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National art museums show the best of a country’s culture. They protect old and modern art, tell stories from the past, and inspire visitors. People from all over the world visit these places to see famous paintings, sculptures, and more. These museums offer something special, from the Mona Lisa in Paris to Japanese modern art in Tokyo. They help us understand history and creativity. Some museums are huge, while others focus on one time or place. But all of them are important. If you enjoy art and travel, here are the top national art museums you should visit.
Top 10 National Art Museums In The World
The following are the top 10 national art museums in the world. Each one reflects the rich artistic legacy of its country and offers a unique experience for visitors.
1. The Louvre Museum, Paris, France
Photo: Hrutvija / Wikimedia Commons
The Louvre is the world’s most visited art museum. It began as a royal palace and became a public museum in 1793. Today, it holds over 35,000 artworks from different cultures and periods. You can see the Mona Lisa, one of the most famous paintings in the world, and other masterpieces like the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The museum’s layout is grand, and every room has something unique. The glass pyramid entrance is a symbol of modern Paris. The Louvre offers audio guides in many languages to help you understand the artworks.
Location: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
Entry Fee: €17 / ₹1,530 online, free for visitors under 18
Nearby Attractions: Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Seine River cruises
2. The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, New York City, USA
Photo: Hugo Schneider / Wikimedia Commons
The Met is the largest museum in the United States. It holds art from over 5,000 years. The museum has collections from all parts of the world. Egyptian mummies, ancient Greek statues, African masks, and European paintings can be seen. Famous artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt are featured here. The building itself is impressive, with large galleries and quiet spaces. The Met also has a rooftop garden with amazing views of New York City. Special exhibitions are held annually, bringing in new and rare artworks. It’s a great place for families, students, and tourists.
Location: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
Entry Fee: $30 / ₹2,490 for adults, $17 / ₹1,411 for students, free for members
Nearby Attractions: Central Park, Guggenheim Museum, Times Square
3. The British Museum, London, UK
Photo: Nicolas Lysandrou / Unsplash
The British Museum is one of the world’s oldest and most respected museums. It opened in 1759 and has grown to include over 8 million objects. The museum is free for all visitors. It displays art and artefacts from nearly every culture. You’ll see the Rosetta Stone, ancient Greek statues, and the Elgin Marbles. The Egyptian mummies are a big attraction. The Great Court, with its glass roof, is a beautiful place to relax. The museum also hosts talks, workshops, and temporary exhibitions. It’s perfect for families and students. You don’t have to be an art expert to enjoy your visit.
Location: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG, UK
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM daily
Entry Fee: Free
Nearby Attractions: Covent Garden, Oxford Street, British Library
4. Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy
Photo: Michelle Maria / Wikimedia Commons
The Uffizi Gallery is a highlight of any trip to Florence. It focuses on Renaissance art, and its collection is world-famous. You can see masterpieces by Botticelli, da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. The Birth of Venus is one of the most loved works here. The building itself is beautiful, with long corridors, large windows, and painted ceilings. The museum takes you through the story of art in Italy, showing how it changed over time. It’s not too big, so you can explore it in a few hours. Audio guides are available for a better experience.
Location: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Florence, Italy
Timings: 8:15 AM – 6:30 PM (Closed Mondays)
Entry Fee: €12 – 25 / ₹1,080 – ₹2,250 (varies by season)
Nearby Attractions: Florence Cathedral, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio
5. Prado Museum, Madrid, Spain
Photo: Aaina Sharma / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Prado Museum is the heart of Spain’s art scene. It houses the best works from Spanish masters like Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. The paintings are powerful, emotional, and full of history. One of the most famous pieces is Las Meninas by Velázquez. You’ll also find great works by Rubens and Titian. Prado offers free admission during the last two hours of the day. The museum is close to beautiful parks and other galleries so you can spend a full day there. Art lovers and tourists alike find the Prado inspiring.
