Does a visit to a new country or city fill you with excitement about visiting museums to see the works of the classical masters? Maybe you seek out more fringe and modern art. Perhaps strolling among magnificent sculptures is your idea of artistic bliss. The range of art tastes is as diverse as humanity and each person has their own preferences but regardless of which type suits your fancy, there is a museum out there for you.
In this blog we explore several of these museums where you can find the art that inspires you. This guide is divided into three categories: Classical Masterpieces, Modern and Contemporary Art, and Sculpture Museums and Gardens. Some museums may appear twice if they house noteworthy collections for more than one of these categories, several of them actually. It is not surprising though given that some of the larger museum collections, particularly in Europe, have impressive repertoires of paintings and sculptures.
1. Classical Masterpieces
Description: The Louvre is the world’s largest and most visited museum, home to over 35,000 artworks, including Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace. Originally a medieval fortress, it became a royal palace before opening as a museum in 1793. Its unparalleled collection spans ancient civilizations to the 19th century.
Highlights:Â European paintings, Greek and Roman antiquities, and Islamic art.
Cost: €17 for adults; free on the first Sunday of each month.
Best Time to Visit:Â Early mornings or evenings on weekdays. Regardless of when you go, expect large crowds at the most popular exhibits like the Mona Lisa. It is displayed behind bulletproof glass and I was surprised to see how small it really was 77 x 53 centimeters (30 x 21 inches).
What to Bring:Â A detailed map of the museum to navigate the sprawling galleries and a camera but do not bring selfie sticks (I guess I'm not the only one that hates those things) and do not use a flash!
Fun/Interesting Fact: Beneath the Louvre is a shopping mall with a glass-bottomed view of the museum’s historic foundations, offering a glimpse into its past as a fortress.
Description: A treasure trove of Renaissance art, the Uffizi was commissioned by the Medici family and transformed into a museum in 1765. It features works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci, capturing the essence of Italy’s artistic golden age.
Highlights: Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo.
Cost: €20 for adults during peak season.
Best Time to Visit:Â Late autumn or early spring for fewer crowds.
What to Bring:Â Pre-booked tickets to avoid long queues.
Fun/Interesting Fact: The Uffizi is connected to the Medici's former residence via the Vasari Corridor, a secret passageway used by the family to travel safely between the gallery and their palace. Also in this area of Florence are some other notable monuments/artwork. The red tiled dome (Il Duomo) of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a huge draw, and if adventurous you can climb the 463 steps to get to the top for some spectacular views of the city. Well worth the effort. In addition, make your way over to the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze where you can see Michelangelo’s David in person. When I said I was surprised to see how small the Mona Lisa was, I was stunned to see the size of David. The statue, carved from a single block of Carrara marble, stands at 5.17 meters (17 feet) and its proportions are intentionally exaggerated to emphasize certain details when viewed from below. So to compare, the approximate width of David’s buttocks is about 1 meter (3.3 feet) across, which is larger than the Mona Lisa’s total surface area. Admit it, you wanted to know that.
Description: Showcasing centuries of royal patronage, the Prado features one of the finest collections of European art, emphasizing Spanish masters like Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Its galleries trace the evolution of Western art from the Renaissance to the 19th century.
Highlights: Velázquez’s Las Meninas and Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights.
Cost: €15 for adults; free during the last two hours daily.
Best Time to Visit:Â Afternoons for quieter galleries.
What to Bring:Â A guidebook to appreciate the nuanced themes in Spanish art.
Fun/Interesting Fact: The museum’s most famous painting, Velázquez’s Las Meninas, has been endlessly studied and debated for its enigmatic composition and use of perspective.
Description: The Rijksmuseum focuses on Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, including Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid. Adjacent to it, the Van Gogh Museum celebrates the vibrant works of one of history’s most influential artists.
Highlights: The Rijksmuseum’s sprawling art collection and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.
Cost: Combination tickets from €40.
Best Time to Visit:Â Weekday mornings for a relaxed experience.
What to Bring:Â Pre-booked tickets and a comfortable pair of shoes.
Fun/Interesting Fact: The Rijksmuseum has its own bike path running through the building, reflecting Amsterdam’s cycling culture. Once you have finished touring the museums you may have worked up a bit of a thirst. You're in luck, just a 10 minute walk will take you over to the Heineken Experience where you can indulge in a few wobbly pops and learn about the history of the beer. New this year they also offer a one hour canal cruise (40 Euro) that includes three of their beer. I've done their regular tour and it was a blast, so I would totally go on that cruise.
