The United States is home to some of the most famous and diverse museums in the world, making them a must-see for art lovers, history lovers, science lovers, and just the curious.
In this article, I detail 20 of the best museums in the U.S. that you shouldn’t miss — and all the unique treasures they house.
Whether your interest lies in ancient relics, advanced science, or contemporary art, this guide has something for you — helping you to plan a rewarding museum trip in the USA.
20 Best Museums in the USA
Art Museums
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art – New York City, NY
The Met is a menagerie of art and a history warehouse. Picture walking around and stumbling across Egyptian mummies and then some works of the Impressionists.
It is the largest art museum in the United States and every time I go, I get lost in history. Be sure not to miss the Temple of Dendur or the Van Gogh and Monet collections.
2. Art Institute of Chicago – Chicago, IL
The chance to see iconic works like American Gothic and Nighthawks in the flesh. There’s a little something for everyone in this sprawling collection, making the Art Institute of Chicago a great way to spend an afternoon.
But don’t spend the whole time in the museum — the building is also architectural stunning, so take a minute to admire it. And go on a weekday morning to avoid the later crowds.
3. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – New York City, NY
If modern and contemporary art is your thing, this is the museum to visit. It boasts some of the most important pieces in the world, with works from Dalí, Warhol, and Pollock, among others.
There’s even a Van Gogh’s Starry Night. I recommend buying tickets in advance to avoid lines, as they get long, especially on weekends.
4. Getty Center – Los Angeles, CA
In the Getty Center, art gets paired with incredible architecture and awe-inspiring views. In addition to the artworks found within, the building is itself a masterpiece overlooking the LA landscape.
Be sure to also wander the magnificent gardens too. Go on a sunny day to take in sweeping panoramic views.
5. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) – San Francisco, CA
For any modern art lover on the West Coast, SFMOMA should be at the top of the list. The modern, open museum space is home to masterpieces by Frida Kahlo and Jackson Pollock, among others.
The museum itself sits in the center of San Francisco, easily accessible from anywhere in the city. It’s worth spending a few hours in these incredible exhibits.
History & Cultural Museums
6. Smithsonian National Museum of American History – Washington, D.C.
This museum offers a comprehensive look at American history. You can find famous pieces here, such as the Star-Spangled Banner and the First Ladies’ Inaugural Gowns.
It’s a wonderful museum to learn about the narratives that built the country. The museum is free, too, so it’s a super budget-friendly thing to do in D.C.
7. National Museum of African American History and Culture – Washington, D.C.
This museum is a powerful walk through African American history and culture.
The exhibits are detailed, powerful, and emotionally moving across a variety of topics from slavery and civil rights to today. However, be sure to get your tickets in advance, as demand is insane.
8. The Henry Ford Museum – Dearborn, MI
You’re going to spend the day exploring American ingenuity at The Henry Ford Museum. From classic cars to life-changing creations, it’s a wonderful showcase of the country’s manufacturing history.
Don’t miss the Rosa Parks Bus and the other hands-on displays. This is a great place to visit with kids. You could spend the entire day here.
9. National WWII Museum – New Orleans, LA
Explore the stories and history of World War II in this incredible, immersive museum. It’s a pretty intense museum, too, complete with lots of personal stories and historical equipment.
They’ve created some very realistic exhibits that will give you a sense of the weight of the global war. A tour may help you dissect it all.
10. The 9⁄11 Memorial & Museum – New York City, NY
This museum is at once a remembrance and a lesson in history. The stories of those involved in the events of 9/11 are heart-wrenching and emotional.
The memorial pools outside are a very moving experience. For a quieter and more tranquil visit, come at night when the pools are beautifully lit.
Science & Technology Museums
11. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – Washington, D.C.
If you’re at all interested in airplanes and space, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum isn’t to be missed. They have historic planes here (including the Wright brothers’ flyer) as well as the Apollo 11 command module.
Don’t miss the Space Walk and the interactive displays. For fewer people, visit on a weekday and take a tour to really understand what you’re seeing.
12. California Science Center – Los Angeles, CA
The California Science Center is home to the Endeavour space shuttle (try to wrap your head around how big that is).
If you have kids, this is the museum for you as there are tons of interactive exhibits that are fun and educational for all ages.
The IMAX and ecosystem exhibits are particularly cool. Try to visit during the week, in the afternoon, when there are fewer school groups.
13. Museum of Science – Boston, MA
The Museum of Science in Boston has something for everyone, and it’s all hands-on educational. From dinosaur bones to a planetarium, it’s pretty impressive.
