Wednesday, May 18 is International Museum Day
This global event promotes the cultural and social significance of the world’s museums, making it an ideal occasion to explore unique collections from lesser-known institutions.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (Humlebæk, Denmark)
Louisiana’s collection of modern art is so incredible it’s almost intimidating. Interestingly, visitors who may not be well-versed in contemporary works can still gain insight and enjoyment from a visit. The glass-heavy modernist building creates a seamless blend of art and nature.
Top tip: On a clear day, pack a lunch and enjoy it by the water’s edge, gazing across to neighboring Sweden.
Hong Kong Museum of History
This excellent (and free) museum allows visitors to immerse themselves in the fascinating history of Hong Kong. You can wander through the city’s recreated streets from 1881, board an early 20th-century tram, and learn about HK’s World War II occupation. It’s an engaging overview of this vibrant city from its founding to the Handover.
Top tip: After a cultural deep dive, unwind at nearby bar Lee Family Chicken where meat and beer are perfect companions.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (Boston)
Walking through Isabella Stewart Gardner’s former home offers a glimpse of exquisite taste and extensive art collection. Works by renowned artists such as Botticelli, da Vinci, and Titian vie for space alongside priceless statues from ancient Greece and Rome scattered throughout the magnificent courtyard. Additionally, this museum was featured in the Netflix documentary series, This is a Robbery: The World’s Biggest Art Heist.
Top tip: It’s wise to plan your visit ahead of time to avoid any hassles.
Little Museum of Dublin
Located in a Georgian townhouse, the Little Museum of Dublin presents the historical narrative of the Irish capital in an engaging and relatable way. Visitors can learn about the city’s history, spanning from notable figures like Alfie Byrne to the iconic band U2.
Top tip: After your visit, take a leisurely stroll to St Stephen’s Green for a tranquil moment by feeding the ducks.
Speculum Alchemiae (Prague)
This museum of alchemy offers a unique insight into a captivating slice of history in an intimate environment. A genuine alchemist’s lab, found in 2002, reveals Prague’s intriguing history of occultism. Visitors can explore hidden tunnels full of curios and original laboratories used by alchemists.
Top tip: Ensure you don’t confuse it with the Museum of Alchemists and Magicians of Old Prague across the river. This venue is nestled within the Jewish Quarter.
Islamic Arts Museum (Kuala Lumpur)
Entering the Islamic Arts Museum reveals a world of incredible scholarship, unique designs, and a rich blend of Indigenous and Islamic cultures. The mathematical designs, architectural details, and storytelling elements are mesmerizing and can leave a lasting impression.
Top tip: Stick around for lunch at the on-site Middle Eastern restaurant which complements your visit with delightful flavors.
Horniman Museum (London)
The Horniman Museum, with its astonishing collection from tea merchant John Horniman, is located in a delightful art-nouveau building. Visitors are sure to be captivated by the famous 100-year-old overstuffed walrus, complete with its own Twitter account, amidst various intriguing taxidermy specimens and artistic treasures from around the globe.
Top tip: Don’t miss out on exploring the surrounding gardens and farms where live animals reside, along with spectacular views of the London skyline.
DDR Museum (Berlin)
The DDR Museum offers an unforgettable interactive experience that immerses visitors in the realities of life in former East Germany. Drive a simulated Trabant, explore typical old tower-block flats, and interact with a variety of tactile displays detailing the Stasi regime’s effects on daily life.
Top tip: For history buffs, crossing the river to visit the Cathedral Museum in the magnificent Berliner Dom is highly recommended.
California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco)
This interactive venue markets itself as the world’s only aquarium-planetarium-rainforest-living museum. Visitors will surely remember the unique albino alligator, the ‘living roof’ of flowers, and experiences like the earthquake simulator and canopy climb.
Top tip: The museum offers ‘nightlife’ tickets allowing guests to explore exhibits while enjoying signature cocktails.
Garden Museum (London)
Located in a Victorian church, the Garden Museum features exhibitions on quirky gardening histories alongside contemporary artworks. Visitors can unwind in the tranquil, leafy courtyard, offering a serene escape from the city’s bustle.
Top tip: Venture up the winding medieval tower for stunning panoramic views over Victoria Gardens and the Houses of Parliament.
Palais de Tokyo (Paris)
Known for its modern and sometimes unconventional approach, the Palais de Tokyo is a contemporary art museum that challenges traditional views. Whether or not you fully understand the art, it is guaranteed to stimulate imagination and provoke thought.
Top tip: The museum café, The Readymade, is a popular spot among locals, making it an ideal workspace for those wishing to catch up on tasks or emails.
National September 11 Memorial Museum (New York City)
Located at the site of the World Trade Center, the National September 11 Memorial Museum offers an interactive experience that commemorates the 2,977 lives lost during the 2001 attacks. Featuring a plethora of artifacts, videos, and oral testimonies, this powerful memorial elevates the victims’ stories.
Top tip: Opt for the early access museum tour for a more intimate experience before the crowds arrive.
Te Papa (Wellington)
Te Papa, meaning ‘treasure box,’ serves as a comprehensive exploration of Māori history and culture, with numerous environmental exhibits and ‘discovery centers’ for children. Interestingly, it also showcases New Zealand’s National Art Collection alongside modern artifacts.
Top tip: Do not miss the vivid and realistic earthquake simulator during your visit.
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (Phnom Penh, Cambodia)
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school turned prison during the Cambodian genocide of the 1970s, offers a chilling look at history, with most rooms left in their original state. The ambiance facilitates deep reflection on the atrocities that occurred.
Top tip: Take your time to consider what you hope to glean from your visit, as this is a profoundly sobering place.
Zeitz MOCAA Museum (Cape Town)
A remarkable addition to the African cultural landscape, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa is ingeniously built inside a former grain silo. The unique sense of space matches the mesmerizing collection of art it presents.
Top tip: With over 80 galleries, it’s an ideal place to immerse yourself; just ensure you visit the rooftop sculpture garden.
Ghibli Museum (Tokyo)
Nestled in Inokashira Park, the Ghibli Museum captivates visitors of all ages. Featuring characters from Hayao Miyazaki’s films and stunning original artwork, the museum invites you to explore winding staircases and hidden doorways. Children can delight in climbing onto the furry cat bus or discovering the lush rooftop garden, while all visitors can enjoy an exclusive short Ghibli film in a delightful in-house cinema.
Top tip: Advance booking is essential, as this popular location attracts many visitors!
Mütter Museum (Philadelphia)
This multi-storey museum echoes the ambience of a 19th-century circus sideshow, packed with rare and often disturbing medical specimens. While it may not be suitable for the squeamish, it offers a captivating look into the development and transformation of the human body through modern medical observations.
Top tip: Visit on Monday or Tuesday to enjoy a $2 discount on admission.
Museo Larco (Lima)
The remarkable Museo Larco provides an impressive insight into the long, complex history of Peru. This expansive museum features a vast private collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including ornate gold ceremonial headdresses and intricately designed pottery, including some intriguing, ahem, erotic ceramics.
Top tip: Be sure to stop by the on-site café to sample delightful Peruvian cuisine all while overlooking a beautiful garden.
Bicycle Museum of America (Ohio)
The Bicycle Museum of America offers engaging insights into the history of bicycles, from Penny Farthings to BMX bikes. With an impressive collection of over 1000 bikes, nostalgic visitors will likely find their first bicycle among these historical treasures.
Top tip: Check the museum’s hours before visiting, as they may be limited.
