Top Museums in USA: Explore Culture, Art & History

The United States is home to an impressive variety of museums, offering something for every interest. From art and history to science and culture, the country boasts over 35,000 institutions that showcase its diverse heritage.

In this guide, you’ll explore 25 must-visit museums in USA, including both historical museums in USA and tourist museums in USA, each designed to enrich your knowledge and provide unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best museums in USA or a famous museum in USA that defines American culture, this list has something for every traveler.

1. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (Washington, DC)

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., is the world’s largest collection of aviation and space artifacts, featuring iconic items like the Wright Flyer and Apollo 11 Command Module. It inspires millions annually with engaging exhibits and educational programs, showcasing humanity’s journey through flight and space exploration.

• Rating: 4.8/5
• Why Visit: Explore the world’s most extensive collection of historic aircraft and space exploration artifacts.
• Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Apollo 11 moon landing exhibit
• Ticket Pricing: Free admission
• Museum Timing: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily

2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York City)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art,, or the Met, is New York City’s largest art museum, founded in 1870. It houses over two million works spanning 5,000 years, including masterpieces from ancient Egypt and European Old Masters. 

• Rating: 4.9/5
• Why Visit: World-renowned art collection spanning 5,000 years of human creativity
• Insider Tip: Purchase a city pass for discounted entry
• Ticket Pricing: Adults – $30, Seniors – $22, Students – $17, Children (under 12) – Free
• Museum Timing: Sunday to Tuesday and Thursday (10 am – 5 pm), Friday and Saturday (10 am – 9 pm)

3. American Museum of Natural History (New York City)

The American Museum of Natural History in New York City is a standout among museums in USA. Established in 1869, it ranks as one of the largest and most famous museums in USA, featuring 46 exhibition halls and over 34 million specimens. This tourist museum in USA offers visitors an unparalleled glimpse into natural history, making it a must-visit destination for both science enthusiasts and families.

• Rating: 4.7/5
• Why Visit: Incredible dinosaur exhibits and comprehensive natural world displays
• Insider Tip: Allow at least half a day to explore fully
• Ticket Pricing: Adult – $25, Student – $20, Children – $14
• Museum Timing: Open daily, 10 am – 5:30 pm

4. Getty Center (Los Angeles)

The Getty Center in Los Angeles, opened in 1997, is a renowned cultural complex designed by Richard Meier. It features stunning architecture, breathtaking views, and an extensive collection of European art. Attracting 1.8 million visitors annually!

• Rating: 4.6/5
• Why Visit: Stunning architecture and world-class art collections
• Insider Tip: Enjoy free admission and breathtaking city views
• Ticket Pricing: Free
• Museum Timing: Tuesday to Friday and Sunday (10 am – 5:30 pm), Saturday (10 am – 8 pm)

5. Field Museum (Chicago)

The Field Museum in Chicago, established in 1893, is a premier natural history museum with nearly 40 million specimens. It features iconic exhibits like SUE, the complete T. rex fossil, attracting 2 million visitors annually.

• Rating: 4.7/5
• Why Visit: Home to Sue, the world’s largest and most complete T. Rex skeleton
• Insider Tip: Purchase tickets online to avoid long lines
• Ticket Pricing: Basic Admission Adult – $30, Child (3-11) – $23, Student – $27
• Museum Timing: Open daily, 9 am – 5 pm

6. National World War II Museum (New Orleans)

The National World War II Museum in New Orleans is one of the best museums in USA for history enthusiasts. Established in 2000, this historical museum in USA focuses on the American experience during World War II, featuring immersive exhibits like the Road to Berlin and Road to Tokyo. Drawing over 700,000 visitors annually, it stands out as a top tourist museum in USA for those seeking a deep understanding of WWII history.

• Rating: 4.9/5
• Why Visit: Comprehensive exhibits documenting World War II history
• Insider Tip: Plan for a full day to explore all exhibits
• Ticket Pricing: Adult – $25.00 to $36.00, Student – $0.00 to $26.00, Child – $0.00 – $26.00
• Museum Timing: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

7. National Museum of African American History and Culture (Washington, DC)

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C., opened in 2016, is the largest museum dedicated to African American history. It features over 40,000 artifacts, including Nat Turner’s Bible.

• Rating: 4.8/5
• Why Visit: Powerful narrative of African American experiences and contributions
• Insider Tip: Obtain free timed entry passes in advance
• Ticket Pricing: Free admission
• Museum Timing: Tuesday to Sunday – 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday – 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm

8. USS Arizona Memorial (Honolulu)

The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor honors the 1,177 sailors and Marines who died during the December 7, 1941 attack. Opened in 1962, it features a documentary and names inscribed on a marble wall.

