Thursday, September 9, 2010

Top History Museums in the World: Part II


If you missed Part I of this post, you can view it here.

1. National Museum of Japanese History, Sakura City
National Museum of Japanese History, Sakura City
Courtesy of National Museum of Japanese History
The goal of the National Museum of Japanese History, known as Rekihaku in Japan, is to examine and share the robust Japanese history through three main disciplines; written record, archeology, and folk studies. This approach uniquely tells the history of Japan through more than 200,000 items and artifacts of historical or cultural importance.

On Exhibit: The National Museum of Japanese History is currently featuring one special (temporary) exhibit titled, Beyond the Boundary in Asia. This exhibit explores the outcome of what happens when people cross boundaries. And the museum defines crossing boundaries as “a place where two worlds contact and overlap each other.” Specifically, this exhibit focuses on Ancient Boundaries and Migration and Early Modern Boundary Migration. Visitors to this exhibit can view ancient jewelry, clothing, art, and writing pieces that help illustrate the culture of ancient Asia.

Learn more about the National Museum of Japanese History here.

2. Natural History Museum, London 
Natural History Museum, London
Photo by David Iliff
The Natural History Museum of London allows visitors to interact with the natural world, first-hand. Exploration of the natural world and inspiring people to care about the planet are the main goals of the spectacular museum. In addition to thousands of thrilling exhibits, the museum is also home to the architecturally-intriguing Darwin Center, which is a state-of-the-art science and exhibition center including the unique Cocoon Experience. See for yourself with hands-on exploration of the natural world that surrounds us.

On Exhibit: The Natural History Museum currently has a long list of some exciting exhibits to experience! These exhibitions include Cocoon, Wild Planet, The Deep Sea, Butterfly Explorers, Ida fossil cast on display, Big Seaweed Search, Butterfly Tours, Spirit Collection Tours, and Hands on Nature—Oceans.

Exhibit Spotlight: Although all of the museum’s current exhibits are fascinating, one of the most interesting to experience is the Spirit Collection Tours. On this tour you will see 22 million specimens of scientific research, collected by Charleston Darwin in the Darwin Centre’s Zoology spirit building.

To learn more about the museum or other exhibits happening, visit their website.

3. Norsk Folkemuseum, Oslo, Norway
Norsk Folkemuseum, Oslo, Norway
Courtesy of James Cridland
What better way to experience history than to walk right in it? This cultural museum is truly unique, as it not only has traditional indoor museum halls and exhibits, it also features a large Open-Air Museum that showcases Norwegian buildings, traditions, and cultural exhibits representing the 16th century to the present day. Experience the folklore, traditions and true culture of Norwegian society, with traditional wardrobes, dances, songs, and food.

On Exhibit: Currently featured on exhibition at the Norsk Folkemuseum include The 50s Revisited, A Journey through Rooms of the Past, The Painter and Decorator, and The Youngest Runes.

Exhibit Spotlight: One of the museums most unique exhibits is A Journey through Rooms of the Past. In this exhibit, visitors can visualize a collection of urban interior décor pieces including furniture, costumes, and paintings, as well as receive a glimpse into the 18th- and 19th-century upper class lifestyle. This exhibit’s eclectic atmosphere comes to life through a doll’s house. Within the doll house, visitors can peer into six different rooms, each with objects that introduce a particular story about upper class lifestyle in an urban setting.

To learn more about the museum, visit their website.

4. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 
 Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Courtesy of Smithsonian Institute
No one can deny that the Smithsonian Institute museums are of the finest museums in the world. The Smithsonian museums approach history with a careful preservation, capturing the life and times of American and world cultures. The Smithsonian Institute consists of 17 museums across the D.C.-area, including the National Zoo, Air and Space Museum, and the American History Museum. All of the museums are worth a visit, but if you need help deciding, visit the Smithsonian “Castle” which is the first Smithsonian building, and the home of the Information Center.

On Exhibit: The Smithsonian has a great list of exciting exhibits being shown this fall. Some of these exhibits include Fiona Tan: Rise and Fall; A Revolution in Wood: The Bresler Collection; Abraham Lincoln Certified Plate Proofs; Americas Now; Cyprus: Crossroads of Civilization; Beyond: Visions of our Solar System; and much more.

Exhibit Spotlight: The Visions of our Solar System exhibit takes visitors through a collaboration of art, science, photography, and exploration into the solar system. Museum-goers see 148 images, taken over the past 50 years, of the sun, planets, and other colorful space objects.

To learn more about the museum or other exhibits happening, visit their website.

5. State Historical Museum, Moscow 
State Historical Museum, Moscow
Courtesy of www.kremlin.ru.
Prominently located on the North side of Red Square, the impressive building houses a rich collection of Russian artifacts, telling the country’s often-complicated history from the paleolithic period to present day. The beautiful Moscow baroque building is a piece of history itself, that should also be admired.

Exploring the Museum: Containing some of the most remarkable artifacts and collections from Russia’s Paleolithic period to today, the State Historical Museum of Moscow’s provides visitors with a deep insight in Russia’s rich culture and historic background. Some of the artifacts seen within this gorgeous museum include Scythian gold figures, funerary masks, Hellenic architecture, Chinese decoration, historic paintings and consumes from past Russian rulers, and much more.

To learn more about the museum, visit their website.

So, whether you travel to Asia and beyond, or stay state-side, consider visiting one or all of these fantastic museums; you will be grateful for the experiences shared inside the museum walls.

What is your favorite historical museum?

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