art museum tours europe

THE 10 BEST Europe Art Museums

Art museums in europe.

• Specialty Museums
• Art Galleries
• History Museums
• Art Museums
• Military Museums
• Science Museums
• Natural History Museums
• Children's Museums
• Observatories & Planetariums
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
• Florence Historic Center
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Louvre Museum

2. Musée d'Orsay

3. The British Museum

4. Van Gogh Museum

5. Prado National Museum

6. Rijksmuseum

7. National Gallery

8. Gallerie Degli Uffizi

9. V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum

10. Museo Cappella Sansevero

11. Galleria dell'Accademia

12. Museo Egizio

13. Vatican Museums

14. Galleria Borghese

15. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

16. The State Hermitage Museum

17. Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

18. Belvedere Museum

19. Pergamonmuseum

20. Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo

21. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

22. Sistine Chapel

23. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

24. Museo Sorolla

25. Musee de la Tapisserie de Bayeux

26. Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

27. National Archaeological Museum

28. Wallace Collection

29. Albertina

30. The Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery

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Art Lover's Tour of Europe - Italy, Switzerland, France, Netherlands

Grand history tour of europe - france, germany, czech republic, scientific marvels of europe - italy, switzerland, france, england.

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Day 1: Welcome to Rome

Welcome to Rome! On arrival you are met by your Travel Director and transferred to your accommodation. (D)

Day 2: Rome Sightseeing

This morning, visit the Vatican Museum with a Local Expert. Admire the papal art collection and enter the Sistine Chapel and admire Michelangelo’s masterpiece on its ceiling. Next door, in St Peter’s Basilica, see one of Michelangelo’s early works, the Pieta, and the splendid dome, completed after his death. Afterwards, visit the Colosseum, where the gladiators prepared for battle. (B, RD)

Day 3: Tuscan Hills onto Florence

Journey through the picturesque Tuscan Hills towards Florence. On arrival, join a local art historian to see Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Museum. (B, D)

Day 4: Renaissance Florence

This morning, see the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti’s ‘Gates of Paradise’. Then join a Local Expert for a visit to the Uffizi Galleries, one of the oldest and most famous art museums in Europe. You'll also enjoy works by Michelangelo, Botticelli and Raphael, among other masterpieces. (B, RD)

Day 5: Leaning Tower of Pisa & Milan

Stop first in Pisa to see the incredible Leaning Tower, as well as its splendid cathedral and baptistery. Continue north to the financial and fashion capital Milan. (B, D)

Day 6: Experience Milan

This morning, visit the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie with a Local Expert. It is an outstanding work of architecture and an emblem within the Catholic tradition, and is perhaps even more famous for its connection to Leonardo Da Vinci’s fresco of ‘The Last Supper’, which is preserved inside its refectory (dining hall). The Church is one of Renaissance art’s most important testimonies and has therefore been included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (tickets to the Last Supper are subject to availability).  Later, for a change of pace, we embark on an alternative visit to Milan to see urban graffiti, murals and street art scattered around the city. Get a glimpse of an alternative Milan, meet colourful characters, learn about modern-day Milan and be inspired by the vibrancy of city life.  (B, D)

Day 7: Milan to Basel

Travel across the border into Switzerland. En route, we stop for a cheese or chocolate tasting before heading to Basel. (B, D)

Day 8: Basel Sightseeing

Explore Basel, with a Local Expert, concluding with a visit to Foundation Beyeler In 1997, the famous collection of Ernst and Hildy Beyeler in Riehen. The collection contains around 200 pictures and sculptures, including works by Cézanne, Picasso, Rousseau, Mondrian, Klee, Ernst, Matisse and Newman.  Famous around the world, the astounding temporary exhibitions are highlights of your visit. (B, D)

Day 9: Basel to Paris

Travel through the French countryside to Paris. (B, D)

Day 10: Best of Paris

After an orientation tour, visit one of the world's best-known art collections at the Louvre Museum. A specialist art historian guides you through the galleries to see the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, Mona Lisa and more (Louvre visit subject to availability). Continue on a visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral, famously protected by its roof-top gargoyles, to learn about over-arching Parisian history. This evening, embark on an illuminations journey in Paris to see iconic sights at night. (B, HD)

Day 11: Musee De L’orangerie & Giverney

This morning, visit the Musée de l'Orangerie, an art gallery of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings. Though most famous for being the permanent home of eight Water Lilies murals by Claude Monet, the museum also contains works by Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, Amedeo Modigliani, Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Henri Rousseau, Alfred Sisley, Chaim Soutine, and Maurice Utrillo, among others. Afterwards, we head to Monet’s garden in Giverney to see the inspiration of some of his most famous works before heading back to Paris. (BB, D)

Day 12: Paris to Amsterdam

Travel through northern France and Belgium en route to Amsterdam. (BB, D)

Day 13: Amsterdam Galleries – Rijksmuseum & Vincent van Gogh Museum

Admire world-famous masterpieces in the Rijksmuseum, which has on display 8,000 objects of art and history. There is a total collection of 1 million objects, spanning the years 1200–2000AD, among which are masterpieces by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Johannes Vermeer. Then onto the Vincent van Gogh Museum, which is dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries in Amsterdam. The museum is home to the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh's paintings and drawings in the world.  This evening, enjoy a canal cruise dinner to bid farewell to our time in Europe. (B, FD)

Day 14: Farewell Amsterdam

Your tour concludes after breakfast with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

Day 1: Welcome to Paris

Welcome to Paris! On arrival at Charles De Gaulle airport you will be met by your Travel Director and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2: Paris From a History Perspective

Learn about the significance of the French Revolution and visit key sites such as Place de la Bastille, Les Invalides War Museum, the Conciergerie and Place de la Concorde. In the evening enjoy a walk along the Champs-Elysees, followed by a cruise along the River Seine. (BB)

Day 3: Disneyland in Paris

Spend the day at Disneyland Paris. Included in your tour is a full-day, one-park pass to either Disneyland Park or Disney Studio Park. (BB)

Day 4: Versailles & D-Day Memorial

Travel this morning to Versailles and visit the Palace of Versailles to see its opulent rooms and gardens. Experience the extraordinary Hall of Mirrors where the historic Treaty of Versailles was signed, ending World War I.  Continue to Arromanches and visit the D-Day Memorial. It’s then onto Bayeux for our overnight stay. (BB, D)

Day 5: Battle of the Somme

Today we visit Amiens and the nearby Somme Battlefields, where some of the most intense fighting took place during World War I. More than 3 million men fought in this battle with1 million wounded or killed. We visit some of the many interesting memorials and museums dedicated to the fallen. Our overnight stay is in Amiens.  (BB, D)

Day 6: The Lost Territories - Strasbourg

We travel to Verdum where you will visit the Verdum Battlefields and War Memorial.  Our journey continues to Strasbourg, on the border of Germany, for our overnight stay. (BB)

Day 7: Strasbourg to Colmar

In the morning travel to Colmar where you will enjoy a boat tour in the canal quarter, followed by a walking tour around Petite Venise and the historic centre. From Colmar, continue to Riquewihr for a walking tour in the town.  We then visit Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg for a visit to the castle, before arriving back in Strasbourg for our overnight stay. (BB)

Day 8: Europa Park & Friedrichshafen

Spend the day at the Europa Park, one of the best theme parks in Europe. This evening we overnight in Friedrichshafen. (BB, D)

Day 9: Meersburg Castle onto Munich

Begin your morning with a walk up to Meersburg Castle. We then make our way to the well-known Neuschwanstein for a tour to the castle and a horse-carriage ride down the mountain. Then it’s onto Munich where a Local Expert will take you on a walking tour in the city centre, including key sites related to Hitler’s time in Munich and the Third Reich. Finally we visit the Nazi Documentation Centre. (BB)

Day 10: Eagle’s Nest & Obersalzburg

A short drive out of Munich, visit Hitler’s former retreat, known as the Eagle’s Nest. Afterwards, stop for lunch at Obersalzburg (own expense) and continue to the Konigsee for a boat tour on the Lake and a chance to swim in Lake Chiemsee. Return to Munich for your overnight stay. (BB)

Day 11: Dachau & Rothenburg

We start the day with a tour to the Munich Residenz Museum. It is then onto Dachau for a sobering visit to the concentration camp. Our overnight stay is in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. (BB)

Day 12: Explore Medieval Rothenburg

Rothenburg was regarded by the Nazis as the most “German” of German towns. Visit the Museum of Torture, explore the medieval city and battlements, and join a Nightwatchman tour. (BB)

Day 13: Nazi History in Nuremberg

We depart Rothenburg and continue to Nuremburg in the morning. On arrival, join a Local Expert for a tour to city centre. Walk up to the Kaiserburg Castle, visit the Nazi parade grounds and the Albert Speer Documentation Centre to bring to life the history of Hitler’s rise to power. In the afternoon, visit the Palace of Justice and Courtroom 600, the location of the Nuremburg Nazi trials. (BB)

Day 14: Onto Magical Prague

This morning travel to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. On arrival, join your Travel Director for an orientation tour of the old town centre, including the town square, St Nicholas Church and Tyn Church. Afterwards visit Prague Castle and walk to Charles Bridge. (BB)

Day 15: Museum visits in Prague

Visit The Prague Communism Museum, Jewish Museum and the Kepler Museum today. (BB)

Day 16: Military History in Dresden

In the morning we travel to Dresden where we join a Local Expert for a tour of the Dresden’s Zwinger Palace, the Bundeswehr Military History Museum, the Dresden Armoury and Frauenkirche. (BB)

Day 17: Tropical Islands Water Park

Depart Dresden and spend the day at the Tropical Islands Water theme park. (BB)

Day 18: Berlin Sightseeing

Tour to Berlin starts with a visit to the ‘Story of Berlin’ Museum to provide an overview of the city’s tumultuous history. Your journey with a Local Expert includes the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie, sections of the Berlin Wall and Alexanderplatz. Visit also the Zeppelin Field and the Jewish Museum, the German Resistance Memorial Centre and the Holocaust Memorial. (BB)

Day 19: Farewell Berlin

On our final morning we visit the Wansee Haus Museum and Documentation Centre of the “Final Solution”. Later, explore the DDR Museum to learn about life under communist rule after the end of World War II. We bid farewell to Berlin and make our way to the airport for flights home. (BB)

Day 1: Welcome to Florence

Welcome to Italy! On arrival at Bologna airport, you will be met by your Travel Director and driver. We continue to our hotel in Florence where you’ll have time to settle in, before enjoying a welcome dinner at the hotel. (WD)

Day 2: Discover Florence

After a restful night’s sleep and breakfast at the hotel, we visit the Basilica di Santa Croce and Museo Galileo, home to the only surviving instruments designed and built by Galileo himself. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Florence. (BB)

Day 3: Florence at your Leisure

Enjoy a day at leisure. Explore captivating Florence at your own pace or join your Travel Director for a day tour to Vallombrosa to see the Monastery where Galileo studied. (Guided tours only available in July & August). (BB)

Day 4: Bologna to Padua

After breakfast at your hotel, spend the morning at leisure. In the afternoon, we drive through Bologna to Padua where you’ll enjoy a local 3-course dinner alongside a guest lecturer from the Padua University. (Lecturer organised by MTG.)  (BB, HD)

Day 5: Padua to Venice

Today we visit the Il Bo University, the second oldest university in Italy, for a guided tour. The afternoon is free for you to visit the Botanical gardens and St Anthony Basilica. Later in the afternoon, we continue to our hotel, situated in Mestre Venice, where we will stay for 2 nights. (BB)

Day 6: Romantic Venice at your Leisure

After breakfast, the rest of the day is yours to explore romantic Venice at leisure. (BB)

Day 7: Onto Swiss Geneva

Les Nations Hotel After a restful night’s sleep, we cross the border to Switzerland. On arrival into Geneva enjoy a late afternoon cruise on Lake Geneva.   Afterwards we check into our hotel. (BB)

Day 8: Nuclear Science in Cern & Geneva Exploration

After breakfast we travel to CERN (subject to availability) to visit the European Organisation for Nuclear Research and see the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city of Geneva. (BB)

Day 9: Geneva to Paris

Enjoy a delightful drive through the French countryside, as we make our way to Paris. On arrival you are free to relax or explore the city of love on your own. Gather for dinner at the hotel, during which you’ll enjoy the company of a guest speaker from the Marie Curie Museum. (Lecturer organised by MTG.) (BB, D)

Day 10: Gardens of Paris

Visit the Botanical Gardens in the morning. Here you will discover the Alpine Gardens, which contain 2000 mountain plants from all over the world. Wander through the rose garden, the iris garden and the Botany School's Garden, where 4500 species are labelled and regrouped by families. (BB)

Day 11: Arts & Metier Museum in Paris

Take time to visit the Arts and Metier Museum and spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore the wonderful city of Paris. (BB)

Day 12: Science in Paris

After breakfast in the morning, visit the Marie Curie Museum. Completely re-designed, the Museum reveals the life and times of a family of unusual physicists and their huge contribution to science. The rest of the day is at leisure. (BB)

Day 13: Paris at your Leisure

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the city of Paris. (BB)

Day 14: Eurostar to London

Bid farewell to Paris today, as we travel by Eurostar to London. On arrival we will be met and transferred to a local pub for lunch. We’ll then check into our hotel and you’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy at leisure. (BB, L)

Day 15: Day Tour to Kent

Today we travel to Kent to visit the Down House, the home of Charles Darwin, before returning to our London hotel. (BB)

Day 16: Scientific Marvels of London

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the Royal Observatory, Flamsteed, Meridian Courtyard and Maritime Museum, and a cruise on the River Thames. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (BB)

Day 17: Royal Society & Faraday Museum in London

This morning we visit the Royal Society followed by a visit to the Faraday Museum at the Royal Institution.  Lunch is served at a local restaurant. (BB, L)

Day 18: Westminster & Science Museum in London

We spend the morning visiting Westminster Abbey and the afternoon exploring the Science Museum in Kensington. (BB)

Day 19: Discover Cambridge

After breakfast, we continue to the university town of Cambridge for a 2-night stop. Enjoy a private walking exploration of the town including a visit to Trinity College – the largest of the Cambridge Colleges. (BB)

Day 20: Cambridge at your Leisure

Today is yours to explore at leisure.  We meet again in the evening to celebrate the end of our tour with a farewell dinner at our hotel. (BB, D)

Day 21: Farewell from London

Our science tour has come to an end. Transfer from Cambridge to the London Heathrow Airport for your flight home. (BB)

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Museum of Wander

The 20 Best Museums in Europe for Art, History & Culture

The best museums of Europe: No trip to Europe is complete without visiting at least one of its famous (or lesser known) museums. Our list shows you the best museums in Europe for art, culture and history.

Europe knows how to do culture. Full stop. Art, culture and history are often the main reasons why we travel to Europe – and the best place to experience this is at Europe’s magnificent museums, of course. The museums of Europe should definitely be a top priority on any trip to the continent of culture.

Friends planning a trip to Europe always ask us to recommend the best museums in Europe . While we do have our favourites, we haven’t nearly been everywhere. So we asked a few friends to stand on their soapboxes and share their favourite museums of Europe.

From Spain and Portugal in the west, all the way to Russia in the east, here is our curated collection of the best museums of Europe for all our culture lovers out there.

Whether you’re looking for the world-famous art collections of Europe or something quirkier and lesser-known, these museums are sure to satisfy arty-farty snobs and normal people like me and you alike.

In no particular order…

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you).

THE HERMITAGE – ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

The State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg is the second-largest art museum in the world by area (after the Louvre), and man, WHAT A COLLECTION IT IS!? It is by far the most spectacular museum that we’ve ever visited.

Catherine the Great started buying art for her collection in 1764, which is still on display today in her Winter Palace. The Winter Palace, with its distinguished green façade, is an ensemble of gold, malachite, marble and more gold. And between all of that, you’ll find some of the most famous pieces of art in the world.

The enormous collection (it has the largest collection of paintings in the world) is spread across six different historic buildings surrounding Palace Square. Most people visit only the Winter Palace, which is a mistake.

We suggest starting at the General Staff Building on the other side of Palace Square. If you haven’t bought tickets online , the queues at the General Staff Building are MUCH shorter than at the Winter Palace.

The General Staff building will blow you away with its huge collection of 19th and 20th-century art. Here you’ll find halls and halls filled with Matisse, Van Gogh, Picasso, Gaugin, Monet, Cézanne and Degas amongst others to drool over.

After seeing the modern stuff, head back across Palace Square to indulge in even more art from earlier periods. The Winter Palace houses one of the best collections of Dutch and Flemish art outside the Netherlands. Over 1,500 works from the Dutch masters now hang in the Hermitage, with fantastic pieces by Rembrandt and Hals.

Other than that, you can explore the opulent halls of the winter palace while admiring works by almost any artist of note that you can think of.

Most famous art works in the Hermitage to look out for:

• The Return of the Prodigal Son – Rembrandt
• The Madonna Litta – Da Vinci
• Madonna Conestabile – Raphael
• Peacock Clock
• Saints Peter and Paul – El Greco
• The Three Graces – Antonio Canova
• Malachite Room
• The Raphael Loggias – A copy of the Gallery in the Papal Palace in Vatican City.

Another interesting part of the collection is the Hermitage cats. The Hermitage has about 60 real cats living in the museum to catch mice. Keep an eye out for these kitties, and count yourself extremely lucky if you do spot one.

REINA SOFIA – MADRID, SPAIN

For the best modern Spanish art, you should definitely not miss the Reina Sofia in Madrid .

This museum, officially known as Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, is Spain’s national museum of modern art. Its collection reflects the historical and socio-economic events of Spain from the 20 th  century until now.

Housed in Madrid’s first general hospital, it has undergone a beautiful transformation to emerge as one of the most famous museums in Europe. While most modern Spanish artists are well presented in the museum, the big draws are two of Spain’s masters of the 20th century: Picasso and Dali. There is excellent art representing surrealism and cubism in Spain in the Reina Sofia .

