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Museum of Ancient Beekeeping
In pagan times, bees were sacred in Lithuanian culture and even today the honey bee is a symbol of friendship in the country, so it’s appropriate that one of the odder tourist attractions is the Museum of Ancient Beekeeping amid the lakes and low hills of Aukštaitija National Park.
Founded in 1984, the museum spreads through six buildings, detailing the history of beekeeping in Lithuania, tool collections and ancient beehives. Outside there are several glass-sided hives
where visitors can see the bees at work, and a large number of the displays are devoted to myths surrounding the humble bee in ancient Egyptian, Native American and pagan Lithuanian cultures, as well as sculptures of the Lithuanian bee gods Babilas and Austeja. Wood carvings along a forest trail illustrate the development of beekeeping from the days of wild bee hunting–when beekeepers would simply follow the swarm – through primitive hives made out of hollowed logs to present-day commercial hives. Guests get the chance to sample honey at the end of their visit, and August 15 each year sees the celebration of Medkopio šventė, the “feast of honey and bread,” at the museum with much merrymaking and tasting of the year’s honey.
Practical Info
The Museum of Ancient Beekeeping is located 60 miles (100 km) north of Vilnius in Aukštaitija National Park. The museum is open from May through October, Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission costs 3.50LTL, and concessions cost 2LTL.
Address: Aukstaitija National Park, Stripeikių Village, Ignalina region, Lithuania
Hours: The museum is open from May through October, Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission: 3.50LTL
From $ 87
Museum Island (Museumsinsel)
Located on the northern tip of Spree Island, Berlin’s Museumsinsel (Museum Island) is an ensemble of five world-renowned museums. In 1830, King Friedrich Wilhelm III commissioned the construction of the Royal Museum - now the Altes Museum - to allow the general public to view the royal art treasures of Germany. The idea for the island was devised in 1841, when Friedrich August Stuler wanted to create a cultural center, which later became Museum Island.
Almost 70% of the buildings were destroyed during World War II, where the collections were divided between East and West Berlin. Since 1999, the museum has been the only architectural and cultural ensemble that was honored world heritage status by UNESCO.
If you can only visit one museum, The Pergamon, completed in 1930, is your best bet. This collection of museums house the Collection of Classical antiques occupying the architectural halls and sculpture wing, the Middle Eastern Museum and Museum of Islamic Art. You will also find classical sculpture and monumental architecture from Greece, Rome and Babylon.
The Bode Museum, formerly the Kaiser-Friedrich Museum added in 1904, houses an extensive collection of sculptures from the Museum of Byzantine Art as well as a coin collection.
The Altes Museum is one of the most important works of Neoclassical architecture. Its Pantheon-inspired rotunda is the focal point of the prized Antiquities Collection of Greek, Roman and Etruscan art and sculpture.
The New Museum (Neues Museum), completed in 1859, is a showcase for prehistoric and Egyptian treasures. It was reopened in 2009 after being in ruins for ten years. Its most valued piece is the bust of Nefertiti.
The Old National Gallery (Alte Nationalgalerie), completed in 1876, features works of Classicism, Romanticism, the Biedermeier era, Impressionism and early Modernism.
Renovation continues across all museums.
Almost 70% of the buildings were destroyed during World War II, where the collections were divided between East and West Berlin. Since 1999, the museum has been the only architectural and cultural ensemble that was honored world heritage status by UNESCO.
If you can only visit one museum, The Pergamon, completed in 1930, is your best bet. This collection of museums house the Collection of Classical antiques occupying the architectural halls and sculpture wing, the Middle Eastern Museum and Museum of Islamic Art. You will also find classical sculpture and monumental architecture from Greece, Rome and Babylon.
The Bode Museum, formerly the Kaiser-Friedrich Museum added in 1904, houses an extensive collection of sculptures from the Museum of Byzantine Art as well as a coin collection.
The Altes Museum is one of the most important works of Neoclassical architecture. Its Pantheon-inspired rotunda is the focal point of the prized Antiquities Collection of Greek, Roman and Etruscan art and sculpture.
The New Museum (Neues Museum), completed in 1859, is a showcase for prehistoric and Egyptian treasures. It was reopened in 2009 after being in ruins for ten years. Its most valued piece is the bust of Nefertiti.
The Old National Gallery (Alte Nationalgalerie), completed in 1876, features works of Classicism, Romanticism, the Biedermeier era, Impressionism and early Modernism.
