The US has a long artistic history, and there are many museums dedicated to showcasing this history. From ancient civilizations to modern-day artists, there’s something for everyone. Here are our top picks for the five best art museums to visit in the US. These museums show off the United States’ commitment to art.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York
The MoMA, located in the heart of New York, is one of the most popular art museums in the world. The museum carries a variety of artwork, from modern to contemporary. It also features several temporary exhibits that change regularly. With over 2 million works of art on display, you can spend days exploring it all.
Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio
Renowned as “the jewel of Cleveland,” the Cleveland Museum of Art is home to more than 300,000 pieces of artwork. Its collection includes masterpieces by European masters, Asian and Egyptian holdings, and American art galleries, from old master drawings to a growing collection of postwar American paintings and masterpieces. CMA is also the only museum in America that hosts a surviving Gothic table fountain.
The National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC
This gallery, founded in 1937, houses some 35,000 objects, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, textiles, prints, and decorative arts. If you want to carry home some memories, check out the gift shop for some amazing gifts for art lovers! Some of the most famous pieces include DaVinci’s Mona Lisa, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Can. Also, the building itself is an architectural landmark, considered one of the finest examples of international-style architecture.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Massachusetts
The MFA, founded in 1876, is in the Fenway Park area and houses one of the largest collections of Japanese art. It also boasts a large collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings. The museum offers many free events, such as lectures, films, and performances. If you love music, don’t forget to check out their collection of musical instruments.
The Art Institute, Chicago, Illinois
One of the best things about the Art Institute is how close it is to downtown Chicago. In addition to its impressive permanent collection of American, antique Asian, African American, and European art, the Art Institute is home to the largest collection of American Monet paintings.
There you have it—the five best art museums to visit in the US. There are plenty of other art museums in the United States to visit, but these should be high up on your list.
