f you’re anything like me, a travelling trip always results in visiting at least one museum. No matter where I am in the world I’ll always manage to find one, even if I’m not looking for one specifically!
Museums are a great way to learn about the country you’re travelling in. From the history of your city to learning how things are made; gallery, museums and art exhibitions make the perfect holiday excursion.
If you find yourself at a loose end on your travels (or are just a museum-junkie!), you’ll definitely want to add these halls of fame to your museum bucket list:
1. The Vatican Museums, Italy
Located in Vatican City, Italy, the Vatican museum is an art gallery and historical building hybrid that shows a collection of the world’s most influential Renaissance art pieces. With a total of 54 galleries in total, this is a great addition for a museum bucket list.
2. Design Museum, Helsinki
If you’re a fan of physical objects, drawing and images you’ll love the Design Museum in Helsinki, Finland. It’s one of the oldest museums of it’s kind and has exhibitions on fashion, graphic and industrial design.
3. The Louvre, Paris
What would a trip to Paris be without visiting such an iconic building? Listed on our Paris tourist activities guide, the Louvre has over 35,000 masterpieces that show artworks from Michealangelo and da Vinci.
4. Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam
A similar museum to Finland’s Design Museum, the Stedelijk Museum offers both modern and contemporary art exhibitions and is a must-see visit for a creative on their travels.
5. The Bank of England Museum, London
The Bank of England museum was featured on my London bucket list as the geek inside of me has always had a thing for money and finances. Despite not being open for weekend trips (this museum is only open 9-5pm on weekdays), it makes a great day out for a city break tour.
6. State Hermitage, St Petersburg
Built in multiple Baroque palaces, the State Hermitage museum in Russia was founded by Catherine the Great in 1764. Now, it has 120 rooms filled with artworks from the likes of Leonardo, Picasso and van Gogh; making the perfect addition for an art lover’s museum bucket list.
7. Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, Oswiecim
On my recent trip to Krakow, I made sure that we visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum as it’s been part of my museum bucket list since I learnt about it in school. I won’t say too much in fear of ruining it, but it’s a great day trip for those interested in the history of wars.
8. National Air and Space Museum, Washington
The National Air and Space Museum is part of the Smithsonian Institute and with it being the world’s largest museum and research complex, we’re sure that you won’t be stuck on things to see. Displaying the exhibits of the iconic Apollo 11 command module, it’s the ultimate place for those interested in American history.