Picasso’s Guernica , a gigantic painting in hues of black and white, is the biggest draw in the Reina Sofia. The Guernica is perhaps the most famous Spanish painting and the one single piece representing modern Spanish history.

More than seven meters long and three meters high, the cubist painting depicts the bombing of the Basque town of Guernica under Franco. It is a moving and powerful painting showing the horrors of war. Until recently, photography was not permitted in the Guernica room, but luckily that has now changed. Photography is now allowed free of charge in all rooms of the Reina Sofia.

The Reina Sofia is one of the most visited museums in Madrid , so get your tickets online in advance.

MUSEU NACIONAL DO AZULEJO – LISBON, PORTUGAL

Azulejos best represent the art and culture of Portugal. These colourful tiles, unique to the Iberian peninsula, adore architecture all over the country – from baroque churches in Porto to palaces and cafes to the backsplash in your Lisbon Airbnb kitchen.

The National Tile Museum in Lisbon is the best place to learn about this unique art form. You’ll find the tile museum, one of the largest collections of ceramics in the world, inside the Madre de Deus Convent.

You’ll see all kinds of tiles as you stroll along the halls and corridors of the convent, from huge panels depicting biblical scenes to modern, avant-garde designs or minimalistic tiles.

The Madre de Deus Church itself is one of the highlights of the museum. Stunning blue and white azulejos cover this 16th-century chapel, as well as golden altarpieces, carved wood from Brazil and paintings by André Gonçalves.

Another highlight of the Azulejo Museum is the Grande Panorama de Lisboa . Almost 23 meters in length, this panel depicts the 14 km long view of Lisbon as seen from the Tagus River before an earthquake in 1755 destroyed most of the city.

The Museu Nacional do Azulejo is a colourful and insightful view into the history and culture of Lisbon and one of the best things to do in Lisbon . Being somewhat out of the way also ensures that you won’t have to battle crowds to enjoy the museum.

Entrance to the Museu Nacional do Azulejo is included in the Lisbon Card .

SVANETI HISTORY & ETHNOGRAPHY MUSEUM – MESTIA, GEORGIA

Mestia, a beautiful town in the Caucasus is where you’ll find an equally beautiful museum: the Svaneti History & Ethnography Museum.

The exhibits, all with excellent English labels and information, focus on the culture and history of the Svaneti region. The museum has a wonderful selection of icons, manuscripts, weaponry, jewellery and coins from this part of the Caucasus.

Due to its remote location, Svaneti has always been perceived as one of the safest places in Georgia. As a result, churches in the region would send their most valuable religious artefacts to Savaneti for safekeeping. Over time the museum accumulated and protected the best icons and manuscripts in Georgia.

The museum has very comfortable sofas with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and medieval defence towers. It’s a great spot to while away the time before moving on to Ushguli in the mountains or back to Tbilisi .

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations – Ankara, Turkey

The Dalí Theatre Museum in Figueres, Spain, offers a glimpse into Salvador Dalí’s mind that is much deeper and, perhaps, more troubling than just seeing a few of his surrealist paintings.

The entire museum was designed by Dalí, so the oddness begins on the exterior – why are those figures balancing loaves of bread on their heads?

In the first couple of spaces after entering the museum – a courtyard and then a large hall – visitors are essentially immersed in Dalí’s art installations. A vintage car, two human figures inside, overgrown with vines. Above, a ship, propped on a pole, hovers overhead, with, chained to it, a naked woman wearing a headdress. Strange figures watch from the walls above. What is this artwork depicting?

The rest of the museum holds about 1500 of Dali’s works. Many are the famous surrealist paintings and sculptures he is known for, but the collection also includes earlier works of impressionism and cubism. The pieces are presented, fittingly for a Dalí-designed museum, in no particular order, making for a rather jarring experience. To learn more about the museum and see some truly nightmarish visions, read  Dalí Theatre-Museum: A glimpse into Dalí’s mind .

By Rachel from Rachel’s Ruminations

UFFIZI GALLERIES – FLORENCE, ITALY

The Uffizi Galleries are certainly one of the most famous museums in Europe. This world-famous art museum is located in  Florence in Tuscany and fascinates with a huge exhibition of the most historically important paintings and art collections in the world.

The galleries were built between 1560 and 1580 by Giorgio Vasari by order of the first Grand Duke of Tuscany Cosimo I de Medici. The rooms were initially intended as offices for Florentine magistrates, judges, technicians and merchants. It was 200 years later, in 1769, that the Uffizi opened as a museum. Today, the 50 halls contain countless valuable paintings from the 13th to the 18th century.

The ultimate highlights are the “Ognissanti Madonna” by Giotto, the “Battle of San Romano” by Paolo Uccello, Piero della Francesca’s diptych of “Federico da Montefeltro”, the “Birth of Venus” by Botticelli. On top, you will also find works by Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo!

The Uffizi Gallery is probably one of the most visited tourist attractions in Italy, so expect long waiting times when visiting. However, you can reserve tickets in advance for a specific time, and thus save time and nerves. If you want to learn more about the arts, it is definitely worth booking a guided tour .

By Jürgen & Martina from Places of Juma

THE BRITISH MUSEUM – LONDON, UK

The British Museum is one of the most  popular places to visit in London  with around 6 million visitors on average per year. The museum is dedicated to human culture, art and history and houses over 8 million objects.

Some of the museum’s most famous collections include the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, the Sutton Hoo burial helmet and even an Easter Island head. The museum also has a large collection of Egyptian mummies including the mummy of Katebet with her beautiful gold mask.

Take a guided talk or tour around the museum to learn more about the different exhibitions. The “Around the world in 90 minutes” tour is a great way to see some of the most famous objects on display though there is a £14 pp charge. Stop by the Great Court Restaurant on the way out for a delicious afternoon tea for the full British experience.

The British Museum is located in the Bloomsbury area of London and is free to enter through some exhibitions do attract a small charge. Opening times are 10:00 – 17:30 every day. Plan to spend at least 3 to 4 hours at the museum to enjoy the various rooms and exhibits. Due to restrictions at present timed slots for your visit have to be booked before arrival, and there is a one-way route to follow around the museum.

By Tracy from U.K. Travel Planning

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM – LONDON, UK

This Natural History Museum must be on your to-do list when in London. Located in South Kensington, this museum is very popular and considered by many as the best museum in London. It’s open seven days a week from 10 am to 5:50 pm.

It’s an incredible museum, with its stunning architecture and exciting exhibits you could easily spend a day here. 

Most famous for its dinosaur exhibit which has been featured in many films and documentaries, and is heavily supported by Sir David Attenborough. The museum is free to enter, and they even offer a free virtual tour for people who aren’t able to get there in person.

ANNND for all you Potter Heads they have an exhibit on ‘Fantastic Beasts’ how exciting is that?! It really is a beautiful museum, with something for everyone!

Avoid visiting on popular holidays such as Halloween, Bonfire Night, New Year’s day, as it can get pretty busy. Or at least go early. That way you can beat the queues and crowds!

By Charlotte from Bursting my Bubbles

ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF CAGLIARI – SARDINIA, ITALY

The Archeological Museum of Cagliari is easily one of the  best museums in Sardinia . Located in the heart of Castello, one of the historic districts of Sardinia’s capital, this vast museum has a fantastic collection of archaeological artefacts that will walk you through the rich history of Sardinia. 

The exhibits are spread across three floors, in a beautiful historical building inside which you’ll also find a nice garden. It includes pieces from the Pre-Nuragic era and the Nuragic Age (the Nuragic civilization is only found in Sardinia, so this is something truly unique), all the way to the Byzantine era, with objects of daily use as well as pieces that had clear sacred, religious or ritual relevance.

  The Archeological Museum of Cagliari also houses a few of the Mont’e Prama Giants statues, which were actually found in the region around Cabras (where most of them are housed). The Mont’e Prama Giants are still the object of research and are surrounded by much mystery. 

The museum is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. Admission is €7.

By Claudia from Strictly Sardinia

PERGAMON MUSEUM – BERLIN, GERMANY

Berlin’s Pergamon Museum was built between 1910 and 1930 and has become one of the city’s most famous museums. It is the most visited museum in Germany, and it’s part of Museum Island, a collection of five popular museums.

A visit to the Pergamon Museum is one of the  best things to do in Berlin  due to its outstanding cultural and archaeological exhibits. Some of the more well-known pieces are the Pergamon Altar from Asia Minor, the Ishtar Gate from Babylon, the Market Gate of Miletus from what is now western Turkey, and the Mshatta Facade from present-day Jordan.

The museum is divided into three wings, each of which houses different collections. The Collection of Classical Antiquities has some of the world’s most important pieces of ancient Roman and Greek art. This is where the Pergamon Altar is located.

The Museum of the Ancient Near East contains 270,000 artefacts covering a 6,000-year period from the regions of Mesopotamia, Syria, and Anatolia. The Museum of Islamic Art displays an impressive collection of Islamic art from the 7th to 9th centuries.

For those who love art, history, culture, and archaeology, the Pergamon Museum should not be missed. The museum can be found at Bodestr. 1-3, and the closest Ubahn station is Museuminsel on the U5.

Consider getting the Berlin Welcome Card which includes entrance to all five museums on Museum Island and free use of public transport for 3 days.

By Ali from Berlin Travel Tips

MUSEE D’ORSAY – PARIS, FRANCE

Musee d’Orsay is located on the left bank of the River Seine in the heart of Paris, France. Built from an existing railway station in the Beaux-Arts architectural style, the museum boasts an impressive glass barreled ceiling with a steel frame structure, creamy stone staircases, intricate clock face and elaborate detailing. Originally transformed to host the World Exhibition of 1900, it is now home to a plethora of important artworks.

The museum consists of two main levels, both showcasing the largest impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world. French artists like Vincent Van Gogh, with his famous self-portrait and Starry Night pieces of 1889, are among the most popular works of art.

Flowery canvases such as Poppies (1873) and Water Lilies (1919) by Claude Monet and works by Renoir are featured throughout. Provencal icon Paul Cezanne’s vibrant Apples and Oranges (1900) will tempt your eyes. Don’t forget about peering at Edouard Manet’s 1863 Le Dejeuner Sur L’herbe piece that sparked controversy amongst the elite of the 19th century. 

Musee D’Orsay is open daily from 9:30 AM – 6 PM, closed Tuesdays. Tickets can be purchased beforehand, including skip-the-line privileges or picked up at the ticket office on-site. 

By Haley from Haley Blackall

NEON MUSEUM – WARSAW, POLAND

Neon Museum in Warsaw  is one of the quirkiest and most unique museums you can find in Europe and the first museum of that kind in the world. Located in Praga (the alternative and edgy part of Warsaw), in the former factory, the museum shows numerous neon signs that were part of the cityscape in Eastern Europe during Cold War times.

It was created by a group of enthusiasts whose aim was to save unique colourful signs. Today the museum’s collection is fairly large and can be found not only in the building itself but also around the Soho Factory premises.

When visiting the museum, not only can you see beautiful neon signs (including some iconic ones), but you can also learn about their history and the technique of how they are made. The owners keep finding and restoring old neon signs in Poland and beyond, so each time you visit the museum, you can be sure to find some new neons in the collection.

Recently, the Guardian named Neon Museum as one of the 12 most interesting city museums in Europe, and it certainly deserves this title. Before visiting, check the museum’s website or Facebook page for the current opening hours. 

By Kami from My Wanderlust

VATICAN MUSEUMS – ROME, ITALY

The Vatican Museums are a must-visit on any trip to Rome , and they’re definitely some of the most spectacular museums in Europe. These museums are located in Vatican City, Italy, right in the heart of Rome. Right next to the museums lies the famous St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, which is definitely worth a visit as well.

One can easily spend half a day if not a whole day inside the Vatican Museums. There’s an incredible amount of museums and galleries inside this complex — a dream place for art and history buffs. Some of the best ones are the Egyptian and Etruscan Museums, the Gallery of Maps, and the Raphael Rooms.

Of course, the most famous piece of work inside the Vatican Museums is Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, which he spent four years painting. This masterpiece truly consists of some of the most breathtaking ceiling frescoes you will ever see, and visiting it is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  

When planning your trip to the Vatican Museums, be sure to book your ticket in advance , otherwise, you’ll be standing in an incredibly long line. Make sure to also dress appropriately. In fact, both men and women are required to cover their necklines, shoulders, and thighs before entering the museums.

By Jiayi from The Diary of a Nomad

VASA MUSEUM – STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

The Vasa Museum is a wonderfully unique museum located in Sweden’s capital city, Stockholm. The museum displays the 17th-century Swedish ship, the Vasa, which sunk in Stockholm’s harbour on its maiden voyage back in 1628.  

The Vasa lay at the bottom of the harbour for years until it was finally recovered, restored, and turned into an attraction that has become Stockholm’s most famous museum. 

Visiting the Vasa Museum  should be on everyone’s Stockholm bucket list. There is something so awe-inspiring to see the ship come into sight once you enter the museum. The ornate carvings on the ship display wonderful craftsmanship that has stood the test of time.  

Definitely spend some time watching the film that shows footage of the rescue mission where the ship was re-floated and finally resurfaced after hundreds of years as it is utterly fascinating.  

Admissions to the museum cost 170 SEK for adults. Tickets to the Vasa Museum are also included on the Stockholm City Pass which can be a worthwhile purchase if you plan on visiting several attractions. 

By Emma from Emma Jane Explores

RIJKSMUSEUM – AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

One of the top-rated museums in Europe is the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. It’s a Dutch national museum that mainly focuses on Dutch art and history. It’s not only the most visited museum in The Netherlands but also the largest art museum in the country.

The most famous piece in the collection is The Night Watch , an enormous painting by the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn. It’s a true masterpiece of 3,6 by 4,4 meters. It’s a baroque-style oil painting that is mostly celebrated for the unique and beautiful use of light shadow by Rembrandt.

Besides this crown jewel, the Rijksmuseum also exhibits masterpieces by other famous Dutch painters such as Frans Hals, Vincent van Gogh, and Johannes Vermeer. Additionally, its temporary exhibits on Dutch history add another reason to visit the national museum.  

However, even to people with zero interest in art or history, the Rijksmuseum offers an amazing experience. As it is a magnificent landmark which, in itself, is already worth a visit. 

It’s located at Museum Square, a square in the centre of Amsterdam surrounded by three outstanding art museums; The Van Gogh Museum, The Stedelijk Museum and The Rijksmuseum. Museum Square is a must for visitors of Amsterdam.  

By Lara from The Best Travel Gifts

NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM – ATHENS, GREECE

Athens is full of amazing museums . One of the best museums to see on your trip to Athens is the National Archaeological Museum. It’s the biggest archaeological museum in Greece.

The museum is housed in a beautiful neo-classical building in the   Exarhia district and it was founded at the end of the 19th century. During World War II the artefacts were put in boxes and buried to be protected from destruction and looting.

The museum has a vast collection of more than 11 000 exhibits that showcase the history of Greece from prehistory to late antiquity.

Highlights of the museum include the gold funeral mask of Agamemnon, the Artemision Bronze statue of Zeus or Poseidon, the Antikythira Mechanism, and frescoes from the Akrotiri archaeological site in Santorini.

Tickets to the museum cost 12 euros (April to October) and 6 euros  (November to March). There is also a  3 -day special ticket available that costs 15 euros and includes entry to the Archaeological Museum, the Epigraphic Museum, the Numismatic Museum, and the Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens

By Chrysoula from Athens and Beyond

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF FINLAND – HELSINKI

Visiting the Uusi Kansallinen (the National Museum of Finland) is one of the  coolest things to do in Helsinki . Sounds odd, but this museum does a great job combining history lessons with interactive exhibits. You’ll leave it with a much greater understanding of Finnish culture, from a historical perspective, and from a sociological one too.

Exhibitions cover the country’s history from the Stone Age to the present day. The ethnological collections illustrate Finland’s popular culture –life, trades and traditions of Finnish people– from the 16th century to modern times.

The building that houses the museum is a work of art in its own right, resembling a Finnish medieval church. The exterior’s national romanticism style contrasts with its art nouveau interior. The construction started in 1905, and it opened to the public in 1916. The historical displays start at the very entrance door, where you’ll see a glass shattered by a bullet from the 1918’s Civil War.

To get there catch trams N° 4 or 10. The entrance fee is €14, with a reduced price of €10 for students and seniors. If you’re on a budget, visit on Fridays. From 4:15 to 6 PM the admission is free of charge.

By Coni from Experiencing the Globe

BELVEDERE – VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Belvedere is one of the most beautiful museums in Europe. Located in a baroque palace in Vienna, the buildings are as magnificent as the art they house. The gentle slope of the grounds also provides a lovely view over the city centre.

The museum is separated into different buildings: the Upper Palace, Lower Palace, Belvedere 21, Orangery, and Palace Stables, surrounded by a traditional royal garden. During the Hapsburg dynasty of the Austrian-Hungarian empire, they were built as a summer palace for Prince Eugene of Savoy.

Upper Belvedere houses the permanent collection, which includes masterpieces by Monet, van Gogh, and “The Kiss” by Klimt. Lower Belvedere provides a look at life as a royal during the Hapsburg Dynasty and rotating international exhibitions. For modern art enthusiasts, Belvedere 21 shows contemporary Austrian and international art in a brand-new building.

There are tickets available to visit the complete grounds and separate tickets for each of the three museums. Reduced prices are offered for students, and children enter for free. Entrance to the Belvedere is free with the popular Vienna Pass .

The combination of internationally renowned art from different periods, the elegance and historical importance of the palace buildings, and the beautiful gardens with a gorgeous view over the city make Belvedere  a must-visit in Vienna .

By Sophie from Just Heading Out

VAN GOGH MUSEUM – AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

One of the best museums in Europe is the Van Gogh Museum . This museum is located in Amsterdam at Museum Square. It is the most visited museum in the country and one of the best  modern art museums in the Netherlands .