Location: Calle de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM (Closed Mondays)
Entry Fee: €15 / ₹1,350 for adults, free in the evening
Nearby Attractions: Retiro Park, Reina Sofía Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
6. Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia
Photo: kuhnmi / Wikimedia Commons
The Hermitage Museum is one of the biggest and oldest museums in the world. It is inside the Winter Palace, a grand building that used to be the home of Russian emperors. The museum has more than 3 million items. These include paintings, coins, furniture, and jewellery. You can see famous works by Rembrandt, da Vinci, and Michelangelo. The palace rooms are full of gold and marble. Just walking through them is exciting. The Hermitage is also known for its beautiful staircases and ballrooms.
Location: Palace Square, 2, St Petersburg, Russia, 190000
Timings: 10:30 AM – 6 PM (Closed Mondays)
Entry Fee: 500 – 800 RUB / ₹450 – ₹720
Nearby Attractions: Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Nevsky Prospekt, St. Isaac’s Cathedral
7. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Photo: Trougnouf (Benoit Brummer) / Wikimedia Commons
The Rijksmuseum is a celebration of Dutch art and culture. It is famous for its collection from the Dutch Golden Age. You can see The Night Watch by Rembrandt and The Milkmaid by Vermeer. The museum also has beautiful furniture, clothing, and historical objects. The building was recently renovated, and it now has wide halls, great lighting, and a welcoming feel. It is easy to find and close to other museums. Art fans from all over the world come here to learn more about Dutch history and style.
Location: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM daily
Entry Fee: €22.50 / ₹2,025 for adults, free under 18
Nearby Attractions: Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark, Heineken Experience
8. National Palace Museum, Taipei, Taiwan
Photo: Latinboy / Wikimedia Commons
The National Palace Museum in Taipei holds one of the largest collections of Chinese imperial treasures. It has over 700,000 items that show the long history of Chinese art. The museum displays jade carvings, bronze vessels, paintings, and books. The most famous items are the Jadeite Cabbage and the Meat-shaped Stone. Exhibits rotate often, so even repeat visitors see something new. The museum is clean, quiet, and well-organised. English guides and signs make it easy for international visitors.
Location: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhishan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM daily
Entry Fee: NT$350 / ₹945
Nearby Attractions: Shilin Night Market, Yangmingshan Park, and Beitou Hot Springs.
9. National Gallery Of Art, Washington D.C., USA
Photo: Gunnar Klack / Wikimedia Commons
The National Gallery of Art Museum is one of the most beautiful spots in Washington, D.C. It has two buildings: the West Building has classic European art, and the East Building holds modern pieces. You can see works by da Vinci, Vermeer, Monet, and Picasso. The museum also has a sculpture garden, which is popular in spring and summer.
Location: Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C., USA
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM daily
Entry Fee: Free
Nearby Attractions: Smithsonian Museums, Lincoln Memorial, U.S. Capitol
10. National Museum Of Modern Art, Tokyo, Japan
Photo: Kakidai / Wikimedia Commons
The National Museum of Modern Art showcases modern Japanese art from the 20th century to today. It shows how Japanese artists mixed old traditions with new ideas. You can see paintings, prints, sculptures, and video art. The museum has a calm, clean design. It’s a great place to enjoy art in a quiet space. Special exhibitions change regularly, so there’s always something new.
Location: 3-1 Kitanomaru-koen, Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed Mondays)
Entry Fee: ¥500 – ¥1,500 / ₹275 – ₹825
Nearby Attractions: Imperial Palace, Chidorigafuchi Park, Yasukuni Shrine
These national art museums are more than just buildings—they are full of life, stories, and culture. Each museum helps people connect with the past and understand the present. Whether you enjoy classical art or modern pieces, there’s something for you. Visiting these places can change how you see the world. They inspire learning, creativity, and respect for different cultures. If you love travel and art, add these museums to your list. Planning your next art-inspired trip? Discover curated travel guides and museum tours with TripXL and make every journey unforgettable.
Cover Photo: Clay Banks / Unsplash
