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Museums in USA

USA Museums

Explore some of the best museums in the USA including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Gallery of Art, The Art Institute of Chicago, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Getty Center and many more.

Explore art, culture, science and history at the many best museums in USA which are a must-visit when you visit America. For each and every history and art enthusiast, there are a number of fantastic and exceptional museums in the nation. Discover paintings, sculptures, cultural history, archaeology, and anthropology from the past to the present at the museums scattered all over the 50 states of America. From the best art museums to extensive research on science and historic battleship museums, there are a ton of options to explore in the country.

Some of the best art museums in USA include the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the biggest museum in the country where you can see famous pieces by Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso. The Museum of Modern Art is where you will find the largest collection of modern and contemporary art in existence. Explore the world of science and human origin at the American Museum of Natural History and witness vintage cars and aircraft at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. At the Maritime Museum in San Diego, you can see the best collections of antique ships in existence.
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USA Museums FAQs

Which are the famous museums in the USA?

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City: The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the biggest museum in USA spanning more than 200 million square feet. Home to more than 200 million artworks, the museum houses works by famous artists like Monet, Picasso, Rembrandt, Van gogh, Renoir and Degas. Located in the upbeat city of New York, it is one of the best art museums in USA where you can see various historical pieces such as the Egyptian temple and Roman sculptures.

Location: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, United States
Timings: Open 10 am to 5 pm everyday except Wednesday
Price: Adults- $30, Students- $17, free for children below 12

2. The Museum of Modern Art, New york: The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), which is situated in Manhattan, is one of the best art museums in USA where you will find the largest collection of modern and contemporary art in existence. The "Starry Night" by Vincent van Gogh, as well as pieces by Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí and many other outstanding artists of the era, are included in the collection. Photography, video, architecture, design, media, and performance art are all included in the MoMA collection. Visit their flagship MoMA store to view and purchase a range of high quality home decor.

Location: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, United States
Timings: 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Price: Adults- $25, Students- $14, free for children below 16

3. National Gallery of Art, Washington: One of the best museums in USA and Washington, the National Gallery of Art displays work by almost every famous European artist like Manet, Monet, Van Eyck, John Constable, Cezanne and many others. The gallery’s collections of paintings, sculptures, photographs and decorative arts displays the Western artwork, tracing its development from the Middle Ages to the present. You can see a contemporary art collection in the more modernly constructed East building of the museum whereas the West building is built in the neoclassical style.

Location: Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565, United States
Timings: Open everyday from 10 am to 5 pm.

4. The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago: The Art Institute, located in the center of the Windy city of Chicago, is home to well-known works like Georges Seurat's pointillist A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, Grant Wood's American Gothic, and Edward Hopper's Nighthawks. Furthermore, the museum’s Terzo Piano restaurant offers some of the best views of the Millenium park and Chicago’s incredible skyline. If art isn't your thing, “Ferris Bueller's Day Off” fans can recreate the movie's classic sequence inside the museum.

Location: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
Timings: 11 am to 5 pm from Thursday to Monday
Price: Adults- $25, Students- $19, free for children below 14

5. American Museum of Natural History, New York:
Housing more than 32 million specimens and artifacts, American Museum of Natural History in New York is amongst the best museums in USA for science enthusiasts. In galleries devoted to biodiversity, animals, the environment, birds, reptiles, human origins and cultures, all the way to planetary science, the museum continues to awe visitors even after nearly 150 years of its foundation which was in 1869. It is notable for its scientific collections and exhibits, which act as a field manual for the whole world.


Location: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024, United States
Timings: Open everyday from 10 am to 5:30 pm
Price: Adults- $25, Students- $20, children between 3-12- years- $14

6. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington: Amongst the best museums in USA for kids is the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington which welcomes over 8 million visitors to its premises annually. The museum showcases the world’s largest display of aviation and space artifacts as well as more than 60,000 relics and plenty of photographs. Here, you will come across the Wright Brothers’ 1903 flyer and the LM lunar module from the Apollo moon landings. Experience how it feels to be in the same room as a piece of moon in the Boeing Milestone of Flight hall.

Location: 600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560, United States
Timings: 10 am to 5:30 pm everyday

7. Getty Center, Los Angeles: Topping the list of the best art museums in USA, Getty Center, situated atop a mountain, is renowned for its architecture, gardens and the panoramic views of Los Angeles. Once inside the main complex, attractions like Vincent van Gogh's artwork Irises, Portal of Rouen Cathedral in the Morning Light by Monet, Rembrandt’s Old Man in Military Costume and James Ensor’s monumental Christ’s Entry into Brussels and top-notch exhibits of photography, decorative arts, and more are must-sees here. Don't forget to visit Robert Irwin's imposing yet inspiring garden of concentric circles with views of the Los Angeles basin.

Location: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, United States
Timings: 10 am to 5:30 pm from Tuesday to Saturday
Price: Free entry

8. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: The MFA is one of the largest, most prestigious, and oldest art institutions in Boston and is home to one of the largest art collections in the entire world. It is well known for its collections of early American, Asian, and Egyptian art as well as Impressionist paintings from prehistoric times to the modern day. It houses world renowned paintings by Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Cassatt as well as masterpieces of African and Oceanic art from 16th to 20th century.

Location: 465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Tuesday and Sunday
Price: Adults- $27, children between 7-17 years- $10, free for children below 6

9. The National WWII Museum, New Orleans: Opened in 2000 and located in a former boat factory, the National WWII Museum is a six-acre expansive museum located in the Central Business district of New Orleans. Witness vintage cars and aircraft, listen to Tom Hanks narrate the 4-D movie Beyond All Boundaries, and visit the Campaigns of Courage exhibition about the routes to Berlin and Tokyo. Amongst the most historic and best museums in USA, If you are lucky, you may even encounter veterans who will tell you about their past tales and reminiscences.

Location: 945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm everyday
Price: Adults- $31.5, Students- $19

10. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia: The iconic structure of Philadelphia Museum of Art is home to one of the nation's most impressive collections, including some of the finest pieces of art ever created in America, Asia, and Europe. Van Gogh's Sunflowers, the largest Marcel Duchamp in the world, and the only dedicated Rodin Museum outside of France can all be found here. Discover the treasures that are displayed year-round at the museum's 200+ galleries, including many architectural spaces, or catch a world class exhibition held here. No matter how many times you visit it, you will always find something new to see in Philadelphia Museum, one of the best art museums in USA.

Location: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130, United States
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm. Closed on Sunday and Wednesday
Price: Adults- $25, Students- $14, free for children below 18

11. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, New York City: Located at the World Trade Center in New York City, the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum is one of the best museums in USA. Its primary displays focus on the events leading up to, the day of, and the world since September 11, 2001. They also include the history of the World Trade Center attack on February 26, 1993. Touch-screen technology is used in the memorial portion to honor the victims. Art and artifacts can be found everywhere, including the brand-new exhibition "Rendering the Unthinkable: Artists Respond to 9/11.”

Location: 180 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007, United States
Timings: Open from Wednesday to Monday from 10 am to 5 pm
Price: $17-$29

12. Whitney Museum of American Art, New York City: American modern and contemporary art is housed in New York at the Whitney Museum. Situated in Manhattan's thriving Meatpacking District, it exhibits contemporary artists' works alongside classic pieces by Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keeffe, Jacob Lawrence, Alexander Calder, and many others. Topping the list of the best museums in USA, the Whitney focuses exclusively on American art and artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. It is the ideal place to experience art and find inspiration in peace.

Location: 99 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014, United States
Timings: 10:30 am to 6 pm. Closed on Sunday
Price: Adults- $25, Students- $18, free for children below 18

13. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles: Spanning both history and geography, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art symbolizes the distinctively diversified population of Los Angeles. With a collection of more than 120,000 items stretching from antiquity to the present, it is the largest art museum in the western United States. Its collection spans the globe and nearly all of art history. The museum's collections of Asian art, Latin American art, which include everything from pre-Columbian treasures to pieces by prominent modern and contemporary artists, and Islamic art are among its strong points.

Location: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States
Timings: 11 am to 6 pm. Closed on Sunday
Price: $10-$25

14. National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington: Amongst the best museums in USA, the National Museum of African American History and Culture covers African American history, art, and culture from slavery to the present. It is the only national museum whose sole focus is on preserving the history, culture, and way of life of African Americans. All persons with an interest in African American culture are welcome here to discover and savor this history through engaging exhibitions.

Location: 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, United States
Timings: Open everyday from 10 am to 5:30 pm

15. Maritime Museum of San Diego, San Diego: The Maritime Museum of San Diego is one of the best museums in USA renowned across the world for its expertise in operating, maintaining, and restoring antique ships. The museum houses one of the best collections of antique ships in existence, including Star of India, which is the oldest operating ship in the world. Explore the displayed ships and submarines as well as the permanent and passing exhibits on the arts, commerce, and exploration.

