27 Best Museums in the United States

A good museum can open your mind and expand your world, opening 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 take place in a building around the corner or across the state. You don't need to travel to Spain to see the work of Pablo Picasso, nor do you need to visit Egypt to learn more. ancient Egyptian history. Some the best museums in the world are located right here in the United States.

While what makes a museum good is very subjective – some people love art, others prefer to immerse themselves in another culture or era of history – we've brought together a mix of renowned institutions , interesting experiences and unusual, lesser-known museums that are often overlooked. Here are 27 of the best museums in the United States

The Metropolitan Museum of Art — New York

If you're looking for quantity, there's no better place. Better known as “the encounter“, this museum is the largest art museum in the United States and the fourth largest museum in the world. As you would expect, there is a lot to see: the permanent collection alone contains more than 1 .5 million works.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Washington, DC

You can explore the wilds of the natural world, from insects to dinosaurs, to Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, which is right next to the National Mall. And it doesn't hurt that entry is free for everyone and the museum is open 364 days a year.

The Getty — Los Angeles

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

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum — Santa Fe, New Mexico

The entirety of this museum is dedicated to Georgia O'Keeffe, an artist nicknamed the “mother of American modernism.” It is the place to go to see his iconic flower paintings enlarged, as well as his New Mexico landscapes and New York skyscrapers.

The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest museums in the United States, and its collection is proof of its long-standing place among the world's best art museums. In addition to housing a huge art collection, the museum is located in Chicago's Grant Park, just steps from other Windy City attractions like Crown Fountain and the famous Cloud Gate, or “Bean”.

Wynwood Walls — Miami

Although perhaps less well known than some of the other places on this list, the Wynwood Walls are just as interesting, if not more, than a more traditional museum. The institution consists of 300,000 square feet of exterior murals rather than a centralized interior collection, and features colorful and thought-provoking works. Street art and graffiti from artists around the world.

Chihuly Garden and Glass — Seattle

Located at the base of the space needle is this long-standing exhibition showcasing the spectacular glass art of Dale Chihuly. The extravagantly colored installations, both in the garden and in the museum building, are sure to surprise.

National Gallery of Art — Washington, DC

This museum has a coveted location on the National Mall and its own adjoining sculpture garden that you won't want to miss. Inside the museum On the walls you'll find works by artists ranging from Leonardo da Vinci and Johannes Vermeer to Gordon Parks and Joan Miró. Plus, entry is always free.

Denver Botanic Gardens

These gardens may be located high in the Rocky Mountains, but you'll find a surprising variety of plants and flowers here. this 24 acre parkwhich has a conservatory, themed gardens and a sunken amphitheater which hosts concerts in summer.

Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum — Tucson, Arizona

This museum complex has it all: a zoo, an aquarium, a botanical garden, a natural history museum and an art gallery. Oh, and don't forget the walking trails that traverse 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 simulated space station, and a carousel.

The National September 11 Memorial and Museum – New York

Right next to One World Trade Center is this museum and memorialwhich honors the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks and examines the impact and continuing effects of this historic tragedy.

Museum of Pop Culture — Seattle

If you like rock music, classic films and other ephemera of contemporary life, go to Seattle Museum of Pop Culture, better known as “MoPOP”. The entire venue is dedicated to modern popular culture and features an eye-catching exterior reminiscent of a broken electric guitar.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum — Washington, DC

This Smithsonian museum has the “world's premier collection of aviation and space artifacts, history and expertise”, meaning there's no better place for anyone with even a slight interest in space and air travel. For the complete experience, combine your tour with a visit to the museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

The Neon Museum — Las Vegas

Love it or hate it, Las Vegas is an important part of modern American culture. And The Neon Museum, which features 800 signs rescued from 200 Vegas institutions, is proof of that. Visit to explore a “Neon Boneyard” filled with signs 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 around the world, but no collection is as extensive as what you'll find in museums around the world. The Andy Warhol Museum in the artist's hometown of Pittsburgh. At North America's largest museum dedicated to a single artist, you'll discover beloved works by Warhol, such as Campbell's soup paintings and floral lithographs.

Mmuseumm — New York

Located on a quiet alley in Lower Manhattan, this miniature museum occupies just 36 square feet of space inside an old elevator shaft. The collection, which changes every year, is based on the idea of ​​”object journalism,” where seemingly random objects (the shoe thrown at George W. Bush in Iraq, for example) are displayed together to illuminate the nuances of modern life.

Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts — St. Louis

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

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston — Boston

THE Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is vast, with over 100 art-filled galleries. In short, there's something for everyone. Popular exhibits include Egyptian sculptures and mummies as well as an Impressionist wing that includes the largest collection of Monet's works outside of France.

Exploratorium — San Francisco

Located on Pier 15 in San Francisco, the Exploratory states that it “is not like other museums”. The superb hands-on exhibits are designed around science, technology and the arts, providing informal and, above all, fun learning experiences.

Whitney Museum of American Art — New York

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

Center for Science and Industry—Columbus, Ohio

Better known as COSI, the Center for Science and Industry in Columbus has long been known for its excellence in making science learning fun with more than 300 hands-on exhibits. The museum has been in operation since 1964 and even offers a nighttime event for adult visitors.

National Museum of African American History and Culture — Washington, DC

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

The National World War II Museum – New Orleans

This museum shares the stories of World War II and comments on its significance in world history. The goal of these 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.”

Meow Wolf — Santa Fe, New Mexico

The immersive and kaleidoscopic art installations of Meow Wolf are designed to transport visitors to another world. Even though the collective now has outposts in Texas, ColoradoAnd Nevadathe 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 worth leaving Waikiki's sandy beaches to see THE USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. The memorial site and museums commemorate the events of December 7, 1941 and provide insight into a key moment in American history.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — Cleveland

Located on the shores 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 exhibition where you can play instruments and photographs highlighting stars and key moments in music history.