One of the best parts of traveling the world is getting a chance to learn and experience the rich history this globe has to offer. Each country and culture has a story; a past, present and future. Listening and learning to these stories will enrich your journey in any country. Visiting museums as you travel is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the history and culture of any given destination.
Amazing museums number in the millions and are almost anywhere you can travel. As the first in a series of Must-See Museums in the World, I’ve decided to spotlight the Top 10 Must-See History Museums in the World.
1. American Museum of Natural History, New York
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| Courtesy of Captain-tucker |
As one of the world’s leading natural history museums, the American Museum of Natural History has renowned scientific and cultural collections. From prehistoric explorations, solar system studies and past and present world culture exhibits, this museum has something interesting for everyone. The natural world is ever-changing and the museum strives to be a world leader in natural history research, education and exhibition.
On Exhibit: Currently there are a handful of exciting displays on exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History. These exhibits include Race to the End of the Earth; Lizards & Snakes: Alive!; Hubble; Journey to the Stars; Space Show Double Feature; Spider Silk; On Feathered Wings: Birds in Flight; New Diamonds; and Highway of an Empire: The Great Inca Road.
Exhibit Spotlight: One of the most bizarre and magnificent exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History is the Spider Silk exhibit, which features an undyed golden silk textile spanning 11 feet by 4 feet. But this textile isn’t any ordinary one. Created using the silk of one million residential spiders from Madagascar, this remarkable creation took 4 years and nearly 80 people to make. It’s well worth a visit!
To learn more about these amazing exhibits, visit the museums website here.
2. British Museum, London
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| Courtesy of British Museum |
Not only does the British Museum contain important pieces of British history, it contains outstanding collections from around the world, such as the Parthenon sculptures and the Rosetta Stone. The British Museum was the first national public museum and since its inception has been “free to students and the curious.”
On Exhibit: With over four different exhibits currently on display at the British Museum in London, travelers can expand their cultural horizons all in one spot. Currently on exhibit are South African Landscape Kew; The Printed Image in China from the 8th to the 21st Centuries; Impressions of Africa: money, medals, and stamps; and Akan Drum: The Drummer is Calling Me.
Exhibit Spotlight: Located in the West lawn of the Museum’s forecourt, the South African Landscape Kew display celebrates the rich plant diversity of South Africa’s Cape region. Here, visitors can walk through a rich landscape of plants such as the fynbos, African lilies, Cape daisies, Lesotho red hot pokers, and pink fig marigolds—to name a very few.
To learn more about these current exhibits or to see which exhibitions are coming up, check out the British Museum website here.
3. Egyptian Museum, Cairo
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Rich in ancient history, as you might expect, the Egyptian Museum houses many sacred items including the sarcophagus tomb of King Tutankhamen. Nowhere else can you see such an abundant collection of Egyptian artifacts. With more than 100,000 items within the neoclassical building, it is impossible to see it all in one visit, so be sure to prioritize your wishes or take a guided tour.
Exciting Programs: Uncover Egyptian relics, myths, and stories during one of the Egyptian Museum’s remarkable educational programs. Some of their highly rewarding programs include Ancient Egyptian Jewelry, Egyptian Oils & Perfumes, Ancient Egyptian Mummies, and The Wonders of Mesopotamia.
Program Spotlight: Discover how influential and important jewelry was in the Egyptian lifestyle as you take part in the Ancient Egyptian Jewelry program. During this program, you’ll learn about various ancient jewelry styles, the power of specific stones and styles, and also, view some of ancient Egypt’s most prized jewelry pieces. Learn more about these unique programs at the Egyptian Museum’s website.
4. National Archaeological Museum of Athens
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| Courtesy of Ricardo André Frantz |
Originally intended as secure storage for relics found during nineteenth century excavations, the National Archaeological Museum of Athens is now the largest museum in Greece, and among the premier museums in the world. Unlike any other, the beautiful neoclassical building houses more than 11,000 items from ancient Greece to the Late Antiquity period.
Exploring the Museum: The National Archaeological Museum has four sections. The first section focuses on the remains of the city of Eretria, which dates back to the 3rd Millennium B.C. This exhibit provides visitors with an insight into the first settlements in the area as well as the beginnings of the alphabet writing system.
In the second section of the museum, visitors can view relics from everyday life during the 5th Century B.C. Some of these relics include architectural remains, household items, children’s objects, and more.
Section 3 of the museum focuses on the religious life of the people of Eretria. Visitors can get a glimpse into the sanctuaries and worshiping rituals of the general population of Eretria, as well as learn more about the patron god of Eretria, Apollo Daphnephoros.
The fourth section of the museum houses artifacts related to death and the afterlife. Museum guests receive a deep insight into traditional burial customs—such as grave offerings—as well as materials used during the burial ceremonies.
Learn more about this fascinating museum here.
5. National Museum of China, Beijing
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| Courtesy of Dan Kamminga |
Located on a historical site itself, Tiananmen Square, the National Museum of China houses art, artifacts and relics dating back 1.7 million years. The enormous museum actually consists of two museums, the Museum of Chinese History and the Museum of Chinese Revolution, which together cover China’s interesting history, from the first primitive society to the more recent day dynasties.
Exploring the Museum: The National Museum of China is abundant with ancient relics from past empires, and provides visitors with a deep insight into the rich and fascinating history of China. Museum-goers can view remains from the earliest forms of society in China, dating back nearly 1,700,000 years ago. Visitors can easily visualize the progression of the centuries in China through the artwork and materials used for artistic creation exhibited in this unique museum.
To learn more about the National Museum of China, click here.
What is your favorite historical museum?
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