Renovation continues across all museums.
Practical Info
Within walking distance of the U2 Subway and the S5, S7, S75 Trains.
Address: Am Lustgarten 1, Berlin, Germany
Hours: Altes Museum, New Museum, Old National Gallery, Bode Museum: Open Tue-Wed, Fri- Sun 10am - 6pm, Thu 10am - 8pm Closed Mon. Pergamon Museum - Mon-Sun 10am - 6pm.
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Museum of Art and History (Musee d'Art et d'Histoire)
Regularly dubbed the best cultural attraction in Switzerland, the Museum of Art and History is home to over 650,000 works of art and artifacts spread over five massive floors. The building itself is a splendor in its own right, a gem of Neo Classical architecture flanked by soaring Grecian columns, a series of allegorical sculptures representing various arts, like drawing, painting, and architecture, as well as a top frieze depicting the names of illustrious local artists. The museum’s diverse collections found inside, which have continuously been enriched since it first opened under the name Musée des beaux-arts in 1826, are a testament to applied arts and beaux-arts, as well as archaeology – painting-wise, some of the sought-after headliners include Rembrandt, Modigliani, Cézanne, and Rodin. In addition to all that, MAH also hosts a dozen temporary exhibits throughout the year, ranging anywhere between Picasso to Akhenaton.
Insider’s Tip: Don’t miss the largest collection of Egyptian findings in Switzerland in the first basement; over 70,000 artifacts await including an ancient mummy dating back to the 9th century BC.
Practical Info
The Museum of Art and History is located on rue Charles-Galland in Geneva. It can easily be reached on foot from Geneva’s Old Town, by tram at station Rive (line 12) or by car; there is paid parking available across the street on boulevard Émile-Jacques- Dalcroze. The museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 11am to 6pm. Admission is free.
Address: 2 Rue Charles-Galland, Geneva, Geneva Canton 1206, Switzerland
Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays from 11am to 6pm
From $ 27
Museum of Croatian War of Independence
Dubrovnik’s Museum of Croatian War of Independence (often known as the Museum of Homeland Wars) has a panoramic setting at the top of the cable car up Mount Srđ, which shadows the city from the north-east. Found in a wing of the battle-scarred Napoleonic Fort Imperial, the museum honors the 25,000 soldiers and civilians killed in the conflicts and sieges of the Balkan wars of the early 1990s. The fort was used to house Croatian troops during the war and was itself scene of fierce fighting; its stone walls are still pockmarked with bullet holes and fire damage. Inside its stark interior four hard-hitting themed exhibitions on the Balkan struggles feature TV news reels of the shelling of the city, recorded interviews with eyewitnesses to the destruction, war maps, explosives, weaponry and a collection of graphic war images. Most displays are well labeled in English and there is plenty of information on tap about the progress and aftermath of the war.
After visiting the museum, climb to the top of the fort for views over the red roofs and ancient city walls of Dubrovnik to the twinkling Adriatic Sea and the forested island of Lokrum just offshore. A large stone cross, erected in 1935, and a memorial plaque bearing the names of soldiers who died defending Dubrovnik are both close to the museum. As well as the cable car, a steep hiking path leads up to the summit of Mount Srđ, which is also the starting point of buggy safaris into the forested Croatian countryside.
Practical Info
Fort Imperial, Mount Srđ, Dubrovnik. Open daily Mar 22-Nov 2 8pm-6pm; Nov 3-Mar 21 8am-4pm. Admission adults 30 KN, children 15 KN. The museum can be reached by cable car (bottom station is five minutes from Buža Street exit of the city walls) or by path up Mount Srđ.
Address: Fort Imperial, Mount Srđ, Dubrovnik, Dalmatia 20000, Croatia
Hours: Daily Mar 22-Nov 2 8pm-6pm; Nov 3-Mar 21 8am-4pm
Admission: Adults 30 KN, Children 15 KN
From $ 22
Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome (MACRO)
Rome’s Museum of Contemporary Art (Museo d'Arte Contemporanea Roma, or MACRO) holds one of Italy’s most important collections of works by contemporary artists in two dramatic industrial spaces. A particular delight for 21st-century art and architecture lovers, the sibling museum venues are sure to impress even the most skeptical art critics.
