The 5 Best Art Museums in the World
Art isn't easy.
Just ask any artist. Better yet, ask anyone trying to be an artist who hasn't sold a painting. It's rough out there.
Of course, history is full of those artists who have been deemed "museum worthy."
How can you tell?
Well, their art is on display in a museum. Total qualifier. If you're looking for things to fill out on your travel bucket list, then adding "museum tours" is certainly the way to go.
You might have to bust out the passport to hit some of the really special treasure troves of art but that's what travel bucket lists are for, right?
Here is the roundup of best art museums in the world:
Le Louvre, Paris, France
The Louvre has got to be the most famous art museum in the world if for no other reason that being the home of Da Vinci's Mona Lisa. That is probably the most recognizable piece of art in all of history and you can stroll right by the painting along with the throngs of other art devotees. Of course, there is plenty more to see in the Louvre. Even the history of the building itself is fascinating. It was once a medieval fortress that was left in ruin but two hundred years ago the then king of France thought it would be a dandy place to hang some art. He got that right.
The Vatican Museums, Vatican City, Italy
Back during the Renascence, anyone who was anybody was painting or sculpting. It was a prolific period for the masters like Michelangelo, Raphael and Botticelli. You'll find prime examples of their work that was commissioned for the church in the Vatican Museums. Then there is all the ceiling art in the Sistine Chapel to gaze at. Let's just call it "breathtaking and amazing" and leave it at that.
National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
Our nation's capitol is chock full of museum action centered about the granddaddy of all museums, the Smithsonian. Over at the National Gallery of Art, you'll find prime examples of the modern movement with works by Pollack and Warhol. Perfect way to spend a few hours in between other monument viewing.
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York
For sheer size, the Met can't be beat. In fact, it holds the title of "largest museum in the country." That includes ten wings on just the first floor alone. There is art and sculptures from every era and every country on display. There is even an ancient Egyptian Temple that dates back to 15 BC. The Met is a lot like Disney World: You won't be able to see it all in a day.
State Hermitage, St. Petersburg, Russia
Although the Met is the largest museum America, you'll have to go to Russia for the largest museum on the planet. The State Hermitage boasts over three million items that are on display across six buildings along the Palace Embankment. That's a lot of art to take in.
If you can't make it to one of those museums, you can always opt for one of those cool art coffee table books. Every home should have a little art in it.
What's your favorite piece of art?