10 Of The Best Museums & Galleries In The USA You Have To Visit

The US has long been known as a hub of outstanding and varied museum experiences.

From modern art to natural history, the sheer range of art and culture available within US borders means travelers have never been spoiled for choice when it comes to planning their museum itinerary.

Best Museums & Galleries In The USA You Have To Visit

Across the country, cities boasting world-renowned cultural hotspots hold court with an array of incredible galleries and inspiring exhibits just waiting to be explored.

In this article, we will help narrow down your selection even more by introducing you to some of the best museums and galleries in America today.

Whether you’re looking for classic works of art or something a little more offbeat, these locations have something to offer everyone – let’s take a look at our top 10 selections!

1. The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, New York City

The Met is one of the most iconic art museums in the world and a must-see for any traveler to NYC.

With over two million works of art spanning 5,000 years of human history, this museum offers something for everyone. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern masterpieces, you’ll find it all here.

The Met is known for its vast collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, as well as its impressive holdings of American and modern art.

It was founded in 1870 and is one of the largest art museums in the world. Key pieces for art fans include works by Monet, van Gogh, and Picasso.

2. The Art Institute Of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and most renowned art museums in the US.

Founded in 1879, it houses an impressive collection of over 300,000 works from around the world. Highlights include iconic pieces such as Grant Wood’s American Gothic and Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks.

The museum is also home to a vast collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works, as well as American art from the 19th century.

It also boasts an impressive collection of art, focused largely on modern and contemporary pieces, including pieces by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. This is a must-visit spot for any art lover looking for a varied array of artworks and unique pieces.

3. The National Gallery Of Art, Washington, DC

The National Gallery of Art is one of the most important art museums in the US and a must-visit for any traveler to Washington, DC.

Founded in 1937, it houses an impressive collection of over 150,000 works from around the world. Highlights include iconic pieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Ginevra de Benci and Rembrandt’s Self-Portrait.

The museum is also home to a vast collection of European and American art from the Renaissance to the present day, as well as an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.

This is a great spot for any art lover looking to explore some of the world’s greatest works.

4. The Museum Of Modern Art, New York City

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is one of the most influential modern art museums in the world and a key spot on the itinerary for any traveler to NYC.

Founded in 1929, it houses an impressive collection of over 150,000 works from around the world. Highlights include iconic pieces such as Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night and Pablo Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.

The museum is also home to a vast collection of modern and contemporary art, including pieces by Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, and Roy Lichtenstein, amongst others.

If you are a fan of modern art or are simply looking to understand and start to explore some of the biggest names in this type of art, MoMA is a great way to get started and find your new favorite artist.

5. The Getty Center, Los Angeles

The Getty Center is one of the most iconic art museums in the world and a must-see for any traveler to LA.

Founded in 1997, it houses an impressive collection of over 130,000 works from around the world. Highlights include iconic pieces such as Vincent van Gogh’s Irises and Claude Monet’s Water Lilies.

The Getty Center forms part of the larger Getty Museum, which is home to a vast collection of modern and contemporary art. This is a great spot for any art lover looking to explore some of the world’s greatest works.

6. The National Air And Space Museum, Washington, DC

The National Air and Space Museum is one of the most popular museums in the US and a must-visit for any traveler to Washington, DC.

Founded in 1946, it houses an impressive collection of over 60,000 works from around the world. Highlights include iconic pieces such as the Wright Brothers’ 1903 Flyer and Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis.

The museum is also home to a vast collection of aircraft, spacecraft, and other artifacts related to the history of aviation and space exploration.

This is a great spot for any science lover looking to explore some of the world’s greatest achievements in flight.

7. Washington, D.C. Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery is one of the most important art museums in the US and a must-visit for any traveler to Washington, DC.

Founded in 1962 and opened to the public in 1968, it houses an impressive collection of over 20,000 works from around the world.

Highlights include iconic pieces such as Gilbert Stuart’s George Washington and John Singer Sargent’s Theodore Roosevelt.

The museum is also home to a vast collection of portraits, sculptures, and other artifacts related to the history of the United States.

This is a great spot for any history lover looking to explore some of the country’s most influential figures, and to learn more about the key figures who played a key role in helping build and develop the nation.

8. Museum Of Fine Arts, Boston

The Museum of Fine Arts Boston is one of the most prestigious art museums in the US and a must-see for any traveler to Boston.

Founded in 1870, it houses an impressive collection of over 450,000 works from around the world. Highlights include iconic pieces such as Rembrandt’s Self-Portrait and Johannes Vermeer’s The Milkmaid.

The museum also offers access to a vast collection of European and American art from the Renaissance to the present day, as well as an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.

This is a great spot for any art lover looking to explore some of the world’s greatest works of art.

9. The Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian Institution is one of the most iconic museums in the US and a must-visit for any traveler to Washington, DC.

Founded in 1846, it houses an impressive collection of over 137 million works from around the world. Highlights include iconic pieces such as the Hope Diamond and Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz.

The museum is also home to a vast collection of artifacts related to the history of the United States, as well as a number of interactive exhibits and educational programs.

This is a great spot for any history lover looking to explore some of the country’s most important moments, and to learn more about the key figures who played a key role in helping build and develop the nation.

10. Cleveland Museum Of Art, Cleveland

The Cleveland Museum of Art is one of the most renowned art museums in the US and a must-visit for any traveler to Cleveland.

Founded in 1913, it houses an impressive collection of over 45,000 works from around the world. Highlights include iconic pieces such as Rembrandt’s Self-Portrait and Johannes Vermeer’s The Milkmaid.

The museum also offers access to a vast collection of European and American art from the Renaissance to the present day, as well as an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.

This is a great spot for any art lover looking to explore some of the world’s greatest works of art.

How To Choose A Great Art Gallery

When it comes to choosing a great art gallery, there are a few key things to consider.

First and foremost, you should make sure that the gallery has a wide selection of artwork from different artists and styles. This will ensure that you can find something that appeals to your tastes and interests.

It is also worth seeing if there is a particular exhibition that you like – this can be a great way to get an insight into the artist’s work and their creative process.

Finally, you should also consider the atmosphere of the gallery – is it welcoming and inviting? Does it have knowledgeable staff who can answer your questions?

These are all important factors to consider when choosing a great art gallery and will help to ensure that you have a great experience.

Final Thoughts

The United States is home to some of the world’s most impressive museums and galleries.

From the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC to the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland, there are plenty of great spots for art and history lovers alike.

Whether you’re looking to explore iconic works from around the world or learn more about the key figures who helped build and develop the nation, these top 10 museums and galleries in the USA are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Alex Kallen
Scroll to Top