Here's Where To Find The World's Most Prized Historical Items
One of the most exciting parts about traveling if you're a history buff is visiting world-class museums. Some house the most impressive feats of humanity while others offer moving immersive exhibits that shed light on dark periods of human history. Here are 20 must-visit museums for history enthusiasts.
1. The British Museum
Many of the artifacts at the British Museum have a controversial origin, stolen during Britain's imperialist days; but that doesn't make the collection any less astounding. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to the Rosetta Stone, the museum houses some of the most important and prized items of humanity.
2. The Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo has the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world. A stone's throw from the Great Pyramids of Giza, the museum is a must-see on your visit that will greatly enhance your understanding of ancient Egyptian culture.
3. The Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum showcases the artifacts found in and around the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens. It houses an impressive collection of antiquities from the Bronze Age Greece to the Roman and Byzantine periods.
4. The National Museum of China
The National Museum of China, located in the eastern part of Tiananmen Square in the heart of Beijing, is home to the largest collection of Chinese artifacts, boasting 1.4 million items. It's a must-see for anyone interested in Chinese history.
5. The National Museum of Anthropology
The National Museum of Anthropology located in Mexico City has the largest collection of ancient Mexican art and artifacts. Some of the more significant items include The Sun Stone and The Jade Mask.
Anonymous Chalca artist on Wikimedia
6. The Imperial War Museums
War history enthusiasts will love this museum. The five sites around England focus on the conflicts that have shaped the world from WWI to today.
7. The Louvre
Paris's Louvre houses everything from the most famous pieces of western art like the Mona Lisa to some of the most important ancient artifacts like Hammurabi's Code. It's the most popular museum in the world and a must-visit for history buffs and art lovers alike.
8. Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Located in Washington D.C., the Smithsonian houses the most important assortment of American artifacts, presenting the country's unique history. The antiquities on display range from early locomotives to film and television props making for an eccentric collection.
G. Edward Johnson on Wikimedia
9. Apartheid Museum
This museum in Johannesburg captures the 20th century history of South Africa, in particular, the apartheid. The museum takes visitors on an emotional journey through time in an immaculately-designed space.
10. Topkapi Palace Museum
The Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul, Turkey is set inside the iconic 15th century palace that was once the residence of Ottoman sultans. The complex stands as a remarkable example of Ottoman architecture and design and features hundreds of rooms brimming with artifacts like weapons, armor, and religious heirlooms.
11. The Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums in Rome display some of the most important Renaissance artworks including the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. It's the second-most visited museum in the world after The Louvre.
12. Pergamon Museum
Berlin, Germany's Pergamon Museum is one of the most unique in the world for its full-scale reconstructions of ancient Greek and Roman structures. Visitors to the museum can fully immerse themselves into ancient civilizations.
13. The Hermitage Museum
One of the world's oldest museum, The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia houses over three million artifacts spanning from prehistory to the 20th century. The impressive collection features important artworks by Leonardo da Vinci and Michaelangelo, as well as Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, all housed in a stunning baroque building.
14. Rijksmuseum
Housed in an impressive Gothic building in Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum is home to an extensive collection of art from the Dutch Golden Age including pieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. In addition to art, it also holds historic relics like ship models and colonial artifacts, giving a comprehensive view of Dutch history.
15. Museo del Oro
Bogota's Museo Del Oro (Museum of Gold) is renowned for its amazing collection of gold artifacts from the pre-Columbian era, showcasing the artistry and belief systems of these Indigenous peoples. It's a must-visit for history buffs with an interest in ancient South American civilizations.
Felipe Restrepo Acosta on Wikimedia
16. The National Museum of Korea
Seoul's National Museum of Korea holds over 220,000 artifacts showcasing the unique history and culture of the country. These range from prehistoric items to important Buddhist artworks. It's a must-see for anyone interested in Korea's cultural history.
17. Tokyo National Museum
Tokyo National Museum is the most important museum in Japan and a must-see for Japanese culture enthusiasts. Its magnificent collection includes samurai swords, Buddhist sculptures, kimonos, and ancient pottery.
18. Museum of the Great War
The Museum of the Great War located near the Marne battlefields where one of the early major battles of WWI took place, is dedicated to the history and significance of the first world war. It provides an immersive view of this consequential period in history through the use of life-size reconstructions and artifacts like weapons and uniforms.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Akeel Austin on Wikimedia
19. Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments
For history buffs with an appetite for the dark, Prague's Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments is for you. Its dimly lit corridors showcase some of the devices used for punishment in the medieval era such as the iron maiden and Spanish boot, serving as a reminder of some of the grimmer days of humanity.
Holger Uwe Schmitt on Wikimedia
20. National Museum of Ireland
The National Museum of Ireland located in Dublin is split into three categories: archaeology, arts, and natural history. Each section offers a comprehensive collection highlighting Ireland's significance in each grouping. It's the home of all of Ireland's most prized historical items.
