35 Best Art Museums in the U.S. (You Must Explore)

Discover the crème de la crème of art museums scattered across the nation—35 sanctuaries of creativity, each with its own narrative waiting to be unraveled. No need for a transatlantic journey; we offer an immersive experience through major U.S. cities, including the artistic meccas of New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. Whether you're a seasoned art connoisseur planning a pilgrimage or an inquisitive traveler seeking inspiration, these museums promise an odyssey through the heart of American creativity.

In the spirit of Noonstead, a modern art print brand, join us as we delve into the depths of cultural sanctuaries that transcend mere art galleries. Each institution in our curated collection boasts a fusion of rich history, iconic architecture, and unparalleled collections—a testament to the evolution of artistic expression on American soil.

1. The Broad, Los Angeles, California

Summary: Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, The Broad, pronounced like "road," houses Eli and Edythe Broad’s private collection of over 2,000 modern art pieces. The honeycomb-like architecture, featuring over 300 skylights, is as captivating as the masterpieces within. Don’t miss the mesmerising Infinity Mirrored Room by Yayoi Kusama.

Location: 221 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, California

Insider Tip: For a chance to experience Kusama’s Infinity Room, set a reminder for the last Wednesday of each month when tickets are released.

2. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York

Summary: Unfolding in an enormous Beaux-Arts building fronting Central Park, the Met is the largest art museum in the U.S. Its vast wings house everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to European paintings and contemporary art.

Location: 1000 5th Ave., New York, New York

Insider Tip: One visit is never enough; discover 15 unexpected things to see during your Met journey.

3. Guggenheim Museum, New York, New York

Summary: Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic spiral building hosts an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. The unique design allows visitors to leisurely stroll through the exhibits while admiring the artwork.

Location: 1071 5th Ave., New York, New York

Insider Tip: Take advantage of "Pay What You Wish" admission from 6-8 p.m. on Saturdays, but book tickets online in advance.

4. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York, New York

Summary: MoMA, founded in 1929, is a Mecca for modern and contemporary art lovers. The recent $450 million expansion added 45,000 square feet of space, housing masterpieces like Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon and Van Gogh’s Starry Night.

Location: 11 W. 53rd St., New York, New York

Insider Tip: Explore the outdoor sculpture garden designed by Philip Johnson, featuring works by Picasso, Miró, and Giacometti.

5. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Los Angeles, California

Summary: The largest art museum on the West Coast, LACMA spans 20 acres and 120,000 objects. With a continuously growing modern art collection, highlights include works by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Chris Burden’s Urban Light sculptural installation.

Location: 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California

Insider Tip: After your museum visit, enjoy a drink or a meal at Fanny’s inside the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

6. The Getty Center, Brentwood, California

Summary: Richard Meier's architectural masterpiece, The Getty Center, unfolds on a hilltop with stunning travertine marble buildings. The art collection spans five pavilions, showcasing eighteenth-century French decorative arts.

Location: 1200 Getty Center Dr., Brentwood, California

Insider Tip: Explore the Getty Villa in Malibu, designed to resemble the ancient Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum.

7. Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Summary: Founded in 1879, this monumental museum features a comprehensive collection from ancient Egyptian sarcophagi to contemporary photography. Renzo Piano's modern wing is a recent addition, enhancing the visitor experience.

Location: 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois

Insider Tip: Purchase tickets in advance online, with discounted admission for Chicago and Illinois residents.

8. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Boston, Massachusetts

Summary: The Beaux-Arts building holds an impressive collection of American works and decorative arts. Explore the extensive Impressionist collection, featuring 37 Monets—one of the largest collections outside of France.

Location: 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts

Insider Tip: Continue your art journey at the nearby Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, showcasing Renaissance works.

9. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Houston, Texas

Summary: Spanning 14 acres, this museum covers world cultures, with notable collections of Renaissance and eighteenth-century paintings. Don’t miss the immersive installation by James Turrell connecting two buildings.

Location: 1001 Bissonnet St., Houston, Texas

Insider Tip: Explore the immersive installation by James Turrell that connects two of the buildings.

10. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Summary: Beyond the iconic Rocky steps, this museum offers a diverse collection covering major periods and styles. The modern collection, including works by Marcel Duchamp and Cy Twombly, stands out.

Location: 26th St. and Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Insider Tip: General admission tickets grant access to the Rodin Museum and are valid for two days.

11. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Summary: Located on the National Mall, the National Gallery of Art showcases self-portraits by Rembrandt and Van Gogh, alongside works by European masters. The sculpture garden hosts winter ice skating and free jazz concerts in the warmer months.

Location: 4th St. and Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.

Insider Tip: Enjoy the sculpture garden's activities, from winter ice skating to free jazz concerts.

12. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), San Francisco, California

Summary: As the oldest museum devoted to modern and contemporary art on the West Coast, SFMOMA features works by Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, and Jackson Pollock. The 2016 expansion added 45,000 square feet of art-filled public spaces.

Location: 151 3rd St., San Francisco, California

Insider Tip: Explore the 45,000 square feet of art-filled public spaces following the museum's major expansion.

13. Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, Michigan

Summary: Known for its impressive collection of African-American art, DIA also features American, European, Asian, African, Native American, and Islamic art. Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry frescoes are a must-see.

Location: 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Michigan

Insider Tip: Catch Van Gogh’s Self Portrait, the first Van Gogh painting to arrive in a U.S. museum collection.

14. Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio

Summary: Organized chronologically, this museum covers ancient Greek and Roman art to the present day. Marcel Breuer's modern wing and Rafael Viñoly's recent renovation showcase incredible Rodins and surrealist works.

Location: 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio

Insider Tip: Explore the modern and contemporary collection, featuring incredible Rodins and surrealist works.

15. Dia:Beacon, Beacon, New York

Summary: As a beacon for contemporary art, Dia:Beacon occupies a former Nabisco box-printing factory. The permanent collection includes works by Richard Serra, Gerhard Richter, and Sol LeWitt.

Location: 3 Beekman St., Beacon, New York

Insider Tip: Consider a pilgrimage for contemporary art lovers, easily reachable via the Metro-North Railroad from New York City.

16. Rhode Island School of Design Museum, Providence, Rhode Island

Summary: Founded by one of the leading art schools, RISD Museum boasts New England’s best art collection. Five buildings house an extensive range, from paintings and sculptures to decorative arts and textiles.

Location: 224 Benefit St., Providence, Rhode Island

Insider Tip: Explore student and faculty work displayed across the museum and galleries across campus.

17. The Frick Collection, New York, New York

Summary: Henry Clay Frick's European paintings find a home in a Gilded Age mansion on Fifth Avenue. While the mansion undergoes renovations, the collection is temporarily on view at the Frick Madison.

Location: 945 Madison Ave., New York, New York

Insider Tip: Visit Frick Madison to experience the collection during the mansion's renovation.

18. The Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, New York

Summary: Renowned for modern and contemporary art, the Whitney stands as one of NYC’s most dynamic museums. It houses works by Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, and Louise Bourgeois, among others, in a building designed by Renzo Piano.

Location: 99 Gansevoort St., New York, New York

Insider Tip: Nearby cafes, bars, and shops offer discounts with the same-day admission ticket to the Whitney.

19. De Young Museum, San Francisco, California

Summary: Born from the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, De Young Museum impresses with international textiles, American art, and captivating copper architecture.

Location: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., San Francisco, California

Insider Tip: Ascend the museum’s 144-foot-high tower for free and admire San Francisco views.

20. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.

Summary: Situated in the nation's capital, this museum houses the largest collection of American art. Highlights include folk art, crafts, New Deal art, and American Impressionist paintings.

Location: 8th and G Sts. NW, Washington, D.C.

Insider Tip: Enjoy scavenger hunts at the Luce Center and watch conservators at work in the Lunder Conservation Center.

21. Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, New York

Summary: Dating back to 1823, the Brooklyn Museum boasts one of the world's best Egyptian collections. The grand Beaux-Arts building holds important works in various genres and eras.

Location: 200 Eastern Pkwy., Brooklyn, New York

Insider Tip: Take a stroll in nearby Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden after your museum visit.

22. Wynwood Walls, Miami, Florida

Summary: Transforming Wynwood into one of Miami's coolest neighbourhoods, this open-air street art museum features larger-than-life murals by renowned artists like Shephard Fairey and Kenny Scharf.

Location: 2520 N.W. 2nd Ave., Miami, Florida

Insider Tip: Explore Wynwood's shops and enjoy a meal or drinks at nearby hip restaurants.

23. Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA), North Adams, Massachusetts

Summary: As the largest centre for visual and performing contemporary art in the U.S., Mass MoCA occupies a former electrical company complex. It hosts long-term installations by renowned artists and temporary exhibitions.

