Must-visit museums in the United States

The United States has numerous famous museums that house valuable artifacts and artworks from around the world. Among them, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is one of the most renowned and is one of the top four museums globally. In addition to the historical museums, there are many other educational and inspirational museums in the United States. For example, the Museum of Modern Art in New York showcases contemporary artworks, the National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. exhibits the achievements of the United States in the field of aviation and space, and the Kennedy Space Center in Orlando is a significant hub for the American space program. These museums are all highlights of tourism in the United States and are worth a visit for travelers.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York was founded in 1870 and is located next to Central Park. It is one of the three largest museums in the world, along with the British Museum and the Louvre. The museum is divided into four floors and houses over 3.3 million extensive collections, covering various precious artifacts and artworks from Egypt, Greece, Rome, Europe, and other regions. It is situated at 82nd Street on Fifth Avenue in New York, USA, adjacent to the American Museum of Natural History and the Hayden Planetarium, forming the famous 'Cultural Triangle.' The museum mainly reviews the development of human civilization, encompassing art and culture from around the world and different periods, showcasing the integration and mutual influence between different cultures, and holds profound historical and artistic significance.

American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is located next to Central Park in Manhattan, New York, USA, and is one of the two most popular cultural tourist attractions in New York, alongside the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art. Covering an area of 7 hectares, it is one of the largest natural history museums in the world. Built in 1869, the museum is a magnificent building that combines Roman and Renaissance styles and has a history of over 100 years. The museum offers numerous themed exhibitions, including dinosaur fossils, the ocean world, cave exploration, and more, which are beloved by nature enthusiasts. Additionally, it is the filming location for movies such as 'Night at the Museum' and 'Jurassic Park,' and the workplace of Ross in 'Friends,' attracting countless visitors each year to appreciate the charm of nature and cinema.

Museum of Modern Art

This comprehensive building complex was designed by Berlin architect Josef Paul Kleihues. It houses many works of painting, sculpture, photography, and video by modern masters, including works by Jasper Johns, Ed Paschke, and Andy Warhol.

National Air and Space Museum

Located on the National Mall, the museum and its 2003 newly opened 'sibling,' the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, are among the most popular museums in the United States, attracting 8 million visitors from around the world each year. The museum houses many stars of aviation and space history, such as the Wright brothers' airplane and the Apollo 11 command module. Additionally, the museum offers free guided tours, an IMAX theater, an observatory, science demonstrations, and children's story time, all aimed at inspiring and educating visitors while commemorating the remarkable achievements in the history of human flight.

Kennedy Space Center

The Kennedy Space Center is located on Merritt Island on the east coast of Florida, USA. Established in July 1962, it is the most important site for NASA to test, prepare, and launch manned and unmanned spacecraft. It is named in honor of the late U.S. President John F. Kennedy. The entire site covers an area of 567 square kilometers, stretching 55 kilometers long and 10 kilometers wide, with approximately 17,000 people working there. Additionally, the site features a visitor center where tourists can take guided tours. The Kennedy Space Center is a major tourist attraction in Florida and the area is also a U.S. National Wildlife Refuge.

Getty Center

This group of unique buildings perched on the cliffs is one of the most important and wealthiest art institutions in Los Angeles and globally. It consists of six buildings, extensive gardens, and open fields, making it one of the best spots to overlook the panoramic view of Los Angeles. The institution houses a collection of American manuscripts and old photographs, making it one of the largest collections of its kind in the United States. Its collection includes ancient Roman and Greek marble sculptures, manuscripts, European and American paintings and drawings, European sculptures, and more.

Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago is a highly acclaimed art museum located on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. It is one of the three major art museums in the United States. The museum's collection is incredibly diverse, featuring artworks from various periods and regions, ranging from ancient Chinese and Egyptian art to modern and contemporary art from Europe, America, and Africa. The museum houses a significant number of famous Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Van Gogh. In addition, it also holds some notable American manuscripts and old photographs. The museum's permanent collection is another highlight, featuring famous paintings such as Grant Wood's American Gothic, Edward Hopper's Nighthawks, Picasso's The Old Guitarist, and Georges Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte. If you wish to enjoy city views, you can visit the free-access contemporary sculpture garden on the third floor, which is connected to Millennium Park via the modern Nichols Bridgeway.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is an outstanding tourist attraction. If you can only visit one place in San Diego, this is definitely a great choice. The park covers 1,200 acres and is the site of the 1915 California World's Fair, with magnificent architecture and landscapes. The park houses 14 world-renowned museums, including the San Diego Natural History Museum, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the San Diego Air & Space Museum, catering to the interests of visitors from various fields. Additionally, the park features beautiful rose gardens, a Japanese garden, and multi-purpose sports fields. Whether you want to admire artworks, explore science, taste delicious food, or enjoy nature, Balboa Park will leave you thoroughly satisfied.