Get your fill! A roundup of famous museums around the world

The Louvre Museum is almost synonymous with art and is a palace of treasures. The Louvre is divided into two parts: the old section, built during the reign of Louis XIV, and the new section, built during the Napoleonic era. The iconic glass pyramid entrance was designed by the renowned architect I. M. Pei. The Louvre showcases a vast panorama of world art from 3000 BC to the mid-19th century. The most famous works include the "Mona Lisa," "Venus de Milo," and "The Winged Victory of Samothrace," which have become synonymous with art itself.

Must-See Highlights: The "Venus de Milo," believed to have been sculpted by Alexandros of Antioch around 150 BC, symbolizes love and beauty. " The Winged Victory of Samothrace" is a masterpiece from the Greek period, revered as a rare treasure. The "Mona Lisa" is famous for Mona Lisa's mysterious smile and her gaze. The glass pyramid, designed by I. M. Pei, gives the Louvre a modern yet historical appearance.

Museum reservations: Click on the card above to book and purchase tickets by time slot.

Opening hours: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00; Wednesday and Friday from 09:00 to 21:00. Closed on Tuesdays, Labor Day, and Christmas.

The British Museum is one of the world's oldest and largest comprehensive museums. It houses a vast collection of artifacts from around the world, focusing on medieval items, especially those from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The museum has extensive collections from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Due to space limitations, many museum artifacts are not on public display.

Must-See Highlights: The museum's three treasures include the Rosetta Stone, the "Admonitions of the Instructress to the Court Ladies" by Gu Kaizhi, and the Elgin Marbles. The Rosetta Stone, originally from Egypt, is inscribed with a decree in three different languages. The "Admonitions of the Instructress to the Court Ladies," created by Gu Kaizhi during China's Eastern Jin Dynasty, consists of 12 scrolls. The British Museum houses nine Tang dynasty copies of this work. The Elgin Marbles are fragments of sculptures from the Parthenon, dating back over 2,500 years. Additionally, the Asian Gallery, the Ancient Egypt Gallery, and the Ancient Greece and Rome Gallery contain a wealth of precious artifacts. If you're planning a visit, it's advisable to check the official website for exhibition schedules in advance.

Museum reservations: Book for free on the British Museum website.

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00; Friday from 10:00 to 20:30. Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is dedicated to collecting humanity's most significant artistic achievements across all cultures and periods. With over 200 galleries and 365,000 artifacts and artworks, it is one of the world's premier encyclopedic museums. The collection includes architecture, sculpture, paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, glassware, ceramics, textiles, metalwork, furniture, ancient houses, weapons, armor, and musical instruments from various historical periods.

Must-See Highlights: The Temple of Dendur, dates back over 2,000 years to the period when ancient Egypt was ruled by the Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar. "The Dancing Class," an oil painting by French Impressionist Edgar Degas created in 1874; " Under the Wave off Kanagawa," a color woodblock print by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai from his series "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji"; a painted and gilded papier-mâché Buddha from the Sui and Tang dynasties, originally from Longxing Temple in Zhengding; Van Gogh's "Starry Night," which captures the mystery and beauty of the night sky with its unique brushstrokes and colors; and the “Mask of Tutankhamun”, a symbol of pharaonic power and a masterpiece of ancient craftsmanship.

Museum reservations: Tickets can be purchased on the Metropolitan Museum of Art website.

Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00; Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00. Closed on Wednesdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

The Palace Museum is a unique museum established in 1925. It is based on the Forbidden City, the royal palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. You can truly feel its former glory when you step into its grand and orderly high walls and deep courtyards. The Forbidden City is one of the most well-preserved and largest wooden architectural complexes in China and the world. These magnificent buildings are divided into two main parts: the "Outer Court" and the "Inner Court." Walking through the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Palace of Heavenly Purity, and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, and admiring the flowers in the imperial garden, you might feel like you've entered a historical drama. The Forbidden City houses a vast collection of precious cultural relics, with over a million items. The Treasure Gallery and the Clock Gallery are particularly noteworthy.