The museum houses the largest collection of Van Gogh art in the world, which is great to see! The works of Van Gogh are mostly from the post-impressionism art movement. Some of the most notable pieces of art that are at the museum are “Sunflowers”, “Almond Blossoms”, and “The Potato Eaters”.

What’s great is that the museum showcases the works by the different phases in Van Gogh’s life, with the works he made at certain places he lived next to each other. Furthermore, there are other objects besides paintings.

The museum also features hundreds of drawings and letters written by Van Gogh. Besides the works by Van Gogh, there are also works by other artists from the impressionism and post-impressionism movements. These include Claude Monet, Édouard Manet, and John Russell.

By Dymphe from dymabroad

LOUVRE – PARIS, FRANCE

The Louvre museum is one of the best museums in Europe. Actually, it is one of the world’s best museums! It is located in central Paris, not far from the Seine river, and it is easily recognizable for its glass pyramid, which serves as the main entrance.

Thanks to the glass pyramid, the Louvre is also one of the most iconic sites in Paris, and a paradise for professional and amateur photographers, especially at night when the glass pyramid is illuminated.

Louvre’s artworks span from the first civilizations to the 18th century, with the best known and unknown artists represented. Louvre’s collection is so vast that visiting the whole museum would take several days!

One of the best things about the Louvre Museum is its history. Indeed, its origins date back to Medieval times, when it was the home to the French kings.  King Philippe Auguste  built the first structure in the 12th century,  a medieval fortress, to secure the Paris city wall. Since then, all the French Kings have spent more or less time in the Louvre Palace, adding more constructions and embellishing it.

The Louvre Museum is one of the top things to do in Paris, and it usually sees the crowds, especially during the weekends, so check out these  Louvre skip-the-line tips  to get the most of your visit.

The Louvre is open from Wednesday to Monday, from 9 am to 6 pm. It is highly recommended to book your Louvre tickets online in advance.

By Elisa from World in Paris

BEST MUSEUMS OF EUROPE: WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVOURITE?

Tell us about your favourite museum in Europe in the comments below.

I love the D’Orsay in Paris and Van Gogh Galleries in Amsterdam. Small enough to see all and enjoy. Good vibes. The Louvre is huge and breathtaking. Can’t do it in one day. Must return. The Kelvingrove in Glasgow should be on the list. The Accademia has the original David in Florence as well as the grand Uffizi next to the Ponte Vechio on the Orno River.

Hi Pat, Europe is indeed home to incredible museums, big and small. Thanks for the tips on the Kelvingrove and Academia.

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• Travel Planning Guide

The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours in Europe

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary journey with one of these amazing art history and museum tours in Europe. Our extensive research has led us to uncover the finest journeys available, carefully analyzed from a diverse range of offerings from highly regarded travel companies. Every aspect, from pricing and guest ratings to service quality, destinations, and activities, has been taken into account. Whether you're an experienced explorer or venturing to new places for the first time, these thoughtfully selected art history and museum tours promise an unforgettable adventure in Europe.

• Gems of Albania, Kosovo & N. Macedonia in Eight Days 8 Days, $1257.44
• Pearls of Albania tour in eight days (3 UNESCO sites) 8 Days, $1257.44
• Portugal North and South, Self-drive 8 Days, $1291.12

What are art history and museum tours like in Europe?

Here are the important factors:

• 26 trip options analyzed
• $291 average price per day (USD)
• 3 to 21 days in length
• 4.62 of 5 average rating
• 36 people or less on average

You'll be surprised at the array of art history and museum tours in Europe, as there is something for everyone. It's no wonder that visitors can't get enough of these tours, boasting an impressive average guest rating of 4.62 out of 5 stars. Picture yourself joining a group of like-minded adventurers, with an average maximum size of 36 people, ensuring a fantastic blend of social and personalized experiences. The average tour length spans 9 days, with tours ranging from 3 to 21 days long. For physical activity , the tours are marked as easy, relaxing, moderate, and serious, with a prevalent number on easy tours. When it comes to transportation , tour options are organized as coach / bus and self drive, with a majority being coach / bus tours. For travel styles , you'll find tours classified as family, honeymoon, and romantic, with most of them being family. With our thorough analysis of 26 art history and museum tours, we've found the best. So rest assured that Europe has something to captivate every kind of traveler.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 10 Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours in Europe

Gems of albania, kosovo & n. macedonia in eight days.

• On Sale: 10% Off See Prices
• Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for art history and museum tours.
• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional voyage, visiting Albania, Kosovo, and Macedonia, that has garnered a 5 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 8 days, this jouney will have 10 participants, and it warmly welcomes guests from 2 to 90 years old. Rest assured, this trip is all about local culture, museums, and family-friendly activities, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. Expertly organized by Choose Balkans , this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $141 per day.

• Sightseeing
• In-depth Cultural

Pearls of Albania tour in eight days (3 UNESCO sites)

This memorable journey is offered by Choose Balkans which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $141 per day. Along the way, this journey encompasses 12 destinations, including Gjirokastra, Butrint National Park, Ksamil, and Himara. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of Tirana. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around local culture, museums, and family-friendly activities. The maximum group size is 10 people, welcoming guests from 2 to 90 years old.

Portugal North and South, Self-drive

Set off on an extraordinary journey that has been awarded a 5 out of 5 stars by previous guests. This terrific trip also highights local culture, family-friendly activities, and religious sites. With a duration of 8 days, this journey offers an intimate group setting, accommodating 4 individuals, while extending a warm welcome to guests from 10 and up. This itinerary covers 16 captivating destinations, with stops in Lagos, Sagres, Silves, and Ferragudo, among others. Begin your trip in Porto and complete it with a memorable finale in Faro. Brought to you by Destination Services Portugal , this exceptional deal is an incredible steal at a mere $161 per day.

• Religious Sites

Athens to Vienna; Grand Tour of the Balkans & Central Europe

With this option you can experience an unparalleled voyage for 21 unforgettable days, visiting Greece, Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia, Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. It ensures an intimate group setting with 10 participants at most. Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 25 destinations, featuring Ioannina, Gjirokastra, Berat, and Saint Naum. Your journey starts off in Athens and finishes in Vienna. Choose Balkans , the organizer of this journey, extends a warm invitation to guests guests from 2 to 90 years old. You're in for an epic adventure with a strong emphasis on local culture, museums, and family-friendly activities. This extraordinary opportunity offers exceptional value at only $177 per day.

Grand Odyssey: Tour of Enchanting Balkans & Central Europe in 14-Days

This fantastic voyage has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars, visiting Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia, Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. Uncover the beauty of 17 destinations on this itinerary, with highlights such as Novi Sad, Budapest, Gyor, and Bratislava. Your journey will begin in Tirana and end in Vienna. You'll love the emphasis on local culture, museums, and family-friendly activities, too. Lasting 14 days, the maximum group size is 10 people, and it's good for guests from 2 to 90 years old. Organized by Choose Balkans , this is a great deal because it's only $180 per day.

Corfu to Dubrovnik or Split: Tour of 7 Balkan countries in 14 days

With a stellar 5 out of 5 rating, this extraordinary trip, visiting Greece, Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia, and Croatia, is the perfect choice. With an emphasis on local culture, museums, and family-friendly activities, you know you'll have an amazing adventure. Traverse through 21 enchanting destinations, with Prizren, Gjakove, Decani, and Rahovec among the must-see stops along the route. Begin your trip in Corfu and complete it with a memorable finale in Split. Spanning across 14 days, the trip accommodates 10 individuals, and is suitable for guests from 2 to 90 years old. Offered by Choose Balkans , this remarkable trip is priced at just $180 per day. Don't miss out on this incredible experience.

Tour from Athens to Belgrade: 7 Balkan countries in 14 days

This exceptional trip offering by Choose Balkans has received a 5 out of 5 rating. On this 14-day voyage, visiting Greece, Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia, and Serbia, you can unwind while also making new memories. This trip visits 21 destinations, including Prizren, Decani, Gjakove, and Rahovec along the way. Your journey starts off in Athens and finishes in Belgrade. With a group size of 10 people, it's suitable for guests from 2 to 90 years old. And since the priority is on local culture, museums, and family-friendly activities, this tour is a great choice. This remarkable trip is priced at an unbeatable $180 per day.

Highlights of Albania, N. Macedonia & Kosovo in 3 days

Check out this journey that has received rave reviews, earning a stellar 4.4 out of 5 rating, visiting Albania, Macedonia, and Kosovo. Experience a trip that takes you to 6 remarkable destinations, including Ohrid, Canyon Matka, Skopje, and Berat. Tirana will be the beginning and end of your trip. Rest assured, this trip is all about local culture, museums, and family-friendly activities, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. Spanning across 3 unforgettable days, this voyage offers an intimate group experience with 10 participants, and it's great for guests from 2 to 90 years old. Brought to you by the renowned Choose Balkans , this exceptional opportunity is priced at an incredible $167 per day - an unbeatable value.

Dubrovnik to Tirana; Tour of 5 Balkan countries in 8 Days

This 8-day trip, visiting Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo, is ideal for guests from 2 to 90 years old. And priced at only $187 per day, it's a great value, too. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around local culture, museums, and family-friendly activities. Explore 13 incredible locations on this trip, including Decani, Rahovec, Krujë, and Mostar. Begin your trip in Dubrovnik and complete it with a memorable finale in Tirana. It's offered by Choose Balkans , a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides.

4 Days - Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from/to Istanbul

Priced at just $219 per day, this terrific 4-day journey is ideal for guests from 1 to 98 years old. Discover a journey that spans 5 destinations, with notable stops in Cappadocia, Kusadasi, and Selcuk. You'll start and end your journey in beautiful Istanbul. Organized by the reputable City of Sultans , this is one of the best tours on this list.

• Transfer services
• Walking Tour

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Europe , The Best Wildlife Tours to Europe , The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Europe , The Best Historical Tours in Europe , The Best 10-Day Tours in Europe , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Europe , The Best 3-Day Tours in Europe , The Best 2-Week Tours in Europe , The Best 3-Week Tours in Europe , The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Europe , The Best Extended Trip Tours in Europe, One Month or Longer , The Best River Cruises in Europe , The Best Bicycle Tours in Europe , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Europe , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Europe , The Best Christmas Market Tours in Europe , The Best Coach Bus Tours in Europe , The Best Adventure Tours to Europe , The Best Eco Tours in Europe , The Best Train & Rail Tours in Europe , The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in Europe , The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Europe , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Europe , The Best Cultural Tours in Europe , The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Europe , The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Europe , The Best Music Tours in Europe , The Tours for Animal Lovers in Europe , The Best Photography Tours in Europe , The Best Camping Tours in Europe , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Europe , The Best Self Drive Tours in Europe , The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in Europe , The Best Nightlife Tours in Europe , The Best Religious Tours in Europe , The Best Walking Tours in Europe , The Best Northern Lights Tours in Europe , The Best Honeymoon Tours in Europe , The Best Tours Under $1000 in Europe , The Best Luxury Tours to Europe , The Best Budget Tours to Europe , The Best Tours for Seniors to Europe , The Best Contiki Tours to Europe , or The Best G Adventures Tours to Europe for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

How much do art history and museum tours in Europe cost?

After analyzing 26 art history and museum tours in Europe, we found the average price to be a remarkably economical $291 per day. Naturally, this region has many fantastic options for art history and museum tours with a variety of prices. The individual costs will vary by the destinations, travel style, available dates, and other factors. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in Europe .

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• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

• Europe Tours
• Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history Tours
• Museum and gallery visits Tours

Europe Museum and Gallery Visits Tours 2024/2025

176 great museum and gallery visit tours in Europe. Searching for a museum and gallery visit trip in Europe? Below you will find 176 curated museum and gallery visit tours taking place in Europe with 221 reviews. Our museum and gallery visit tours are supplied by 36 hand-picked tour operators in Europe. With trip prices ranging from 23 USD to 12,175 USD and trip durations varying from 1 day and to 45 days, there is plenty to choose from.

• Europe Travel Guide

178 Museum and gallery visits tours with 221 Reviews

• Starts Berlin, Germany
• Ends Budapest, Hungary

The Best of Eastern Europe

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & City sightseeing Cultural, religious and historic sites , City sightseeing , Museum and gallery visits , Food tours , Beer and drinks tasting & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='4894'>+4 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle & Boat
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,199
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 640
• Total Price from: US$ 2,559
• Jul 14 Only 7 seats left
• Jul 21 Only 6 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts London, England
• Ends Rome, Italy

London to Rome Highlights

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture , Cruise & Museum and gallery visits 'data-more-tripid='21244'>+3 more
• Transport Coach, Ferry & Bus
• Age Range 5-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,550
• Special Deal (16%): - US$ 420
• Total Price from: US$ 2,130
• May 10 10+ seats left
• May 12 10+ seats left

• Starts Helsinki, Finland
• Ends Vilnius, Lithuania

Baltic Experience

• Activities Countryside and village visits & Cultural, religious and historic sites Countryside and village visits , Cultural, religious and historic sites , National parks , Museum and gallery visits & Adventure 'data-more-tripid='3058'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Home-stay
• Transport Ferry, Train, Bus & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,180
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 318
• Total Price from: US$ 2,862
• May 11 Only 7 seats left
• May 22 Only 1 seat left

• Starts Ankara, Turkey
• Ends Istanbul, Turkey

Turkey ExclusiveTour

• Free cancellation
• Trip customizable
• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Museum and gallery visits 'data-more-tripid='23756'>+2 more
• Transport Boat
• Age Range 6-85 yrs
• Operated in English, Turkish
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,200
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 330
• Total Price from: US$ 1,870

• Starts Budapest, Hungary
• Ends Dubrovnik, Croatia

Balkan Adventure

• Activities Active and outdoor & City sightseeing Active and outdoor , City sightseeing , Museum and gallery visits & National parks 'data-more-tripid='3671'>+2 more
• Accommodation Guest House, Hostel & Hotel
• Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle, Boat & Taxi
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,020
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 453
• Total Price from: US$ 2,567
• May 08 Only 9 seats left
• May 11 Only 5 seats left

• Starts Bruges, Belgium
• Ends London, England

Grand European

• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Museum and gallery visits 'data-more-tripid='20923'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Resort & Villa
• Transport Coach, Ferry, Boat & Train
• Brochure Price: US$ 8,595
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 1,289
• Total Price from: US$ 7,306
• May 06 10+ seats left
• May 08 Only 8 seats left

• Ends Bucharest, Romania

Budapest to Bucharest

• Activities City sightseeing & Art and architecture City sightseeing , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Museum and gallery visits & Countryside and village visits 'data-more-tripid='3668'>+3 more
• Accommodation Home-stay & Hotel
• Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle & Taxi
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,450
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 368
• Total Price from: US$ 2,082
• May 11 Only 1 seat left

• Starts Bucharest, Romania

Eastern Europe Express

• Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture , Museum and gallery visits & Trekking and Hiking 'data-more-tripid='3670'>+2 more
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,690
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 254
• Total Price from: US$ 1,436
• May 06 Only 1 seat left
• May 20 Only 2 seats left

• Starts Matera, Italy
• Ends Lecce, Italy

Puglia: Discover the Heel of Italy

• Activities Food tours & Local culture Food tours , Local culture , Museum and gallery visits & City sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='7470'>+2 more
• Transport Minibus
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,617
• Special Deal (5%): - US$ 132
• Total Price from: US$ 2,485
• Jun 01 Only 3 seats left
• Jun 15 Only 7 seats left

• Starts Sofia, Bulgaria
• Ends Sofia, Bulgaria

Balkan Cycling

• Activities Bicycle tours & Museum and gallery visits Bicycle tours , Museum and gallery visits , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Countryside and village visits 'data-more-tripid='44348'>+2 more
• Accommodation Guest House & Hotel
• Age Range 14-80 yrs

• Starts Istanbul, Turkey

Magic Carpet Tour

• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Museum and gallery visits 'data-more-tripid='18280'>+1 more
• Transport Private Vehicle
• Age Range 18-99 yrs
• Jan 04 Only 5 seats left
• Jan 11 Only 6 seats left

• Starts Madrid, Spain
• Ends Marrakech, Morocco

Madrid to Marrakech

• Activities City sightseeing & Museum and gallery visits City sightseeing , Museum and gallery visits , Art and architecture , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='3773'>+3 more
• Transport Ferry, Train, Bus, Private Vehicle, Boat, Minibus & Taxi
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,665
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 550
• Total Price from: US$ 3,115
• May 09 Only 7 seats left
• May 16 Only 1 seat left

• Starts Copenhagen, Denmark
• Ends Oslo, Norway

A Taste of Scandinavia

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Europe Museum and gallery visits Reviews

• Vikas Kantharaju

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12 of the best museums in Europe: from historic to quirky and everything in between

May 16, 2022 • 6 min read

From art and history to geology and science, here are some of Europe's best museums © Tom Jasny / Getty Images

To mark  International Museum Day on May 18, we took a look at some of Europe 's very best creative, historic and scientific museums. From places packed with culture, art and history to those that study what makes us human, be inspired by these incredible cultural institutions.

Then and now: Europe's best history museums

Celebrate greece's ancient achievements at the acropolis museum in athens.

At the foot of the southern slope of Athens ' sacred hill, the dazzling €130-million Acropolis Museum showcases the Acropolis ' surviving treasures with artifacts from temples that predate the Parthenon . The top-floor Parthenon Gallery houses the temple's sculptures, including a 160m-long (524ft) marble frieze. Stark-white plaster replicas stand in for the missing pieces – hacked off by Lord Elgin in 1801 – now held in the British Museum in London.

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The Vasamuseet in Stockholm honors some 17th-century miscalculations

Stockholm 's  Vasamuseet is the custom-built home of the massive warship  Vasa , which sank on its maiden voyage on August 10, 1628. Unfortunately, at 69m (226ft) long and 48.8m (160ft) tall and covered in ornate wooden carvings, the ship was top-heavy and sank to the bottom of Saltsjön within minutes of departure, taking most passengers with it. The museum examines not only what life would have been like at the time of the ship's voyage, but also the incredible salvage mission. Almost everything on display in the museum is original, painstakingly raised from the bottom of the ocean and reassembled in 1961.

