13 American Museums That Are Worth the Trip

The United States has an unmatched array of museums catering to all subjects from cutting edge art to natural history and cultural artifacts. From casual visitor to die-hard museum enthusiast, these institutions have something for you: more than collections, they’re storytellers and curiosity strikers, taking the reins from history, to art, and beyond to humanity itself.

You may not be so inclined to plan a trip around museums, but the right museums can feel like a mini adventure. Imagine moving through galleries that take you into another time or place, where a single exhibit can alter the manner in which you see the world. Whether you’re traveling from near or far, these 13 museums provide that kind of magic.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

This Washington, D.C. museum is a total smorgasbord of history and science. It’s kind of a place where you can lose yourself in its exhibits of glorious gemstones, towering dinosaur skeletons and even a replica of a prehistoric shark. A hit with families, it offers a perfect mix of interactive activities and awe-inspiring exhibits, so plan to spend the entire day exploring.

The MoMA, or the Museum of Modern Art

Art lovers will love MoMA, New York City’s haven for art. If you haven’t been to the museum, you’ll know it for its impressive collection of modern and contemporary works, including Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night. But it offers a fresh take on creativity with every visit. Here’s where art installations often push boundaries and it’s a great place to be for those who appreciate bold ideas and visual storytelling.

The Getty Center

Sitting on a hill in Los Angeles, the Getty Center combines art, architecture and panoramic views of the city in stunning fashion. European paintings, sculptures and decorative arts are displayed in a sleek and airy space in the museum. With gardens to rival those of Versailles, it’s a great place to visit for those who love art as well as those who don’t.

The Field Museum

If you like natural history, the Field Museum in Chicago is a must visit. A mix of ancient artifacts, cultural exhibits, and science focused displays make the museum famous for housing Sue, the largest and most complete T. rex ever discovered. It’s a place where you could turn a corner and find Egyptian mummies, or gemstones that seem to glow.

The National WWII Museum

This museum in New Orleans does a great job of making history come alive. It’s immersive exhibits, personal stories, and artifacts of one of the most important points in modern history often left visitors emotional and thought provoking. Afterwards, you could leave with a greater appreciation for the sacrifices during the war, and the human spirit.

The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago houses some of the most iconic works in art history, including Grant Wood’s American Gothic. Art from almost every period and part of the world is spread throughout its sprawling galleries, creating a feast for the imagination when the eyes get hungry. Pro tip: Get comfy shoes—you’ll want to explore everywhere.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

It’s affectionately known as “The Met,” and is the crown jewel of New York City’s museum scene. It’s where history and art meet and it covers everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern fashion exhibits. Going to The Met is a little bit like a cultural buffet—you’ll find something for everyone, and you won’t leave hungry.

The National Air and Space Museum

Aviation and space exploration are the wonders of this Smithsonian gem in Washington, D.C. It’s a thrilling journey from the Wright brothers’ plane to lunar modules. The exhibits leave kids and adults alike starry eyed and it’s a family favorite.

American Museum of Natural History

This New York institution will be instantly recognizable to fans of the movie Night at the Museum. The exhibits here run the gamut from giant whale models to ancient fossils. Easy to see why generations have been captured by this museum, it’s part classroom, part wonderland.

Whitney Museum of American Art

The Whitney in New York City can’t be beat for a deep look at American art. The museum’s collection is concentrated on 20th and 21st century American artists, the work is consistently thought-stirring, playful, and deeply personal. The museum that houses the art is the sleek design and rooftop views topped off its nearly as inspiring.

The Detroit Institute of Arts

Home to one of the nation’s finest art collections, the Detroit Institute of Arts features highlights like Diego Rivera’s iconic murals. The museum itself is a little bit of classical and a little bit of contemporary for everyone’s taste. And its vibrant arts scene means it’s a great place for culture vultures.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture

This Washington, D.C., museum, part of the Smithsonian family, tells the powerful story of African American history and culture. Personal narratives, multimedia exhibits and historic artifacts give visitors a glimpse into the triumphs and challenges that shaped America’s history. You won’t forget the experience.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston

Coming in at the tail-end of the list is Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, a go-to for art aficionados worldwide. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to cutting edge contemporary art, the museum represents the strength of creativity forever. But its rotating exhibits make sure that it’s always something new to discover.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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