The Getty Center // Los Angeles, CA

Victoria from Guide Your Travel

The Getty Center is without a doubt one of California's most beautiful buildings and monuments. It's much more than an art museum, and if you're in the Los Angeles region, it should be at the top of your to-do list. The views are stunning from the museum.

The Getty Center is a private museum with an incredible art collection that includes hundreds of Roman and Greek works. There are paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and other types of art from between the Middle Ages and modern times. A favorite piece of mine and one of the most famous works in the museum is Rembrandt Laughing by Rembrandt. Sunrise by Monet is a highlight as well.

There is enough to see and do to spend at least a day here if not more. If you don't want to miss anything, take your time and plan to stay the full day. The Getty offers a selection of workshops throughout the week. Painting, sketching, and photography are all covered. If you happen to be in the area at this period, you should absolutely sign up.

You will not be able to walk up to the museum and will be required to park your car in a parking lot before catching a tram up to the property. Although admission to the museum is free, parking costs $15 per car. 

 The Getty Center is a one-of-a-kind destination, and there is no way to see everything in one visit. You can come back again and again and constantly learn something new.

National Gallery of Art // Washington DC

By Terri from Female Solo Trek

Philanthropist Paul Mellon donated millions so the world-class National Gallery of Art (NGA) could be built in the nation’s capital. In honor of his father Andrew Mellon donated the museum building and the Andrew W. Mellon art collection to the citizens of the United States. President Roosevelt accepted for the American people. It opened on March 17, 1941. The NGA welcomes millions each year and is one of the best art museums in the United States 

The original West Wing is located on Constitution Avenue. There are 150,000+ paintings, photographs, decorative arts and sculptures in the NGA’s permanent collection. Works span the 13th through the early 20th century. Visitors will see American art from colonial times to the early 1900s, the Kaufman Collection of American furniture, and rotating installations of photographs, prints, drawings and rare books.The special exhibition, A Superb Baroque: Art in Genoa, 1600-1705, opens on September 26.  

The East Wing of the NGA is located on 4th Street NW. It includes modern and abstract paintings and sculptures. On special exhibition is the site-responsive installations by artists Sarah Cain, Avish Khebrehzadeh, and Kay Rosen. The artwork “So-so, so so sorry” frames the entrance of the East Wing. The neoclassical West Building (architect: John Russell Pope) and the modern East Building (architect: I. M. Pei) are linked underground.

NGA is open 363 days a year and is free to visit. Visitors enjoy special exhibitions and public programs, including drawing and writing classes and films and concerts for adults. In the summer, visitors can buy tickets to attend the Concerts in the Park at the 6.1-acre National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. The NGA programs all types of music, including jazz, mariachi, and the National Band. 

Pérez Art Museum // Miami, FL

By Kenny from Knycx Journeying

Founded in 1984, the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is the city’s most prestigious art museum. In 2013 it was relocated to the Museum Park in Downtown by the waterfront. The new building has a sleek and modern exterior. It is next to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, which was also newly opened in 2017. 

The galleries at PAMM are dedicated to artwork from American, Western European, and African artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Artists include Purvis Young, Joseph Cornell, Kehinde Wiley, James Rosenquist, Frank Stella, and Kiki Smith. The museum is home to a permanent collection of over 1,800 pieces of art.

The museum strives to support the development of young and up-and-coming artists in the region, in addition to well known artists. Large scale art pieces that wouldn't usually be able to be shown without enough space are displayed here as well. 

The re-opening in the new location attracted a record number of visitors. In only four months with 150,000 visitors it made PAMM one of the most visited museums in the region and one of the must-see attractions in Miami.  

Dali Museum // St. Petersburg, FL

By Ruby from Voyage Florida

The Salvador Dali Museum in St Petersburg, Florida is unique because it is home to the most Dali pieces in the world. The pieces in the museum came from the collection of an Ohio couple. They were frequent patrons of Dali and their collection grew so much that they needed to find a permanent place to house their collection. Originally the Dali museum was located in a warehouse in St Petersburg, Florida. It has now moved to an upgraded facility that can withstand hurricane winds and has a more aesthetic feel to it.

One of the bigger pieces in the museum is called Gala Contemplating the Mediterranean Sea Which at Twenty Meters Becomes the Portrait of Abraham Lincoln. At first glance you see a woman facing the water. When you step back the woman becomes a pixelated Abraham Lincoln. You can also enjoy the Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory, one of Dali's famous works which features his melting clocks. 