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Learn about gruesome 19th-century medicine at London's Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret 

Follow the spiral staircase up to the  Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garret , a unique and atmospheric museum in an old church tower near London 's Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital. The attic here, rediscovered in 1956, was used in the 19th century to store medicinal herbs, and is home to Britain's oldest surviving operating theater, dating from 1822. Learn about medicine pre-anesthesia and pre-antiseptic, with displays of natural remedies and amputation blades.

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Human creativity: art and culture museums

With its wealth of cultural heritage, it's impossible to narrow down the best art museums in Europe. Florence , the birthplace of the Renaissance, has dazzling collections across many different sites. Rome 's must-see Vatican Museums  hold a wealth of artistic treasures, as do its many other superb cultural institutions . Then there's the network of museums in  Berlin 's Museumsinsel , Paris' world-famous Louvre ,  Barcelona 's Museu Picasso , and  Madrid 's many masterpieces in its Golden Triangle of Art , to name just a few. Here are a couple of lesser-known places for you to experience just a taste of Europe's creativity.

Journey through the artworks of the Baroque period in Dresden's Historic Green Vault

Buy a timed-entry ticket in advance of your visit to  Dresden 's  Historisches Grünes Gewölbe , a collection of 3000 precious jewels and valuable decorative items dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. A state-of-the-art airlock controls the climate here and small groups of visitors follow the audio guide through the eight rooms where treasures are on open display against lavishly decorated backdrops and mirrored walls. 

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Denmark's newest museum celebrates the creations of Danish author Hans Christian Andersen 

Experience a fairy-tale universe at Denmark 's newest museum , H.C. Andersen Hus , celebrating the creativity of Hans Christian Andersen at his birthplace in Odense . Visitors are invited to create their own adventures as they explore the themes of Andersen's work through interactive exhibitions, artwork, architecture, light, music, and images in an underground gallery. Younger visitors will love the wonder of Ville Vau, a sensory center for children, with props and costumes for hours of imagination-based play.

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The world around us: the region's top natural history museums

Explore the vast collection at vienna's natural history museum.

Four billion years of natural history are covered at Vienna 's Naturhistorisches Museum . Among its minerals and unique fossils is the world's largest collection of meteorites, a full-size Pteranodon, and a hands-on gallery on human evolution. The building itself is an elaborate work of art, with stuccoed, frescoed halls and cupola, a mirror image of the  Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna  opposite.

The best museums in Vienna are a curated guide to the city's culture

Get to know the mountains at Italy's Messner Mountain Museum

The unique Messner Mountain Museum is a network of six museums in the Italian Alps created by Italian mountaineer Reinhold Messner, all analyzing the relationship between humans and the mountains. The centerpiece is in Firmiano , where you'll get a sense of shifting altitudes as you move around the mesh walkways and staircases. The Museum in the Clouds  in the Dolomites looks at local geology through the artefacts of the first moutaineers and natural scientists who explored the region's hidden reaches, or head inside the moutain at the Ortles museum , which is devoted to ice and glaciers. The stunning Corones site at the summit of Kronplatz is more about mountaineering than natural history, but its panoramic views of the mountains from the Zaha Hadid-designed building can't be beat.

The art of the Italian meal

Things that go: science, technology and transportation

Inquisitive kids love the hands-on nemo science museum in amsterdam .

The interactive Nemo Science Museum in Amsterdam is a top science museum for children. Learn about everything from light and sound to the physics of construction with hands-on activities over five floors of exhibits. For older children (age 12 and over) the Humania gallery looks at the biology, sociology, and psychology of humans, with physical challenges and brain teasers to help you see how your body works.

Best museums in Amsterdam: 12 must-visit spaces that cover everything from Dutch masters to digital photography

Get interactive with road, rail, water, air, and space at Switzerland's transport museum

Verkehrshaus  is deservedly Switzerland’s most popular museum, and a favorite with families. Here, you'll see everything that moves – steam locomotives, vintage cars, and rockets as well as hands-on experiences like flight simulators, bulldozers, go-karts, and peddle boats. There's also a  planetarium , Switzerland's largest  cinema screen  and the  Swiss Chocolate Adventure .

Views you have to see to believe: 9 must-do hikes in Switzerland

See hundreds of years of industrial sanitation in Paris' sewer network 

Dive into Paris' subterranean network of sewer tunnels at the Musée des Égouts , where you'll follow in the footsteps of a sewage worker learning all about industrial wastewater disposal, the environment and ecology as raw sewage flows by your feet. After an extensive renovation, the museum reopened in 2021 with a new entrance building, improved displays and a fully accessible site. 

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People's passions: the continent's quirkier museums

Try to understand the human condition at the museum of broken relationships, zagreb in croatia.

The crowd-sourced collection at the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb  explores the mementos left behind when a relationship ends. Donations from round the world are displayed around all-white rooms, each sharing a funny and moving story about the disintegration of a relationship, whether that's family relationships or love connections. 

Head to Croatia’s hinterland to discover its nature parks

50% of the world’s population has one: learn about female anatomy at London's Vagina Museum

Iceland has been home to a penis museum  since 1997, but there was nothing exclusively celebrating the vagina until London's Vagina Museum launched as a pop-up exhibition in 2017. Now in its semi-permanent home in Bethnal Green, the museum's focus is to educate about gynecological anatomy and health and give people the confidence to talk about it too.

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10 Outstanding Museums and Galleries Around Europe

Editorial feature.

By Google Arts & Culture

Culture for days

The Uffizi Gallery, Italy

The Van Gogh Museum, The Netherlands

Musée d'Orsay, France

Natural History Musuem, England

Oceanographic Museum, Germany

The National Museum, Poland

The Acropolis Museum, Greece

National Museum of Denmark, Denmark

Kunsthistorisches Museum, Austria

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Spain

European art in two weeks

A two-week tour of europe for lovers of fine art.

For this trip, you can work out the daily sightseeing schedules on your own, depending on what most floats your artistic boat. Most cities have 2.5 full days of sightseeing time budgeted, which should be enough to give the major museums a good once-over.

Days 1 through 3: London: Your first order of business should definitely be the medieval, Renaissance, and baroque masterpieces of the National Gallery. The other great art collection is the Tate Gallery, which covers the British greats as well as international art of the 19th and 20th centuries from impressionism to contemporary works. You may also want to stop by the National Portrait Gallery; it exists more for the historical interest of the subjects, but it has some artistically fine portraits as well (especially by Holbein, Reynolds, and Warhol). No museum buff should miss the Victoria & Albert Museum, which has London's best sculpture collection (Donatello, Giambologna, Bernini) and a fascinating exhibit on artistic fakes and forgeries, in addition to miles of decorative arts. If you're into Christopher Wren's brand of Renaissance architecture, the city's full of it; his greatest hit is St. Paul's. I can't imagine a trip to London without calling on the British Museum, at least briefly, where you can get the best overview of the ancient world's art forms (Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Assyrian, Asian, Indian, and Islamic). On the morning of Day 4, catch an early Eurostar train to Paris.

Days 4 through 6: Paris: You'll want to explore the treasures of the Louvre over a full day at least. Fans of impressionism and French art in general should devote at least two-thirds of a day to the Musée d'Orsay. Paris has so many smaller art museums it's hard to choose from among them and nearly impossible to squeeze them all in. Whole museums are devoted to single artists (Rodin, Picasso, Delacroix, Le Corbusier, Dalí), and others are devoted to eras—the medieval at Thermes de Cluny, the modern in the Pompidou. Two of my favorite, slightly lesser-known art treasures are the Delacroix murals in the church of St-Suplice and Monet's 360° Waterlilies in specially built basement rooms of the Orangerie, off Place de la Concorde. At the end of Day 6, hop on the overnight train to Florence.

Days 7 through 9: Florence: Reserve one entire day for the Uffizi galleries, a living textbook of Renaissance development. The Pitti Palace's Galleria Palantina covers the High Renaissance and baroque eras thoroughly. Michelangelo's David and his unfinished Slaves in the Accademia are a must, and Donatello reigns supreme at the Bargello sculpture museum. Fra' Angelico frescoed his brothers' cells at his monastery of San Marco, and they've set up a fine museum to him there. Florence's churches are so richly decorated I scarcely know where to begin: Giotto in Santa Croce; Ghirlandaio and Masaccio in Santa Maria Novella; Donatello and Michelangelo at San Lorenzo and again in the Museo dell'Opera dell Duomo. Then there's Brunelleschi's architecture from the Duomo to Santo Spirito to the Pazzi chapel at Santa Croce. Florence is one place where you'll run out of time before you run out of art.

Days 10 through 12: Rome: Take the morning train here from Florence on Day 10 and start in on the baroque period with Bernini's sculpture in Piazza Navona, Piazza Barberini, and the Galleria Borghese. The Vatican Museums (home to the Raphael Rooms, the Pinacoteca, and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel) will take two-thirds of a day. The Capitoline Museums split their collections between ancient sculpture and mosaics and Renaissance and baroque painting. Some smaller museums include the Doria Pamphilij collections and the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica at Palazzo Barberini. Rome's churches are blanketed with art, from Filippino Lippi's frescoes in Santa Maria Sopra Minerva (where you'll also find Michelangelo's Risen Christ ) to the Caravaggios in Santa Maria del Popolo and Michelangelo's Moses in San Pietro in Vincoli. Again, you're unlikely to run out of art to ogle in just three days here. On the evening of Day 12, get on the overnight train for the long haul to Barcelona.

Day 13: Barcelona: You should definitely take in the early works at the Picasso museum and make a survey of Gaudí's whimsical architecture in this Catalonian capital. On this tour, however, Barcelona's more of a way station and a one-day breather before we press on. At the end of the day, hop the overnight train to Madrid, where we'll plunge into its myriad museums.

Days 14 through 16: Madrid: Spain is the land of Picasso, Velàzquez, Goya, El Greco (by adoption), Murillo, and Ribera. You have a day to devote to the Prado and another day to split between the Reina Sofía museum (home of Picasso's Guernica ), the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and—if you can stand any more art at this point—the Museo Làzaro Galdiano. Day 16 is spent getting back home.

This article was by Reid Bramblett and last updated in August 2011 . All information was accurate at the time. about | contact | faq Copyright © 1998–2013 by Reid Bramblett . Author: Reid Bramblett .

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19 Best Museums in Europe

From Viking ships and war history, to amazing artworks and cultural icons, these are the best museums in Europe.

I love visiting museums and art galleries! They’re a great way to gain insight into the natural and human history of a country. They’re are also an ideal way to spend some time indoors when it’s too hot, too cold, or too wet to go out and see the sights!

Europe has some of the world’s best (and most famous) museums. Think the Louvre in Paris, the British Museum in London, and the wonderful Prado Art Gallery in Madrid. There are also plenty of lesser-known, but no less fascinating, museums dotted all over Europe where you can easily while away endless hours immersed in the world of paintings, sculpture, history, and nature. 

So come with me on a trip across the continent! From its distant southeast corner in Turkey to the far north of Scandinavia, it’s time to hear about some of Europe’s best museums!

Topkapi Palace Museum , Istanbul, Turkey

It’s time to imagine you’re an Ottoman sultan, or the wife of an Ottoman prince! Housed in the former Imperial Palace of the Ottoman Sultans, in the Topkapi Palace Museum you’ll discover a treasure trove of Islamic calligraphy, porcelain, Ottoman miniatures and jewellery.

You can wander each of its four “courts”, where the sultans of old once kept their harems and held their Imperial Councils. These luxurious spots now contain collections of artefacts from Turkey’s golden age, from the 15th to the 19th centuries.

The courts are linked by ornate marble pavilions and park-like gardens where fountains sparkle! It’s not difficult to imagine sultans, eunuchs and concubines parading and scheming here! Don’t miss the Imperial Treasury, where you’ll find ruby-encrusted daggers, massive diamonds, and the jewelled sword of Süleyman the Magnificent.   

If you’re planning a trip, I’d recommend buying fast-track tickets in advance as the queues can be pretty long!

You can read about my other top picks in my comprehensive guide to the best museums in Istanbul .

Acropolis Museum , Athens, Greece.

The spectacular collection at the Acropolis Museum brings to life the ancient culture upon which Western civilization is based. The museum’s three floors take you on a journey through time, from the earliest days of habitation 4,000 years ago, right up to the end of the antiquity era.

The museum’s entrance crosses a glass floor, beneath which lies an archeological site of an Athenian neighbourhood. The building then ascends Parthenon Hill, with displays of Greek Bronze age, Roman and Byzantine artefacts laid out between marble columns in the same way as the Parthenon Temple itself.

It’s one of the best places to visit in the city, and a must for any weekend in Athens ! If you’re planning a trip, I’d suggest looking at options of tickets that combine visiting the Acropolis with the Acropolis Museum. Something like this ticket tends to work out a bit more budget friendly!

Vatican Museums , Rome, Italy.

The Vatican is an independent enclave within Rome, and the Vatican museums are home to some of the most famous artworks in the world. With galleries including the Jewish Lapidarium, which houses ancient inscriptions from Jewish catacombs to the Iron Age artefacts of the Gregorian Etruscan Museum, you’ll have plenty to see and do.

My advice would be to visit the Vatican Museums’ official website and choose which galleries that you’d like to see. Then you can make a proper plan for your time in Rome. Then, book your tickets in advance here so that you don’t waste time queuing on the day!

Museo National del Prado , Madrid, Spain.

Possibly the best art museum in Europe (it’s certainly one of my favourites!) the Prado collection in Madrid showcases the work of artists favoured by Spain’s rulers since the early 19th century. 

From the stark (and often gory) revolutionary works of Goya, to Velazquez’s exquisite depictions of light and perspective, you’ll find yourself captivated at every turn in this spectacular building! Don’t miss Velazquez’s self-portrait of the Spanish Royal Family – it’s a masterpiece!

Queues tend to be pretty long in peak season, so definitely consider spending a little more on a skip-the-line ticket . It’s worth every extra Euro so you have more time to spend in the museum and seeing the city!

Also, if you’re planning a trip to this amazing city, definitely have a read of these fascinating facts about Madrid before you leave!

The Art History Museum , Vienna, Austria.

Hands up if you’re interested in art history? If you’d like to learn about the inspiration and techniques of the old masters, you simply have to visit this Vienna museum .

Built to house the art collections of Austria’s imperial families, this stunning building (also known as the Kunsthistorisches Museum) in the heart of the city has the world’s largest collection of paintings by Bruegel, along with works by Raphael, Vermeer, Rembrandt and Tintoretto.

The museum also has a wealth of Egyptian and Near Eastern artefacts, Greek and Roman antiquities and a vast collection of world coins. As if that wasn’t enough, you can refresh yourself at the authentic Viennese coffeehouse in the museum’s atrium! If you’re planning a weekend in Vienna , this is a must-visit!

Musée d’Orsay, Paris, France.

Less well known than the famous Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay is one of the best art galleries in Paris. I love vibrant colours, and the paintings on display in this lovely museum span the entire rainbow… and more! The building itself is pretty special too. It’s a former railway station built between 1898 and 1900.

From Gaugain’s rich South Pacific canvases and Monet’s famous watercolours of the Giverny gardens, to the manic swirls and cascading stars of Vincent van Gogh, you’ll be captivated by the works contained in the Musée d’Orsay’s bright, sunlit halls. If you’re short on time, consider booking a skip-the-line ticket before your trip.

The Louvre , Paris, France.

Have you always dreamed of standing in front of the world’s most famous painting? Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa , is just one of 35,000 artworks on display in The Louvre. The museum’s official website has a further 215,000 artefacts and artworks to discover. 

With collections ranging from Egyptian Antiquities to Napoleonic paintings such as The Wedding at Cana by Paola Veronese, whatever style of art you’re interested in, you’ll find something you love in the magnificent halls of the Louvre Museum.

This museum gets extremely busy, especially in peak summer! If you can spare a few extra Euros, definitely book a Louvre fast-track ticket . It’s 100% worth it!

The British Museum , London, England.

The Brits are great collectors. Throughout the years of the British Empire, scholars and explorers brought back specimens and artefacts from every corner of the globe. Founded in 1753 and regarded by many as the best museum in the world, the British Museum is a place to lose yourself in the history of every civilisation, both big or small.

Along with artefacts and traditional art, the museum’s African section contains works by modern African artists depicting the modern history of the continent.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian Wing contains iconic pieces such as the Rosetta Stone. In the Oceania Gallery you’ll be able to learn about the cultures of the South Pacific with displays from New Zealand/Aotearoa, Australia and the islands of Polynesia. If you only visit one museum in Europe, make it this one! 

The Churchill War Rooms , London, England.

Imagine being in command of the armies that would decide the fate of Europe and the Free World?! Preserved almost exactly as it was in the days when the United Kingdom was the base for operations against the axis armies, Winston Churchill’s subterranean base is a fascinating, if somewhat claustrophobic, glimpse of what life was like in wartime London.

Located beneath Westminster, in the heart of London, the museum combines images, footage and oral histories with artefacts. Equipment has been left exactly where it was the day the lights were switched off in 1945. I’d recommend allowing at least 90 minutes to see the museum itself, although you may want to linger longer if you feel your inner Churchill wanting to know more!

The Tate Modern , London, England.

Do you want to see the best collection of contemporary art in Europe? Well, the Tate Modern is the place to go! Occupying the site of the former Bankside Power Station on the South Bank of the Thames, the museum is divided into three galleries. 

The gallery themes change throughout the year, so if, like me, you’re lucky enough to visit more than once, chances are you’ll find entirely new sets of modern art to gaze at.

Entry is free for most of the exhibitions, plus there’s the added bonus that you can marvel at the panoramic view of London from the top floor café!

The National Gallery , London, England.

The National Gallery is in a central location in Trafalgar Square, moments from all the city’s greatest sights. It’s easy to combine a visit with trips to places like Big Ben, the London Eye or Buckingham Palace.

