10 Most Famous Museums That Will Keep You on Your Toes

There are countless incredible museums all across the globe. Some are filled with endless numbers of well-kept but recently discovered secrets of the world while others showcase a plethora of uniquely exquisite art pieces which highlight the creativity and thought processes of people from different time periods. Whether you are an art aficionado or a massive history nerd, you will always find a museum that will fit your taste out there. But with so many options it can be hard to know which ones will be worth your time. However, if you are curious, then check out our list of the world’s most famous prestigious museums that will always keep you on your toes.

Tokyo National Museum – Tokyo, Japan

Considered the oldest national museum in Japan, the Tokyo National Museum or TNM is an art museum located in Ueno Park in the Taitō ward of Tokyo. It is one of the four museums operated by the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage. It is not only the largest Art Museum in Japan but one of the largest art museums in the world.

The Tokyo National Museum features one of the best collections of art and archaeological artefacts in Japan, consisting of over 100,000 individual items which includes nearly a hundred national treasures. About 4,000 different items from the permanent museum collection are on display at any given time. 

National Palace Museum – Taipei, Taiwan

If you ever have the chance to visit the beautiful city of Taiwan, then this is the one thing you absolutely must do. Home to over 700,000 Chinese artefacts and artwork, The National Palace Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Taiwan. 

The National Palace Museum holds one of the world’s largest collections of ancient Chinese artefacts, calligraphy, paintings, and porcelain, all objects brought over from the mainland in the late 1940s. The Museum is visited by over 4 million people interested in Chinese art and culture each year.

Guggenheim Museum – Bilbao, Spain

The Guggenheim Museum is a monument to modernism due to the unique and futuristic architecture of the space. It has been successfully luring visitors in with its spiral ramp riding to a domed skylight and for being able to provide a unique forum for the presentation of contemporary art.

All in all, if you like fascinating architecture, definitely visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. However, you will be equally amazed by the views from the outside which you don’t need a ticket to see. And if you get tired while cruising through the long corridors filled with modern art, then pop into the museum’s Bistro cafe for a drink or some delicious food.

The Metropolitan Museum of Arts – New York City, USA

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive museums to ever exist to date. With an impressive collection consisting of over two million works of art spanning 5,000 years of human history, the Met has managed to attract over 5 million visitors each year. 

The Met is home to Egyptian antiquities, impressionist paintings, and everything in between. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or culture, the Met can meet them all. The Met is also very famous for hosting the annual fundraising gala popularly known as the Met Gala or the Met Ball.

Uffizi Gallery – Florence, Italy

Located in Florence’s historic centre, the Uffizi Gallery is famous worldwide for its outstanding collections of ancient sculptures and paintings. Some of the most iconic works of Italian Renaissance art, including Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation are proudly displayed within the walls of this gallery.

Welcoming over seven million visitors each year, the Uffizi Gallery has established itself as one of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions. Making it a ca n’t-miss place to visit while in Florence, Italy.

The British Museum – London, UK

Founded in 1759, The British Museum is the first national museum in the world to cover all fields of human knowledge. You can’t find another museum that is responsible for a similar range of collections, with unmatched beauty and significance. No wonder it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. 

With over eight million objects from all over the world, the British Museum has successfully brought different cultures of the world together under one roof. From ancient Egyptian mummies to modern-day photographs, if you wish to explore all that this museum has to offer then one day would not suffice.

Vatican Museums – Vatican City

The public museums of Vatican City, or the Vatican Museums, are some of the most famous museums in the world. The collection held within the walls of these 54 Museums manages to pull over 5 million visitors each year.

An immense collection procured by the Catholic Church and the papacy throughout the centuries is displayed in these museums. Some of the masterpieces showcased here include Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper frescoes.

Egyptian Museum – Cairo, Egypt

Located in Cairo, Egypt, the Egyptian Museum is the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East and the largest museum in Africa. With over 120,000 items on display, it is home to the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic and Greco-Roman antiquities. 

When you enter the ground floor, you will be met with a number of large and heavy objects, including colossal figures situated inside the middle atrium. Similarly, the way the whole history of Egyptian civilization is presented through its exhibition greatly contributes to the fame and exclusive appeal of the museum. 

The Louvre – Paris, France

Located on the right bank of the river Seine in the heart of Paris, the Louvre is one of the most famous museums and the most-visited museum in the world. The Louvre being the largest art museum to ever exist is the perfect example of French Baroque architecture.

The most prized possession of this museum is undoubtedly the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. It is home to over 35,000 of the most iconic works of art in history, making the Louvre a must-see attraction for any art lover.

Looking for the best cultural and historical enlightenment? Then hurry up and book your tickets to see these famous museums that will keep you on your toes with NCL Tours.