If you get a chance to sign up for a guided tour, do it. The docent will provide a lot more information about the art pieces and can give you a different perspective than most people come to see. 

The outside of the museum is equally beautiful. With a garden overlooking the water it is great for strolling around.

High Museum of Art // Atlanta, GA

With large wall murals and tiny doors filling the streets, Atlanta is an incredibly artsy city. The art isn't just limited to street art though. The High Museum of Art is one of the best art museums in the USA. It is located in the Woodruff Arts Center in Midtown which is also home to the Alliance Theatre and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Their permanent collection includes African, European, American, modern, contemporary and folk art. Photographs and decorative arts and design are also included in the exhibits. There are some really unique pieces within the contemporary collection. I'm often confused when looking at them, but when reading the descriptions it is interesting to understand the artists' intentions behind the artwork.

In addition to the ongoing exhibits, there are always interesting temporary ones. On my last visit there was a video installation by an Icelandic artist. Nine musicians, displayed on separate screens, in separate rooms of one house were playing the same piece of music at the same time. It symbolized well with the "alone, but together" feeling we all have felt during Covid.

The museum is quite large and contains two different wings and a pavilion connected by a bridge. On my first visit I didn't realize until about 30 minutes before closing that the museum had so many different sections. Don't make the mistake I did! Instead plan enough time to see the entire museum or choose your must see exhibits first.

Admission is free the 2nd Sunday of every month. Both general admission and 2nd Sunday tickets should be reserved ahead of time.

The Art Institute of Chicago // Chicago, IL

By Nicole from Go Far Grow Close

The Art Institute of Chicago is located in downtown Chicago in Grant Park. It is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the USA. It has a spectacular collection of Impressionist Art from some of the most important artists of all times. This includes Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Degas, Renoir, Manet, and Cezanne. 

Without question, my favorite artwork, maybe of all time, is George Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte. George Seurat was the father of pointillism, a technique where small dots of color are applied. Up close you can only see the dots, but from a distance they visually blend together to form a picture. This technique, created in the late 1880s, was revolutionary and dramatically different from the realism that preceded it.

If you like more modern art, the Chicago Art Institute has a selection of significant modern masterpieces. You can see American Gothic by Grant Wood and dozens of pieces by Andy Warhol.

The location of the Chicago Art Institute means that you can not only spend the day enjoying a beautiful art museum and its exhibits, but also several other amazing sites in downtown Chicago. Only a short distance away you can enjoy the beaches and parks of Lake Michigan, Millennium Park, and of course, fantastic shopping on the Magnificent Mile. Admission is free with the Chicago CityPass. 

Detroit Institute of Arts // Detroit, MI

By Kris from My Michigan Travel

The Detroit Institute of Arts, known locally as the DIA, is located in the Midtown area of Detroit, Michigan. While the city isn't always known as a museum destination, the DIA houses a truly world-class collection of artwork.

The museum has galleries of works of art from around the world, the heaviest emphasis is on European and American art. The most famous work on display is Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry mural which takes up all four walls of a glass-roofed courtyard. At the DIA's request, he came to Detroit and visited manufacturing plants in the area. The workers he saw there on the assembly lines are represented in his iconic murals. You'll also find one of the largest collections of African-American artwork, which is housed in its own gallery and features one of my other favorite paintings called Officer of the Hussars.

In other parts of the museum, the building itself becomes part of the display as you enter a low-ceilinged colonial home that was relocated from the east or step into a small chapel moved from a historic castle in Europe. Down in the Kresge Court, frequent live music performances entertain visitors in cozy, café-style seating with light foods, coffee, and adult beverages available.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art // Kansas City, MO

By Alexa from Travel in Missouri

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is an art museum in Kansas City, Missouri. It was voted best U.S. museum on Yelp. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is known for its encyclopedic collection of art from nearly every continent and culture, and especially for its extensive collection of Asian art.

Opened in 1933, the art museum now houses more than 40,000 pieces in its collections. The Chinese art collection is one of the finest collections in the West with more than 7,000 works from every phase of China’s artistic activity. One of the most famous pieces at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is the 12th-century polychrome wooden figure of Guanyin of the Southern Sea found in the Chinese Temple Gallery (Gallery 230). It is said to be the finest sculpture of its kind outside China.