1.5 The Vatican Museums (Vatican City, Italy)
Description: A vast complex of galleries curated by the Catholic Church, the Vatican Museums house treasures from ancient Rome to the Renaissance. The Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling fresco, is its crowning jewel.
Highlights: Raphael Rooms, ancient sculptures, and Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment.
Cost: €17 for adults; free on the last Sunday of each month.
Best Time to Visit:Â Late afternoon for fewer crowds.
What to Bring:Â Modest clothing and a guide to navigate its 54 galleries.
Fun/Interesting Fact:Â The Vatican City, where the museums are located, is the smallest independent state in the world. Incidentally, I would avoid going to Vatican city, or Rome for that matter, in 2025 as it is a Jubilee year for the Catholic church. A Jubilee year is a time for celebration, and sees millions of pilgrims visiting Rome seeking spiritual renewal, forgiveness from sins, and a stronger connection to their faith. It occurs once every 25 years so it is a big deal, with this year expected to draw some 35+ million visitors. Unless you want to take part in the religious aspects of it, I'd avoid the city as it is going to be bonkers busy.
Description:Â Located in Trafalgar Square, this free gallery offers a sweeping view of European painting from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Its vast collection features works from the Italian Renaissance to Impressionism.
Highlights: Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire, and da Vinci’s Virgin of the Rocks....... Did you catch that? Maybe not. I wrote Van Gogh's "Sunflowers" twice now, one in Amsterdam and one here. Well, as it happens, Van Gogh actually painted 7 Sunflower in Vase pictures, 5 of which are displayed in museums. The two in Amsterdam (#7 - January 1889) and London (#4 - August 1888) are nearly identical. Van Gogh would sometimes make copies of his favorites so he could keep the original and gift the copies.
Cost:Â Free entry; fees may apply for special exhibitions.
Best Time to Visit:Â Early mornings during the week.
What to Bring:Â A notebook for sketches or notes.
Fun/Interesting Fact: The gallery’s steps are a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy performances or simply soak in views of Trafalgar Square.
Description: Known as "The Met," this is one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive art museums, with collections spanning ancient Egypt, classical Europe, and Asian art. The Met spans over 2 million square feet and houses art from around the world. Its vast collection makes it one of the most visited museums globally.
Highlights: The Temple of Dendur, Vermeer’s Young Woman with a Water Pitcher, and Monet’s Water Lilies.
Cost:Â $30 for adults; pay-what-you-wish for New York State residents.
Best Time to Visit:Â Weekday mornings or evenings on Fridays.
What to Bring:Â A charged phone for interactive museum apps.
Fun/Interesting Fact:Â The Met Gala, hosted annually at the museum, is one of the most glamorous fashion events in the world, combining celebrity culture with art and opulence. Can you imagine attending this kind of affair? Dressed to the nines and immersed in the pomp and circumstance, rubbing elbows with the rich and famous, the entitled and the influential, and ... ack. I'm gagging as I write this. That would be my own personal H-e-double hockey sticks. Well, at least the money raised (26 million in 2024) goes to a worthy charity - The... wait, the what? The Costume Institute; a place that documents fashion and jewelry over the years. SMH. Ok, I guess some people prioritize fashion as an art form worth 26 million, and it sure beats spending 6.2 million dollars for a banana taped to a wall. I give up. Moving on...
Description: Known for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections, this museum also boasts ancient artifacts and American masterpieces like Grant Wood’s American Gothic.
Highlights: Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte and works by Picasso. Any fan of the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off would recognize the Seurat painting in an instant. This is the painting that captivates Cameron as he stands before it in his Detroit Redwings Jersey. The whole museum sequence was arguably one of the best segments in the movie IMHO.
Cost:Â $25 for adults; discounts for Chicago residents.
Best Time to Visit:Â Mornings during weekdays.
What to Bring:Â An open mind for diverse styles and periods.
Fun/Interesting Fact: The museum’s massive collection includes over 300,000 works, and its research library is one of the largest in the country.
Description:Â Housed in a former railway station, the museum focuses on French art from 1848 to 1914. It is best known for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.
Highlights: Monet’s Poppies, Degas’ ballerinas, and Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône.
Cost: €16 for adults.
Best Time to Visit:Â Weekday afternoons.
What to Bring: A camera for the museum’s scenic Seine views.