• Rating: 4.7/5
• Why Visit: Poignant memorial to Pearl Harbor victims
• Insider Tip: Book tickets early, limited daily availability
• Ticket Pricing: Free (but requires advanced reservation)
• Museum Timing: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

9. National Civil Rights Museum (Memphis)

The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis is one of the most famous museums in USA, located at the historic Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. This historical museum in USA features over 40,000 artifacts and immersive exhibits tracing civil rights history from 1619 to the present. It is a top tourist museum in USA for visitors seeking to understand the pivotal moments and figures of the civil rights movement.

• Rating: 4.8/5
• Why Visit: Located at the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated
• Insider Tip: Allow 2-3 hours for a comprehensive visit
• Ticket Pricing: Adults – $20.00, Students/Seniors 65+ – $18.00, Children (5 – 17) – $17.00, Children (under 4) – Free
• Museum Timing: Wednesday – Monday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

10. Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration (New York)

The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration in New York Harbor highlights American immigration history. Opened in 1990, it features over 40,000 artifacts and attracts nearly 2.2 million visitors annually, offering key educational resources.

• Rating: 4.6/5
• Why Visit: Explore America’s immigration history
• Insider Tip: Combine with Statue of Liberty tour
• Ticket Pricing: Free entrance (other charges may incur)
• Museum Timing: Daily, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

11. National Museum of the American Indian (Washington, DC)

The National Museum of the American Indian part of the Smithsonian Institution, opened in 2004 in Washington, D.C. It showcases over 800,000 artifacts, highlighting Indigenous cultures and histories across the Americas, with branches in New York and Maryland.

• Rating: 4.7/5
• Why Visit: Comprehensive Native American history and culture
• Insider Tip: Attend free cultural demonstrations
• Ticket Pricing: Free admission
• Museum Timing: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

12. Wing Luke Museum (Seattle)

The Wing Luke Museum in Seattle, USA, established in 1967, is one of the best museums in USA for exploring pan-Asian Pacific American history. This famous museum in USA is the only community-based institution dedicated to the history and culture of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. As a tourist museum in USA, it offers immersive exhibits that highlight the rich stories, traditions, and contributions of these communities.

• Rating: 4.6/5
• Why Visit: Explore Asian Pacific American experiences
• Insider Tip: Take a guided tour of the historic hotel
• Ticket Pricing: Adults – $17, Seniors (62+) – $15, Students (13-18) – $12.50, Children (5-12) – $10, Children (0 – 5) – Free
• Museum Timing: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)

13. National Hispanic Cultural Center (Albuquerque)

The National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque promotes Hispanic culture, arts, and humanities. Opened in 2000, it features an art museum, performing arts complex, library, and genealogy center, hosting over 700 events annually.

• Rating: 4.5/5
• Why Visit: Celebrates Hispanic arts and culture
• Insider Tip: Check out live performance schedules
• Ticket Pricing: Adults (17+) – $6 , Children – Free
• Museum Timing: Tuesdays – Sundays, 10 am – 4 pm

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14. National Museum of Mexican Art (Chicago)

The National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, Illinois, established in 1982, is dedicated to Mexican and Chicano art, housing over 22,000 artifacts spanning 3,000 years. As the only Latino museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, it offers free admission and hosts numerous cultural events.

• Rating: 4.7/5
• Why Visit: Extensive collection of Mexican art and cultural artifacts
• Insider Tip: Free admission with suggested donation
• Ticket Pricing: Free
• Museum Timing: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

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15. Japanese American National Museum (Los Angeles)

The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) in Los Angeles, USA, founded in 1992, is one of the best museums in USA dedicated to preserving Japanese American history. This famous museum in USA houses over 130 years of artifacts and, as a Smithsonian Affiliate, promotes understanding while advocating for social justice. Visitors to this tourist museum in USA can explore engaging exhibitions and programs that highlight the Japanese American experience and cultural heritage.

• Rating: 4.6/5
• Why Visit: Powerful stories of Japanese American experiences
• Insider Tip: Attend special cultural events
• Ticket Pricing: Not available
• Museum Timing: Currently closed for renovations.

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16. National Gallery of Art (Washington, DC)

The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.,founded in 1937, houses over 150,000 works of Western art, including masterpieces in its neoclassical West Building and contemporary pieces in the East Building. Admission is free.

• Rating: 4.8/5
• Why Visit: Extensive art collection spanning centuries
• Insider Tip: Free guided tours available
• Ticket Pricing: Free admission
• Museum Timing: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

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17. Minneapolis Institute of Art (Minnesota)

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is a prominent museum in Minneapolis, featuring over 100,000 works spanning 5,000 years of global history. Founded in 1883, it offers free admission and attracts over 500,000 visitors annually.

• Rating: 4.6/5
• Why Visit: Diverse art collection from around the world
• Insider Tip: Free parking available
• Ticket Pricing: Free admission
• Museum Timing: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm (extends to 9 pm on Thursdays)

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18. Library of Congress (Washington, DC)

The Library of Congress (LOC) in Washington, D.C., is the world’s largest library, housing approximately 173 million items. Founded in 1800, it serves as the U.S. Congress’s research library and offers public access to vast collections.