Must-see highlights: The Hall of Supreme Harmony, where the emperor held grand ceremonies; the Hall of Mental Cultivation, where the emperor attended court; the beautiful Golden Water Bridge; the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, the emperor's wedding chamber; the Hall of Preserving Harmony, where the imperial examinations were held; the Treasure Gallery with its unparalleled treasures; and the Clock Gallery with its exquisite timepieces.

Museum Reservation: Visitors must be booked in advance; the earliest you can visit is 7 days before on the “Palace Museum” official website to book tickets.

Opening Hours: Closed on Mondays except for public holidays. Peak season (April-October): 08:30-17:00, off-season (November-March): 08:30-16:30.

The Prado Museum boasts an extensive collection of Spanish and European art and is on par with the Louvre and the National Gallery in the UK. It is the pinnacle of Spanish art, housing works by Renaissance masters Michelangelo and Raphael. It's a must-see art destination on a trip to Madrid. The Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia National Art Center, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum form the "Golden Triangle of Art" in Madrid.

Must-See Highlights: Velázquez's "Las Meninas" (The Maids of Honor); Bosch's "The Garden of Earthly Delights" (Heaven, Paradise, Hell); Goya's "Saturn Devouring His Son"; Fra Angelico's "The Annunciation"; Dürer's "Self-Portrait"; Raphael’s “Portrait of a Cardinal"; Caravaggio's "David with the Head of Goliath," and more.

Museum reservations: Click on the card above to book your tickets.

Opening hours: Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00; Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00. Closed on Christmas.

The Musee d'Orsay displays art from 1848 to the early days of Cubism (1848-1912), including paintings, sculptures, and furniture. It is located across the river from the Louvre and is within walking distance. The Musee d'Orsay, the Louvre, and the Pompidou Center are Paris's three major art museums. If you want to see art treasures from before 1848, visit the Louvre; if you're interested in modern art after 1912, head to the Pompidou Center; the Musee d'Orsay serves as a bridge between the two.

Must-see exhibits: Entering the Musee d'Orsay feels like stepping into the world of Impressionist artists, with works by Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, Gauguin, and more. Notable paintings include Van Gogh's "Self-Portrait," Monet's "Impression, Sunrise," Manet's "Luncheon on the Grass," and Millet's "The Gleaners."

Museum reservations: Click on the card above to book your tickets.

Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 09:30 to 18:00; Thursday from 09:30 to 21:45. Closed on Mondays, Labor Day and Christmas.

The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, located in Cairo's Tahrir Square, is a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian civilization with a history spanning over 3,000 years. It houses artifacts from the ancient Egyptian period to the Roman era. Visitors can see the museum's most famous artifact, the golden mask of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. The newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum in 2023 will provide a new exhibition space for the precious artifacts from the old museum in Tahrir Square.

Must-See Highlights: Notable artifacts include the Rosetta Stone, which unlocked the secrets of ancient Egypt; the seated statue of King Khafre from the Old Kingdom; the seated scribe statue; the golden mask of Tutankhamun; the statue of King Djoser; the statue of Menkaure with two goddesses; the wooden statue of a priest; the statue of King Hor; the statue of Amenhotep III; the statue of Ramses II as a child; and the mummy room.

Museum reservations: Click on the card above to make a reservation and purchase tickets by time slot.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:00-17:00.

The Vatican Museums are among the earlier museums in the world, showcasing a vast collection of ancient artifacts from Egypt, Greece, and Rome and masterpieces from the Renaissance. This museum houses priceless treasures, including sculptures, paintings, sarcophagi, inscriptions, maps, books, coins, and various papal memorabilia. The museum's exterior, the spiral ramp at the exit, and the sculpture "The Broken Earth" in the Pinecone Courtyard are all worth savoring.