Fun/Interesting Fact:Â The museum's grand clock faces, remnants of the original railway station, offer stunning views of the Seine and Paris. This clock is thought to have been the inspiration for the one seen in the Montparnasse train station (which doesn't actually have a clock) from the movie Hugo by Martin Scorcese.
Description:Â Located on a hill overlooking Los Angeles, the Getty Center combines stunning architecture with an impressive collection of European paintings, decorative arts, and photography.
Highlights: Van Gogh’s Irises and Monet’s Wheatstacks.
Cost:Â Free entry; $20 for parking.
Best Time to Visit:Â Late afternoon for breathtaking sunset views.
What to Bring:Â A picnic to enjoy in the gardens.
Fun/Interesting Fact: The Getty Center’s tram ride to the hilltop museum is an experience itself, offering beautiful views of the city and surrounding hills.
2. Modern and Contemporary Art
Description: MoMA is a leading institution for modern and contemporary art, showcasing a collection that spans from the late 19th century to today. It houses some of the most iconic works of modern art, including Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, and Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans. The museum also features cutting-edge installations, design exhibits, and experimental media.
Highlights: Monet’s Water Lilies series, Matisse’s The Dance, and Kusama’s immersive installations.
Cost:Â $25 for adults.
Best Time to Visit:Â Weekday mornings for quieter galleries.
What to Bring:Â An open mind and a camera for its outdoor sculpture garden.
Description: An architectural marvel and a hub for modern art, the Centre Pompidou houses Europe’s largest collection of contemporary works. The building itself, with its exposed pipes and escalators, reflects its avant-garde ethos.
Highlights:Â Works by Kandinsky, Duchamp, and Matisse.
Cost: €14 for adults.
Best Time to Visit:Â Late afternoon for sunset views from the rooftop terrace.
What to Bring:Â A sketchpad for inspiration.
Description:Â A sleek, modern building that showcases contemporary art with a focus on post-war American works. Its collection features bold installations and iconic pieces by Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Highlights: Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room and Koons’ Balloon Dog.
Cost:Â Free; reservations recommended.
Best Time to Visit:Â Early mornings or weekdays.
What to Bring:Â Pre-booked tickets and a camera.
Description:Â Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Guggenheim is as famous for its spiraling architecture as for its modern art collection. Its innovative exhibitions focus on abstraction and experimental art. This museum is quite fun to stroll through as you wind your way through a quarter-mile long spiral ramp that circles the rotunda. The ramp has a three-degree incline and is steadily sloped. Benches are located throughout the museum, including on each level near the elevators. If you are so inclined (pun intended) you can take the elevator up to the top and walk down instead.
Highlights:Â Works by Kandinsky, Picasso, and Rothko.
Cost:Â $25 for adults.
Best Time to Visit:Â Friday evenings when admission is pay-what-you-wish.
What to Bring:Â A good pair of walking shoes for the spiral gallery.
Description: Housed in a former power station, Tate Modern is Britain’s leading gallery for contemporary art. Its industrial setting provides a dramatic backdrop for installations and experimental exhibits.
Highlights: Works by Warhol, Hockney, and Louise Bourgeois’ Maman spider sculpture.
Cost:Â Free entry; fees for special exhibitions.
Best Time to Visit:Â Weekday afternoons.
What to Bring:Â A curiosity for the avant-garde.
Description:Â A former railway station turned contemporary art museum, Hamburger Bahnhof features cutting-edge installations and a robust collection of post-1960s works, including pieces by Joseph Beuys and Andy Warhol.
Highlights: Beuys’ Das Kapital Raum 1970–1977.
Cost: €14 for adults.
Best Time to Visit:Â Weekday mornings.
What to Bring:Â A notebook to jot down the meaning behind thought-provoking pieces.
Description:Â Focused on modern and contemporary art, the Stedelijk is known for its bold curation and iconic works by artists like Mondrian and De Kooning. The museum also champions design and digital media.
Highlights: Kandinsky’s abstract works and futuristic furniture designs.
Cost: €20 for adults.
Best Time to Visit:Â Early mornings.
What to Bring:Â Pre-booked tickets to avoid long queues.
Description:Â A hub for modern and contemporary art, the Museum Brandhorst in Munich boasts an extensive collection with a focus on 20th and 21st-century works. Known for its striking architecture, the museum houses over 1,200 works, including pieces by Andy Warhol, Cy Twombly, and Damien Hirst. The vibrant facade of the building itself is an artistic statement, made of 36,000 ceramic rods in varying hues.
