive exhibit on the Terracotta Warriors. Even if you’re not a huge fan of history, you won’t want to miss these experiences. Finally, the bottom floor features a rotating exhibit which at the time of writing was an astronaut exhibit (they always have a planetarium). The exhibit allows you to experience what it would be like to try and live in space, from growing your own food to eating out of tubes and sleeping strapped down.

On the first floor, you’ll find rotating exhibits that have been everything from a circus exhibit where you can walk a virtual reality tightrope (it’s scarier than it sounds!) and a Doc McStuffins exhibit. You’ll also find a rotating exhibit that lets you experience daily life in another country. The museum works with a local family of the country and models the exhibit off of their life, in order to make it as authentic as possible. The exhibit has featured everywhere from China to Greece.

Continue up a flight and you’ll find an area specifically dedicated to those under 3 years old and on the top floor, you’ll find another rotating exhibit (it was recently about dancing throughout the ages) and a science area, which is absolutely a must-see section of the museum, although really, an ideal day features every single floor.

Submitted by Alysa of  Voyaging Herbivore : Ethical, Sustainable, and Plant-Based Travel. Find her on  Instagram .

Strong Museum of Play

The Strong Museum of Play in Rochester, New York , is based around the world’s largest collection of toys. However it is much more than just a toy museum: it is also an exploration of the concept of play, and its importance in stimulating imagination and creativity in both children and adults.

The museum was founded by Margaret Strong in 1968 and included her personal collection of toys, dolls, and games. Since that time it has moved into new, purpose-built, premises and acquired new exhibits and archive material. A popular addition is the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden, with hundreds of native and tropical butterflies in a rain forest environment.

The Strong Museum makes an ideal day out for families, with lots of interactive exhibits and games. There is a mock-up of a Wegmans store, with trolleys and checkout counters, a carousel and a ride-on express train. Adults will enjoy the museum too, with or without children. The giant walk-through kaleidoscope is a hit with all ages, and there are video games, pinball machines, and much more. The museum also attracts students of the history and psychology of play. As you walk around there are inspirational quotes and explanations of how particular activities strengthen the body or the intellect. And there are sections on the history of play and playthings (a sort of journey through American social history, with early versions of Cluedo and Monopoly, and a gallery devoted to superheroes).

The Strong Museum of Play is located at One Manhattan Square in central Rochester. Admission is $16 per person (free for under-twos).

Contributed by Karen of WorldWideWriter

Which one of these museums in the United States will you visit next?

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Add These Free US Museums to Your Must-See List

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Must-See: Top 13 Things To Do in Washington D.C.

Dylan sanders | aug 26, 2024.

Taking a visit to Washington, D.C. is an essential trip for every American to make. Nowhere in the country offers such a vast look at the nation's history.

Here are some of the most important things to plan to see:

Washington Monument

The iconic obelisk built to commemorate Founding Father and the first President of the United States, George Washington, is undoubtedly a site that must be seen. It stands at 555-feet tall and can be seen from a long distance away.

Lincoln Memorial

While at the National Mall , one must also go see the famous Lincoln Memorial. It's been used frequently in different movies and other pop culture, but still should be viewed in person to fully grasp the importance.

World War II, Korean War and Vietnam Veterans Memorials

Another one of the top things to see in the National Mall is the veterans memorials. The many heroic soldiers that served our country during some of the most significant wars in United States history are enshrined in this group of memorials.

The White House

Whether it is just viewing from behind the gated lawn or getting the ability to tour it, one of the most important and iconic buildings in the country is a must-see.

Jefferson Memorial

Honoring Thomas Jefferson, this brilliant piece of architecture offers one of the best views in all of Washington, D.C. Inside is a statue of Jefferson along with some of his writings.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

One of the most famous museums in the world, this spot is known for the wonderful displays of dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond and more exhibits.

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Another Smithsonian, this is focused on the history of the United States. Exhibits include original versions of the Star-Spangled Banner, Dorothy's ruby slippers, the original American flag and more.

International Spy Museum

Among the more interesting and niche museums that the city has to offer. This is the best place to learn about the actual history of espionage with exhibits of gadgets and famous spies.

Smithsonian African American History and Culture Museum

Yet another important Smithsonian museum, this covers the African American experience through different exhibits.

U.S. Capitol Building

Learn about the legislative process and the history behind the architecture through guided tours.

Library of Congress

This is the world's largest and one of the oldest libraries. It has been open since 1800 and is home to over 170 million items.

National Zoo

One of the top things to that will entertain the entire family is the zoo. It's one of the oldest zoos in the country and offers free admission.

Catch a Game at Nationals Park

This is subject to a certain time of the year, but heading to Nationals Park for a Washington Nationals game can be one of the more relaxing things that the city has to offer.

DYLAN SANDERS

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THE MOB MUSEUM

National museum of organized crime & law enforcement.

The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the public understanding of organized crime’s history and impact on American society. The Museum offers a provocative, contemporary look at these topics through hundreds of artifacts and immersive exhibits.

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