Localeur’s Guide to Museums
To us, the best trips involve getting lost, and a few hours spent at a museum offer the perfect way to get there. It doesn’t hurt that weather and wardrobe and budget have almost nothing to do with an unforgettable experience between yourself and the art that awaits you; to make things even more stress-free, we’re sharing a handful of our most beloved museums and galleries around the world that have reopened in recent weeks. (Added bonus: When it comes to staying safe during Covid times, we’re pretty confident that the hawk-eyed, meticulous, ever-present staff of the world’s greatest museums could manage this ordeal in their sleep.)
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High Museum of Art
Atlanta, Georgia
There's something transcendental about being in a museum, and Atlanta’s High Museum embodies that tranquility as well as any venue in its midst. You're almost guaranteed to get absorbed in your own thoughts as you take in the surrounding works of art, from Greek sculptures to modern pop and everything in between. Bring some headphones and a self-made playlist for the ultimate introspective afternoon.
Museo Soumaya
Mexico City, Mexico
A good museum is one that offers a weekly “no-fee” day to its patrons. In some cases, a great museum is one that’s free every day, like the Soumaya. Residing in a building that has become Mexico City's newest modern landmark, the art here doesn’t wait to reveal itself until you’ve stepped indoors. Once you’re in, you’ll find an eclectic collection filled with minor works by major artists. The experience is memorable: Start all the way at the top and make your way downward.
Portland Art Museum
Portland, Oregon
Situated squarely in Downtown Portland, the city’s namesake museum presents itself as an excellent follow-up to a weekend brunch nearby, or as a precursor to a late-afternoon snack. With exhibits ranging from École des Beaux-Arts in Paris to the masterful works of Ai Weiwei – and an impressive permanent collection, of course – the PAM is a great way to while away the hours on a dreary PNW day. Open until 5 p.m. on Sundays, an afternoon here before an early dinner at a downtown restaurant sounds pretty unbeatable to us.
National Gallery
Singapore
One of the best spots for art in the city, the National Gallery is the perfect stop for a Friday night. Get there before sunset and go up to the rooftop to Smoke & Mirrors and enjoy a cocktail with an unbeatable view of the CBD; then, make your way through the exhibits on offer and enjoy the beautiful space indoors. The space is beautiful and centrally located near the river, making it easy to hop over to great restaurants and bars after your visit.
Storm King Art Center
Hudson Valley, New York
This open-air museum has one of the largest collections of contemporary outdoor sculptures in the U.S. and is ideal for running around while making wildly “insightful” observations about the state of contemporary art. You can even rent bikes on-site to expedite the process – or pick a nice spot and watch the scene unfold around you. If you’re heading here from the city, the Metro-North or New Jersey Transit to Salisbury Mills, Storm King is a short cab ride from the station.
Detroit Institute of Arts
Detroit, Michigan
From Picasso to Warhol, the DIA is home to a formidable number of priceless works of art. It’s also a maze that you could easily get turned around in, so hang tight to your map.
The DIA has something for all ages and interest levels, making it an excellent destination for both a family outing and a date night. Architect lovers will appreciate that the museum itself provides hours of eye candy. Don’t forget to check out the onsite theater, which screens indie films, documentaries, and foreign flicks regularly.
Tate Modern
London, England
The South Bank’s world-famous Tate Modern is as free as it is beautiful. Whether you spend a day indoors or an afternoon traipsing its outside attractions, there are plenty of diversions for all ages, so it’s highly recommended that you give yourself an open-ended amount of time to explore, snap photos, and feel inspired here. (Don’t be surprised if and when you run into the occasional exhibit that requires an entry fee beyond the Tate’s main entrance.)
Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York, New York
Arguably New York’s most prestigious museum – and rightfully so – The Met encompasses everything from ancient Egyptian relics (be sure to hit the impressive Temple of Dendur) to Greek and Roman sculptures and European paintings. It also possesses and displays an overwhelming number of works, which is part of its appeal: You could continually venture back and never quite reach the end of the art on offer here.
Museo Reina Sofia
Madrid, Spain
Named after the former Queen of Spain, Museo Reina Sofia is a must for modern art. It brings together art from Dalí, Miró, and Juan Gris – and, of course, is home to Picasso’s famous El Guernica. You can also check out Spanish contemporary art organized in three periods: "The Eruption of the 20th Century: Utopias and Conflicts (1900-1945)"; "Is the War Over? Art for a Divided World (1945-1968 )"; and "From Revolt to Postmodernity (1962-1982)." The star of the museum – the aforementioned El Guernica – is said to express the agony of the victims of the bombing of Guernica (in the Basque country) in 1937. If you come here, plan to spend at least a couple of hours.
Walker Art Museum
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Though it’s perfect in all seasons, there's something especially delightful and warm about wandering the Walker's beautiful halls while a bitter fall or winter wind blows outside. This contemporary art museum is nationally recognized for its exhibitions and events, and the architecture of the building is a sight worth seeing in its own right. Hot tip: Gallery admission is free on Thursday evenings and the first Saturday of each month.
Other Museums We Love (That Are Open)
The Whitney Museum of American Art
New York, New York
Denver Art Museum
Denver, Colorado
National Gallery of Victoria
Melbourne, Australia
Dallas Art Museum
Dallas, Texas
The Blanton Museum of Art
Austin, Texas
Dia:Beacon
Hudson Valley, New York
Arkin Museum of Modern Art
Copenhagen, Denmark
Arario in Space
Seoul, South Korea
Uffizi Gallery
Florence, Italy
mumok
Vienna, Austria
The Smithsonian*
Washington, DC
Our picks for this sprawling complex of art: The Renwick Gallery and the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Van Gogh Museum
Amsterdam, Netherlands
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