With ever-changing exhibitions, this impressive gallery is one of the world’s premier destinations for lovers of contemporary art and traditional masterpieces. With so many collections to choose from, I’d suggest checking the website before you visit the gallery, so that you can plan your time accordingly.

The Titanic Belfast Museum , Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Built beside the slipway where the mighty ship was constructed and launched, this nautical museum’s interactive collections document the story of the Titanic from start to finish. 

The Shipyard Ride takes you on a tour of a recreated shipyard. It’s very realistic, complete with the smell of oil, the heat of furnaces and a floor-to-ceiling viewpoint of the dry dock where the ship as built.

In the Projection Room you can walk through a simulation of the actual wreck and imagine yourself on the ship’s bow… just like Jack and Rose!

Anne Frank House , Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

As you know, history is often upsetting. But I find that even the sadder parts of history can also have a powerful message or be uplifting when the story is told respectfully.

This important and iconic Amsterdam museum is 100% worth adding to any weekend in Amsterdam . The museum is a sobering reminder of the horrors imposed on Jews (and other minorities) during the Second World War. Even though the story of Anne Frank doesn’t have a happy ending, the museum is an exceptionally moving and inspiring place to visit.

Pergamon Museum , Berlin, Germany.

With treasures spanning 6,000 years of human history, this museum’s five temple-like buildings house collections of Greek, Roman and Middle Eastern antiquities and art. 

The Pergamom Zeus altar from 160 BC welcomes you into the museum. From there you can navigate through the glazed 2nd-century mosaics, Mesopotamian villas and Islamic treasures with the help of an audio guide, which comes free with your entrance ticket.

The National Museum , Prague, Czech Republic

This is one of Europe’s most visited museums… for good reason! Established more than 200 years ago, in the museum, you’ll find permanent and temporary exhibits chronicling all of the significant events in Czech history.

Located on the beautiful Wenceslas Square, the building itself is a Neoclassical masterpiece. It’s been damaged and repaired many times over the years, but is still exceptionally beautiful.

The Red Flat , Sofia, Bulgaria.

This tiny museum, located in a block of flats in the centre of Sofia, is an immersive destination quite unlike most museums on this list. Here you will experience what life was like for everyday Bulgarians during the Cold War. 

You can browse the museum’s large collection of Soviet-era books and even try on some Socialist attire to get a real feel for the era. 

The Museum of the Second World War, Gdansk, Poland.

Taking its location (where the Second World War began) as a starting point, this museum has one of the world’s most extensive collections of artefacts from WW2 and its aftermath. 

Especially good are the displays of propaganda and subterfuge used by both sides. There are also lots of vivid and moving stories from everyday people whose lives were devastated by the war.   

The Vasa Museum , Stockholm, Sweden.

This museum, located in Djurgarden, houses the Vasa ship, which famously sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was rescued 300 years later in almost perfect condition! It’s amazing to see the 64-gun warship up close. Along with the well-preserved Swedish warship, you can also see a selection of artefacts gleaned from archeological sites across Europe. 

The Vasa Museum is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Scandinavia and is an absolutely amazing place to see history come to life. Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance here . If you’re wondering where else to visit during a trip to the Swedish capital, don’t miss my guide to the best museums in Stockholm .

The Arktikum Museum , Finnish Lapland, Finland.

Dedicated to life inside the Arctic Circle, this interactive museum has displays of the animals, history and indigenous culture of Lapland. In the Aurora Borealis Room, you can lie back and witness the spectacle of the Northern Lights, while a virtual treasure hunt will keep kids of all ages entertained for ages.

Next door, the Science Centre Pilke is regarded as one of Europe’s best science museums. It’s a great place to visit for all of the family!

So there you are… a set of the best museums in Europe that are guaranteed to bring you face-to-face with the history that has shaped the cultures of this diverse continent.

Don’t forget, there are also lots of small museums tucked away in every corner of Europe just waiting for you to discover too. If you have any favourites, let me know!

If you’re interested in finding some more great museums on your travels, check out my guides to the best museums in Istanbul , top museums in Brussels and my favourites in Stockholm .

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

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Guided Small Group Tours of European Art Galleries

Discovering European Masters: Small Group Tour of Dutch and Italian Art Europe is home to some of the world’s most spectacular art galleries. There are of course the titans such […]

17 Apr 17 · 2 mins read

Discovering European Masters: Small Group Tour of Dutch and Italian Art

Europe is home to some of the world's most spectacular art galleries. There are of course the titans such as The Louvre, the Rijkmuseum, The Musee de Beaux Arts, and The National Gallery. But there are also many smaller galleries and churches that house both famous masterpieces and extraordinary works by lesser known artists.

Dutch Galleries

From Rembrandt to Van Gogh, Holland has contributed some of the world's greatest artists. The Rijksmuseum, which recently underwent a major ten-year renovation, is home to a number of masterpieces, including Rembrandt's famous The Night Watch and Vermeer's The Milkmaid. Just around the corner from the Rijksmuseum is the beautiful Van Gogh Museum. As well as, of course, containing many works by Van Gogh, the gallery also includes works of those he influenced, and holds regular themed exhibitions which cover both Van Gogh and other great masters and styles. For those interested in modern art and design and the uniquely Dutch style of De Stijl, the Stedelijk Museum is a must-visit.

Amsterdam also has a vibrant independent gallery scene. Take a look at The Guardian's recommendations for where to see up-and-coming talent .

Outside Amsterdam, there is the Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem, and The Escher Museum in The Hague. This is home to many works of the famous graphical artist, M. C. Escher. For those who think cars are works of art, the Louwman Museum, also in The Hague, is a must-visit.

Odyssey's Beyond Dutch Masters Tour takes you on a small group tour of small art galleries of Western Europe .

Italian Galleries

Italy is of course home to a truly extraordinary amount of great art and art galleries. The famous Uffizi in Florence is one of the world's oldest galleries. It is home to Botticelli's The Birth of Venus along with renowned works by Da Vinci, Titian, and Raphael. Rome's Borghese contains a number of Bernini sculptures, alongside several striking Caravaggio paintings, and much more. This is all housed in an ornate villa surrounded by lovely gardens. In Venice, make sure to visit The Guggenheim Collection for contemporary art, and The Academy Gallery for a collection of Venetian painting from the Middle Ages and renaissance art.

For senior art-lovers interested in taking a small group tour, Odyssey offers a tour that follows the life and art of the enormously important Baroque painter Caravaggio. Find out more here !

For even more, check out this list from Italy Magazine of the country's top five museums .

Small Group Tours for Seniors

Taking a small group tour of European galleries is among the best ways to be immersed in Europe's history and culture. Odyssey Traveller offers a wide range of art and literature small group tours, view them all by clicking here !

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Whether you prefer guided tours in Europe or want to explore on your own, there are many breathtaking sights to enjoy on a Europe cruise . If you like fine art and sculptures, or you enjoy enriching learning experiences, then you’ll want to add a museum visit to your itinerary.

Here are just some of the must-visit art museums in Europe to add to your list:

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

When visiting Amsterdam , you may want to stop by the Rijksmuseum (pictured above) and Van Gogh Museum. At Rijksmuseum, you’ll explore the art and history of the Netherlands and soak up the sights of masterpieces from Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Vermeer. Rembrandt’s Night Watch , Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait and Vermeer’s Little Street are just a few of the famous works of art you can enjoy here. If you’re a big fan of Van Gogh, then also explore the Van Gogh Museum while in town.

Athens, Greece

When you go to the Acropolis in Athens , you can tour an excavation site with archaeologists at the Acropolis Museum. You’ll see houses, courtyards and wells, learning more about those who lived around the Acropolis for more than 4,500 years.

Barcelona, Spain

Serving as the first museum dedicated to Picasso, the Picasso Museum (Museu Picasso) was inspired by an idea from one of the artist’s lifelong friends. It’s also the only one established during his lifetime. Here you’ll find more than 4,000 works of art across five adjacent medieval palaces in Barcelona .

Belfast, Ireland

If you find yourself in Belfast , check out the Ulster Museum and its collections of art, history and natural sciences. Learn about dinosaurs, meteorites and mummies while being surrounded by beautiful botanical gardens. And if you’re captivated by the history of the RMS Titanic or a fan of the Hollywood blockbuster, you may want to visit Titanic Belfast. Experience the retelling of Titanic’s story through a self-guided tour and interactive galleries, learning more about the ship, the people and the city that created her.

Florence & Rome, Italy

When cruising to Italy, consider visiting the Uffizi Gallery in Florence . Housed in a breathtaking structure built between 1560 and 1580, you’ll explore remarkable paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to the modern era. Works include art by Giotto, Leonardo, Michelangelo and Caravaggio, just to name a few. When visiting Rome , head to Vatican City to view the Vatican Museums, founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century. You’ll discover nearly 20,000 works of art on display, from Roman sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces. The Sistine Chapel, which includes the world-famous ceiling by Michelangelo, is part of the museum route. With more than five million visitors last year, the Vatican Museums were the second most-visited museums in the world after the Louvre.

Jerusalem, Israel

Known as a “land flowing with milk and honey,” a visit to Israel is an incredible experience. Walk through Jerusalem’s Old City, pause at the Western Wall and embark on a journey through history at uniquely memorable museums. Yad Vashem: The World Holocaust Remembrance Center covers 45 acres on the Mount of Remembrance, where visitors go on an emotional journey through history with its museums, monuments, gardens and educational experiences. This includes the cone-shaped Hall of Names – 10 meters high, reaching toward the sky and covered with photos from those who died during the Holocaust. The Israel Museum is another one to visit, with unique biblical and Holy Land archaeological collections and fine art.

Lisbon, Portugal

Established in 1884, the National Museum of Ancient Art in Lisbon (Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga) houses thousands of items in its collections, including paintings, sculptures, furniture and ceramics from the 12 th to the 19th century. They also have a restaurant and beautiful gardens. Looking for another unique experience? Embark on a historical journey exploring royal and ceremonial coaches at the National Coach Museum in Belém.

London, England

The National Gallery in London welcomes you with art from Monet, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and more. Kids can also explore, learn and make art of their own. Take your time roaming the space to soak it all up while also enjoying onsite dining and shopping.

Oslo, Norway

Exploring Norway with a stop in Oslo ? Check out the Norwegian Museum of Science & Technology. With experiences and learning for the whole family, you can enjoy more than 100 interactive activities and 25 exhibitions that highlight technology, science and transportation. You can also visit the National Museum of Medicine while there.

Paris, France

Known as the city of love and lights, Paris has many sights to behold, including the Louvre. This former palace offers theme-based tours, gorgeous gardens and world-famous masterpieces like the Mona Lisa. It’s also the most-visited museum in the world!

Do you have a favorite museum or art tour in Europe ? Do you prefer guided Europe tours or exploring on your own? Share in the comments below.

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Travel with The Met

Travel with The Met connects the Museum's wide and diverse audience to art, inspiration, and historical perspective. Our trips offer travelers the unique opportunity to see the world and humanity's highest artistic achievements with the guidance of The Met's renowned curators and educators. Itineraries focus on educational, enriching activities that will allow you to experience firsthand how art can bridge history and the present day to reveal our shared cultural heritage.

Trips are offered year-round to a variety of exciting destinations. More than just a vacation, a Travel with The Met international exploration combines curatorial expertise and behind-the-scenes viewing arrangements with spectacular itineraries and interesting companionship. The following list is updated regularly to include new itineraries as soon as they become available.

Set Sail with The Met!

Travel with The Met invites you to join our art-filled cultural cruises on one of our distinctive, privately chartered small ships and boutique riverboats. This summer, sail Homer’s “wine-dark sea” on our spectacular Aegean adventure into antiquity, cruising from Athens to Istanbul aboard the elegant Sea Cloud II . Travel with Met lecturer Frank Dabell , an acclaimed art historian whose passion and depth of knowledge about Greek and Roman art and architecture will inspire you.  In October, experience a unique journey by land and sea in the enchanting gem of Mediterranean Spain: Catalonia, the autonomous region with its own unique cultural identity, language, and ancient heritage. Join highly regarded museum educator Rika Burnham sharing her insights on historic Catalan art as your lecturer. Spend three nights in medieval Girona, venturing to Roman ruins, Salvador Dalí’s birthplace, and exceptional museums, and four nights sailing Sea Cloud II to art treasures in Valencia, Ibiza, and Mallorca.

Please contact a Met Travel consultant at Arrangements Abroad by phone 844-TRVLMET (844-878-5638); outside New York: 800-221-1944), or via email for more information or to reserve your place on any journey.

April 27–May 7, 2024

Aboard the brand-new small ship Ocean Albatros , embark on a captivating North Sea voyage to explore the influential Hanseatic League, a confederation of merchant guilds and market towns from the 12th to the 15th centuries, which generated unprecedented wealth along Europe’s northern coasts and laid the foundation for the Renaissance. Sail from the south of England to Denmark and discover the extravagant legacy of this prosperity, going behind the scenes of magnificent public buildings, lavish private houses, and richly furnished museums. Transfer from London to Portsmouth, where you will embark the recently christened Ocean Albatros . From England, sail to French Normandy for inside looks at marvelous châteaux, medieval cathedrals, and World War II history. In the Bayeux Cathedral, enjoy a private look at the sprawling Bayeux Tapestry, a landmark achievement of medieval art. Behold jewel-like medieval architecture in charming Bruges, Belgium. During Holland’s tulip season, discover millions of flowering bulbs at Keukenhof Gardens; experience Groningen, a hidden gem of a town; and enjoy exclusive private tours of museums such as Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum. Arrive in Germany for a day in Hamburg, with its massive UNESCO-listed district of brick warehouses, or delve into Hanseatic history at the European Hansemuseum in elegant Lübeck. Then navigate the picturesque, 61-mile-long Kiel Canal connecting the North Sea to the Baltic. Call in sparkling Rostock, the “Gateway to Scandinavia,” and spend a day in Copenhagen, where you’ll have a special tour of the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Traveling with You: Rika Burnham is a leading theorist and practitioner of art museum gallery teaching. Author of Teaching in the Art Museum: Interpretation as Experience , and lecturer at Columbia University, she has served as Head of Education at the Frick Collection, Museum Educator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Project Director for TIME/Teaching Institute in Museum Education at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and was appointed Getty Research Institute Museum Scholar in 2002 and 2018.

Cruise Rates: From $6,999 per person, double rate.

Activity Level:  Intermediate / Moderato

Download the brochure ( PDF ).

May 12–21 2024

In May 2024, embark on an enchanting cruise aboard the boutique riverboat Magnifique III , traversing the Low Countries from Amsterdam to Bruges. Journey along meandering rivers and canals, encountering majestic cathedrals, picturesque gardens, iconic windmills, and charming medieval villages. Immerse yourself in these cities’ medieval architectural splendor, from Amsterdam’s historic Begijnhof to Bruges’ serene béguinage . Travel with the guidance of seasoned museum educator Rika Burnham and enjoy private viewings of extraordinary masterpieces in churches and museums. From the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam to Antwerp’s Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Dutch and Flemish masters like Vermeer, Rembrandt, Bosch, and Bruegel will captivate you. Marvel at the meticulously restored Adoration of the Mystic Lamb in Ghent’s St. Bavo’s Cathedral. In Rotterdam, discover the city’s experimental 21st-century architecture, including the awe-inspiring Markthal, which combines residential apartments with a grand market, and access to the newly opened Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, the world’s first public art storage facility.

Traveling with You: Rika Burnham is a leading theorist and practitioner of art museum gallery teaching. Author of Teaching in the Art Museum: Interpretation as Experience , and lecturer at Columbia University, she has served as Head of Education at the Frick Collection, Museum Educator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Project Director for TIME/Teaching Institute in Museum Education at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and was appointed Getty Research Institute Museum Scholar in 2002 and 2018.

Land/Cruise Rates: From $8,999 per person (for select single-occupancy-only cabins); from $9,999 per person, double rate.

Download the brochure (PDF).

July 8-17, 2024

Venture to the ancient cradle of Western Civilization on an Aegean Sea voyage from Athens to Istanbul. First, enjoy overnight hotel accommodations in the Greek capital, where a private, after-hours tour and reception at the Acropolis Museum—with views of the Parthenon—will be rare pleasures. Then embark on your seven-night Aegean cruise aboard the elegant Sea Cloud II , discovering timeless villages, whitewashed houses, natural splendors, and treasures of antiquity. Step ashore on stunning Greek islands of myth and legend, including Santorini and sacred Patmos. Sail onward to the Graeco-Roman sites of Asia Minor, now in modern-day Turkey. Enjoy a special excursion to Troy, immortalized in Homer’s Iliad . Discover the region’s fascinating history over several millennia, from Bronze Age archaeological wonders to Byzantine monasteries.

Traveling with You: Frank Dabell was educated at Oxford University and is a former Fellow of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. He has led tours for major museums on journeys throughout Europe, North Africa, the Mediterranean, and Russia and has been celebrated for his work as a travel program lecturer and guide by Travel + Leisure. Most recently, he led Travel with The Met’s 2023 program through the Aegean.

Land/Cruise Rates: From $8,999 per person, double rate

September 19–27, 2024

Embark the elegant Sea Cloud II in Venice for an unforgettable Adriatic Sea journey between the Italian and Croatian coastlines, stepping ashore to admire timeless towns and archaeological sites. Savor a rare and exclusive inside look at the landmark achievements in art of the many cultures—from ancient Greeks and Romans to Byzantines and Venetians—who have made the Adriatic region their home. Starting in the lustrous canals of Venice, journey to Ravenna, former capital of the Western Roman Empire, to admire the fifth- and sixth-century mosaics of its early Christian churches. Traverse the Adriatic to Dubrovnik, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which Lord Byron called “the pearl of the Adriatic.” Discover nearby Hvar, a fertile island of green mountains, Venetian fortifications, and pale stone houses surrounded by rosemary, lavender, and laurel. Step ashore in Zadar, home to historic Roman ruins, medieval churches, cosmopolitan cafés, and quality museums. Further highlights include the seafront city of Pula, whose foundations go back to the fifth century B.C. Experience these cities as they were centuries ago by Roman magistrates and Venetian merchant princes—by sea.

