Museums are not just about art, culture, or history – they are the gateway to a new world of information and education. From paintings to technological marvels, they have something to offer everyone. While many people are quick to dismiss museums as boring or outdated, galleries worldwide have perfected the craft of designing transcending exhibitions that make you think differently about our society. From awe-inspiring collections to breathtaking architecture, these museums are worth adding to your bucket list.
There are over 4,200 museums in the world, covering all aspects of human experience. Most museums are nonprofit organizations and earn money through ticket sales, donations, grants, membership fees and more. However, there are also for-profit museums that are owned and run by individuals or corporations.
Museums can be classified into different categories based on their subject matter, size and building architecture. For example, some museums specialize in one or more specific art forms such as painting, sculpture, or photography. Other museums may be more focused on the study of a particular region or civilization. Still others, such as the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia or the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, have very few artifacts but are able to create an unforgettable museum experience through strong, memorable storytelling and other forms of interpretation.
Whether it is the Louvre or the Metropolitan Museum of Art, there are plenty of amazing museums to visit around the world. Often, the most famous museums are renowned for the quality and variety of their collections, such as the Louvre’s European paintings, including masterpieces from the likes of Botticelli, Rembrandt, and Vermeer; the Vatican’s collection of classical sculpture or Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel; the Egyptian exhibits at the Museo Gregoriano Egizio in Rome; or the natural history offerings at London’s Natural History Museum.
In addition to being cultural centers, museums play an increasingly important economic role in urban areas. The Guggenheim Bilbao, for instance, was built as an attempt to spur the economic revitalization of a once-declining port city. Other cities have taken this approach with similar results, such as Nanjing, which houses a sprawling series of museums in former industrial buildings.
In recent years, museums have also responded to the global climate crisis through enacting sustainability practices and hosting exhibitions that highlight the need for action. These museums are helping to educate the public on how we can better protect our planet and make the necessary changes to save it.