Welcome to the ultimate guide to the biggest and grandest museums in the USA! You can find anything from ancient artifacts to modern art, all of which will have you wide-eyed with wonder. So come join us and explore the exciting world of museums right here in the USA!
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Biggest Museums in the USA
Museums are some of the most popular attractions in the United States. Families flock to these sites for interactive learning experiences. They are excited to absorb incredible artwork and architecture, or simply to get a glimpse into our nation’s history. With such a need for ‘ed-tainment’ pulling at our heels, it’s no wonder a variety of the largest museums have popped up. Turning it into an ‘ed-venture’ is what using the world as your classroom is all about.
Here is an overview of some of the biggest museums found in America today:
- Whether you’re taking a trip across America or becoming enamored with your city’s offerings – these mammoth museums are worth checking out.
- Experiencing the sheer size of many of these most visited museums is on many people’s itineraries. They offer visitors an opportunity to explore and appreciate something larger-than-life and have an epic experience they can remember forever!
History of the Biggest Museums in the USA
From the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. to the Art Institute of Chicago, museums are an important part of American history and culture. Many of the biggest museums in the United States contain thousands of artifacts. Ancient and modern exhibits capture the essence of what it means to be American.
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution was founded in 1846 “for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” It is based in Washington D.C. but has multiple museum locations around the United States. The Smithsonian has 19 museums dedicating its collections to topics such as art, history, culture, science, and technology. This institution is home to some iconic artifacts from U.S. history such as Abraham Lincoln’s top hat and Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located in New York City. It is the largest museum in America today with 2 million works spanning 5 millennia across five thousand years. Founded in 1870, this sprawling collection contains a variety of famous objects. Don’t miss Greek statues or grand paintings by some well-known European masters like Rembrandt and Monet. For art lovers, no visit would be complete without a tour of this legendary space. It contains large galleries made up almost entirely of works from individual artists or entire civilizations.
Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum
The Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum was launched in 1946. Its purpose was to preserve notable items produced by former military personnel which were still scattered across Europe after WWII had ended two years prior. Nowadays, it houses many iconic memorabilia related to aviation. You see the Apollo 11’s command module Columbia which took Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the historic journey towards the Moon—all while being guarded alternatively 24/7 by armed officers or robots! Interpretive centers add modern context making sure that no one misses out on important expressions our country’s brightest minds had at various turning points throughout history.
Famous Artworks in the Largest Museums in the US
The United States has some of the most important art collections in the world, exhibited in several renowned museums. The largest US museum is the National Gallery of Art. It has over 7 million works of art, representing a wide range of artistic genres and periods. With a variety of buildings to accommodate contemporary pieces, this museum’s collection houses some of the greatest masterpieces including Leonardo da Vinci’s Ginevra de’ Benci or Andy Warhol’s iconic Cambell’s Soup Can.
Visitors can explore one of the largest art museums, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. What’s so great about the MMA? The Metropolitan Museum of Art:
- includes more than two million pieces from Africa, Europe, and Asia in its permanent collection.
- is the perfect place to learn about ancient sculptures, textiles, photography and so much more. It also hosts one of the most outstanding collections of American art. It features works by Thomas Eakins, Winslow Homer, and Mary Cassatt among many others.
More exciting artwork and exhibits
Among its 836,000 academic works featured in its collection are prehistoric artifacts from Native Americans, European Impressionist paintings by Monet and Renoir as well as ancient Greek sculptures. These pieces are put on display at various exhibition halls such as George Gustav Heye Center or Arthur M Sackler Gallery demonstrating their cultural importance throughout history. On display at the White House is also a sculpture made by Paul Manship named Planetree located near the east column offering visitors both cultural relevance and beauty to appreciate.
Finally, one cannot overlook The J. Paul Getty Center – based in Los Angeles – which outfits an outstanding variety of light paintings, modern sculpture impressionists, cubism, impressionist art, modernism photography, landscapes, and decorative arts adding to its expansive gallery. Thus making it one of the largest museums in North America. This museum offers a perfect balance between recreational learning spaces and interactive experiences and elaborate exhibitions for visitors from every corner of the globe.
Popular Exhibitions at the Biggest Museum in the USA
Visitors to the United States have the opportunity to explore some of the world’s biggest and most well-known museums. From renowned classics such as New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) to beloved historical institutions like Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, these giant bastions of culture are sure to prove they are among the best museums in the United States of America. Here is an overview of some must-see exhibitions in a few of the largest and most renowned American museums:
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of New York City’s biggest tourist attractions. Surely, it has no shortage of noteworthy collections. From its expansive collections on ancient cultures (Ancient Near Eastern Art collection,) modern art (the Leo Steinberg Collection,) prints and drawings (The Wrightsman Collection) to Renaissance art (The Cloisters,) The Met has something for everyone. And if that isn’t enough, it houses Sir Elton John’s personal photography collection as well!
National Air and Space Museum, Washington DC
As part of the influential Smithsonian Institution family in Washington DC, the National Air and Space Museum offers an impressive inventory of items from aviation history. Notable titles include:
- “Milestones Of Flight,” a celebration of vintage flight craft spanning both civilian aircraft and military fighter jets,
- “Explore Different Ages Of Flight,” a collection of historic artifacts tracing key moments in air travel history from hot air balloons Marie Antoinette famously took rides in during the late 18th century France to 21st-century space exploration developments.
The Getty Center, Los Angeles
The Getty Center, Los Angeles is home to vast collections covering fine arts throughout Europe from the Medieval period through the present day, Getty is one of the modern visual arts hubs located just outside downtown Los Angeles. Must-see series include:
- its extensive Renaissance portrait exhibit at Villa di Careggi –a posthumous Florentine homage to northern Italian tradition
- its valuable French painting selections exploring themes around the discovery of love (Fragments Of Poetry),
- 40 carefully curated photographic pieces showing how our lives have changed as a result of the technological revolution (Picturing Our World Through Photography.)
