5 of the most spectacular museums in the world + bonus

Galleries in all corners of the world, from Senegal to Japan, have mastered the art of creating engaging exhibits on art, history, and culture that can change any naysayer’s mind. Many of these museums are also known for their incredible restaurants and lush landscapes, making a day at the museum a fulfilling experience. Check out this comprehensive list of 5 of the best museums and galleries throughout the world with one-of-a-kind displays that educate and inspire.

Museum of Black Civilizations in Dakar, Senegal

Inaugurated in 2018, the Museum of Black Civilizations acts as a creative hub for Senegal—and the entire African continent—to celebrate their culture while detailing the struggle that Africans faced throughout history. The museum was the vision of the country’s first president Léopold Sédar Senghor, who vowed to build an institution honoring African art and identity. While Senghor unfortunately passed before the museum opened, his legacy lives on in the curated art selections and striking displays filling the galleries.

Museum of the Royal Tombs of Sipán in Chiclayo, Peru

In 1987, Peruvian archaeologist Walter Alva was called upon by police to investigate the Moche archaeological site at Sipán, where grave robbers had been looting artifacts. When he began excavating the site, Alva soon found he was not unearthing a few pieces of jewelry and gold, but rather, the tombs of the Lord of Sipán and 14 other members of the Moche civilization.

The Museum of the Royal Tombs of Sipán was built to honor and display what has been considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries in South America.

The National Art Center in Tokyo

Established in 2007, the quirky museum quickly grew in popularity and became a must-see attraction in Tokyo. Past exhibitions cover a wide range of topics from the Impressionist works of Claude Monet and the impact of anime on Japanese culture to the history of Cartier.

The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo

One of the largest museums in North Africa, the Egyptian Museum houses nearly 120,000 ancient Egyptian artifacts and the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities. The museum was commissioned in 1835 by the Egyptian government in hopes to stop the looting of many archeological and historic sites. Visitors can come face to face with the gold mask of Tutankhamun, which is composed of 11 kilograms of solid gold.

Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City

Specializes in the history of the country’s pre-Columbian heritage through archaeological artifacts. Architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez paid tribute to the indigenous legacy of Mexico by building the museum in the Chapultepec Forest, emphasizing a natural relationship with the environment.

BONUS

Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam