Art allows us to leave behind the stress of our everyday life and escape into a fantasy crafted by the artist. Researchers have found that all forms of art, from paintings and sculptures to literature and music, have a positive influence on the mental state of both artists and the people viewing the art.
To truly understand the people and culture of a society, you must first take in their art. This is why, with the help of
www.travelsites.com, we’ve compiled this list of must-visit art museums around the world you should surely visit during your next vacation.
The Louvre Museum - Paris, France
No compilation of art museums from around the world is complete without including The Louvre. Situated in the heart of Paris, The Louvre is one of the most renowned art museums mostly because it is the home of da Vinci’s most recognized work, the Mona Lisa. Additionally, the historic monument is also the world’s largest art museum and a central landmark of the city. Their collection now includes nearly 400,000 pieces, most of which are on display and have been divided into eight departments: Roman Antiquities, Egyptian Antiquities, Near Eastern Antiquities, Etruscan, Greek, Islamic Art, Decorative Arts, and Sculptures. Other than the Mona Lisa, other works that you must see include the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Raft of the Medusa.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art - New York, New York
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest and finest art museums in the world. Split into three iconic sites, you can find it in the heart of New York. The museum houses over two million works of art which represent styles from the past 5,000 years. Every time you go there is a new experience as they have various visiting exhibitions throughout the year. Some of the must-see artworks include ‘The Death of Socrates’ by Jaques Louis David, ‘Young Mother Sewing’ by Mary Cassatt, and ‘Gertrude Stein’ by Pablo Picasso. Go see them for yourself today with some
Last Minute Travel resources by TravelSites.
Vatican Museums - Vatican City
Comprising all of the public art and sculpture museums in Vatican City, the Vatican Museums is one of those places you should aim to visit at least once in your lifetime. It was founded in the early 16th century by Pope Julius II and has grown into an incomparable collection that has been added to by several popes following. There are 54 galleries in total and pieces include important masterpieces of Renaissance art, renowned Roman sculptures, and much more. Some of the most famous aspects you’ll not want to miss include the Stanze di Raffaello decorated by Raphael and the decorated ceiling of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo.
Museum of Modern Art - New York, New York
The Museum of Modern Art, or MoMA as its popularly known, is one of the most influential museums of modern art in the entire world. Situated in Midtown Manhattan, the MoMA collection includes artworks in the form of paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, prints, film, electronic media, illustrated books, artists’ books, architecture, and design. Over three million people from all over the world visit the museum every year to view its several temporary and permanent exhibitions. Having one of the best collections of modern masterpieces, you’ll be able to see over 150,000 individual pieces. Familiar works include I and the Village by Marc Chagall, The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dali, and Self Portrait With Cropped Hair by Frida Kahlo.
The British Museum - London, United Kingdom
Dedicated to human history, art, and culture, The British Museum in London has a comprehensive permanent collection with over eight million pieces. Much of what you see was sourced during the era of the British Empire. There are ten departments for visitors to enjoy; Egypt and Sudan, Greece and Rome, the Middle East, and Asia are some of the most popular. The collection is of immense importance and key highlights include the mummy case and coffin of Nesperennub circa 800 BC, a gold earring from the Aegina Treasure of Greece, and a print of Man Digging in the Orchard by Vincent Van Gogh.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum - New York, New York
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in Manhattan has a constantly-growing collection of early modern, contemporary, impressionist, and post-impressionist art. It is housed in a gorgeous building designed by famed architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright. The collection has grown dramatically since it was established in 1937 and attracts over a million people annually. Selected works include Homme aux bras croisés (Man With Crossed Arms) by Paul Cézanne, Paris par la fenêtre (Paris Through the Window) by Marc Chagall, and Composition XI by Theo van Doesburg. While you’re there, be sure to take in the beautiful artwork and structure of the actual building itself.
The National Gallery of Art - Washington, District of Columbia
Established in 1937, the National Gallery of Art has a large collection of drawings, paintings, photographs, prints, sculptures, medals, and decorative arts. The works you’ll see span from the Middle Ages of western civilization up to today. You’ll see pieces by several American and European artists along with the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt van Rijn, and Claude Monet. Some highlighted pieces from the collection at the National Gallery of Art include Self-portrait by van Gogh, Open Window by Henri Matisse, and Still Life by Picasso. Don’t miss exploring the attached Sculpture Garden which is an outdoor gallery for monumental modern sculpture and includes lush flowers and plants, a reflecting pool, a fountain, and pieces by Mark Di Suvero, Marc Chagall, and Hector Guimard.
These are some of the larger, more famous, art museums in the world, and though they are definitely worth checking out, be sure to keep an eye out for smaller private collections wherever you travel as they’re sure to have some gems there as well. Find them by using the list of resources under TravelSites’
Activities and Tour Sites category - it’ll help you find art in every corner of the world.
