Must-See European Museums for 2024

Hey there! Are you excited to explore new places and learn interesting things? In 2024, there will be many fantastic places to visit in Europe filled with stories from the past.

Whether you like looking at beautiful paintings or learning about how people lived long ago, these museums have something for everyone. You'll see amazing artwork and discover how different cultures developed. You'll meet people from long ago through the items they left behind. 

Some museums will fill your eyes with color and beauty, others will teach you about important moments that shaped societies. You don't need to be a scholar - even children will find things that capture their imagination! Join me as I visit incredible museums and share what I learn. We can experience the wonders and insights of Europe together. Who knows - maybe a museum will inspire your dreams too!

1. Louvre Museum, Paris, France

Did you know there is a very special building in the big city of Paris that has been standing for hundreds of years? It's called the Musée du Louvre. 

Once it was a huge fort to protect the kings, but now it's filled with treasures for all people to enjoy. Inside you'll find paintings and statues from long ago that are so beautiful, you'll stare at them for a long time trying to take it all in. Have you heard of the lady with the mysterious smile? She's there - her name is Mona Lisa.

The building has such a grand, storybook feel with its tall rooms and fancy decorations. Just walking under its high ceilings makes you feel important! As you wander gazing at masterpieces, imagine all the other eyes over centuries who were also filled with awe.

Opening Hours:

• Monday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Friday and Wednesday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Closed on Tuesdays

Entry Fees:

• General Admission: €22

Free Entry for:

• Individuals under 18 years old (with proof of ID)
• Residents of the European Economic Area (EU, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) aged 18-25 (with proof of ID and residency)
• All visitors on the first Friday of the month after 6 p.m. (except in July and August)

NOTE: Skip the airport queues: get your Europe eSIM before you go!

2. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Have you heard of the treasure house of Holland's story? It's called the Rijksmuseum and it sits in the busy heart of Amsterdam - a lively area filled with museums called Museum Square.

Inside you'll find beautiful pictures and interesting objects that tell the tale of the Dutch people - from brave sailors and landscape artists to their wonderful traditions. Some pieces are so special, they feel like old friends.

Stepping into its grand halls is like entering a palace, yet its doors are open to everyone. As you wander amazed by gifted artists, feel the pride locals feel in their culture. Generations have walked these grand rooms and marveled at what defines their identity.

Visiting Hours:

• Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Fees:

• Adults: €22.50
• Free for individuals under 18 years old
• Free for ICOM (International Council of Museums) members
• Free for Friends of the Rijksmuseum

3. The British Museum, London, UK

One of the largest and most cherished institutions in the world. Within its grand halls lies a journey through humanity's incredible past. Eight million precious pieces from Egypt, Greece, Asia, and more await your discovery. Gaze upon treasures our ancestors created and catch a glimpse of how they lived, thought, and expressed themselves so long ago.

Visiting Information:

• Admission: Free entry for the permanent collection. Book tickets online for up to nine people.
• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:45 PM)

4. Vatican Museums, Vatican City

The art museum in the middle of the small city where the Pope lives is filled with amazing pictures and sculptures from a long time ago. Kids from all over the world have heard about this place and want to see its really important collection of art that has shaped how we understand our culture in the West.

When you go there, you'll notice statues of people from the days of Ancient Rome and beautiful paintings from the Renaissance time period. Be sure not to miss the Sistine Chapel - its ceiling is so cool, with scenes all painted by the famous Michelangelo. And the Raphael Rooms display work by another legendary artist, Raphael. Both of them made art so good that it still amazes people today.

Full Entry Ticket:

• €20.00 (without online booking)
• €25.00 (with "Skip the Line" booking on the official Vatican Museums website)

Reduced Entry Ticket:

• €8.00 (without online booking)
• €13.00 (with "Skip the Line" booking on the official Vatican Museums website)

5. Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy

The Uffizi Art Museum in Florence, Italy is one of the coolest places for anyone who loves to look at awesome paintings and sculptures. It's located near the big Piazza della Signoria square in downtown Florence. This museum is world-famous for its truly amazing paintings from the Renaissance time period. 

Inside the museum, you can see really incredible pictures like Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" where a pretty lady is born from the sea. And one of Leonardo da Vinci's paintings called "The Annunciation" is there too. As you walk through the beautiful rooms, you'll get to enjoy all the stunning artwork and creativity from that special time long ago.

Visiting Information:

• Contact: +39 055 294883 (Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-6:00 PM, Sundays and National Holidays 9:00 AM-6:00 PM)
• Admission: Regular fee - €25

6. Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain

The Museo del Prado museum in Madrid, Spain is like a big treasure chest full of amazing artwork from all over Europe. As Spain's most important national art museum, it has tons of paintings and sculptures that were made over many centuries. You can see incredible pieces by famous Spanish artists like Francisco Goya, as well as works from other countries.

El Greco, Velázquez and Rubens were three very talented masters who painted beautiful pictures that are on display there too. Walking through the Museo del Prado's big rooms is like taking a trip back in time to see the history of art. You'll learn lots about Spain's rich cultural heritage and get to admire awesome art from all around Europe, both old and new. 

A Vast Collection:

The museum's collection includes over 8,200 drawings, 7,600 paintings, 4,800 prints, and 1,000 sculptures, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world. Explore its galleries and marvel at the diverse range of artistic styles and periods.

Fee:

• General Admission: €15.00

7. Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria

The art museum in Vienna is one of the coolest art places in the whole city. It's located along the big main street with tall buildings and open green spaces. This museum has such amazing art from everywhere!

Inside you'll discover cool old statues from Egypt a long time ago. And pretty pictures painted during the Renaissance too. There's also carvings made during the Baroque period. Walking through the big rooms feels like taking a trip back in time. You get to see how art changed over the years.

Fee and Opening Hours:

• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Thursday, 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM)
• Adults: €21
• Vienna City Card Holders: €20
• Reduced Admission: €18
• Kids/Teens under 19: Free
• Annual Tickets and Combined Tickets are available (see details on the official website)

Source: https://www.khm.at/en/ 

8. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York City, USA

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is an art museum located in the busy part of New York City called Midtown, on 53rd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Back in 1929, some friends who loved art named Abby, Lillie and Mary came up with the idea for it. They wanted a place that showed modern and newer kinds of art.

At first it was in another building on Fifth Avenue and it opened just a few days after the big stock market crash! This museum, America's first that only showed modern art, was led by A. Conger Goodyear as the boss and Abby as the money person, with Alfred H. Barr Jr. as the first director. Under Alfred's guidance, the museum's collection grew really quickly starting with a big show of works by European artists making new kinds of art.

Fee:
MoMA is open until 5:30 every day, 7:00 on Saturdays, and open late until 8:00 pm on the first Friday of each month.

It costs $30 to get in.

Let’s Wrap It Up!

Have you been to any of these museums? What’s your favorite art piece? Share your thoughts in the comments! And if you found this guide helpful, pass it along to your fellow art lovers. Let’s inspire each other to explore the beauty of art together!