Educational Programs in the Biggest Museums in the USA
Most of the largest and most popular museums in the USA offer educational programs for both adults and children. These may include lectures, seminars, workshops, activities, special exhibitions, digital lesson plans, virtual tours, and more.
The Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. has educational programs for every age group. Don’t miss resources and classes for elementary and secondary students, as well as at-home learning resources for parents and educators. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City offers student tours emphasizing art history or cultural context. They also have guided tours to help families discuss works of art together.
The American Museum of Natural History in New York City provides hands-on activities focused on earth science. Learning through exploration and self-guided problem-solving is perfect for Homeschool families that love STEM. At The Getty Center in Los Angeles, visitors can attend programs such as weekend films about their current exhibition or weekly family programs with stories that bring the collection to life. And the J. Paul Getty Museum and the Smithsonian Natural History Museum are each a great place to learn about science, history, and art.
These large museums, with their massive amount of square feet dedicated to galleries brimming with exciting artifacts and paintings, have one primary goal. They strive to ensure visitors are able to learn from their collections through an interactive experience. They want to encourage discovery and inquiry into various cultural topics related to their respective cities and countries.
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Special Events in the Biggest Museums in the USA
Visiting museums can be a great way to experience the cultural heritage of America and learn more about history and art. The biggest museums in the USA offer diverse special events such as lectures, film screenings, art classes, kids’ programs, evening activities, and guided tours.
National Air and Space Museum
In these renowned establishments such as the National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall in Washington DC, you can watch amazing lectures from renowned experts in their fields. Participate in a fascinating discussion about space exploration or attend a screening of thought-provoking films about astronomy and science.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
At the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), you can join art classes taught by experienced instructors ranging from beginner to experienced levels. Learn traditional techniques or brush up on basic principles of design without leaving your seat! Both LACMA and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York also offer kid-focused educational activities that help younger guests explore contemporary art and European paintings through fun play or individual discovery.
The Field Museum in Chicago
If you prefer to enjoy music or theatre performances while learning more about history and culture, then The Field Museum in Chicago is the perfect choice for you. With interactive evening concerts featuring local music groups offering everything from classical compositions to modern indie rock songs, this museum offers entertainment that expresses multitudes of stories while immersing yourself in unforgettable experiences. Guests are invited to also join guided tours taking them through time while exploring various collections at The Field Museum.
Benefits of Visiting the Biggest Museums in the USA
Visiting the biggest museums in the USA can offer a plethora of benefits. From education and entertainment to historical value and cultural enrichment, these monuments expand your view of the world and propel you further on your home-educating journey.
Expansive Selection of Exhibitions
The expansive selection of exhibitions offered by these museums includes:
- artwork spanning multiple eras,
- scientific achievements,
- artifacts from our nation’s past,
- natural history displays, and much more.
Whether you prefer to learn about groundbreaking technology or explore the mysteries of human creativity through art, spanning centuries worth of exhibits has something for everyone.
In addition to gaining knowledge about a wide array of subjects, visitors are also encouraged to engage in activities such as interactive tours and behind-the-scenes discussions with museum staff. Get involved in an informative lecture discussing a particular exhibit or join one of the many workshops available that provide hands-on experiences such as painting or sculpting classes.
Appreciation for Culture
Not only do these facilities offer new perspectives on different topics but they also promote further appreciation for culture in general—all while surrounded by amazing architecture and scenery. Furthermore, visiting the biggest museum sites in the USA allows individuals of all ages to experience learning opportunities.. Enjoy a visit to an unrestricted environment where creativity knows no bounds. Entering into this realm creates a valuable setting that encourages creative expression and allows patrons to foster new connections while learning more about the world around us.
The Biggest & the Best
Visitors to the United States will find an abundance of world-renowned museums, each displaying fascinating collections in unique and awe-inspiring ways. The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum and research complex with 19 individual museums appealing to many different interests.
For history buffs, popular choices include the National Museum of American History in Washington D.C., the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.
For those looking for more technological experiences, destinations such as the American Museum of Natural History, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Tech Interactive Center in San Jose, California provide cutting-edge exhibitions to discover new innovations.
Whether you’re a fan of nature, art, or science, there is sure to be a museum that offers exciting activities for all ages.
While they might not be the biggest, these museums are considered some of the best museums in USA.
According to USA Today readers, these are the 10 best museums in the USA. Add them to your itinerary as your travel the United States of America using the world as your classroom
- Planet Word – Washington, D.C.
- National Museum of African American Music – Nashville, Tennessee
- Poster House – New York City, New York
- National Museum of the United States Army – Fort Belvoir, Virginia,
- American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog – New York City, New York.
- Harriet Tubman Museum – Cape May, New Jersey
- Mascot Hall of Fame – Whiting, Indiana
- Oklahoma Contemporary – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum – Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Cook Museum of Natural Science – Decatur, Alabama
Add these to your itinerary and explore the best the United States of America has to offer.
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Your Questions About the Biggest Museums in the USA Answered
Q: What are the biggest museums in the USA?
A: The three biggest museums in the USA are the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and the Art Institute of Chicago in Illinois.
Q: What type of artifacts can I find in the Smithsonian Institution?
A: The Smithsonian Institution is home to many artifacts from many different cultures, including artifacts from American history, art, culture, science, and more. It is also home to many renowned art collections and scientific research.
Q: Do children have to pay for admission?
A: Many of the biggest museums in the USA offer free admission to children under the age of 12 when accompanied by an adult.