USA for History and Art Lovers: Top 10 Museums and Galleries
Where to Discover America’s History, Art, and Culture?
The best museums and galleries in the USA showcase the country’s history, culture, and life. Known as the “melting pot,” the United States has a rich heritage that is beautifully displayed through various mediums in these curated spaces for all the world to see.
Whether you have a passion for history or an appreciation for street art, there is a gallery and museum tailored to your interests. Treat your family to a mesmerizing planetarium show or explore the streets adorned with murals by national and international street artists. Below, you’ll find our top picks for museums and galleries in the United States.
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Over 5,000 years of art across 2 sites
Good for: Couples, Families, History
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as the Met, opened in 1870. Since then, it has grown to two different sites, The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Both sites house rare and beautiful pieces from around the world.
Some of the collection areas include African Art, The American Wing, and Egyptian Art. There are also several conservation departments such as painting, paper, and photographs. The Met features changing exhibitions and more permanent ones like the African Origin of Civilization. Be sure to check their website for current exhibits.
Location: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA
Open: Sunday–Tuesday, Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm (closed on Wednesdays)
Phone: +1 212-535-7710
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
2. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C.
Venturing where the sky is the limit
Good for: Budget, History
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is home to the largest collection of aviation and space artifacts. It sees more than 8 million visitors a year, all right in the heart of Washington, D.C.
This isn’t just a museum with collections of art. This museum hosts research and outreach programs. But of course, if galleries are what you’ve come for, there are 8 different ones to wander through, including one dedicated to the Wright Brothers. If you’re traveling with family, check out the drop-in science experiments and story time for kids.
Location: 650 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm
Phone: +1 202-633-2214
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C.
3. Kennedy Space Center, Florida
The birthplace of American spaceflight
Good for: Couples, Families, History
At the Kennedy Space Center, families can get a hands-on look at the history of humans in space. With exhibits arranged in chronological order, visitors can easily follow along from the earliest of space missions to the most current.
With over 50 years of NASA history, there is no shortage of information to take in. Be sure to take the bus tour and have lunch at the Moon Rock Café. For a convenient option, consider booking a hotel package which will include accommodations and tickets to the Space Center.
Location: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL, 32953, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 855-433-4210
Kennedy Space Center, Florida
4. The Getty Center, Los Angeles
Art history meets modern design
Good for: Couples, History, Photo
The Getty Center prides itself on preserving art history and sharing it with local Los Angelenos and the entire world. With French porcelain collections and artifacts from Latin America you’ll be hard pressed to find a part of the world that isn’t represented here.
The Getty Center also features artists from current times, such as the exhibition for Barbara T. Smith, a local performance artist. They hold education events, like The Paper Project, helping curators to enhance their skills. There are even online events for those who can’t make it to the museum. Check online for event and workshop details.
Location: 1200 Getty Center Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90049, USA
Open: Tuesday–Friday, Sunday from 10 am to 6.30 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +1 310-440-7300
The Getty Center, Los Angeles
5. The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago
Chicago’s #1 tourist attraction
Good for: Couples, Families, History
Founded in 1879, The Art Institute of Chicago houses historical, contemporary, and modern art. Salvador Dali, Van Gogh, and Kwame Brathwaite are just a few of the artists that visitors can find here. This museum’s goal is to share art with as many people around the world as possible.
In the heart of downtown Chicago, The Art Institute has been referred to as the number 1 attraction of Chicago. A free downloadable app is available for visitors and offers various self-guided tours. You can also attend a guided tour during your visit. Or, join a guided tour to learn more.
Location: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
Open: Friday–Monday, Wednesday from 11 am to 5 pm, Thursday from 11 am to 8 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Phone: +1 312-443-3600
The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago
6. National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C.
Sharing America’s history, culture, and life through portraits
Good for: Couples, Families, History
The National Portrait Gallery is home to over 23,000 items that tell the history of the United States. A full collection of portraits of past presidents can also be found here. This collection tells the story of the United States and those that played such a major part in the country’s life.
Permanent exhibits also include portraits of sports figures who had an impact on the country, portraits of those who fought for civil rights, and prominent figures of the 20th and 21st centuries. The gallery hosts events and workshops for adults and children so be sure to check their website for what’s coming up next.
Location: 8th St NW & G St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
Open: Daily from 11.30 am to 7 pm
Phone: +1 202-633-8300
National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C.
7. Wynwood Walls, Miami
An outdoor gallery of street art
Good for: Budget, Photo
Sunshine, fresh air, and the best street murals you’ve ever seen await you at Wynwood Walls. Started in 2009, Wynwood Walls is an outdoor museum that showcases the best of the best street artists.
Old-school graffiti to new-age artists are selected to add their murals to this gallery each year. There are more than 50 different murals for visitors to view created by artists from Latin America, Asia, and Europe. There are artists from all around the globe showcasing their skills at Wynwood Walls. Be sure to snap some inspirational vacation photos of the murals.
Location: 2516 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127, USA
Open: Daily from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm
Phone: +1 305-576-3334
Wynwood Walls, Miami
8. Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville
Home of country music
Good for: Couples, Families, History
The Country Music Hall of Fame opened in 1967 and has been referred to as the “Smithsonian of country music.” Located in downtown Nashville on Nashville’s Music Row, this museum stretches across 350,000 square feet and includes galleries, exhibits, and archives and is home to the Taylor Swift Education center.
This museum doesn’t just hold the history of country music but is also a community and education center. They offer a range of workshops, creative classes, and other educational programs for adults and children. Of course, visitors can also learn all about hall of fame legends such as The Roots, Bill Anderson, and Martina McBride. Book a 1-hour guided tour to elevate your visit.
Location: 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 615-416-2001
Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville
9. Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles
One of the most popular observatories in the world
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Opened in 1935, the Griffith Observatory sees visitors from all around the globe. In fact, it is said to be one of the most popular public observatories in the world. It also houses the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, the third planetarium ever opened in the United States.
At the observatory, visitors can learn all about space travel and what life might be out there in the galaxy. There are public telescopes and daily programs that show outer space in live action. There is also a selection of movies that feature all things space. Make sure to check their website for the times and dates of shows.
Location: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
Open: Tuesday–Friday from noon to 10 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +1 213-473-0800
Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles
10. American Museum of Natural History, New York
Walking through the world’s greatest wonders
Good for: Families, History, Photo
A must-see item in New York is the American Museum of Natural History. From dinosaur fossils to human origins, visitors will be amazed by all there is to see and learn in this museum. The Rose Center for Earth and Space is a favorite among visitors, as is the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial, New York’s 33rd Governor and the country’s 26th president.
There are educational programs of every level, from children’s projects all the way to master’s programs for adults. You can participate in self-guided or free guided tours. Either way, you’ll want to ensure you make time for a planetarium space show during your visit, and don’t forget to stop by the 94-ft blue whale model.
Location: 200 Central Prk W, New York, NY 10024, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm
Phone: +1 212-769-5100
American Museum of Natural History, New York
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