Museums are some of the most insightful, stunning, and interesting places you can visit in your life. They offer a tangible portal into the past, providing a tangible connection to the stories and events that have shaped the world we have today. You see how people lived, what they aspired to, and what they were dreaming. Seeing glimpses of these hopes is very touching in a sense.
Bottom line, if you consider yourself a history enthusiast, visiting a museum is more than just a learning experience; it’s a journey through time you have to take.
Here are seven must-see museums across the globe that need to make it to the top of your wishlist for the next vacation season.
The British Museum, London, England
The British Museum is probably one of the greatest ‘The Best Of’s’ of human history and culture you can find anywhere on the planet, housing over eight million works spanning two million years. Established in 1753, it’s one of the world’s oldest museums. The museum’s iconic Great Court, with its stunning glass roof designed by architect Sir Norman Foster, is an architectural marvel in itself.
One of the museum’s most famous artifacts is the Rosetta Stone, a granodiorite stele inscribed with a decree issued in 196 BC. This artifact was crucial in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs. Another highlight is the Elgin Marbles, a collection of classical Greek marble sculptures that once adorned the Parthenon in Athens.
The Louvre, Paris, France
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The Louvre in Paris is not just the largest museum in the world; it’s also one of the most visited. Housed in a former royal palace, the Louvre’s collection spans from prehistory to the 21st century. The museum’s glass pyramid entrance, designed by architect I. M. Pei has become an iconic symbol of modern architecture blending with historic grandeur.
Among its most famous exhibits is Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” known for its enigmatic smile and masterful technique. The Louvre is also home to the “Venus de Milo,” an ancient Greek statue believed to depict Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty.
These feats of human achievement and pieces of art spreading centuries in the best are definitely a good way to find your balance and harmony and get in tune with something grander.
Al Ula, Saudi Arabia: An Open-Air Museum
Al Ula is a testament to the fact that not all exhibitions need to be confined to buildings. This open Saudi Arabia museum, located in the northwestern part of the country, is a place that offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
One of the most significant sites in Al Ula is Hegra (Madain Salih), a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once a thriving Nabatean city. You want to explore the well-preserved tombs carved into sandstone cliffs? Sure, you can find them here and what’s even better they are adorned with intricate facades and inscriptions. These tombs date back to the 1st century AD and provide a curious insight into the Nabataean civilization.
The Al Ula region is also home to ancient rock art, dating back thousands of years, right to the very dawn of human civilization. These petroglyphs, depicting animals, human figures, and all sorts of patterns, offer a window into the rich inner lives of the region’s early inhabitants.
Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Washington, D.C., USA
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History, a vital part of the Smithsonian Institution, mostly revolves around displaying the rich and diverse heritage of the United States. And rich heritage you will get.
Nestled on the National Mall, the museum offers an in-depth exploration of all things American, featuring a vast and varied collection of artifacts that narrate the nation’s story.
One of the museum’s most treasured items is the original Star-Spangled Banner. Yeah, that was THE flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the U.S. national anthem. Another highlight is the First Ladies’ Inaugural Gowns, a collection showcasing the elegant fashion choices of America’s First Ladies throughout history.
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The Egyptian Museum, Cairo, Egypt
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is a testament to the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilization. Established in 1902, it houses the world’s most extensive collection of Pharaonic antiquities, with over 120,000 items on display.
The museum’s star attraction is the treasure of Tutankhamun, discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. This collection includes the iconic golden mask, which covered the pharaoh’s face, and a wealth of other items that were buried with him to accompany him in the afterlife.
Visitors can also explore the Royal Mummy Room, where the preserved remains of some of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs, including Ramses II and Hatshepsut, are displayed.
The State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia
The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, founded in 1764 by Empress Catherine the Great. The museum complex includes the Winter Palace, a former residence of Russian emperors, and several other historic buildings.
With over three million items in its collection, the Hermitage offers a rich tapestry of art and artifacts from around the globe. Highlights include Leonardo da Vinci’s “Benois Madonna” and Rembrandt’s “The Return of the Prodigal Son.” The museum also boasts an impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, as well as stunning exhibits of Russian history and culture.
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The Acropolis Museum, Athens, Greece
The Acropolis Museum in Athens is a treasure trove of archaeological wonders from the Acropolis. Since its opening in 2009, this sleek, modern museum has been captivating visitors with its impressive collection of ancient Greek artifacts, focusing especially on the Acropolis and its surrounding slopes.
One of the museum’s standout features is the top-floor Parthenon Gallery. Here, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the Acropolis while admiring the Parthenon Marbles in their original context. These incredible sculptures, which once adorned the Parthenon, depict various mythological scenes and are celebrated for their artistic excellence.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – our top seven picks for the museums you should check during your next vacation run. Be sure to put them on your radar. You see, there is something inherently appealing, even touching and spiritual about peaking into the lives of our ancestors. Without understanding what they dreamed of and what they accomplished we can never feel truly whole and see the path laid in front of us. We are standing on the shoulders of the giants and we need to go out of our way to learn more about them. If you consider yourself a history buff, you know exactly what we are talking about. Well, if you are planning to travel in the near future, why not travel to the past?
