The World's Finest Art Museums Written by Arpan Ghosh

Art museums provide a unique glimpse into a nation’s history and its culture. Even the simplest portrait has a grand story to tell in its brush strokes, the artistic style and the choice of palette. These are some of the finest art museums in the world, housing works from the most renowned classical and modern artists.

The Louvre, Paris

It should perhaps come as no surprise that the Louvre comes first on the list. The largest and most famous museum in the world, this Parisian landmark is known for its extensive collection including works such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo along with sculptures by Michelangelo and pieces dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.

Vatican Museums, Vatican City

Located in Vatican City, the Vatican Museums house some of the most important works of the Renaissance period, as well as sculptures from ancient Rome divided across 54 galleries. The highlight of the collection and, fittingly, the last stop on a tour of the museums, is the Sistine Chapel and its famous ceiling fresco painted by Michelangelo.

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City

Opened in 1872, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, more popularly known as the Met, is located at the heart of Manhattan and is a key cultural destination. Aside from housing paintings and sculpture from all over the world, including famous works by Picasso and Van Gogh, the Met aims to educate the general public about art. The museum is also famous for the annual Met Gala, a charity function that attracts some of the biggest celebrities from the world of entertainment.

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago

The second largest museum in the United States after the Met, Chicago’s Art Institute is iconic for the twin bronze lion statues outside its main entrance. The museum has a large collection spanning various artistic eras, which was expanded further with the opening of the Modern Wing in 2009. The museum is also a research institution with its own laboratories, conservation departments, an expansive library of architecture and history, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the world’s foremost art schools.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Alongside the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum is one of the most famous cultural institutions in Europe. Among its collection are a staggering 1 million exhibits from between the 13th and 21st centuries, a renowned collection of Asian artefacts and works by Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer, including Rembrandt’s famous painting The Night Watch. It is also home to the largest research library in the Netherlands.

Tate Modern, London