Traveling with You: Keith Christiansen is Curator Emeritus, formerly the John Pope-Hennessy Chairman of the Department of European Paintings at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. He began work at The Met in 1977, and, during his 44 years there, organized numerous exhibitions on Renaissance and Baroque painting. He has written widely on Italian art and is the recipient of several awards.

Cruise Rates: From $7,999 per person, double rate

October 13–22, 2024

On this Mediterranean Sea adventure touching two continents, cruise to the temples and cities left behind by waves of civilizations, including prehistoric peoples and the ancient Greeks, Carthaginians, and Romans. Sail aboard Sea Cloud II as it travels from Malta to rugged yet beautiful Sicily, Tunisia, and Spain’s Balearic Islands. In Sicily, visit the magnificent Greek ruins of Agrigento and Segesta. In the North African country of Tunisia, experience Tunis and the ancient city of Carthage. In Sardinia, wander through Su Nuraxi di Barumini to see nuraghi , imposing Bronze Age structures only found on this island, and tour Cagliari, Sardinia’s ancient capital. Sail to the island of Menorca and its picturesque capital Mahón. After a memorable day at sea, disembark in Tarragona.

Traveling with You: Page Knox is Lecturer and Educator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she offers her expertise on special exhibitions and the permanent collection, and also teaches membership classes. She is an adjunct professor of art history at Columbia University, where she received her Ph.D. in 2012.

Cruise Rates: From $9,999 per person, double rate

October 18–26, 2024

On this Balearic Sea adventure that combines a land program and an elegant cruise aboard Sea Cloud II , take an in-depth journey into the culture, history, and cuisine of cities along the Catalan coast and the Balearic islands of Ibiza and Mallorca. Experience the gems of Catalonia, starting with Girona, Northern Catalonia’s largest city. Over three nights with accommodations at an elegant hotel, discover Girona’s museums, galleries, and fine Romanesque and Gothic buildings, and visit the Museu d’Història dels Jueus, which highlights the contributions of Girona’s once-flourishing Jewish community. Continue to Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí and now home to his flamboyant theater-museum. Embark Sea Cloud II in Tarragona, formerly Tarraco, and explore its Roman ruins, the Iberian Peninsula’s oldest Roman settlement. On the Catalan coast, visit Valencia, where architectural styles abound, including architect Santiago Calatrava’s modern masterpieces. Stop on the glamorous island of Ibiza to explore its Phoenician history dating back 3,000 years, then head for the Balearic island of Mallorca. In its capital, Palma de Mallorca, tour La Seu, a spectacular sandstone cathedral that took 600 years to build, before returning to Tarragona for disembarkation.

Land/Cruise Rates: From $6,999 per person, double rate

Download the brochure ( PDF ). 

December 29,  2024–January 9, 2025

Embark on an extraordinary New Year’s journey into the heart of ancient Egypt. This exclusive program offers a unique blend of private plane travel, a four-night Nile River cruise aboard the elegant Sanctuary Nile Adventurer , and unparalleled access to Egypt’s legendary sites. The adventure begins in Cairo, where you’ll explore the Great Pyramids. Then see the Great Sphinx up close, bypassing the usual crowds. Visit the new National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, with a special look behind the scenes at its restoration center. Delve into the recently opened underground chambers of King Djoser’s Step Pyramid in Sakkara, and explore the tomb of Wahtye, adorned with statues, paintings, and hieroglyphs. A private flight to Luxor leads to visits to the UNESCO-listed necropolis in Thebes and rare access to Queen Nefertari’s tomb, known for its vivid wall paintings. Embark Sanctuary Nile Adventurer for your Nile River voyage, which takes you to sublime tombs and temples in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan, with a private plane journey to the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel. Conclude your journey in Cairo. You may choose to take part in an optional postlude in Jordan featuring the resplendent ancient wonders of Amman and Petra.

Traveling with You: Christopher Noey is an art historian, author, and an Emmy award-winning producer of films on art and culture who has been traveling to Egypt for 40 years. An expert in Asian and Islamic art, Mr. Noey has taught at Williams College and the City College of New York.

Land/Cruise Rates: From $13,999 per person, double rate

For more information, contact us by phone (212-570-3755), fax (212-396-5040), or email .

Stay informed: Sign up for our e-newsletter .

To reach our tour operator directly, please contact a Met Travel consultant at Arrangements Abroad by phone 844-TRVLMET (844-878-5638); outside New York: 800-221-1944),  email , or write to:

Arrangements Abroad 260 West 39th Street, 17th Floor New York, NY 10018-4424

Art & Culture Travel Blog

7 top art museums in europe.

• Tea Gudek Šnajdar
• Museum Reviews

Europe is home to numerous fantastic museums, and we already wrote about many of them at the Culture Tourist. However, in this article, we selected 7 top art museums in Europe with some of the best fine arts collections. From the Renaissance masterpieces, Baroque paintings to some of the contemporary art highlights, these museums are home to all of them.

Although we could argue about the best museum collections out there, these institutions are without a doubt among the top art museums in Europe.

⤷ Where is it? Paris, France

The Louvre in Paris is undoubtedly one of the best museums in Europe.

Well known as the home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa’, it has one of the best art collections in the world. Impossible to be seen in a day, it’s good to plan your visit in advance. Open in 1793, it’s home to some 38,000 exhibits covering the time from Prehistory until the 21st century. Its collection of Renaissance and Egyptian art are the highlights of the museum.

Besides the ‘Mona Lisa’, some of the top-rated items there are ‘Fayum Mummy Portrait’, Ghirlandaio’s ‘Portrait of an Old Man and his Grandson’, Michelangelo’s ‘Dying Slave’, ‘Nike of Samothrace’, Napoleon’s portraits, etc.

It’s one of the most famous museums in Europe (and the world), so it’s good to plan your visit in advance. Choose the collections you’d like to see beforehand and purchase your entrance ticket online, so you don’t need to queue for hours before you’ll get into the museum.

⤷ Read more : The best museums in Paris

2/ The Prado Museum

⤷ Where is it? Madrid, Spain

The Prado Museum in Madrid is without a doubt one of the top art museums in Europe. It has one of the best collections of paintings made by Spanish artists between the 11th and 19th centuries. Think of masters such as Goya, El Greco or Velazquez.

The museum is also home to the vast collection of artworks made by Italian and Flemish authors. Opened in 1819, it has more than 8,000 paintings and 1000 sculptures in its collection. The Prado Museum is considered the main museum in Spain.

Some of the museum highlights are P.P. Rubens’ ‘The Three Graces’, Dürer’s Self-portrait, ‘Las Meninas’ by Velázquez, Raphael’s ‘The Holy Family’, Goya’s ‘The Family of Charles IV’, and many more.

⤷ Read more : Best museums you have to visit in Europe this year

3/ Rijksmuseum

⤷ Where is it? Amsterdam, the Netherlands

The Royal Museum of the Netherlands or the  Rijksmuseum is home to some of the most famous Dutch Golden Ages’ paintings. Rembrandt’s ‘Night Watch’ and Vermeer’s ‘Milkmaid’ are just some of the best known among them. Eight hundred years of Dutch art and history with around 8,000 exhibits are on display in the Rijksmuseum.

Its building, designed back in 1885, is a piece of art itself. You can spend a day there only by admiring its wall paintings and statues on its façade. It’s also probably the only museum in the world with a road going through it.

Rijksmuseum is a child-friendly museum, and it’s lovely to visit the Rijksmuseum with a toddler.  You can read more about the Rijksmuseum highlights on this link or watch the video about it here .

4/ The Vatican Museums

⤷ Where is it? Vatican City ( Rome, Italy )

The Vatican Museums is one of the top museums in the world and a place any art lover and culture tourist should visit at least once. It was founded in the early 16th century by Pope Julius II. Since then, it’s displaying art collections gathered by popes.

Today, the Vatican Museums is home to one of the world’s largest and best art collections. The most remarkable exhibits are in a section of the old Roman art, which consists of primarily sculptures and mosaics. Some of the most famous exhibits are ‘Apollo Belvedere’, ‘Laocoön and his Sons’ and ‘Belvedere Torso’.

Now incorporated into the museum floor, ancient mosaics are also something worth seeing. Besides them, ceiling decoration and its optical illusions are amazing.

Other fantastic artworks at the Vatican Museums are the Renaissance wall paintings in the private pope’s chambers, known as Rafael’s Rooms. During the Renaissance, some of the most famous masters created wall paintings in the popes’ chambers. One of the first-night scenes ever was painted in one of them. It’s Raphael’s ‘Deliverance by Saint Peter’, made in 1514. However, with all of its symbolism and portraits of contemporary artists, my personal favourite was ‘The School of Athens’.

⤷  TIP : Buy your entrance tickets in advance. Even with them, you will still queue for some time at the security check.

5/ Hermitage Museum

⤷ Where is it? Saint Petersburg, Russia

Located in a beautiful Winter Palace, Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg is one of the best museums I’ve ever visited.

With over three million objects, it’s the second-largest museum globally and definitely a treat for any art enthusiast. It’s said that if you spent only a minute observing each exhibit, you would need to spend eleven years in a museum.

Hermitage Museum was founded by the Russian Empress Catherine the Great, who was a true art patron. She started to gain an art collection for her Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg . The museum today is composed of six buildings. Its central part is the Winter Palace with its recognisable green façade.

The museum is home to some famous Renaissance paintings and one of the best collections of Dutch Golden Age art pieces. Interestingly enough, it’s also home to some sixty cats who live in a museum. They’re here from the 18th century when Empress Elizabeth ordered them to control the museum’s mice problem.

⤷   Read more :  Complete guide to visiting Hermitage Museum

6/ The National Gallery

⤷ Where is it? London, UK

Founded back in the 19th century, the National Gallery in London is home to more than 2,300 artworks. Located in the heart of London, it’s one of the top museums in Europe that shouldn’t be missed by any art lover.

It is also one of the museums in London that’s free of charge (you should only pay an entrance fee for the special exhibitions). Which gives you an excellent opportunity to visit it on multiple occasions during your trip to London.

The National Gallery has a lovely fine art collection with the oldest artworks dating back to the 1300s. Some of the highlights are Vincent van Gogh ‘s ‘Sunflowers’, Rembrandt’s ‘Self Portrait at the Age of 34’, Johannes Vermeer’s ‘A Young Woman Standing at the Virginal’, Georges Seurat ‘Bathers at Asnieres’, Jan van Eyck ‘s ‘The Arnolfini Portrait’, and many more.

⤷ TIP : If you can’t visit the National Gallery right away, subscribe to their newsletter. It’s one of the best museum newsletters I’m receiving. It’s always filled with stories about some of the museum’s artworks, online events, interesting speeches by their curators and more great content.

7/ Kunsthistorisches Museum

⤷ Where is it? Vienna, Austria

Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna is the largest art museum in Austria. But also one of the top art museums in Europe. Opened in 1891, it is located on Maria-Theresien Platz, just opposite its twin building, the Natural History Museum. Both of those places were created to house the collections of the Habsburg family.

The museum is home to a lovely collection of paintings made by Pieter Bruegel the Elder , such as ‘Tower of Babel’, ‘The Hunters in the Snow’ and ‘The Peasant Wedding’. Other highlights of the Kunsthistorisches Museum are Cellini Salt Cellar, Titian’s ‘Suleiman the Magnificent’, Johannes Vermeer’s ‘The Art of Painting’ and Caravaggio’s ‘David with the Head of Goliath’.

⤷ Read more : How to visit the museum – A guide for the perfect museum visit

Hopefully, this list of top art museums in Europe will inspire some of your future visits. Although there are many wonderful museums in Europe, if you’re looking for some of the world’s best known fine arts, these are the best art museums in Europe.

Have you been to any of these museums? Let us know in the comments.

Cover photo by Diogo Fagundes on Unsplash

Best museums in Europe , Museums

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

5 Best Modern Art Museums In Europe

• Activities and Interests
• Destinations
• History and Culture

Visiting modern art museums in Europe is a journey through the history of contemporary art and a unique cultural experience. From London’s Tate Modern to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice and the Vincent Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, each gallery offers a different perspective on modern and contemporary art.

These museums house some of the world’s most significant art collections, including iconic works by artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Van Gogh. A visit to these museums allows you to explore the evolution of modern art and gain a deeper understanding of the artists and their creative processes.

1. Tate Modern, London

The Tate Modern in London is among the world’s best destinations for modern art enthusiasts. It is the UK’s National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. The gallery has an immense collection of international art, including works by artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Andy Warhol.

Highlights of the museum’s collection include the iconic paintings of Mark Rothko, the surrealist masterpieces of Joan Miró, and the abstract sculptures of Barbara Hepworth. You can also explore the museum’s many temporary exhibitions, which showcase a wide variety of contemporary art.

One of the most popular exhibits at the Tate Modern is the Turbine Hall. This vast space hosts large-scale installations and performances. The museum also has a great view of the River Thames and St. Paul’s Cathedral from its upper floors.

With so much to see and experience, the Tate Modern is an unmissable destination for anyone interested in modern and contemporary art.

2. Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice

Venice is a city of art and culture, and there’s no better place to experience this than at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection . Located on the Grand Canal in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, the museum houses a remarkable collection of modern art, including works by Picasso, Pollock, and Dalí.

The collection is a testament to the passion and vision of Peggy Guggenheim, a prominent art collector and patron who dedicated her life to promoting contemporary art. The setting is also worth the visit as the museum overlooks the beautiful canal and features a serene sculpture garden. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply looking for a unique cultural experience in Venice, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a special experience.

3. Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum, Bratislava

The Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum is a contemporary art collection in Bratislava , Slovakia. The museum is situated on a peninsula along the Danube River, with a scenic view of the surrounding area. The museum’s collection includes works by Slovak and international artists focusing on contemporary art from central and eastern Europe.

The museum also houses a sculpture park featuring prominent artists’ large-scale works. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events.

The unique location of the museum and its varied collection make it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts visiting Bratislava. It is easily accessible by car or public transportation and is open daily except for Mondays.

4. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is a dream destination for Vincent van Gogh art lovers. The museum is dedicated to the life and work of the famous Dutch painter. It houses the world’s most extensive collection of van Gogh’s paintings and drawings .

The museum’s permanent collection includes over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters written by van Gogh. The collection features some of his most famous works, such as The Potato Eaters , Sunflowers , and Almond Blossom . In addition to van Gogh’s art, the museum showcases work by other artists who influenced him and contemporary artists inspired by his work.

The museum’s exhibitions are curated to provide a deeper understanding of van Gogh’s life, art, and legacy. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this incredible museum and experience the beauty and passion of one of the greatest artists of all time.

5. Barcelona Museum Of Contemporary Art

The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) was founded in 1959 as a municipal contemporary art museum. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the city began to invest heavily in the museum’s development, with plans to build a new facility in the Raval neighborhood of Barcelona.

In 1986, renowned architect Richard Meier was chosen to design the new museum, which completed in 1995. The building’s white exterior and geometric design quickly became a landmark in the city. Since its opening, the museum has been dedicated to promoting contemporary art and culture, showcasing works by Catalan, Spanish, and international artists.

MACBA’s collection includes over 5,000 works of art, ranging from paintings and sculptures to video installations and performance art. The museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions, cultural events, and educational programs for all ages.

Today, the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art is recognized as one of Spain’s most important cultural institutions and a treat for contemporary art lovers visiting the city.

Modern art museums in Europe offer a unique opportunity to experience our time’s most innovative and provocative art. These museums provide a diverse range of contemporary art collections, exhibitions, and events that allow visitors to explore and engage with the latest trends and ideas in the art world.

Whether you are interested in paintings, sculptures, installations, or video art, something in these museums will inspire you. By visiting, you’ll get a chance to broaden your horizons, challenge your perceptions, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around you. Don’t miss the chance to explore the best modern art in Europe.

Covering 'off-the-beaten path,' 'not well-known,’ and 'in the shadow of' locations is Mary’s passion. She delves into art, music, food, libations, architecture, museums, parks, well-curated tours, history, agriculture, and the unexpected in micro-towns and big cities, both domestic and international.

As a lifelong traveler, her nomadic mother often handed her the map and asked her to choose the destination and route, granting her the nickname, Mary Go.

Today she travels by train, plane, bus, boat, shoe sole, and her Honda, Patty. Mary digs into culture, people, and history wherever she goes, sharing her experiences through words, photos, and video.

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Cultural Tours & Holidays in Europe

A culture trip of Europe lets you learn secrets of ancient times, meet welcoming locals and listen to folklore that has stood the test of time. With 2813 cultural adventures lasting from 1 days to 42 days, you're sure to experience a true cultural immersion. Click here to see all cultural vacations .

250+ cultural tours of Europe with 47,736 reviews

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The Best of Eastern Europe

Excellent trip covering many capitals and other cities in Central and Eastern Europe. There is a lot of free time included in the itinerary to explore on your own, so be prepared to make your own daily plans and venture out on your own or with fellow travelers. Almost every city has free (tips only) quality guides. Accommodations are all in centrally-located medium-level hotels. Some are better than others. As is common in Europe, around half of the hotels did not have air conditioning, only fans. Availability and quality of hotels differs by regions, and I found these hotels to be better than in tours run by G Adventures in other regions of the world. They are lower in quality to hotels in US and Canada. Don't expect a Ritz Carleton, and you won't be disappointed. Breakfasts are included, and they were fantastic everywhere - all-you-can-eat, with large assortment and excellent quality. All other meals are on your own, although the guide made arrangements to eat as a group on many nights (which is optional). Food is still relatively inexpensive in former Soviet bloc countries, not so in Berlin and Vienna. Transportation was excellent, and varied from private buses, minivans and taxis to public trains, metro, buses and trams. Be prepared to carry/roll your luggage for close to 1 km (about half a mile). In a few cities, larger buses and minivans are not allowed into historic centers of town, where hotels are located, during the day, so we had to walk. One of most memorable experiences for many travelers on our tour was a visit to Auschwitz concentration camp, which was included in the itinerary.