Highlights: Cy Twombly’s monumental Lepanto Cycle, Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe, and installations by contemporary artists.
Cost: €10 for adults; free on Sundays.
Best Time to Visit:Â Weekday afternoons for a quieter experience.
What to Bring:Â A notebook to jot down interpretations of thought-provoking works.
Description: Dedicated to the life and work of Andy Warhol, this museum in his hometown of Pittsburgh is the largest museum in North America devoted to a single artist. Spanning seven floors, it showcases Warhol’s paintings, prints, sculptures, and films, including his iconic Campbell’s Soup Cans and Marilyn Diptych. The museum also explores Warhol’s influence on pop culture, media, and art history.
Highlights: Warhol’s famous Silver Clouds installation, interactive exhibits, and rotating special exhibitions. I went to one special exhibit that was a whole bunch of Darth Vader masks done up in different styles, it was very cool. We also went to a recent exhibit that had a bunch of very colorful stuffed bears. It was a great exhibit for the younger ones. If you are bringing the kids along, expect them to not want to leave the silver clouds room as it really is fun! There is also a small play area on the basement level if you need to tag team the youngest kids to keep them occupied.
Cost:Â $25 for adults; discounts for students and seniors.
Best Time to Visit:Â Weekday mornings for quieter galleries.
What to Bring:Â A phone or camera for Warhol-inspired photo opportunities and a notebook to jot down inspiration from his eclectic style.
Description: Italy’s first museum dedicated entirely to contemporary art, MAXXI features innovative architecture and cutting-edge exhibitions focusing on art, design, and urbanism.
Highlights:Â Rotating exhibitions and works by Zaha Hadid.
Cost: €12 for adults.
Best Time to Visit:Â Weekday mornings.
What to Bring:Â A guide to understand the museum's architectural design.
3. Sculpture Museums and Gardens
3.1 The Louvre (Paris, France)
Description: Back to Paris we go. While best known for its paintings, the Louvre’s sculpture collection is equally remarkable. Highlights include the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and Michelangelo’s Dying Slave. The galleries allow visitors to explore the evolution of sculptural art from ancient civilizations to the Renaissance.
Highlights:Â The Cour Marly for French classical sculptures and the Denon Wing for iconic works.
Cost: €17 for adults; free on the first Sunday of each month.
Best Time to Visit:Â Early mornings for a quieter experience.
What to Bring:Â A camera for wide-angle shots of the impressive sculpture halls. Again, no selfie sticks and no flash photography.
3.2 Vatican Museums (Vatican City, Italy)
Description: Although the Sistine chapel gets all the hype, The Vatican Museums also house an impressive collection of ancient sculptures, including the famed Laocoön and His Sons and the Belvedere Torso. These masterpieces influenced Renaissance artists like Michelangelo and continue to captivate audiences.
Highlights:Â The Octagonal Court and the Gallery of Statues.
Cost: €17 for adults; free on the last Sunday of each month.
Best Time to Visit:Â Late afternoon for smaller crowds
What to Bring:Â Modest clothing for the religious setting.
Description: Dedicated to the works of Auguste Rodin, this museum features iconic sculptures like The Thinker and The Gates of Hell. The outdoor garden provides a serene setting to admire his masterpieces in natural light.
Highlights:Â The indoor galleries for smaller works and the sculpture garden for monumental pieces.
Cost: €13 for adults.
Best Time to Visit:Â Spring or summer when the gardens are in bloom.
What to Bring:Â Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the grounds.
Description: The gardens of the Palace of Versailles are a masterpiece of 17th-century landscape architecture, designed by André Le Nôtre. Spanning over 800 hectares, the meticulously manicured gardens feature geometric patterns, tree-lined pathways, and grand fountains. Scattered throughout are over 200 classical sculptures, including mythological figures and allegorical representations. The gardens were designed to complement the opulence of the palace and reflect the grandeur of Louis XIV’s reign, earning them UNESCO World Heritage status.
Highlights:
The iconic Latona Fountain, depicting the myth of Latona and her children.
The Apollo Fountain, symbolizing the sun god and a reflection of Louis XIV’s self-image as the "Sun King."
Cost: Entry to the gardens is free except during Musical Fountain Shows and Musical Gardens events, when tickets cost approximately €10. If you want to access the whole estate of Versailles (Palace, Estate of Trianon and the Gardens) then you'll need to spend €32 in peak season (€24 off season) to get the passport ticket. The palace interior is the epitome of royal affluence and indulgence and is worth the visit if you are going to the gardens.
