We’ve all seen photos of famous pieces of art. But looking at a picture can never compare to what it’s like to see a masterpiece in person. There’s something magical about being able to inspect Picasso’s actual brush strokes or standing beneath the chiseled piece of marble that was sculpted into the Venus de Milo over 2000 years ago.
Which is why art museums are such an important part of culture. They preserve the most beautiful, controversial, and innovative pieces of art for future generations. Better still, they give the public access to these bursts of genius.
Museums being open for consumption by the masses is a relatively modern concept (the first “opening” was only a few hundred years ago) so we’re lucky to have so many present-day opportunities to see art. That being said, it can be overwhelming to figure out which museums to visit. There are hundreds of “can’t miss” spots featuring incredible pieces, in every country in the world. But if you’re making a bucket list, these are the 10 best art museums in the world that you absolutely have to see before you die.
Naturally, this list is going to miss some of the very, very greats. So let us know in the comments what your “ten must sees” would be and we’ll hang our heads in shame for missing them.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Where: New York City, U.S.A.
Why: This is the largest art museum in the United States. Even the building is spectacular. But what keeps you coming back is its varied, impressive collections that you could get lost in for weeks. There’s something for everyone at the Met. So whether you’re into Greek and Roman statues, Asian art, Impressionist paintings, or armor and swords, you’ll love it.
You Have To See:
The Temple Of Dendur
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPItRYkBTYB/
The Art Institute of Chicago
Where: Chicago, U.S.A.
Why: The Art Institute has one of the most outstanding collections of paintings in the world. There are so many iconic pieces here that it’s the painting equivalent of walking down the red carpet at the Oscars. Over and over again you’ll run into the paintings you’ve seen a million times, but now are experiencing in real life. With beautiful masterworks by Van Gough, Picasso, and Degas, you’ll wander the rooms in constant amazement.
You Have To See:
A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat
Gallerie degli Uffizi
Where: Florence, Italy
Why: This impressive collection houses some of the greatest Renaissance works in the world. You’ll get to see all of the masters from Da Vinci to Michelangelo. It’s like an art class come to life!
You Have To See:
The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli
The Louvre
Where: Paris, France
Why: This is probably the most famous art museum in the world, and for good reason: It’s where the ending of the Da Vinci code took place (jk, jk). Some of the most stunning art pieces in history live here. Seeing these masterpieces in person — pieces like The Winged Victory of Samathrace or The Venus de Milo — make for life-changing experiences.
You Have To See:
The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTgkrkFFmOR/
The Vatican Museums Rome
Where: Vatican City
Why: The Sistine Chapel may be the main draw for tourists in the museums but one shouldn’t underestimate the sheer awesomeness of the Vatican Museum’s’ art collection. They have hundreds of ridiculously beautiful pieces of artwork to see from such artists as Caravaggio, Michelangelo, and Raphael. It’s one of the greatest art collections in the world, and shouldn’t be missed in this lifetime.
You Have To See:
The Sistine Chapel Ceiling by Michelangelo
Rijksmuseum
Where: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Why: This awesome collection features works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Hals. It’s not just a must see in Amsterdam, but one of the greatest art museums in Europe.
You Have To See:
The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer
The MoMA
Where: New York City, U.S.A.
Why: This fantastic museum has one of the greatest collections of modern art in the world. You’ll find a ridiculously rich amount of pieces from artists like Dali, Pollack, and Matisse. It’s one of the most engrossing, entertaining art museums out there.
You Have To See:
The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTmfWI1hA9c/
Museo Nacional Del Prado
Where: Madrid, Spain
Why: The Prado has one of the world’s most extensive European art collections, and the best collection of art by Spanish artists. You have to check out the incredible amount of work they have from artists like El Greco, Goya, and Velázquez.
You Have To See:
Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTUChQ7hOWc/
The New Acropolis Museum
Where: Athens, Greece
Why: The New Acropolis Museum is an archaeological museum that showcases art found in the site of the Acropolis of Athens. So they have a plethera of incredible sculpture pieces, dating back as far as 1450 BC. The history on display is nothing short of mindblowing.
You Have To See:
The 5 Caryatids of the Erechtheion Temple
Museo Atlántico
Where: Lanzarote, The Canary Islands
Why: British artist, diver, and naturalist Jason deCaires Taylor, created this breathtaking underwater experience with 300 below the sea statues. It’s only truly accessible through scuba diving (though you’ll get a small peek snorkling or through a glass bottomed boat) so it’s art for the extreme traveler. This hidden treasure under the sea will slowly morph as more and more sea life attaches to it and eats it away, so time is of the essence to view these sculptures (as close to their original forms as possible).
You Have To See:
The Human Gyre by Jason deCaires Taylor
