10 Largest Museums In The World
Visiting a museum is a cherished experience for people of all ages, offering a unique glimpse into culture, history, and art. Whether you’re exploring ancient artifacts, priceless artwork, or the remnants of prehistoric creatures, museums can transform an ordinary day into an extraordinary adventure.
Globally, there are approximately 55,000 museums, each boasting its own distinct focus. Some even have quirky themes, such as The Dog Collar Museum in England and The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Tennessee.
Among these fascinating attractions, ten museums stand out as the largest in the world, ranked by annual visitor numbers.
Detailed List of the 10 Largest Museums in the World
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National Museum of China. Beijing, China
Year Established: 2003
Visitors Per Year: 100.3 Million
The National Museum of China is dedicated to educating visitors about the nation’s rich history. Managed by the Ministry of Culture, it houses a collection of 1.3 million Chinese art and historical artifacts.
Despite being the most visited museum globally, it is relatively young, having emerged from a merger between the Museum of the Chinese Revolution and the National Museum of Chinese History in 2003. The museum regularly updates its exhibits, showcasing treasures like:
- A Han Dynasty jade burial suit laced with gold
- A porcelain vase from the Qing Dynasty
- The Olympic Gold Medal of Xu Haifeng
- Ancient coins
- Ji Zibai Plate of the Guo State
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Smithsonian Institution. Washington D.C., United States
Year Established: 1846
Visitors Per Year: 22 Million
The Smithsonian Institution has been a hub for cultural and educational experiences for 175 years. Established by James Smithson as a means to “increase and diffuse knowledge,” it comprises 19 museums, including:
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
- National Museum of American History
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- National Portrait Gallery
- Smithsonian Gardens
Unique in its extensive scope, the Smithsonian also serves as a leading research center in science, arts, and humanities.
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Le Louvre. Paris, France
Year Established: 1793
Visitors Per Year: 10.2 Million
The Louvre has a rich history, originally built as a fortress in 1190 and later transformed into a royal palace. Today, it houses an impressive collection, including:
- Ancient Greek and Roman sculptures
- Egyptian antiques
- Pre-100 European paintings
- French crown jewels and noble artifacts
Its most renowned piece, the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, draws thousands of visitors every day.
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Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York City, United States
Year Established: 1870
Visitors Per Year: 6.5 Million
The Metropolitan Museum of Art showcases over two million pieces of artwork, making it the largest museum in the U.S. It spans a mile on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and includes:
- Musical instruments
- Wearable accessories
- Weapons and armor
- Costumes
- Photographs
With a collection that spans 5,000 years, it attracts millions of visitors each year.
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British Museum. London, United Kingdom
Year Established: 1753
Visitors Per Year: 5.9 Million
The British Museum is home to over eight million artifacts, making it the largest collection in the world. Its notable pieces include:
- The Inner Coffin of Hornedjitef
- Goddess Tara Statue
- A Shield from West Papua
- The Lycurgus Cup
- The Rosetta Stone
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National Gallery of Art. London, United Kingdom
Year Established: 1824
Visitors Per Year: 5.2 Million
The National Gallery is a haven for art enthusiasts, housing over 2,000 paintings from the 13th century onward. The collection is publicly funded, allowing free access to its main exhibits. Notable artists include:
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Jan van Eyck
- Johannes Vermeer
- Claude Monet
- Rembrandt
Drawing nearly six million visitors annually, the gallery offers a deep dive into European art history.
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Vatican Museums. Vatican City, Rome, Italy
Year Established: 1506
Visitors Per Year: 5 Million
The Vatican Museums, established over 500 years ago, house a collection amassed by the Roman Catholic Church, including:
- A collection of Modern Religious Art by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, etc.
- The Prima Porta Augustus
- The Greek Cross Gallery
- The Cabinet of Masks
- Leonardo da Vinci’s Saint Jerome in The Wilderness
With exquisite art and architecture, the Vatican Museums attract over five million visitors yearly.
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National Palace Museum. Taipei, Taiwan
Year Established: 1925
Visitors Per Year: 3.8 Million
The National Palace Museum offers a glimpse into 700,000 pieces of art and artifacts from Imperial China. Many items were relocated from China during the Cultural Revolution for preservation. Key pieces include:
- 25,592 Ceramic Pieces
- 666 Carvings
- 6,953 Coins
- 12,495 Religious, Accessory, and Costume Items
- 6,721 Paintings
- 216,507 Rare Books
For approximately $12, you can immerse yourself in this vast collection of Chinese history.
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National Museum of Korea. Seoul, South Korea
Year Established: 1909
Visitors Per Year: 3.5 Million
The National Museum of Korea showcases the country’s culture and history through meticulously designed exhibits representing the past, present, and future. Its collection includes:
- Pensive Bodhisattva Statue
- Twelfth-Century Incense Burner
- Album of Genre Painting by Danwon
- An 800 AD Burial Urn
Attracting visitors from around the world, the museum preserves artifacts of South Korea’s rich history.
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National Museum of Anthropology. Mexico City, Mexico
Year Established: 1964
Visitors Per Year: 2.5 Million
The National Museum of Anthropology is Mexico’s premier museum, dedicated to understanding humanity through its anthropological and archaeological artifacts. Key pieces include:
- The Aztec Sun Stone Calendar
- Moctezuma’s Headdress
- Statue of Xochipilli
- A replica of Pakal’s Tomb
With 23 exhibit rooms, the museum attracts around 2.5 million visitors annually, showcasing the depth of Mexican culture.
In conclusion, these ten museums not only house vast collections of art and artifacts but also serve as cultural landmarks that draw millions of visitors each year. Each museum offers a unique perspective on human history and creativity, making them essential destinations for anyone looking to explore the world’s rich tapestry of culture and heritage.
Author
Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.