Best Time to Visit:Â Spring and summer for blooming flowers and active fountains during the Grandes Eaux.
What to Bring:Â Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the vast grounds and a picnic for a relaxing meal by the Grand Canal.
Fun/Interesting Fact: The gardens require a sophisticated hydraulic system to operate their fountains, which originally relied on an ingenious system of pumps to channel water from the Seine River. Today, some fountains are still manually operated during the Grandes Eaux water shows.
Description:Â This open-air garden features contemporary sculptures by artists like Louise Bourgeois, Roy Lichtenstein, and Alexander Calder. Its seasonal ice rink adds a whimsical touch to the artistic ambiance.
Highlights: Calder’s Cheval Rouge and the iconic Lichtenstein House I (link to a video showing the effect above).
Cost:Â Free entry; ice rink charges apply in winter.
Best Time to Visit:Â Spring or fall for pleasant weather.
What to Bring:Â A camera for unique angles of the modern sculptures. The House I is a really fun one in particular as it completely changes as you walk along and view it from a different perspective.
3.6 Musée d'Orsay (Paris, France)
Description: As previously included for its Impressionist paintings, the Musée d'Orsay also features an exceptional collection of sculptures. The building itself, a converted Beaux-Arts railway station, provides a grand backdrop for these works.
Highlights: Rodin’s The Age of Bronze and Carpeaux’s The Dance.
Cost: €16 for adults.
Best Time to Visit:Â Weekday afternoons.
What to Bring:Â A guidebook to understand the historical context of the sculptures.
Description:Â Located in the Hudson Valley, this expansive outdoor museum showcases monumental sculptures by artists like Maya Lin, Richard Serra, and Louise Nevelson. The rolling landscape integrates seamlessly with the art.
Highlights: Serra’s massive steel structures, Huan's Three Legged Buddha, and Lin’s Wavefield.
Cost:Â $20 for adults.
Best Time to Visit:Â Fall for vibrant foliage and cooler temperatures.
What to Bring:Â Comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle.
Description:Â The Nasher is a premier museum dedicated solely to modern and contemporary sculpture. Its serene indoor and outdoor spaces feature works by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, and Richard Serra.
Highlights:Â The outdoor garden, with pieces seamlessly integrated into the landscaping.
Cost:Â $10 for adults.
Best Time to Visit:Â Spring for blooming gardens.
What to Bring: A guidebook to learn about each sculpture’s significance.
Description:Â Situated along the Danish coastline, Louisiana combines modern art and sculptures with stunning natural landscapes. The outdoor sculpture park features pieces by Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, and others.
Highlights:Â The seamless blend of art, architecture, and nature.
Cost:Â DKK 145 for adults.
Best Time to Visit:Â Late afternoon for the sunset over the sea.
What to Bring:Â A camera for breathtaking views.
Description: The world’s largest sculpture park created by a single artist, Vigeland Park features over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. These works explore themes of human experience and emotion, set amidst beautifully landscaped grounds.
Highlights: The Monolith and The Wheel of Life.
Cost:Â Free entry.
Best Time to Visit:Â Summer for extended daylight hours.
What to Bring:Â Comfortable walking shoes and a curiosity for symbolic art.
Summary
Art museums are gateways to the creativity and culture of humanity, offering a glimpse into our history, achievements, and emotions through diverse mediums. From the grandeur of the Louvre in Paris, housing timeless treasures like the Mona Lisa, to the meticulously curated collections of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, celebrating the brilliance of the Renaissance, these institutions preserve the legacy of human artistic expression. Visitors can marvel at the ethereal beauty of Impressionist masterpieces in the Musée d'Orsay, explore Dutch Golden Age art in the Rijksmuseum, or be captivated by the sculptural wonders of the Vatican Museums. Each museum provides a unique narrative, from celebrating the works of singular artists like Andy Warhol to showcasing global movements that shaped the modern world.
Modern and contemporary art finds its place in destinations like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, where bold, experimental works push the boundaries of creative expression. Outdoor and indoor sculpture gardens, such as the Palace of Versailles Gardens with their mythological statues and fountains, offer an immersive blend of art and nature. Whether you’re drawn to classical masterpieces, modern innovations, or sculptural marvels, these museums promise unforgettable experiences, allowing visitors to step into the world of artistic genius and cultural heritage. In this day of AI, it is even more important to see the artwork of humankind so you can immerse yourself in the greats of past and present.
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