Best Museums in the World

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of human history with a visit to one of the world’s most outstanding museums. As you wander the halls of a museum you find yourself transported in time to the beginnings of civilization. You become entranced by the astounding collections of ancient treasures and works of art as you discover the secrets of the past. You don’t have to be a history student to appreciate the marvels found in these incredible repositories of precious artifacts. As you make plans for your next vacation, consider including a visit to one of the following “must-see” museums around the world.

England: The British Museum

This spectacular London edifice houses a magnificent collection of historical objects and artistic treasures from all over the world. Browse the museum’s galleries featuring highlights of world history including Egyptian Life and Death, Bronze Age Europe, and Ancient Greece. Visitors are delighted by the Clocks and Watches collection and the famous Rosetta Stone, as well as the Parthenon sculptures, the Lewis Chessman and the Sandstone Frieze. Entry is free and the museum is open daily.

France: The Louvre

The Musee du Louvre was originally a Parisian palace housing the royal family and their collection of sculpture and artistic masterpieces. The Louvre is the world’s largest museum with 100,000 objects on exhibit and more visitors every year than any other art museum in the world. This amazing collection features artifacts from prehistoric ages through the 19th century, including such curatorial departments as Egyptian Antiquities, Decorative Arts, Sculpture and Paintings. Admission is free and the museum is open every day except Tuesdays.

United States: Metropolitan Museum of Art

One could not consider a visit to New York City complete until having experienced the astounding Metropolitan Museum of Art. This first class art museum features a fantastic collection of paintings, drawings, sculpture and artifacts from around the world. Visitors enjoy the Costumes Institute, the Arms and Armor collection, Medieval Art and The Cloisters. Admission is $25 with free entry to students and members and the museum is closed Mondays.

Russia: State Hermitage Museum

The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg is a large complex of six historical buildings along the Palace Embankment, and was once home to the Tsars of Russia. Nearly 3 million items comprise this fantastic collection representing world history since the Stone Age. The largest art collection in the world can be viewed by visitors to the Hermitage. Admission is 400 rubles, or 150 rubles for Russian citizens, except the first Thursday of each month when entry is free (closed Mondays).

Egypt: The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo contains an outstanding collection of artifacts depicting the evolution of this ancient civilization. Many of the objects recovered from the tomb of King Tutankhamen are held here including his golden mask. The famous Bust of Nefertiti and the Papyrus Collection are also popular exhibits. General admission is $9, closed Monday and Tuesday.

Article author: Cathy Jones