British Museum to the Louvre: The World’s Top Museums Offer Insight into the Past
Have you always wanted to wander through time? It seems that the invention of a time travel machine may still be a few decades (if not more) away, so you’ll have to make do with the present. Fortunately you can still get a glimpse of the past by visiting one of the many museums around the world. From London’s British Museum to the Louvre in Paris – explore the past has never been so easy. In no particular order, these are just a few of the museums you won’t want to miss:
The British Museum – London, England
This museum hosts over 13 million objects representing human history and culture. Probably one of the most comprehensive collections in the entire world, the artefacts of the British Museumdocument represent human history from the beginning of time to present. The collection contains amazing cultural relics from nearly every civilisation in the world – past and present. The Elgin Marbles from the Greek Parthenon and the Rosetta Stone are two of the top attractions. While the collection is nothing short of amazing, there two best things about this museum are the spectacularly designed Grand Court and the fact that you can see all of it for free!
Musee du Louvre – Paris, France
Upon arriving at the Louvre Museum in Paris you’ll be speechless at the brilliant juxtaposition of a breathtaking Renaissance palace behind a modern glass pyramid by architect I.M. Pei. If that impresses you, just wait until you stumble inside to find some of the world’s most celebrated pieces of art. It’s easy to spend a lot of time here, as the museum has over 35,000 items on display. Some of the most famous pieces include Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Alejandro of Antioch’s Venus de Milo.
National Museum of Natural History – Washington D.C., USA
One of the Smithsonian Institute’s top museums, it’s sure to amaze visitors of all ages. Children often refer to it as “the dinosaur museum”, after the great hall of dinos – one of the museum’s most popular exhibits. Throughout this grand space you’ll find over 125 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites and human cultural artefacts. Be sure to visit the museum’s outdoor butterfly garden, which has four different habitats and is open all year round (though the summer months are the best). There are so many items to see here, that it will be hard to see everything, but make sure you don’t leave without seeing the Hope Diamond.
The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities – Cairo, Egypt
This impressive museum, also known at the Egyptian Museum, is home to the world’s most extensive collection of Egyptian antiquities. There’s an average of 120,000 items on display, with many more in store rooms. The Royal Mummy Room, one of the museum’s most treasured attractions, has nine mummies on display including that of the famous Queen Hatshepsut. Also be sure to check out the 1,200 objects from the tomb of King Tut, including the legendary solid gold death mask.
The Metropolitan Museum of Arts – New York City, USA
Probably the USA’s most notable art museum, the Met is something not to be missed. It’s by far the country’s best collection of art, spanning several continents and eras. From ancient Egyptian art to some of the best modern art America has to offer and everything in between, it really is an art lover’s paradise. With painting from Caravaggio to Constable and Monet to Matisse, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye and inspires you.