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Best of Central Europe

This tour had everything I was looking for! Great Eastern European food, great local beer, and a variety of things to do for any type of interest. The hikes were fantastic, and the transportation between stops was well organized. This tour offers a good balance of free time and time with the group, which allows you to come together at the end of the day over dinner to discuss your day.

Rome to Berlin: Piazzas, Prague & the Past

Great diversity of countries and cities but WAY too fast paced. One night in Slovenia and Poland was ridiculous and with travel time some days we spent less than 15 hours in the city. The guide was a but inexperienced so we didn't have a good description of some of the cities. Great way to make friends and see cities! Would recommend going end of August or later as it was still very hot going through the cities!!

Baltic Experience

Throughly enjoyed this trip.

• Coach / Bus

Enchanted Landscapes

Overall a good tour experience for people travelling into Europe for the first time. It provides most of the transportation and uses a good schedule to see the highlights of many places.

ScanBaltic Tour

This whistle stop tour like most is fast and furious covering considerable territory in a short time. Many side tours and stops were enjoyable and a few not so much. Bus and ferry transport was comfortable. Hotels were very good but few were in center city - choosing the room share option, I lucked out having a room to myself for seven out of 17 nights. Guides Bijor and Israel were most attentive. The ScanBaltic tour is good value and offers a general overview of the region inspiring a return roadtrip to Norway.

Britain and Ireland Delight (Summer, 8 Days)

We had an awesome experience, made possible by our tour director Damian and driver Dave. Damian’s knowledge was exceptional and Dave was an amazing driver.

Essential Britain & Ireland

Covered alot of ground and very busy of course with never enough time, but that was expected. Great driver, found tour director somewhat unenthusiastic - would have liked more concise info on how each day was going to progress and a little more interaction with the group. Hotel Metropole was so hot and too noisy to have window open - most of the hotel rooms were so hot all night. Holiday Inn York room was rather well tread and dirty. Other than that a great trip with excellent meals except the dinner at Holiday Inn York.

Tour from Athens to Dubrovnik or Split: 7 Balkan countries in 14 days

This tour exceeded our expectations. The history of these countries is very interesting. The cities and towns we visited were fascinating. The scenery of mountains, lakes and coast was beautiful. We saw wonderful churches, mosques, monasteries, bazaars, castles, forts and walled cities. Our guide Sokol was great fun to be with. Before booking this trip, we had lots of questions, which were answered by Sirma from the CHOOSE BALKANS team promptly and with the information we had requested. As tourism is increasing in these countries, visiting at this point in time was magical. The use of local hotels was nice. This was a special trip that we highly recommend, and will stay in our minds for a long time.

Highlights of Scandinavia (12 Days)

Great tour. Wonderful tour guide. Rest stops need to be chosen better.

Rome to London Quest (Summer, 10 Days)

Great trip affordable with good accommodations. Able to see all the main spots in Europe and meet some great people

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Sightseeing

Tour from Athens to Belgrade: 7 Balkan countries in 14 days

Our 4 days tour was more than we imagined. The sights, smells, and history were simply stunning, things I will never forget. You will get the most of the Balkans in four days. I will definitely visit Albania again, it is a hidden gem. Lovely experience

Best of Ireland and Scotland (15 Days)

Andrew was a very informative and thoughtful guide. It was a fascinating trip

Highlights of Eastern Europe (Start Vienna, End Vienna, 17 Days)

The tour was excellent and the tour director was awesome. My only complaint was the shuttles to and from the airport. First of all, the times should be changed. The departure times are 8:00 and 9:30 am. People who had flights in the afternoon had to make their own arrangements.

Best of Ireland & Scotland (Classic, 14 Days)

A wonderful way to see a lot of both Ireland and Scotland. Many great experiences!

Cultural Europe Tour Reviews

Very good tour , something’s we didn’t find out right until the moment. But, overall good tour.

To be honest, part of what made the trip fantastic was our group of 12- could not have had a better group to travel with- which is clearly luck, but a piece of our group being so cohesive was Nejca, our guide. She was perfect! Available but not pushy. Laid back, but willing to assert herself to make our experience the best. She made each person in the group feel special and appreciated. Thank you, Nejca! The itinerary was quite good as well. Although there were places I could have stayed for a day longer, I think it’s important to not stay too long and feel like time is wasted on a certain place on the tour. Transportation was efficient and Nejca did a great job getting us to our destinations easily and without rushing. Accommodations were very good- with the exception of Prague. Although our apartment was nice, it was clear that the residents of Prague feel that their space is being taken over by tourists- which is clearly true. I would have preferred to have stayed in a hotel in Prague-honestly, I would have paid more for it. Other than that, cannot day enough good things about the trip! Thank you!!

Great diversity of countries and cities but WAY too fast paced. One night in Slovenia and Poland was ridiculous and with travel time some days we spent less than 15 hours in the city. The guide was a but inexperienced so we didn't have a good description of some of the cities. Great way to make friends and see cities! Would recommend going end of August or later as it was still very hot going through the cities!!

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THIS TRIP IS NOT CURRENTLY SCHEDULED Over the years, Amy has developed and operated trips to a variety of destinations including this one, but not all trips are offered every year. If you are interested in joining a scheduled departure of this trip in the future, please send us an email and let us know. Click to send us an email or use the form at the bottom of this page.

We can organize and operate this trip as a private group departure with a minimum group size of 8 persons. Start organizing your private Russia art adventure here .

Best time to travel: June for the “White Nights” Best gateway city: Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia Moscow and St. Petersburg Slide Show

Experience the art treasures of Moscow and St. Petersburg with guide, Amy Osaki. Begin in Moscow, continental Europe’s largest city, the seat of the government of Russia, and now home to over twenty billionaires! View iconic sites such as the Kremlin (which began as a fortress in the eleventh century), Red Square, and the sixteenth century St. Basil’s Cathedral. Then explore the art masterpieces at the Tretyakov Gallery, the National Museum of Russian Fine Art encompassing works from the eleventh to the twentieth century. Visit the Armory at the Kremlin filled with Imperial treasures including Faberge eggs once exchanged by the tsar and tsarina at Easter. Conclude your Moscow experience at the quiet seventeenth century Novodevichy Convent, one of many World Heritage sites included in the trip.

After a short flight, continue the trip with five days in St. Petersburg where you’ll be immersed in the opulence of Imperial Russia. Established by Tsar Peter I in 1703, St. Petersburg (known as Petrograd and Leningrad for most of the twentieth century) was the capital of the Russian empire for over two hundred years until the Russian Revolution of 1917. The Hermitage—said to be the largest art museum in the world with a collection of over three million objects housed in four main buildings—rivals the Louvre in Paris for both the quantity and quality of its treasures. Founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great, and open to the pubic for over two hundred years the museum is so vast that we’ll spread our visit out over several days and organize it by different themes. Also on the schedule is a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress—the original citadel above the river founded in 1703—as well as some of the Imperial palaces in and around St. Petersburg such as Peterhof, a World Heritage Site. Peter I hired French architects to work on his many palaces, including Jean Baptiste Le Blond who worked with Andre Le Notre at Versailles. Consider enhancing your Russian experience by purchasing tickets to a performance—perhaps a ballet at St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre (also known as the Kirov).

Day 1 Overnight in Moscow Arrive in Moscow and transfer to your centrally-located hotel, your base for the next two nights. Enjoy an afternoon and early evening walk through Red Square (Krasnaya Ploshchad) past St. Basil’s Cathedral, and GUM department store all of which are back-dropped by the walls of the Kremlin fortress. Remember that we are here during the fabled “White Nights” when the summer days linger with light-filled evenings.

Day 2 Overnight in Moscow Within the walls of the Kremlin fortress, visit the Armoury Museum, one of Moscow’s oldest museums established at the start of the nineteenth century. The Kremlin Armoury was the royal arsenal; it produced and stored the weapons, jewelry and other regalia of the tsars. The museum’s collection encompasses four thousand items of applied art from Russia and elsewhere dating from the early fourth century to the twentieth century. Later in the day, visit the collection of masterpieces of the renowned Tretyakov Gallery. The Tretyakov collections were begun by the philanthropist Tretyakov brothers in the early nineteenth century. The gallery is recognized by many as a key repository of Russian art spanning the nation’s artistic tradition from early Orthodox icons to art nouveau, impressionist, and avant-garde works.

Day 3 Overnight in St Petersburg Enjoy a morning visit to the sixteenth century Novodevichy Convent named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004. The convent’s name is sometimes translated as “New Maidens’ Monastery” to differentiate is from the convent within the walls of the Moscow Kremlin. Surrounded by white crenellated walls, this complex of churches has remained essentially intact since the seventeenth century. Here you’ll find the five-domed Cathedral of Our Lady of Smolensk with its spectacular iconostasis and the tall, red and white Gate Church of the Transfiguration which is often cited as a fine example of “Moscow Baroque” architecture. The neighboring Novodevichy Cemetery is the final resting place of the likes of Anton Chekhov, Sergei Prokofiev, Dmitri Shostakovich, and Boris Yeltsin. This afternoon fly to St. Petersburg, Russia’s second largest city situated on the banks of the Neva River where it empties into the Gulf of Finland.

Day 4 Overnight in St Petersburg Start of your exploration of St. Petersburg with a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress, the original citadel of St. Petersburg. The fortress was built to the designs of the Swiss Italian architect Domenico Trezzini in the early eighteenth century. Trezzini’s Peter and Paul Cathedral dominates the fortress grounds and its iconic golden spire punctuates into the Baltic sky. Later visit the Yusupov Palace on the Moika, acclaimed as an “encyclopedia of St. Petersburg aristocratic interior design.” The palace was the home of the Yusupov family from 1830 and 1917 and was the place where Grigori Rasputin, a spiritual mentor to Tsar Nicholas II and the Royal Family in the early 20th century, was assassinated. A visit to the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood built between 1883 and 1907 rounds out the day. The church was built in “Russian Revivalist” architectural style by Tsar Alexander III in commemoration of his father, Alexander II. The church occupies a conspicuous location on St. Petersburg’s Griboedov Canal and contains 7,500 square meters of mosaics; the interior walls and ceilings are completely covered by mosaics.

Day 5 Overnight in St Petersburg Seeing St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum in a day would be like trying to see the Smithsonian in a day! Rather than a forced march through the galleries at a rapid pace, we will slow down and savor the masterpieces. Remember, there are nearly seven miles worth of exhibitions! Today we focus on “Imperial Russia,” touring the rooms decorated for members of the Russian Imperial Family and viewing the art they commissioned and collected. This is the art that influenced the style of the grand palaces of the era. View the Grand Suite of rooms, Peter I’s collection of gold, and the jewelers art owned by the Russian Imperial Family (including Fabergé eggs, gold and diamonds). Here, too, are the rooms of Catherine II and her son Paul I with their fifteenth to eighteenth century French paintings and sculpture (Poussin, Watteau, Fragonard, Chardin, and Houdon).

Day 6 Overnight in St Petersburg Return for a second dose of the Hermitage! Today is dedicated to the famous European masterpieces exhibited at the Hermitage. Feast your eyes on memorable works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Tintoretto, Tiepolo, Velazquez, and El Greco. At the Hermitage, you can revel in Rembrandt; there are twenty of his works in the museum’s collection. After lunch, enjoy the eighteenth to twentieth century masterpieces of Monet, van Gogh, Gauguin, Rodin, Picasso, Matisse and Kandinsky. Digest the art and reflect on this unique collection of human creations. Consider an evening performance, possibly at the Mariinsky Theatre.

Day 7 Overnight in St Petersburg Journey by hydrofoil across the Gulf of Finland to experience Peter I’s palace at Peterhof, a series of palaces and gardens that evoke comparisons with Versailles which Peter visited in 1715. Begun in 1714 with the construction of the Monplaisir palace and expanded by later Imperial generations who added Rococo and Neo-classical elements, Peterhof is now a World Heritage Site. The creative mastery of architects, engineers, artists and craftsmen from throughout Europe is on display here and all is choreographed to celebrate water in homage to Peter, the maritime emperor.

Day 8 Overnight in St Petersburg Go behind the scenes with an excursion to the Hermitage Museum’s Staraya Derevnya Restoration and Storage Center on the right back of the Neva River north of Kamenny Island. This vast treasure house is only accessible by private tour. Later, travel to Vasilvesky Island across the river from the Hermitage to visit Menishkov Palace completed in 1721 and now the oldest stone building in St. Petersburg. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.

About your guide : Amy Osaki holds a master’s degree from the Winterthur Museum. She studied art at the Louvre Museum in Paris and worked as a museum curator for over a decade including six years at the Portland Art Museum. She is an award-winning art educator who has led art trips around the world for the last fifteen years with Walking Softly Adventures. Many of these trips were offered for graduate credit from Portland State University where she is an Adjunct Professor.

Resources for Further Learning

• Preview part of the collection of the State Tretyakov Gallery at its website.
• Learn more about the Moscow Kremlin .
• Prepare yourself to experience the Hermitage . You can even shop on-line at the museum’s on-line museum store!

We're looking forward to hearing from you! You may contact us by telephone at 503-788-9017, by e-mail ([email protected]) or by completing and submitting the form below. Please enter any questions or comments in the "Message" box. PLEASE BE SURE TO MENTION THE TRIP IN WHICH YOU'RE INTERESTED. You must enter a valid email address in order to submit this form successfully. When you're finished entering information, enter the CAPTCHA code where indicated and click the "Submit" button at the bottom of this page. Art Tours by Amy does not release any of the information you provide us to any third party without your express permission.

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The State Tretyakov Gallery

The State Tretyakov Gallery (usually being called Tretyakovka) is an art gallery in Moscow, specialized in Russian visual arts and it’s one of the world’s biggest collections. The Gallery is named after Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov, Moscow merchant and patron of arts, and it’s been bearing his name with proud and gratitude for over a hundred years. In 1856 Tretyakov started his collection by acquiring two works by Russian artists, "Skirmish with Finnish Smugglers" by V.G. Khudyakov and "The Temptation" by N. G. Schilder.

Gallery of European and American Art of the 19th-20th Centuries

Moscow City Center - Tour Duration: 1 hour

The Art Gallery is a section of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts. It's rooms  contain the artworks by masters  of the 19th and 20th centuries:  Art of Romanticism, Realism, Academic and Salon Art, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Symbolism, Avant-garde and artistic trends of the 19th century as well as the paintings of Ingres, Delacroix, Corot, Daumier, Courbet, Millet, Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky, Chagall, Rodin, Maillol, Bourdelle and other masters of the 19th and 20th centuries.

About Me in Short

My name's Arthur Lookyanov, I'm a private tour guide, personal driver and photographer in Moscow, Russia. I work in my business and run my website Moscow-Driver.com from 2002. Read more about me and my services , check out testimonials of my former business and travel clients from all over the World, hit me up on Twitter or other social websites. I hope that you will like my photos as well.

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How Postwar Paris Changed the Expat Artists

An exhibition at the Grey Art Museum explores the fervid postwar scene in Paris, where Ellsworth Kelly, Joan Mitchell and others learned lessons America couldn’t teach them.

By Karen Rosenberg

Most people looking to make it as artists today are advised to follow a hyper-professionalized path, beginning with enrollment at one of a select group of M.F.A. programs. But as a new exhibition reminds us, it wasn’t always this way. “Americans in Paris: Artists Working in Postwar France, 1946-1962,” at the Grey Art Museum at N.Y.U., celebrates the convivial, informal and often self-directed education of expatriates in the French capital after World War II.

“Americans in Paris” inaugurates the university’s relocated and renamed art space; it has moved from Washington Square, where it was known as the Grey Art Gallery, several blocks east, to Cooper Square.

The show devotes a lot of scholarly attention to a slice of art history — abstract painting in Western Europe in the 1950s and ’60s — that is not exactly understudied. And it arrives at a moment when the 2024 Venice Biennale, “Foreigners Everywhere,” is advancing a very different idea of the expatriate (with a focus on the Global South, and on queer and Indigenous artists). The exhibit’s title inevitably brings to mind the classic 1951 Vincente Minnelli film, “ An American in Paris ,” starring Gene Kelly as a World War II veteran turned painter, whose dancing and wooing prove to be more accomplished than his brushwork.

But within familiar terrain, the show (organized by the Grey’s director, Lynn Gumpert, with the independent curator Debra Bricker Balken) finds new voices and perspectives. Among its 70 artists are a number who have been receiving overdue attention from the academy and the market (including Ed Clark , Beauford Delaney and Shirley Jaffe ), and a couple of others who haven’t been but should be (foremost among them the sculptor Shinkichi Tajiri ).

At heart, the exhibition is also about how artists learn and develop. It would not be inaccurate to call “Americans in Paris” an advertisement for the G.I. Bill of Rights, which financed college educations for veterans and covered many living expenses. (However, some of the show’s most significant figures — Joan Mitchell and Claire Falkenstein, as well as writers like James Baldwin who were critical to the development of the scene — had to make their way to France without government support.)

The curators are also careful to note that while the G.I. Bill helped enable the expat boom, women and men of color who had served often faced discrimination when applying for their benefits. Many of those who could leverage the bill enrolled in an art school or a private atelier and received a monthly stipend of $75 — enough to cover food and accommodations without having to take a day job.

The real schooling took place outside of formal classes: in other artists’ studios, on trips to museums in Paris, over long cafe lunches or through participation in exhibitions and salons.

Ellsworth Kelly, who was a veteran, skipped classes at the École des Beaux-Arts, where the focus was figure drawing (something he had already studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston). His more formative education overseas took place on a visit to the studio of the elder avant-garde artist Jean Arp in 1950, where he saw collages made with chance processes. And Kelly was also affected by just being out in the public spaces of Paris and its environs, where he took photographs of the shadows cast by balconies, staircases and other architectural features. His marvelous 1951 painting “Talmont” attests to both influences, arranging irregular green curves derived from cut-paper collages into a precise grid.

