Skip to main content
Editor Pick

6 of the World's Most Magnificent Museums

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Central Park from the roof garden.

J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

If you find yourself in Los Angeles on a fairly regular basis or are traveling with the family, make sure you put the Getty Center on your list of places to visit. I tell absolutely everyone who will listen to go and enjoy this amazing place perched high above the city with beautiful architecture, panoramic views of the city and clear blue skies. The perfectly manicured gardens and curated artwork from 1400-1900 are a joy to explore, so much you may not want to ever leave.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Spain

One of the world’s best examples of contemporary architecture, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is a stunning spectacle of glass and fantastic chrome and metal walls. Some come just to see the building itself and admire its unusual shape and curvy lines. The collections are usually a little less exciting than the building itself, but you can experience some interesting artwork, like the Yoko Ono exhibit which was featured in the past.

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York is a favorite among residents and tourists alike. The building is nothing short of fabulous. It’s a smaller museum so you’ll be able to fit this in during a New York rainstorm. The ongoing Frank Lloyd Wright and Thannhauser collections are worth a look.

The Louvre, Paris, France

Located in the heart of Paris on the banks of the Seine River, the Louvre is one of the most visited and important museums in the world. The huge art gallery is housed in an old Parisian palace and has nearly 400,000 items of art and historical artifacts, including the “Mona Lisa” and the sculpture “Venus de Milo.” The museum’s collections are extensive, and you can spend hours exploring Egyptian antiques, ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, paintings by the Old Masters and the lush gardens which surround the museum. Don’t leave Paris without a trip to the Louvre, but go early or late as it gets quite crowded.

The Natural History Museum, Vienna, Austria

You probably wouldn’t find this museum on everyone’s list, but it’s on mine! The Natural History Museum in Vienna is an unforgettable journey through natural science and the wonders of the world. Housed in a stunning and historical 19th-century building, you will find an amazing collection of skeletons, stones, meteors, creatures, dinosaurs and other mind-blowing exhibits. The museum celebrated its 125th anniversary and the opening of a new digital planetarium in 2014.

More Articles

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

BACK TO TOP