From the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History to the Getty Center, there are thousands of museums in the United States. The following list highlights ten of the best museums in the United States according to TripAdvisor reviews and ratings. Each museum on this list has received an average rating of at least four out of five stars from at least 100 people who have visited it. Plan your next trip to America by consulting this list and by reading the descriptions below to see which museums you want to visit on your journey.
- The MoMA in New York
MOMA (The Museum of Modern Art) is a modern and contemporary art museum located in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. It’s home to a treasure trove of incredible works by some of history’s greatest artists.
- The Met in New York
Founded in 1870, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is one of New York’s most iconic destinations. The Met boasts a collection of 2 million pieces, including works by Monet, Renoir, and Picasso. The museum opened its doors for free to visitors for 16 hours during Superstorm Sandy and has been at ground zero during numerous art heists throughout history. The Met was also voted as America’s favorite museum for kids.
- The Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco
Located in San Francisco, California, The Museum of Modern Art was founded in 1935 and has been considered one of the greatest museums ever since. The MOFA is an internationally recognized center for art, architecture and design that offers a great insight into modern culture.
- The Guggenheim in Bilbao, Spain
The Guggenheim in Bilbao opened its doors in 1997, and it is regarded as one of Spain’s most iconic modern art museums. This large museum houses a collection of over 2,000 paintings, sculptures and other pieces created by both Spanish and international artists.
- The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC
A large variety of artwork from numerous cultures around the world, including many originals. The National Gallery is one of America’s finest art museums. While it might not be as big as some other American museums, it is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in Washington DC. The National Gallery is located at 4th and Constitution Avenue NW.
- The Getty Center in Los Angeles
With gorgeous architecture and a spectacular view of Los Angeles, The Getty Center is an ideal destination for a visit to Los Angeles. Open seven days a week and offering both permanent collections as well as special exhibitions, The Getty Center provides great art in an equally impressive setting. Located on Museum Row in West LA with several other museums nearby, it’s easy to spend half a day or more at The Getty Center. Admission costs $15 for adults; discounts are available for seniors (62+) and students.
- The Getty Villa in Malibu, California
The Getty Villa, one of two locations of The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles (the other is in Pacific Palisades), houses a stellar collection of antiquities including artifacts from ancient Greece and Rome. The opulent villa itself has been painstakingly restored using original materials and methods, making it as close to walking through an ancient home as you can get without leaving modern-day California.
- The Art Institute of Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago is one of those major city museums that frequently escapes tourist radar. If you are planning a trip to see some or all of America’s biggest and best museums, put The Art Institute of Chicago at or near the top of your list.
- The Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art holds one of the largest collections in all of North America. Enjoy a mix of European and American art, including works by Vincent van Gogh, Winslow Homer, Mary Cassatt, Thomas Eakins and Helen Frankenthaler. Whether you’re new to art or an old pro, there are plenty of must-see pieces here. Our pick: Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach's Symphonies cycle.
- The Whitney Museum of American Art, New York City
Home to a collection that includes works by everyone from Georgia O'Keeffe and Andy Warhol to Jackson Pollock and Cindy Sherman, The Whitney is one of New York City's most revered institutions. If you are planning a trip to NYC, put The Whitney at or near the top of your list. Be prepared: You may need an entire day (or longer) if you want a chance to thoroughly explore both its permanent and special exhibits. If time allows, take advantage of its film series, museum shop, library and cafe—they're all worth exploring! Located at 945 Madison Avenue between 75th Street and 76th Street in Manhattan.