The museum is situated on 20 acres and one of the highlights is the outdoor Sculpture Park, which features more than 35 sculptures by many of the top artists from the 20th century.

Plan for a minimum of 45 minutes to 1 hour to view the art exhibits in the museum and at least another 30 minutes for the outdoor sculpture garden. Admission to the museum is always free though there may be costs associated with special exhibitions.

Southern Highland Craft Guild's Folk Art Center // Asheville, NC

By Bret & Mary from Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide

Located in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Asheville is a bustling mountain town with a growing population of around 95,000 people. There are a lot of awesome things to do in Asheville. The most popular tourist attraction in Asheville is the Blue Ridge Parkway, a historic 469-mile scenic route that draws some 15 million visitors each year.

Just 11 miles from Downtown Asheville at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 382, you'll find the Southern Highland Craft Guild's Folk Art Center, which is arguably the finest collection of Appalachian-style arts and crafts in the United States. The Southern Highland Craft Guild collective was founded in 1930. They opened the Folk Art Center to the public at its current location in 1980, with three galleries, a library, an auditorium, and the historic Allanstand Craft Shop.

The Guild's permanent collection of 3,500+ pieces includes works dating back to the dawn of the 20th century. From intricately designed quilts, woven baskets, pottery, turned wood, stained glass, and furniture, it is truly an extraordinary collection that showcases the artistic creativity of this distinctly Southern region. The simple, almost rudimentary wood carvings and dolls to the more modern, sophisticated pieces show just how much Appalachian art has grown and evolved over the last 100+ years.

With over 1000 artists and craftspeople representing 9 southeastern states, the Folk Art Center is every bit as fascinating as the larger museums you'll find in big cities. It's also a loving tribute to the nation's Appalachian settlers, and the distinctly American art they created.

Metropolitan Museum of Art // New York City, NY

If you love museums, New York City is the place to go. The city is full of museums on art, history, science and every topic you could imagine. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the MET, is not only one of the top art museums in the US, but also one of the largest art museums in the US. It is located in Central Park along 5th avenue, also known as Museum Mile. 

The MET is huge! I have visited several times and I still haven't seen the entire museum. The museum has everything from Greek and Roman art to modern and contemporary art. The large section on Egyptian Art is a highlight for many visitors. There is even a small temple built by Cesar Augustus in 10 BC. One of my favorite sections is the American Wing with authentic period rooms.

With admission to the MET you receive free same day admission to the Cloisters in upper Manhattan. The Cloisters is a smaller museum in a beautiful castle like setting in Fort Tryon park. The exhibits focus on European medieval art and architecture.

Admission is free to both museums with CityPass, Go New York, and the New York Pass.

Museum of Modern Art // New York City, NY

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is the place to go for modern and contemporary art. Located in Midtown, the museum is convenient to Times Square, Broadway, and Central Park. It is a great museum to include in any NYC itinerary.

The museum's collection includes almost 200,000 pieces of art. The permanent collections are organized by time periods. On the 5th floor you will find the 1880s - 1940s collection. Claude Monet's Water Lilies and Van Gogh's Starry Night can be found here. Head down to the 4th floor for artwork from the 1940s - 1970s. Andy Warhol and Henri Matisse are among the artists whose work is displayed here. On the 2nd floor you can enjoy pieces from the 1970s - present day collections.

In addition to these ongoing exhibits, there are also many temporary exhibits throughout all six floors of the museum. These range from exhibits centered around a particular artist to those about a specific style of art. Automania is on view until January 1st. This exhibit with cars, photographs, paintings and more looks at how cars have changed the modern world.

Admission is free with the New York Pass and the Go New York,

Whitney Museum of American Art // New York City, NY

By Bernadette from Explorer Chick

The Whitney Museum is in the Meatpacking District of New York City. For locals and tourists, this museum is worth a visit to view American art. It is also near the High Line so it easily fits in an itinerary of all the points of interest in the area, including the Vessel, Chelsea Market, and the Hudson River.

The museum’s permanent collection includes luminaries Georgia O’Keeffe, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jackson Pollock. Their works are currently on display until 2022. The Whitney is known for the Biennial, their signature event since 1932. Every two years recent works of art by young and unknown artists are put on display. The next Biennial is scheduled for 2022.