Location: 87 Marshall St., North Adams, Massachusetts

Insider Tip: The Berkshires, with attractions like Tanglewood and the Mount nearby, offer a cultural feast beyond Mass MoCA.

24. Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore, Maryland

Summary: Housed in a Neoclassical building, the Baltimore Museum of Art surprises with unexpected exhibitions. With works by Monet, Matisse, and Picasso, it emphasises marginalised artists' visibility.

Location: 10 Art Museum Dr., Baltimore, Maryland

Insider Tip: Don’t miss trying the crab cakes at Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen before leaving.

25. Chinati Foundation, Marfa, Texas

Summary: In Marfa, Donald Judd's Chinati Foundation offers large-scale installations by renowned artists like John Chamberlain and Dan Flavin. Guided tours provide access to Robert Irwin’s untitled (dawn to dusk).

Location: 1 Cavalry Row, Marfa, Texas

Insider Tip: Immerse yourself in the evolving medium of street art at the Wynwood Walls, making Wynwood one of Miami's trendiest neighbourhoods.

26. The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Summary: Founded in 1879, this monumental institution features a comprehensive collection spanning ancient Egyptian sarcophagi to contemporary photography. Renzo Piano's modern wing adds a contemporary touch.

Location: 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois

Insider Tip: Tickets must be purchased in advance online, with discounted admission for Chicago and Illinois residents.

27. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Boston, Massachusetts

Summary: A Beaux-Arts building housing an impressive collection of American works, decorative arts, and a notable collection of 37 Monets. The museum's extensive Impressionist works stand out.

Location: 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts

Insider Tip: After exploring MFA, visit the nearby Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for more Renaissance works.

28. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Houston, Texas

Summary: Spanning 14 acres, MFAH covers world cultures, including art from the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Its immersive installation by James Turrell connects two of the buildings.

Location: 1001 Bissonnet St., Houston, Texas

Insider Tip: Don’t miss the immersive installation by James Turrell that connects two of the buildings.

29. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Summary: Instantly recognizable for its appearance in Rocky, this museum boasts a diverse collection covering major periods and styles, with a particularly notable modern collection.

Location: 26th St. and Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Insider Tip: General admission tickets also include access to the Rodin Museum and are good for two days.

30. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Summary: Founded in the 1930s, this museum on the National Mall features self-portraits by Rembrandt and Van Gogh, alongside works by European masters.

Location: 4th St. and Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.

Insider Tip: The sculpture garden touts an ice rink in the winter and free jazz concerts in the spring and summer.

31. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), San Francisco, California

Summary: As the oldest museum devoted to modern and contemporary art on the West Coast, SFMOMA features works by Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, and Jackson Pollock.

Location: 151 3rd St., San Francisco, California

Insider Tip: Following the museum’s major expansion in 2016, it now has 45,000 square feet of art-filled public spaces that can be visited for free.

32. Dia:Beacon, Beacon, New York

Summary: The Dia Art Foundation fosters abstract and conceptual contemporary art. Dia:Beacon, in the Hudson Valley, occupies a former Nabisco box-printing factory.

Location: 3 Beekman St., Beacon, New York

Insider Tip: For contemporary art lovers, a trip to Dia:Beacon is considered a pilgrimage, easily reachable via the Metro-North Railroad from New York City.

33. Rhode Island School of Design Museum, Providence, Rhode Island

Summary: Affiliated with one of the leading art schools, RISD Museum boasts New England’s best art collection across various mediums.

Location: 224 Benefit St., Providence, Rhode Island

Insider Tip: Visitors can also check out student and faculty work on display in the museum and in galleries across campus.

34. The Frick Collection, New York, New York

Summary: Steel magnate Henry Clay Frick's European paintings find a home in a Gilded Age mansion on Fifth Avenue. The Frick Collection includes major Renaissance works and eighteenth- and nineteenth-century French paintings.

Location: 945 Madison Ave., New York, New York

Insider Tip: While the historic mansion is closed for renovations, the collection is temporarily on view at the Frick Madison.

35. The Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, New York

Summary: Renowned for modern and contemporary art, the Whitney stands as one of NYC’s most dynamic museums.

Location: 99 Gansevoort St., New York, New York

Insider Tip: A handful of cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops nearby offer 10 or 20% discounts if you show your same-day admission ticket to the Whitney.