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The Metropolitan Museum of Art: 5,000 Years of World Art in New York

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 16:42 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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The Ultimate Guide to America’s Must‑Visit Art Museums
Summarizing Travel + Leisure’s “Best Art Museums in the U.S.” (Updated 2024)

If you’ve ever found yourself wandering the galleries of a museum and wishing you had a cheat‑sheet of what to look for, look no further than Travel + Leisure’s exhaustive roundup of the nation’s finest art museums. Published in 2023 and updated this spring, the article is a one‑stop reference for culture‑hunters planning a U.S. itinerary—whether you’re a first‑time visitor or a seasoned connoisseur. Below, we distill the key take‑aways, the standout features of each museum, and practical travel tips that the original piece offered.

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art – New York, NY

The Met is the cornerstone of the guide, the obvious “big‑name” that anchors the list. The article reminds readers that the museum’s 2.9 million‑piece collection spans 5,000 years of world art. Highlights include the Egyptian “Temple of Horus” set in the 19th‑century gallery, the iconic “American Gothic” by Grant Wood, and the sprawling American wing featuring works from the Hudson River School to contemporary installations. The Travel + Leisure piece notes the museum’s family‑friendly “Kids Explore” program and stresses the importance of purchasing tickets in advance, especially during peak summer months.

2. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) – New York, NY

MoMA tops the list for lovers of 20th‑century and contemporary art. The Travel + Leisure article praises the museum’s “Modernist” collection, underscoring masterpieces by Picasso, Dalí, and Matisse. MoMA’s “The Museum Café” is highlighted for its views of the Hudson River and the chance to taste the museum’s famed pastries. Visitors are encouraged to explore the recently renovated “Museum of Modern Art – Midtown” for its interactive “Art in Motion” exhibits that bring modern art to life.

3. The Getty Center – Los Angeles, CA

Perched on a hilltop in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Center offers more than art—it’s a work of architecture and landscaping. The article details the Getty’s impressive holdings of Renaissance masterpieces, including a Raphael drawing and a Caravaggio oil. The “Getty Research Institute” and “Getty Conservation Institute” are lauded for their research contributions, and the park’s walking trails are a bonus for travelers who want to combine art with exercise.

4. The National Gallery of Art – Washington, DC

The National Gallery’s West Building houses European art from the Renaissance through 1900, while the East Building showcases American art from the 19th century to the present. Travel + Leisure specifically recommends seeing the “Mosaic of the Great War” and the “American Pavilion,” which features works by Andrew Wyeth and Edward Hopper. The museum’s free admission and rotating temporary exhibitions are a highlight, making it an easy, budget‑friendly stop for Washington visitors.

5. The Art Institute of Chicago – Chicago, IL

The Art Institute’s “Treasury” holds “American Gothic” and “Nighthawks” by Edward Hopper, while its Impressionist collection boasts works by Monet and Renoir. The Travel + Leisure guide calls the building’s “Lytle Hall” one of the most beautiful gallery spaces in the world, and points out that the museum’s “Sculpture Garden” is a must‑see for outdoor enthusiasts. The museum’s “Art for All” free admission days on Mondays are noted for budget travelers.

6. The Cleveland Museum of Art – Cleveland, OH

The Cleveland Museum of Art is celebrated for its “unparalleled” collection of Asian art, including Chinese scrolls and Japanese ceramics. The Travel + Leisure article highlights the “Islamic Art” gallery and the museum’s renowned “Egyptian Hall.” The museum’s “Cleveland Institute of Art” affiliation provides a vibrant educational experience for visitors. The piece also recommends checking out the museum’s “Art Center Café” for light bites between exhibits.

7. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) – San Francisco, CA

SFMOMA’s “modern” and “contemporary” collections are a highlight. The article specifically mentions “The Guggenheim Collection” and “The Van Gogh Pavilion.” It also points out the museum’s “Living Space”—an interactive area where visitors can experiment with art-making tools. Travel + Leisure recommends visiting during the “SFMOMA After Dark” events, where music, film, and live art performances transform the space.

8. The Philadelphia Museum of Art – Philadelphia, PA

The “Philadelphia Museum of Art” is not only known for the iconic “Rocky Steps” but also for its comprehensive collection of American and European art. The Travel + Leisure article advises seeing the “Van Gogh” and “Monet” collections and the “Impressionist” gallery. A special mention is made of the museum’s “Molly Brown Memorial,” which offers a glimpse into 19th‑century philanthropy.

9. The Denver Art Museum – Denver, CO

The Denver Art Museum is highlighted for its focus on “American Indian” art and “Native American” sculpture. The Travel + Leisure guide calls the “Civic Center” entrance a masterpiece of modern architecture. The museum’s “Sculpture Garden” is a public space that showcases a rotating selection of contemporary sculptures. Visitors are advised to explore the “Alpine Collection” for its world‑class display of European Renaissance art.

10. The Baltimore Museum of Art – Baltimore, MD

The BMA is praised for its “Diverse Collection” that includes early American portraiture and modern works by Picasso. The article recommends seeing the “Carnegie Hall” lobby, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, and the “Museum Café” that offers a panoramic view of the museum’s iconic marble entrance. The BMA’s free admission days are highlighted as a key benefit for tourists.

How Travel + Leisure Structured the List

The article’s format is intuitive: each museum is listed by city, with a brief paragraph outlining its most notable holdings, unique features, and practical tips (e.g., ticketing, opening hours, and special events). Travel + Leisure’s tone is both informative and engaging, sprinkling in anecdotes about the museums’ histories and the experience of walking through their halls. The guide’s final section, “Travel Tips for Museums,” encourages visitors to combine museum visits with nearby cultural attractions—suggesting that a trip to the Met includes a stroll through Central Park or a visit to the nearby Guggenheim.

The original article is also peppered with hyperlinks to the museums’ official websites and to the Travel + Leisure “How to Get There” pages. These links provide visitors with real‑time details on tickets, parking, and public‑transport options, ensuring that the article is not just a reading list but a practical itinerary builder.

Key Take‑Aways for Travelers

1. Free Admission: Several museums—including the National Gallery of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Cleveland Museum of Art—offer free admission on specific days, allowing budget travelers to see world‑class collections without a price tag.

2. Family‑Friendly Programs: Many institutions provide children’s guides and hands‑on workshops, making them ideal for family vacations.

3. Architectural Gems: Beyond art, the guide highlights the architectural significance of each building—whether it’s the sprawling marble halls of the Met, the hilltop gardens of the Getty, or the modern façade of SFMOMA.

4. Special Exhibitions: The Travel + Leisure article frequently recommends checking the museum’s current exhibitions calendar, as rotating shows can dramatically alter the experience (e.g., a Picasso retrospective at the Met or a contemporary performance installation at SFMOMA).

5. Planning Ahead: The article stresses the importance of buying tickets online and arriving early to avoid long lines, especially at peak seasons like summer or major holidays.

Final Thoughts

Travel + Leisure’s “Best Art Museums in the U.S.” serves as a masterclass in museum tourism. By combining a carefully curated list with practical travel insights and direct links to official resources, the guide empowers readers to craft an art‑rich itinerary that fits any budget or schedule. Whether you’re a history buff, a contemporary art aficionado, or simply looking to soak up culture during a road trip, this roundup offers a roadmap to America’s most celebrated art institutions. The next time you plan a U.S. adventure, let this guide be your compass—your passport to the world’s most breathtaking works of art.