Whether you’re an art aficionado or a history buff, these are the top institutions to explore.

Louvre, Paris

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TheLouvrehas long been a worldwide favorite.

Before becoming a museum, the building was a palace, so the exterior alone is worth the trip.

Interior of Metropolitan Museum of Art

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you’ve got the option to view everything from ancient jade objects to contemporary works.

Don’t miss the renowned impressionist collection with paintings by Monet and van Gogh.

State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg

This world-renownedSt.

Hallway of Library at The Vatican Museum in Vatican City, Rome, Italy.

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It’s particularly known for impressionist and post-impressionist art.

Highlights include paintings by Claude Monet, photographs by Gordon Parks, and mobiles by Alexander Calder.

A large crowd taking photos of the Mona Lisa

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After you’ve made your way through the museum, swing by the adjacent sculpture garden for alfresco art.

The exhibits span everything from ancient sculpture to modern photography.

Here, you might view everything from ancient Greek sculpture to elaborate gold clocks.

The exterior and courtyard of the National Museum of China in Beijing.

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No matter your specific area of interest, you’ll find an exhibit that speaks to you.

The exhibits include ritualistic vessels, art, and accessories.

Special collections contain musical instruments, ship models, and historical costumes that rotate out every six months.

National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London

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Beautiful view of Tate Modern from the water in London, England.

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world’s most-visited museums: British Museum

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Pablo Picasso’s Guernica in Reina Sofia National Art Museum

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A woman looking at paintings next to a famous statue of a ballerina

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Facade of the Winter Palace of the Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia

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A general view of the Orsay Museum in Paris, France

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Buildings surrounding the Sackler Courtyard at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London

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Alexander Calder’s untitled aluminum and steel mobile hangs from the ceiling above visitors at the National Gallery of Art East Building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

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Courtyard of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy

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A woman observing statues in the Getty Center

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Interior staircase at Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria.

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A child plays with an interactive display at the Kennedy Space Center.

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Adults and children watching an exhibit at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.

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Elevated view of the main hall in the Natural History Museum of London.

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A general view of Taiwan’s National Palace Museum in Taipei

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People tour the National Fossil Hall at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC,

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Interior gallery of Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

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