Location: 1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Timings: Open everyday from 10 am to 5 pm
Price: $10-$20

Which are the famous museums in New York?

1. The Museum of Modern Art: Housing the largest collection of modern and contemporary art in existence, the Museum of Modern Art is one of the most famous museums in USA showcasing pieces by Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and the famous Starry Night by Van Gogh.

2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art: The museum is the biggest museum in the USA and home to more than 200 million artworks including works by famous artists like Monet, Picasso and Rembrandt.

3. American Museum of Natural History: Devoted to science, biodiversity, human origins and cultures, the American Museum of Natural History is one of the most famous museums in USA known for its scientific collections and exhibits.

4. Whitney Museum of American Art: Situated in Manhattan's thriving Meatpacking District, Whitney Museum houses American modern and contemporary artwork alongside classic pieces by Edward Hopper and Georgia O'Keeffe.

Which is the biggest museum in the USA?

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, located in New York City is the biggest museum in USA spanning more than 200 million square feet of area and showcasing more than 200 million artworks. It is known all over the world for its diverse and expansive artworks which are divided into 19 different departments.

Which is the oldest museum in America?

The Charleston Museum is the oldest museum in America founded in 1773 and regarded as America’s first museum. It focuses on the South Carolina LowCountry and includes historical materials, natural history, exhibitions, documents and collections on their natural and cultural history.

Why is the Metropolitan Museum of Art famous?

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the biggest and most prestigious art institutions in the world. The museum's collection is extraordinarily diversified, containing a vast range of items and artifacts from all over the world, from paintings by nearly every significant European artist throughout history to items from classical antiquity and Ancient Egypt.

What is special about the National Gallery of Art?

The National Gallery of Art was established as a gift to the country of America and acts as a hub for visual art, education, and culture. Situated in Washington, it is home to Ginevra de Benci, the sole artwork by Leonardo Da Vinci in the Western Hemisphere. The museum's east building is home to the biggest mobile ever made by Alexander Calder.

What is the best time to visit the USA?

The best time to visit the USA is during the spring months of March to May. Summer is also a major tourist season when a lot of tourists visit the country. Because of the diverse geography, it is the ideal season to see historical sites and a perfect time for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and camping.

How many days are enough to visit the USA?

Anywhere from 10-14 days is the ideal amount of time to visit the USA, whether you want to visit the many cities in the country or go for a relaxing vacation on an island or mountain hike. There is a lot to explore in the country, from the city skyscraper to the many museums in the country as well as the beaches along the seaside, all of which you can comfortably visit during this span of time.

USA Museums Reviews

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Rikhit Arora
Reviewed: 16 May 2023
5.0/5
It was easy to get the MoMA tickets through thrillophilia and saving $6 per ticket (24% off) was great too! However, I would like to add that contrary to what the website said, you can use the ticket to get in and out multiple times during the day. That was my only quibble. Other than that, I loved ... Read More
Rikhit Arora
Rikhit Arora
Rikhit Arora
Rikhit Arora
Rikhit Arora
Rikhit Arora
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Hazim
Reviewed: 03 Dec 2022
5.0/5
Great experience, I've been waiting to visit this place in it exceeded my expectations... definitely will visit again with friends and relatives
Hazim
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Pravakar Panigrahi
Reviewed: 01 Oct 2022
5.0/5
For art enthusiasts like me, this museum is a haven. Packed with artworks by various renowned artists like Van Gogh and Picasso, this place fascinated me to the core. The Starry Night and Soup Cans paintings depicting the imagination and creativity prowess of the artists left me spellbound. Kudos To... Read More
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Michael Combs
Reviewed: 29 Sep 2022
5.0/5
Had a great time seeing some new characters and exhibits 
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Jyoti Jyoti
Reviewed: 07 Sep 2022
5.0/5
Exploring over 200 lifelike wax figures of notable celebrities from various fields captivated us. We clicked with over 50 celebrities, but our favourites were Amitabh Bachchan, Obama, and Brad Pitt. Other highlights of our trip that provided immersive experiences included the Marvel 4D Movie and the... Read More
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Yogesh Yadav
Reviewed: 30 Aug 2022
5.0/5
As an art enthusiast, I enjoyed visiting art museums in each city I visited. I had some free time during my official tour of Chicago, so I decided to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art. It was a wonderful experience to see such a large collection in one location. I am really grateful to thrillophi... Read More

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