Must-See Highlights: The museum features numerous iconic works of art, such as Michelangelo's ceiling fresco "The Creation of Adam" and Raphael's "The School of Athens." Important pieces also include the Roman statue "Augustus of Prima Porta," Raphael's fresco "The School of Athens," and Caravaggio's painting "The Entombment of Christ."

Museum reservations: Click on the card above to book your tickets.

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Friday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, closed on Sunday. However, museum hours vary, so check the site before visiting.

The Terracotta Army of Emperor Qinshihuang is hailed as one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. The museum features over a thousand life-sized terracotta soldiers, each with unique expressions and vivid details, making it a shining gem in the history of ancient Chinese sculpture. The museum consists of the Terracotta Army Museum and the Qinshihuang Mausoleum Archaeological Park (Lishan Garden), with a free shuttle service.

Must-see highlights: The main attractions include Pit 1, Pit 2, Pit 3, the Bronze Chariot and Horse Exhibition Hall, and related temporary exhibitions. Pit 1 is the most spectacular, displaying thousands of infantry, chariots, and horses in a grand formation. Pit 2 showcases the diversity and combat strategies of the Qin army, while Pit 3, though smaller, is considered the command center of the Terracotta Army and is well-preserved. The museum also exhibits the Bronze Chariot and Horse.

Museum Reservation: Click on the card above to book and purchase tickets by time slot.

Opening Hours: March 16 - November 15: 08:30-18:30, November 16 - March 15: 08:30-18:00.

The Uffizi Gallery, a Renaissance art palace, is one of Florence's most popular attractions. It is one of the most valuable legacies left by the Medici family and is a gathering place for Renaissance paintings, including works by famous artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. The gallery is divided into over 90 rooms based on the time of creation and artistic style.

Must-see highlights: The Uffizi Gallery's collection includes masterpieces such as Giotto's "Madonna and Child" (the father of the Renaissance); Sandro Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" (a signature piece); Sandro Botticelli's "Primavera" (a signature piece); Sandro Botticelli's "Adoration of the Magi"; Sandro Botticelli's "Calumny"; Leonardo da Vinci's "Annunciation"; Leonardo da Vinci's "Adoration of the Magi"; Raphael's "Madonna of the Goldfinch"; Michelangelo's "Doni Tondo" (one of Michelangelo's few easel paintings), and more.

Museum reservations: Click on the card above to book and purchase tickets by time slot.

Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 08:15 to 18:30; Tuesday from 08:15 to 22:00. Closed on Christmas.

Opened in 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is located on Saadiyat Island's coast in Abu Dhabi and is a branch of the Louvre in Paris. This museum, surrounded by water and seemingly floating above it, is a masterpiece by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel. Comprising 55 independent white structures across the water, 23 of which are exhibition halls, the museum's most famous feature is its intricate dome design. Made from interlaced local palm leaves, the dome creates a stunning effect as light filters through eight layers of differently textured lattices, casting shimmering light patterns known as "rain of light."

Must-See Highlights: Thanks to a cooperation agreement lasting 30 years and 6 months with the Louvre in Paris, this museum boasts over 600 permanent pieces, including the statue of the Bactrian Princess from 3000 BC and Giovanni Bellini's "Madonna and Child." Additionally, it houses long-term loan artworks such as da Vinci's " La Belle ferronnière," Van Gogh's "Self-Portrait," and Monet's " The Gare Saint-Lazare"

Museum reservations: Click on the card above to book your tickets.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM, closed on Monday.

The Rijksmuseum, designed by the architect of Amsterdam Central Station, opened to the public in 1885 and is one of Europe's oldest museums. The museum retains its 19th-century architectural style, with red brick walls adorned with images of Dutch history and art. Ascending the escalator leads to the viewing gallery, and the library on the same level is not to be missed. The library's history dates back to the 19th century, and its spiral staircase is particularly distinctive, earning it a place among the world's most beautiful libraries.