One of the current exhibits includes an installation by Liza Lou entitled Kitchen and it is one of my favorites. Every single surface of the kitchen, its appliances and furniture, are covered in beads. It took the artist five years to complete the life-sized installation. But what I think is special about this kitchen is that it has more to say than just being fantastic to look at. It is also a commentary on gender roles and inequality - how homemaking is marketed as delightful activity, but something only women should do. Kitchen is part of the Making Knowing: Craft in Art, 1950–2019 and will be on display until February 2022.

Tickets to the museum are free with the purchase of the New York Pass or the Go New York Pass.

Cleveland Museum of Art // Cleveland, OH

By Christine from Treasured Family Travels

No visit to Cleveland would be complete without visiting University Circle - home to several museums and gardens including the distinguished Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA). Ranked number two of art museums in the United States, the CMA contains 61,000 items from around the world.

Opening in 1916, the museum was dedicated ‘for the benefit of all the people forever’. Free general admission has been its mainstay, however special traveling exhibits often require a fee and a reservation.

Sixteen departments comprise the collection as a whole ranging from Asian and Egyptian Art, European, Medieval, Greek and Roman Art to Textiles and African Art.

Must visit works include Andy Warhol’s Marilyn X 100 (one hundred pictures of Marilyn Monroe), Monet’s Water Lilies (there is one of three panels here) and Rodin’s The Thinker sculpture. You can also see works by El Greco, van Gogh and Caravaggio.

Don’t forget to download the free ArtLens app to your phone before you go. Let it guide you on a museum tour of its most famous pieces by selecting ‘Must CMA tour’ , then ‘featured’. This tour will lead you to 10 of the most popular pieces in the museum including the three mentioned above.

Check out the ArtLens Gallery, too. Located on the main floor right next to the entrance, enjoy the 40-foot interactive wall displaying the entire digitized museum art collection. Create your own tour of what you would like to see by syncing it with the app!

If you are looking for fun things to do in Cleveland, make University Circle and The Cleveland Museum of Art a top priority on your list. Admission to the museum is free. 

The Philadelphia Museum of Art // Philadelphia, PA

By Camila from Travel Cami

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is the heart of the art scene in the City of Brotherly Love and a must-see in any Philadelphia itinerary.

The museum is located at the end of the famous Benjamin Franklin Parkway and can be easily accessed by foot. Admission is usually $25 per adult, but the museum hosts weekly "Pay what you want" nights every Friday and the first Sunday of the month.

The museum's impressive collection has more than 240,000 works of art, including famous paintings such as Rogier van der Weyden's The Crucifixion, with the Virgin and Saint John the Evangelist Mourning, Vincent Van Gogh's Sunflowers and Noel-Nicolas Coypel's The Abduction of Europa. In addition to paintings, the museum is also home to significant holdings of European, American, and Asian sculptures.

Apart from contemplating art, many visitors come to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to see the Rocky Steps and take a picture with the Rocky Statue, originally created for a scene in Rocky III. You can find them both outside of the entrance to the museum. 

Chihuly Garden and Glass // Seattle, WA

By Astrid from The Wandering Daughter

The city of Seattle, WA has a treasure trove of art museums for visitors of all ages to explore. These range from classical art to modern art, and everything in between. For travelers looking for a little whimsy in their art museum experiences, a visit to the Chihuly Garden and Glass is a must. This museum, located in the Seattle Center, near Lake Union, features extraordinary sculptures from famed glass artist, Dale Chihuly.

Hailing from nearby Tacoma, WA, Dale Chihuly’s career in glass sculpture spans decades. His pieces can be found in over two hundred museums and art installations throughout the world. Many of the exhibits in the Chihuly Garden and Glass represent various points of Dale Chihuly’s illustrious career. They all feature the artist’s characteristic organic and other-worldly feel. Each piece seems bold and delicate at the same time.

The highlight of the museum is the Glass House, a 40-foot tall cathedral-like glass and steel structure, that features a 100-foot long suspended glass sculpture of red, orange, yellow, and amber floral shapes. The museum also includes videos of Dale Chihuly’s work process, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at these exquisite pieces of work.

Tickets to the Chihuly Garden and Glass cost $30 for visitors and $27 for residents of King County. Admission is free with the Seattle City Pass. The last tickets of the day are sold 45 minutes before closing time.