Hanging opposite Kelly’s work in the exhibition are paintings by the Cuban-born American artist Carmen Herrera , who exhibited alongside him at the annual Salon des Réalités Nouvelles (Salon of New Realities), an incubator of geometric abstraction. Herrera later said the salon offered “the type of art that my whole life I wanted to make.” Its impact on Herrera’s trajectory can be seen in three canvases on view, which find her gradually paring down her compositions while calling attention to the edges and surfaces of her supports.

Other artists had similarly transformative experiences in Paris’s museums. When the Musée de l’Orangerie reopened in 1953 after repairs to wartime damage, its galleries dedicated to Monet’s late murals of waterlilies astonished the painters Beauford Delaney and Sam Francis. Delaney, as seen in loans from MoMA and the Whitney, started to make allover abstractions of small gestural marks irradiated with golden light; Francis adopted a new palette of deep blues and greens, used to majestic effect in the large-scale canvas “Blue Out of White” (1958), on loan here from the Hirshhorn.

For Tajiri, a Japanese American who was imprisoned in California and Arizona internment camps after Pearl Harbor and later served with the segregated 442nd Regimental Combat Team, known as the “Yankee Samurai,” Paris offered a reprieve from the discrimination he had faced in the United States and its military (and at the Art Institute of Chicago, where he had briefly enrolled on the G.I. Bill). He found a sense of belonging as a founder of the artist-run Galerie Huit, where the other members included the Black Americans Harold Cousins, Herbert Gentry and Haywood Rivers.

Tajiri, like Kelly, found material in easily overlooked features of the city, scavenging scrap metal and machine parts from junkyards along the Seine, composing transient “One-Day Sculptures” that now exist only as documentation by the photographer Sabine Weiss.

Among Tajiri’s extant works at the Grey are two extraordinary sculptures on loan from collections in the Netherlands, where he eventually settled. “Lament for Lady (for Billie Holiday),” a 1953 assemblage, honors Holiday with a small photographic portrait perched atop an unusual metal instrument incorporating trumpet valves and a shower head. “Wounded Knee,” from the same year, extends Tajiri’s personal experiences of pain and displacement to Indigenous Americans, with whom he felt a kinship. (His internment in Arizona was at a camp within the Colorado River Indian Reservation.) The work’s title and its red-tinged spikes of welded iron allude to the artist’s leg injury during his wartime service, as well as to the 1890 massacre of the Lakota people at Wounded Knee in South Dakota.

While Tajiri found community in Paris, other artists arrived in the city looking for productive isolation. Joan Mitchell, represented by two robustly gestural green-on-white canvases from 1960, was looking to escape what she called the “star system” of the New York art world. Claire Falkenstein, the mathematically and scientifically inclined sculptor, left the Bay Area “to be alone and work out certain problems that I had to have answered for myself,” as she later put it .

Still, art critics of the time often wrote about Mitchell and Falkenstein’s work in relation to art being made back in the United States. Michel Tapié, for instance, linked Falkenstein to Francis and Mark Tobey in what he called the “Pacific School” (a sort of West Coast variant of Abstract Expressionism).

The show’s substantial publication has much more on the international rivalries of the day and the movements and sub-movements that defined the Paris scene. (A partial list would include Art Informel, Tachisme, Nouvelle Réalisme and Abstraction Chaude.) And it has a crucial narrative thread that is not as present in the show, linking Black American artists such as Delaney and Clark with writers, including James Baldwin , who were following the civil rights movement in the United States and, in Paris, the struggle for Algerian independence.

Baldwin is quoted throughout the book’s main curatorial essay, and a passage from his 1961 essay “The New Lost Generation” stands out: “What Europe still gives an American — or gave us — is the sanction to become oneself. No artist can survive without this acceptance.” Among the many invaluable forms of art education detailed in “Americans in Paris,” this may be the most important one.

Americans in Paris: Artists Working in Postwar France, 1946-1962

Through July 20, Grey Art Museum, 18 Cooper Square, Manhattan; 212-998-6780, greyartmuseum.nyu.edu.

Patrons can join comedian for hilarious, free tour of galleries at The Figge

Local comedian chris schlichting is booked to host a one-of-a-kind art tour on the evening of may 2.

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) -DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) -Quad Cities Live frequently features Figge In Focus segments where current exhibits, news, and museum programming and events are highlighted.

Comedian Chris Schlichting has been selected to host a truly one-of-a-kind tour of the Figge Art Museum galleries on May 2 from 6:30 to 8 p.m . Admission is free.

For additional details about what guests can expect including the guest guide’s personal and career background, please visit here .

Figge Art Museum is located at 225 West 2nd Street, Davenport.

Copyright 2024 KWQC. All rights reserved.

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Carin León Unveils International Tour Dates Ahead of Stagecoach Debut

Carin León will head out on his 'Boca Chueca' tour starting July 22.

By Thania Garcia

Thania Garcia

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Música Mexicana artist Carin León has announced his international “Boca Chueca Tour,” slated for this fall. León will kickoff the trek later this year after making debut appearances at both Coachella and Stagecoach .

The “Boca Chueca Tour” will hit major cities across North America and Europe, including a night at Madison Square Garden in New York City, two nights at the United Center in Chicago, Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, and BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.

Following the North American leg, León will venture into Europe with confirmed dates in Madrid, London, Amsterdam and Paris.

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“Embarking on this tour is an exhilarating opportunity to share my new music with fans throughout North America and Europe alike. Taking my songs and the vibrant essence of Música Mexicana to a global stage is truly an honor,” said León.

Ticket pre-sales begin April 30 at 10 a.m. local time and a limited number of VIP packages will also be available starting April 30. Tickets go on sale to the general public on May 3.

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Imagine Dragons To Unveil New Album ‘LOOM’ On June 28th & Launch North American Headline Tour

TICKETS GO ON-SALE FRIDAY, APRIL 26

New single “eyes closed” available now, entering a fearlessly bold era, imagine dragons will unveil their anxiously awaited sixth full-length album, loom (kidinakorner/interscope), on june 28, 2024., pre-order/pre-save here ..

“Imagine Dragons are flying higher than ever ….Ten years after their commercial breakthrough, the Las Vegas rockers are still scoring real crossover hits, playing to packed houses, and playing a U2-esque long game” – Billboard

“Imagine Dragons still know how to efficiently stomp stadiums into rubble…The alt-rock band remains reliably, radioactively enormous ”—Rolling Stone

In tandem with the record, the band will embark on their biggest North American headline tour to date. Descending upon legendary venues across the country, it kicks off on July 30, 2024 in Camden, NJ at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion , rolls through major markets coast-to-coast, and concludes on October 22, 2024 at Los Angeles’ iconic Hollywood Bowl . Check out the full confirmed itinerary below.

TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with a Citi presale (details below) beginning on April 23.  Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning on April 26 at 10AM local time at https://www.imaginedragonsmusic.com/tour .

VIP: Several VIP experiences will be available. Select packages include a signed guitar played by a member of Imagine Dragons on stage that night, a backstage tour, on-stage photo, and more!  All VIP packages include early entry, digital activities, and exclusive merchandise. Learn more at ImagineDragonsVIP.com.

PRESALE: Citi is the official card of the Imagine Dragons tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning April 23 at 10AM local time until Thursday, April 25 at 10PM local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com .

Imagine Dragons’ sixth studio album LOOM represents the pinnacle of their artistic journey of self-discovery and marks the best body of work they’ve ever made. LOOM , produced entirely by Imagine Dragons and their longtime collaborators Mattman and Robin, finds the perfect balance between the classic sounds that have made them superstars and the freshness that brought them joy in the studio. Featuring 9 brand new tracks including hit single “Eyes Closed”, LOOM signifies new beginnings on the horizon – the excitement for a new day, moments yet to come.

Last year, the members of Imagine Dragons found themselves with a rare and well-deserved break from the road—perhaps their longest in many years. So, they made the most of it by devoting that time to family and friends. Catalyzed by this respite with a refreshed perspective, the band rallied together in the studio and mined the same well of inspiration that fed their most beloved material. The musicians reflected on the past in order to catapult into a future where stylistic boundaries have disappeared entirely and anything is possible creatively. This journey has brought them to their most dynamic and definitive body of work to date, LOOM .

To herald LOOM , the band recently shared their soaring new anthem entitled “Eyes Closed.” Check out the video HERE . The track illuminates their penchant for boundary-breaking. Stretching the limits of the soundscape almost to the breaking point, they harness a burst of energy with a rafter-reaching refrain primed to soar on the upcoming summer tour.

It’s the year of the Dragons …

Tour Dates:

July 30, 2024 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion

August 2, 2024 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater

August 4, 2024 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center

August 6, 2024 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center

August 8, 2024 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

August 12, 2024 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

August 14, 2024 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake

August 16, 2024 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

August 18, 2024 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre

August 20, 2024 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center

August 22, 2024 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

August 23, 2024  – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion

August 26, 2024 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater

August 28, 2024 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

August 30, 2024 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

September 1, 2024 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

September 4, 2024 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion

September 6, 2024 – Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman

September 8, 2024 – Ridgedale, MO – Thunder Ridge Nature’s Arena

September 28, 2024 – Seattle, WA, The Gorge Amphitheatre

September 29, 2024 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater

October 2, 2024 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre

October 5, 2024 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

October 6, 2024 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

October 9, 2024 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater

October 11, 2024 – Salt Lake City, UT –  Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre

October 17, 2024 – Denver, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre

October 20, 2024 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

October 22, 2024 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl

Photo Credit: Eric Ray Davidson

ABOUT IMAGINE DRAGONS:

Imagine Dragons continue to redefine rock in the 21 st century. Filling stadiums, crafting cloud-rattling anthems, and breaking records at every turn, diamond-certified GRAMMY® Award-winning Las Vegas quartet Imagine Dragons occupy rarified air as one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Tallying cumulative sales of 74 million album equivalents, 65 million digital songs, and over 160 billion streams, they stand out as “the only band in history to earn four RIAA Diamond singles , ” namely “Radioactive” (16x-platinum), “Believer” (13x-platinum), “Thunder” (12x-platinum) and “Demons” (11x-platinum). Since emerging in 2009, they’ve scored five consecutive Top 10 debuts on the Billboard Top 200 with Night Visions [2012] (7x-platinum) (KIDinaKORNER/Interscope), Smoke+Mirrors [2015] (platinum) (KIDinaKORNER/Interscope), Evolve [2017] (triple-platinum) (KIDinaKORNER/Interscope), Origins [2018] (platinum)(KIDinaKORNER/Interscope), and Mercury – Act 1 [2021]( KIDinaKORNER/Interscope). With the release of Mercury – Act 2 (KIDinaKORNER/Interscope) in 2022, they completed their first double-album opus produced by the legendary Rick Rubin. The hit single “Bones,” featured on Mercury Act 2, went to number one at Alternative Radio and remains in the Global Top 50 on Spotify. The band’s hit collaboration with East Atlanta-based rapper J.I.D, “Enemy,” has racked up billions of global streams and landed at #6 on the IFPI Global Singles Chart for 2022. Dominating radio, they remain one of only four bands to ever achieve consecutive Top 5 singles at Alternative radio, and the only band to repeat this feat. Most recently, Imagine Dragons made history on Spotify, as “Bad Liar” became their 10th song to surpass 1 billion streams. The band now holds the crown for the group with most billion-plus streamed songs, becoming the first in the platform’s history to have ten songs reach this milestone. Meanwhile, Imagine Dragons’ music videos for hits “Thunder” and “Believer” have garnered an astounding 2 billion YouTube views, while videos for “Radioactive” and “Demons” have surpassed over 1 billion views.  They’ve collaborated with everyone from Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, and Wiz Khalifa to Avicii and film composer Hans Zimmer. Giving back, they’ve raised millions for various causes, including their pediatric cancer charity the Tyler Robinson Foundation, and frontman Dan Reynolds’ LOVELOUD Foundation and festival in support of LGBTQ+ youth. In 2022, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky named them ambassadors for UNITED 24, which benefits humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Imagine Dragons earned an impressive four nominations for the 2022 American Music Awards including “Favorite Pop Duo or Group,” “Favorite Rock Artist,” “Favorite Rock Album” and “Favorite Rock Song.” The band was also nominated for “Group of 2022” for the 2022 People’s Choice Awards. Most recently, they received an MTV VMA nomination for “Video For Good” for their acclaimed “Crushed” music video.

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

Media Contacts

Imagine Dragons:

Carleen Donovan | [email protected]

Franny Lail | [email protected]

Hillary Siskind | [email protected]

Live Nation Concerts:

Monique Sowinski | [email protected]

Valeska Thomas | [email protected]

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Wrexham schedules 3 games in US and Canada in July

Wrexham’s Paul Mullin and Elliot Lee on the pitch celebrating promotion to League One after the final whistle of the Sky Bet League Two match at the SToK Cae Ras, Wrexham, Saturday April 13, 2024. (Jacob King/PA via AP)

Wrexham fans invade the pitch celebrating promotion to League One after the final whistle of a League Two soccer match, Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Wrexham, Wales. The Welsh team co-owned by actor Ryan Reynolds clinched promotion to the third tier of English soccer thanks to a 6-0 home win over Forest Green on Saturday. (Jacob King/PA via AP)

Wrexham players on the pitch celebrate promotion to League One after the final whistle of the Sky Bet League Two match at the SToK Cae Ras, Wrexham, Saturday April 13, 2024. (Jacob King/PA via AP)

Wrexham’s James McClean, left, and Ben Tozer celebrate promotion to League One after the final whistle of the Sky Bet League Two match at the SToK Cae Ras, Wrexham, Saturday April 13, 2024. (Jacob King/PA via AP)

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WREXHAM, Wales (AP) — Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are taking Wrexham back to the United States this summer.

Details were announced in an online video on Thursday, confirming two games in California and another in Vancouver, British Columbia, as part of the Welsh club’s preparations for the English third tier next season.

Wrexham shot to global fame after being bought by Hollywood actors Reynolds and McElhenney in 2021. Under their stewardship, Wrexham has earned promotion in two successive seasons.

Wrexham will play Bournemouth in Santa Barbara on July 20, Chelsea in Santa Clara on July 24, and the Vancouver Whitecaps on July 27.

Last year’s U.S. tour included games against Chelsea and Manchester United.

“It will be a great chance to meet new supporters, while also building for the 2024-25 League One season,” manager Phil Parkinson said.

Wrexham is the subject of the globally streamed documentary series “Welcome to Wrexham.”

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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Rb leipzig to play aston villa on summer us tour.

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RB Leipzig announced that the club will hold a training camp in New Jersey from July 28 to August 4. ... [+] As part of the US Tour the club will play Aston Villa on July 31 at the New York Red Bulls Arena in Harrison, NJ. Photo: Jan Woitas/dpa (Photo by Jan Woitas/picture alliance via Getty Images)

For the first time in the club’s history, RB Leipzig will play two preseason friendly matches in the United States this summer. Leipzig will train at the New York Red Bulls Academy in Whippany, New Jersey, the home of its Major League Soccer sister club, the New York Red Bulls.

“This will be our first preseason outside of Europe, and in the United States, we decided to go to a key target market for our club,” RB Leipzig CBO Johann Plenge said in a club statement. RB Leipzig excites soccer fans both domestically and internationally with its unique story, which has taken us from the fifth division to the Champions League.”

The club will also play a friendly against Aston Villa at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, on Jul. 31. On Aug. 4, the club plans to play a second friendly against a yet-to-be-determined opponent somewhere on the East Coast.

“We will be at their training facilities and have a very close exchange with them,” Plenge said when asked why Leipzig opted not to play against their sister club. “We wanted to play Aston Villa because we think it is exciting to bring together European teams and have them compete in the US. Aston Villa has been playing an impressive season not only in the Premier League but also the Conference League.”

What does the tour mean from a commercial standpoint? According to RB Leipzig , the club is currently among the top three Bundesliga teams in terms of US television ratings. The club also has seven million followers on various social media platforms, 10% coming from the United States.

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Johann Plenge, Managing Director of RB Leipzig, announcing the club's US Tour at the Red Bull Arana ... [+] in Leipzig (Photo by Jan Woitas/picture alliance via Getty Images)

“Soccer fans in the United States are following the RB Leipzig story,” Plenge said. “We are convinced that it is a great story, and we want to spread the word about our story and reach more fans. But it is also important for our partners. First and foremost, Red Bull in the US market is very relevant for the brand, and we will try to activate together.”

That activation will also include presenting new kit sponsor Puma and working together closely with sister club New York Red Bulls. “We will go to the match on July 30 [against Pachuca] and do commercial activations,” Plenge said. “We will also do commercial activations with our new equipment partner and launch our jersey during the US tour.”

One of the key aspects of the tour will be to work closely with the New York Red Bulls. “For me, that’s more important than connecting our soccer team with other kinds of sports,” Plenge said. “I want our coaches to exchange, the sporting directors to exchange, and most importantly our players.”

Focusing on player engagement makes sense from an RB Leipzig point of view. After all, in the likes of Tyler Adams and Caden Clark, RB Leipzig has recruited from the Red Bulls in the past. Finding more talent in North America through their sister club has been, in fact, something Leipzig has wanted to deepen for some time, and the US Tour will, therefore, be a two-way street of exchanging ideas.

Player transfers, however, haven’t been just one way. In February, Leipzig legend Emil Forsberg headed stateside to join the New York Red Bulls. The Swedish playmaker has voiced his excitement about seeing his former teammates. “Not only are the conditions at our training complex great, but New York is also the perfect city for RB Leipzig and the Bundesliga to become better known in the USA,” Forsberg said before concluding. “I’m sure that we’ll have a great time together.”

Manuel Veth is the host of the Bundesliga Gegenpressing Podcast and the Area Manager USA at Transfermarkt . He has also been published in the Guardian, Newsweek, Howler, Pro Soccer USA, and several other outlets. Follow him on Twitter: @ManuelVeth and on Threads: @manuveth

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