27 of the Best Museums in the U.S.

A good museum can open your mind and expand your world, unlocking the door to another culture, a piece of ancient history, or a style of art. And what makes the experience so special is that it can often be found in a building down the street or across the state — you don’t have to travel to Spain to see the work of Pablo Picasso, or visit Egypt in order to learn about ancient Egyptian history. Some of the world’s best museums are found right here in the United States.

Although what makes a museum good is highly subjective — some people love art, others would rather immerse themselves in another culture or a time in history — we’ve pulled a mix of renowned institutions, interesting experiences, and lesser-known, quirky museums that often get overlooked. Here are 27 of the best museums in the U.S.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art — New York City

If you’re looking for quantity, there is no better place. Better known as “the Met,” this museum is the largest art museum in the U.S. and the fourth-largest museum in the world. As you might expect, there’s a lot to see — the permanent collection alone contains more than 1.5 million pieces of work.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Washington, D.C.

You can explore the wilds of the natural world — from bugs to dinosaurs — at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, which sits right on the National Mall. And it doesn’t hurt that admission is free for everyone and the museum is open 364 days a year.

The Getty — Los Angeles

The Getty is known for its art and architecture, but part of the museum’s draw is what lies outside the walls. The center has amazing gardens with views overlooking Los Angeles.

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum — Santa Fe, New Mexico

The entirety of this museum is dedicated to Georgia O’Keeffe, an artist who has been called the “mother of American modernism.” This is the place to go to see her iconic paintings of enlarged flowers, as well as her New Mexico landscapes and New York skyscrapers.

The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest museums in the U.S., and its collection is proof of its longstanding place among the world's best art museums. In addition to housing a massive collection of art, the museum is set in Chicago’s Grant Park, just steps from other Windy City attractions like Crown Fountain and the famous Cloud Gate, or "Bean."

Wynwood Walls — Miami

While perhaps lesser-known than some of the other spots on this list, Miami's Wynwood Walls are just as interesting — if not more — than a more traditional museum. The institution consists of 300,000 square feet of outdoor murals rather than a centralized, indoor collection, and it showcases colorful and thought-provoking street art and graffiti from artists around the globe.

Chihuly Garden and Glass — Seattle

Set at the base of the Space Needle is this long-standing exhibit showcasing the spectacular glass art of Dale Chihuly. The wildly colorful installations, in both the garden and the museum building, are sure to amaze. 

National Gallery of Art — Washington, D.C.

This museum has a coveted spot on the National Mall and its own attached sculpture garden, which you won’t want to miss. Inside the museum walls, you’ll find works by artists that range from Leonardo da Vinci and Johannes Vermeer to Gordon Parks and Joan Miró. Plus, admission is always free.

Denver Botanic Gardens

These gardens may be high in the Rocky Mountains, but you’ll find a surprising variety of plants and flowers in this 24-acre park, which has a conservatory, themed gardens, and a sunken amphitheater that hosts live music in the summers. 

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum — Tucson, Arizona

This museum complex has it all — a zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, natural history museum, and art gallery. Oh, and don’t forget the walking paths that traverses 21 acres of Sonoran desert. 

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Believe it or not, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children's museum in the world. Its massive size is only eclipsed by the quality and quantity of exhibits and activities it offers — including a dinosphere, a mock space station, and a carousel. 

The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum — New York City

Right next to One World Trade Center is this museum and memorial, which pays tribute to those lost in the September 11, 2001, attacks and examines the impact and ongoing effects of the historic tragedy.

Museum of Pop Culture — Seattle

If you love rock music, classic films, and other ephemera of contemporary life, head to Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture, better known as “MoPOP.” The entire place is dedicated to modern popular culture, and it boasts an eye-catching exterior reminiscent of a smashed electric guitar.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum — Washington, D.C.

This Smithsonian museum boasts the “world’s premier collection of air and space artifacts, stories, and expertise,” meaning there’s no better place for anyone who’s even mildly interested in space and air travel. For the full experience, combine your visit with a trip to the museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

The Neon Museum — Las Vegas

Love it or loathe it, Las Vegas is an important part of modern-day U.S. culture. And The Neon Museum, which showcases 800 signs rescued from 200 Vegas institutions, is proof of that. Visit to explore a "Neon Boneyard" filled with signage that once adorned everything from casinos and motels to restaurants and bars.

The Andy Warhol Museum — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

There are works by Andy Warhol in museums all over the world, but no collection is as extensive as what you’ll find at The Andy Warhol Museum in the artist’s hometown of Pittsburgh. Inside North America's largest museum dedicated to a single artist, you’ll find beloved Warhol works like Campbell's soup paintings and floral lithographs.

Mmuseumm — New York City

Set in a quiet alley in lower Manhattan, this miniature museum occupies just 36 square feet of space inside a former elevator shaft. The collection, which changes annually, hinges on the idea of "object journalism," where seemingly random items (the shoe thrown at George W. Bush in Iraq, for instance) are displayed together to illuminate the nuances of modern life.

Pulitzer Arts Foundation — St. Louis

The Pulitzer Arts Foundation, better known as “the Pulitzer,” is full of thought-provoking modern art. But it is the building itself that will first catch your eye. The mega-modern structure was designed by Tadao Ando, an acclaimed architect, who designed the brutalist building to interact with and complement the art inside. 

Museum of Fine Arts Boston — Boston

The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is expansive, with more than 100 galleries filled with art. There is, in short, something for everyone. Popular exhibits include Egyptian sculptures and mummies and an Impressionist wing that includes that largest collection of Monet's works outside of France.

Exploratorium — San Francisco

With a location on Pier 15 in San Francisco, the Exploratorium claims that it “isn't like other museums.” The super hands-on exhibits are designed around science, technology, and the arts, providing informal — and most importantly, fun — learning experiences.

Whitney Museum of American Art — New York City

With fewer crowds than the Met and the MoMA (which are both worth a visit in their own right), the Whitney Museum of American Art is a wonderful place to experience art at a slower pace. Set in the Meatpacking District, "the Whitney" is unique because it focuses exclusively on American art and artists from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Center of Science and Industry — Columbus, Ohio

Better known as COSI, the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus has long been known for its excellence in making science learning fun with over 300 hands-on exhibits. The museum has been in operation since 1964 and even has an after-dark event for adult visitors.

National Museum of African American History and Culture — Washington, D.C.

This Smithsonian Institution museum is dedicated to sharing the journey and cultural heritage of African American people. The museum, which is set in a stunning building on the National Mall, features exhibits on Black food, language, culture, and art.

The National WWII Museum — New Orleans

This museum shares the stories of World War II and comments on its significance in the history of the world. The goal of the well-curated exhibits, as stated on their website, is to ensure that “all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn.”

Meow Wolf — Santa Fe, New Mexico

The immersive and kaleidoscopic art installations of Meow Wolf are designed to transport visitors into another world. Though the collective now has outposts in Texas, Colorado, and Nevada, the original (and funkiest) is in Santa Fe, where the group's 70-room museum is called the House of Eternal Return.

Pearl Harbor National Memorial — Honolulu

It’s well worth leaving the sandy beaches of Waikiki to see the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. The memorial site and museums commemorate the events of Dec. 7, 1941, and provide a peek into a key moment in American history. 

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — Cleveland

Set on the shore of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland is this museum dedicated to the musicians and songwriters who have shaped the history of music. Highlights include an exhibit where you can play instruments and photographs that showcase stars and key moments in musical history.