It’s definitely for kids, but adults can appreciate the cool displays as well. You should spend a few hours here, and be sure to catch at least one of the daily demonstrations.
14. The Franklin Institute – Philadelphia, PA
The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia is a fun way to teach science. For example, it has a walkthrough heart for you and your children to explore! It’s very family-friendly (but adults will enjoy themselves too).
Don’t miss the outstanding science museum or the observatory here. For the whole family – be sure to see a temporary exhibit if there is one!
You’ll skip waiting in line too if you order tickets in advance so you’re not standing around during the busy times.
Natural History & Nature-Focused Museums
15. American Museum of Natural History – New York City, NY
Dinosaurs, the ocean, and space—all in one place. The American Museum of Natural History has it all. It’s a fun place to explore and good for kids too. Don’t miss the giant blue whale or the T. rex fossils.
Weekdays mornings are the best time to visit as it’s less busy and it’s pay what you wish so it’s super affordable.
16. Field Museum – Chicago, IL
The Field Museum in Chicago is home to the largest T. rex, “Sue.” The museum has some really cool information about different species and civilizations of the past.
In addition to Sue, it also has Egyptian mummies and a planet exhibit about trees. Going during the week is a great way to avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy peace and quiet.
17. Denver Museum of Nature & Science – Denver, CO
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a great way to mix some natural history with some views as it has much to offer, from dinosaur bones to out of this world space exhibits.
Plus, it has a couple of cool IMAX movies and a T. rex exhibit too. Go early in the am or later in the pm to avoid the crowds.
Unique & Niche Museums
18. The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) – Seattle, WA
If you are visiting Seattle and are a fan of pop culture, you shouldn’t miss MoPOP. It houses music, movie, and video game displays and is in a cool sci-fi building.
The Nirvana and sci-fi exhibitions are particularly enthralling. Visit on a weekday so you have the space to enjoy everything and won’t have to deal with as many people as on weekends.
19. The Salvador Dalí Museum – St. Petersburg, FL
Explore the bizarre universe of Salvador Dalí at this museum in Florida. His works number over 2,000 and with essence both mesmerizing and strange, arty types will definitely dig it.
The museum organizes one-of-a-kind events and has themed activities too, so be sure to look at the calendar before going. After going through the indoor portion of the museum, take a walk inside the tranquil garden area.
20. The Neon Museum – Las Vegas, NV
The Neon Museum in Las Vegas is home to old Vegas signs, and it’s a pretty cool walk down memory lane. Especially since you can see the vintage signs lit up.
I recommend visiting after dark so you can get the full effect and see all the signs lit up! Just make sure to book your tickets online in advance. They sell out fast, and there is a ton of demand.
Tips for Visiting Museums in the USA
Planning your museum trip for non-peak times can help you avoid lines. Visit on a mid-week day or in the morning, as museums tend to be much quieter during these times.
That way you can take in the exhibitions without all the hassle, which always enhances the experience.
Use free museum days– Lots of museums offer free entrance once a week or once a month. If you plan your trip around there days, you can really stretch your travel budget.
It’s a great way to save money when you travel and visit as many museums as possible.
When it comes to how long you should visit a museum, it’s a personal preference. Some travelers will tell you two hours is all you need for a fulfilling experience but, really, it just depends on how well you are at keeping up the pace.
Spend too much time inside and you’ll be tired, too little and you won’t make the most of your visit.
Think about the experience you want: Some museums are designed with families in mind, providing hands-on and interactive displays for children. Others target adults, making for a quieter and more reflective trip.
If you know what you prefer in advance, it will be easier to find the best museums.
Lastly, don’t forget about accessibility. A lot of museums now have guided tours, which not only give you more in-depth information but also make it easier for people who have trouble moving around.
They usually share some interesting information that you won’t get exploring on your own, too, making the experience better.
FAQ
1. Are there any museums with free admission days?
If you’re considering a visit to the museum, many museums have free admission days. In Washington, D.C, you can visit all of the Smithsonian museums for free. I’ve also seen City Passes in different cities for budget-friendly visiting.
2. Are guided tours available in museums?
Yes, most museums have guided tours. I often recommend taking them as you learn more and it helps you get your bearings (which is important in larger museums and when you’re short on time).
Conclusion
Whether you love classic art, exploring the cutting edge of technology, or are simply looking to learn some history, the museums of the USA have you covered.
And with all the cool and unusual places to check out, these museums are more than just blue pins on a map; they’re opportunities to make history come alive.
So as you plan your next vacation, try and throw in a museum (or three) into your itinerary. You’ll never know what you’ll find.