It’s impossible to know the amount of art and artifacts on display at the world’s best museums. But it’s a safe assumption that the total number is somewhere in the billions. Housed in the greatest institutions of the planet, these artworks tell the story of human and natural history since the earth’s inception.
Which museums are truly the best for art, though? We all know the heavy hitters, like the Louvre in Paris or the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. But what about the lesser-known ones that tell the more niche histories and showcase a finely tuned collection? Or the ones that aren’t necessarily known for art but have incredible art displays?
We looked at museums that display art, even if it’s not their main purpose, and whittled them down to the best 27, ranked by number of visitors. Ready to discover the best art museums in the world?
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Why the Palacio de Bellas Artes Is So Popular
One of the most important cultural institutions in all of Mexico, the Palacio de Bellas Artes, or Palace of Fine Arts, enjoys worldwide fame. The palace is host to the Mexican ballet, as well as numerous national and international operas and plays.
But even if you’re not going to enjoy a night at the opera, it is worth visiting the institution to tour its collection of work by Mexican muralists. The palace proudly displays murals by the most important artists in the country, including Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo and David Alfaro Siqueiros.
On the last floor, you’ll also find the National Museum of Architecture.
Why the Art Institute of Chicago Is So Popular
Located in Chicago’s Grant Park, the Art Institute of Chicago holds one of the most valuable art collections in the United States.
It is known for having important works of American arts, such as Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks” and Grant Wood’s “American Gothic.” Its international collection is just as impressive, with pieces by Picasso, Mary Cassatt, and George Seurat.
Besides modern art, the museum has pieces of ancient and Byzantine art, as well as Asian artworks that date over 5,000 years.
Why Musee d’Orsay Is So Popular
At Paris’ Musée d’Orsay, visitors will find one of the most important and memorable collections of art. The pieces in the museum range from the late 19th century to the early 20th century and have been put together from the collections of three other museums: The Louvre, Musee du Eau de Plume and the former National Museum of Modern Art.
Within the collection are paintings, sculpture, photography, graphic arts and examples of architecture. The building was originally built as a train station to bring visitors to the World’s Fair in 1900. The station closed in 1939 and fell into disuse until the 1970s. Here, you can find amazing artworks by van Gogh and Monet, among many, many others.
Why the Vatican Museums Are So Popular
Vatican Museums – Musei Vaticani / Facebook
No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to Vatican City and the Vatican Museums. The museums can trace their history back to the 15th century with the construction of the Vatican itself. St. Peter’s Basilica, home to the world-renowned Sistine Chapel, was commissioned in 1471, and Michelangelo Buonarroti was hired to paint the ceiling in 1508.
The museums began with the private collection of Pope Julius II. Today, they feature more than 70,000 exhibits, home to the most extensive collection of art in the world that belongs to the Catholic Church. In addition to the Sistine Chapel, the Cabinet of the Masks, the Bramante Staircase and the Vatican Gardens are among the most popular exhibits.