Must-see exhibits: Rembrandt's "The Night Watch," "The Jewish Bride," "The Syndics of the Drapers' Guild," and "Self-Portrait"; Vermeer's "The Milkmaid" and "The Little Street"; Hals' "Portrait of a Couple" and "The Merry Drinker"; Steen's "The Feast of Saint Nicholas"; and Avercamp's " Winter Scene," among others.

Museum reservations: Click on the card above to book and purchase tickets by time slot.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:00-17:00.

The Museum of The Future, located in the heart of Dubai, has been named one of the 14 most beautiful museums in the world by National Geographic. Designed by architect Shaun Killa and his studio Killa Design, the museum symbolizes home, humanity, and innovation with its three main elements: hill, structure, and void. The hollow elliptical ring-shaped building, covered in Arabic calligraphy, is one of the most complex stainless steel and glass curtain wall structures.

Must-see exhibits: The museum's exhibitions cover various fields and themes, with each floor featuring different exhibits that highlight five chapters, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, sustainability, space exploration, and social change. The museum offers a range of virtual reality experiences, from flying cars to space travel, aiming to inspire people to explore future possibilities.

Museum reservations: Click on the card above to book and purchase tickets by time slot.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 09:30-21:00. Closed on September 21-22, 2024.

The American Museum of Natural History has a history of over 100 years. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the two giant dinosaur skeletons that came to life in the movie "Night at the Museum." The museum houses a vast collection of specimens and fossils, covering the entire evolutionary history of life on Earth, from its inception to human civilization. Visitors can explore special exhibitions and immerse themselves in the hidden realms of nature, discovering how all life on Earth is interconnected.

Must-see exhibits: The first floor features exhibits on North American forests, ecological diversity, the Gottesman Hall of Planet Earth, marine life, and mammals. The second floor includes exhibits on Asian mammals, the Roosevelt Hall, the Whitney Memorial Hall of Oceanic Birds, the Hall of African Peoples, and the Hall of Birds of the World. The third floor houses exhibits on reptiles, amphibians, and primates. The fourth floor features the Wallace Hall of Mammals and Their Extinct Relatives, the Hall of Primitive Mammals, and the Hall of Dinosaurs.

Museum reservations: Click on the card above to book your tickets.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00-17:30. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The National Museum of Singapore, one of the oldest museums in the country, is located in the heart of the city and features a neoclassical architectural style. Established as a library in 1849, the museum is the premier destination for understanding Singapore's history. It narrates the city's 700-year journey from a fishing village to a bustling metropolis.

Must-see exhibits: The Singapore Stone, dating back to the 13th century, and the four Living Galleries are highly recommended. The museum integrates modern technology into its historical exhibits, using visual, auditory, and tactile methods to convey historical information.

Museum Booking: Click on the card above to book and purchase tickets by time slot.

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

The Winter Palace, located on Palace Square in St. Petersburg, was once the residence of the Russian tsars. Today, it is commonly known as the State Hermitage Museum. Alongside the Forbidden City in China, the Louvre in France, the British Museum in the UK, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the USA, renowned for its studies of ancient scripts and European paintings. The museum's exhibits are divided into seven sections: Prehistoric Culture, Ancient Greek and Roman Culture and Art, Oriental Culture and Art, Russian Culture, Western European Art History, Numismatics and Crafts. The exhibition route is famously long, often called “the world's longest art gallery.”

Must-see exhibits: Don't miss The Mummy of Egypt (Room 100), the Peacock Clock (Room 204), Leonardo da Vinci's "Portrait of the Virgin" (Room 214), Rembrandt's "The Return of the Prodigal Son" (Room 254), Rubens' "Perseus and Andromeda" (Room 246), and the Raphael Promenade (Room 227).

Museum Booking: Click on the card above to book and purchase tickets by time slot.

Opening Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.