• Rating: 4.7/5
• Why Visit: The World’s largest library with historic exhibits
• Insider Tip: Free guided tours are available
• Ticket Pricing: Free admission
• Museum Timing: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm (extends to 9 pm on Thursdays)

19. Museum of Modern Art (New York City)

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, USA, established in 1929, is one of the best museums in USA for modern and contemporary art. This famous museum in USA features over 150,000 works, including iconic pieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol. As a leading tourist museum in USA, MoMA attracts nearly 3 million visitors annually, offering immersive exhibitions and engaging programs that showcase the evolution of modern art.

• Rating: 4.8/5
• Why Visit: Iconic modern and contemporary art collection
• Insider Tip: Visit on free Friday nights
• Ticket Pricing: Adults – $30, Seniors (65 and over) – $22, Students – $17, Children (0 – 16) – Free
• Museum Timing: Daily, 10:30 am- 5:30 pm

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20. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is a leading contemporary art museum, reopened in 2016 after expansion. It features over 33,000 works, including the Doris and Donald Fisher Collection, attracting nearly 1 million visitors annually.

• Rating: 4.7/5
• Why Visit: Cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions
• Insider Tip: Check out the living wall in the lobby
• Ticket Pricing: Adults – $30, Seniors (65 and over) – $25, Students – $23, Children (0 – 18) – Free
• Museum Timing: 10 am – 5 pm (Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday), Thursday: Noon – 8 pm

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21. Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago, established in 1879, is one of the largest U.S. art museums, featuring over 300,000 works, including Grant Wood’s American Gothic and Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks, attracting millions annually.

• Rating: 4.9/5
• Why Visit: Renowned collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art
• Insider Tip: Purchase city museum pass for discounts
• Ticket Pricing: Adults – $32, Seniors (65 and over) – $26, Students – $26, Children (0 – 14) – Free
• Museum Timing: Wednesday – Monday, 11 am to 5 pm (extends to 8 pm on Thursdays)

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23. Rhode Island School of Design Museum

The Rhode Island School of Design Museum (RISD Museum), in Providence, USA, founded in 1877, stands as one of the best museums in USA and a leading tourist museum in USA. Housing over 100,000 works spanning diverse cultures and historical periods, this museum offers visitors an exceptional insight into global art and design. Its rich collections make it one of the most famous museums in USA for art enthusiasts and students alike.

• Rating: 4.6/5
• Why Visit: Unique and diverse art collection
• Insider Tip: Student-led tours available
• Ticket Pricing: Adults – $22, Seniors (62 and over) – $17, Students – $12, Children (0 – 18) – Free
• Museum Timing: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm (12 – 8 pm on Thursdays)

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24. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville)

The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, opened in 2011 and offers free admission. Founded by Alice Walton, it features American art spanning five centuries and beautiful nature trails.

• Rating: 4.8/5
• Why Visit: Stunning architecture and a comprehensive American art collection
• Insider Tip: Beautiful outdoor sculpture gardens
• Ticket Pricing: Free admission (Some exhibitions require an entry fee)
• Museum Timing: 11 am – 6 pm (Monday – Wednesday), 11 am – 8 pm (Thursday – Friday), 10 am – 6 pm (Saturday – Sunday)

FAQs

What is the most-visited museum in the USA? 

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., which attracts approximately 7-9 million visitors annually.

What are some must-see artifacts or exhibits in USA museums? 

Key exhibits include the Wright Brothers’ plane at the National Air and Space Museum, the Hope Diamond at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, and the original Declaration of Independence at the National Archives.

What are the top 3 museums in the USA? 

1) Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum,
2) Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York,
3) American Museum of Natural History in New York.

What are typical museum entrance fees in the USA? 

Fees range from $15-$30 for adults. Many Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. offer free admission. Prices vary by museum and location.

What are typical USA museum opening hours? 

Most museums open between 9:30-10:00 AM and close between 5:00-6:00 PM. Some museums have extended hours on specific days, typically until 8:00-9:00 PM.

Are there notable science museums in the USA? 

Yes, including the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, California Science Center, Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, and the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

Are there entertainment-focused museums in the USA? 

Yes! Entertainment enthusiasts can explore the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, and the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, all offering immersive, interactive experiences.

What are the top museums for kids in the USA? 

Families can enjoy child-friendly learning at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Boston Children’s Museum, Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, and the San Francisco Exploratorium, combining fun with education.

Are there any free museums in the USA? 

Absolutely. All Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. are free to enter. Additionally, many city museums host free admission days, and some university and cultural centers offer complimentary access.

What is a unique museum experience in the USA? 

Visitors seeking profound experiences can visit the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York for an immersive historical journey, or the National Museum of African American History and Culture for deep cultural insights.