From Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to the golden treasures of Tutankhamun, these world-renowned museums showcase the best in art and history. Each one has a story to tell, and each one welcomes millions of visitors annually.
The museum as we know it today probably developed in ancient times, with treasuries housing objects that had religious, magical, economic or aesthetic value or were simply considered curiosities. From there, it’s easy to see how the concept grew, becoming a worldwide phenomenon that was often supported by governments and was accessible to all citizens.
Whether it’s a museum of art or natural history, the vast collection of items on display is always worth exploring. Each piece holds a wealth of knowledge, and the stories behind them are just as fascinating as the pieces themselves. It’s no wonder that museums are one of the most popular places for people to visit all over the world.
While museums are famous for their historical and art treasures, they are also increasingly responding to the climate crisis with exhibitions and initiatives that focus on sustainability and decolonization. Museums are also rethinking their mission, moving away from being exclusive cultural institutions to being places that bring together diverse communities to learn from each other.
In terms of the most visited museums, the top spots are dominated by the US and Europe. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC both rank high in this list, but it’s France’s Musee d’Orsay that takes the number two spot, followed by the Louvre.
France has a plethora of great museums, but it’s the Louvre that brings in over ten million visitors annually, and its collection is second to none. It is a massive museum, housed in spectacular connected palaces, and it houses some of the most famous paintings and sculptures in the world, including the Mona Lisa.
Musee d’Orsay, the other French entry on the list, is the place to go to see some of the best 19th and 20th century artwork in the country. The museum was once a railway station, and its dazzling displays of paintings, sculptures and furniture make it the perfect place to spend an afternoon or an evening in Paris.
Other great museums in the US include the Brooklyn Museum of Modern Art and MoMA, while London’s Victoria and Albert Museum ranks third on the list. The British Museum also boasts a stunning collection, including the Elgin Marbles that once decorated the Parthenon in Athens and the incredible collection of Islamic art.
