There are some who would say that the world is your oyster. There are others who might say that the world is one giant museum, just waiting to be explored. We’ve put together a list of the top museums around the world that to help you check off your bucket list.
1) Famous Stops:
- The Louvre, Paris, France: It would be impossible to create a list of the world’s best museums without including the Louvre. Home to some of the most famous paintings in the world, including the Mona Lisa, this iconic museum welcomes over eight million visitors each year. Pro tip: Purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line!
- The British Museum, London, England: A visit to London isn’t complete without stopping by the British Museum. With over eight million objects from all different cultures and time periods, there’s something for everyone here. From ancient Egyptian mummies to mediaeval armor, you could spend days exploring everything this museum has to offer.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, USA: The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must-see for any traveler as the largest art museum in the United States. With over two million works of art on display, you could easily spend a week here and not see everything. From ancient Egyptian artefacts to European paintings to American sculptures, there’s something for everyone at this massive museum.
- The National Museum of China, Beijing, China: As the largest museum in China and one of the largest in the world, the National Museum of China is a must-see for anyone visiting Beijing. With over 14 million artefacts on display, this massive museum covers Chinese history from ancient times to the present.
- The State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia: As one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, the State Hermitage Museum is a must-see for any traveler to St. Petersburg. With over three million artefacts on display, ranging from ancient Egyptian mummies to Renaissance paintings to Russian imperial treasures, you could easily spend days exploring everything this museum has to offer.
- The Vatican Museums, Vatican City, Italy: No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Vatican Museums. Home to some of the most famous art in the world, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms, the Vatican Museums are a must-see for any traveler.
2) Do’s and don’ts when visiting:
Besides these pointers, there are apps that you can download as professionals, such as Frederica Wald, that can assist you with everything you need to know regarding museums.
Do:
- Purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a water bottle and snacks, as some museums do not allow food inside.
- Plan ahead and research which exhibitions you want to see.
Don’t:
- Touch the art! It’s rude, can damage the art and also most museums have strict rules against this, and you could fined and/or get kicked out.
- Take pictures of the art without permission. Many museums do not allow flash photography, so be sure to check before you snap a photo.
- Make too much noise. Remember that there are other people trying to enjoy the museum as well.
There are a ton of great museums all over the world that are definitely worth a visit. Get out there and start exploring! Who knows, you might find your new favorite place.