The Basics
There are two MACRO spaces: the larger on Via Nizza is a former Peroni brewery surrounded by elegant 19th-century apartment buildings that was restored by French architect Odile Decq. The permanent collection here concentrates on modern art including sculpture, photography, and installations from 1960 to today. The art museum’s underground parking lot holds remains of an ancient Roman house discovered during renovation of the brewery. The second location, MACRO Testaccio—aka Il Mattatoio—is located in a retrofitted slaughterhouse and is an exhibition hall that opens only for temporary events. This space is a fascinating stop on any walking tour of the Testaccio neighborhood, once a working-class district and now one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Rome. MACRO’s artworks and both buildings are highlights of Rome’s contemporary art and architecture tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Both MACRO venues are a must-see for lovers of contemporary art and architecture.
- The main MACRO museum has both a restaurant and a café, in addition to a shop.
- Large bags and backpacks, umbrellas, and pointed or blunt instruments of any kind must be checked at the cloakroom.
- Photography is not allowed inside the museum.
- MACRO is completely accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The main MACRO venue is located on Via Nizza in Rome’s Salario-Nomentano neighborhood. Buses 38, 80,60, 62, 82, 89, and 90 all stop in the vicinity. The MACRO Testaccio exhibition hall is located on Piazza Orazio Giustiniani in the Testaccio neighborhood. Tram 3 and buses 719, 170, and 781 stop nearby.
When to Get There
Both MACRO locations are open year-round but closed on Mondays. They often host temporary events and exhibitions, so it’s a good idea to check the upcoming program to see what is scheduled.
MAXXI
Rome’s other contemporary and avant-garde art museum is MAXXI, in the residential Flaminio neighborhood near Ponte Milvio and Villa Borghese. The building, designed in 2010 by Zaha Hadid, is considered a masterpiece of contemporary architecture, and houses a permanent collection of art and photography as well as prestigious temporary exhibitions.
Address: Via Nizza, 138, Rome 00198, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 226
Museum of Genocide Victims (KGB Museum)
Situated in Vilnius’s former Gestapo and KGB headquarters, the memorial to the thousands imprisoned and murdered under Soviet occupation after WWII is vital to understanding the psyche of Lithuania.
Following the demise of Germany, the Agreement of Yalta of 1945 was put in place between the triumvirate of Churchill, Stalin, and Roosevelt, which saw Europe carved up and half of Germany and all lands to the east, including Poland and the Baltic States, handed over to Russia. A guerrilla war ensued against Soviet occupation and in the years until the death of Joseph Stalin in 1953, rebels were consistently murdered or deported to Siberia, although the shackles of Communism were not fully shaken off until Lithuanian independence in 1990.
As well as detailing the gradual suppression of the Lithuanian people under Stalin, exhibitions include KGB torture cells and execution chambers, which hold personal belongings rescued from mass graves found in countryside outside Vilnius. Considering that this building also housed the Gestapo HQ, an appropriate recent addition to the museum is the display about the Jewish ghettos and the Holocaust in Lithuania, including artifacts from the execution site at Paneriai.
Practical Info
The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission costs 6LTL, and concessions are 3LTL.
Address: Aukų gatvė 2, Vilnius 01113, Lithuania
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults 6LTL
From $ 5
Museum of Amalia Rodrigues (Fundacao Amalia Rodrigues Casa Museu)
The Museum of Amalia Rodrigues is dedicated to the great Queen of fado, Portugal’s most famous musical genre. Her three-story former home now features more than 30,000 of Rodrigues’ personal items on display for fans to discover. Visitors can see her glamorous outfits, portraits, awards, jewelry, and recordings on display.
The Basics
After popularizing the fado genre on an international scale, Amalia Rodrigues became known as the “Voice of Portugal.” The museum is a testament to her career and gives visitors a better idea of the independent and unique woman that she was. Most hop-on hop-off tours make a stop near the museum, which is located just behind the grand Sao Bento Palace, which can also be combined with a river cruise.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Museum of Amalia Rodrigues is a must-visit for music lovers and fans of the great singer.
- Visitors can refuel at the museum’s cafe, TOO Natural Healthy Food, located on the ground floor.
- 30-minute guided tours of the museum are available in Portuguese and English.
- Photos inside the building are prohibited.
How to Get There
The museum is located in the Sao Bento neighborhood. The closest metro station is Rato, on the yellow line, which is a 10-minute walk from the museum. Visitors can also take city buses 706 and 727 to the Rua de Sao Bento stop, right in front of the museum.
When to Get There
Visitors generally spend about an hour and a half admiring the home of Amalia Rodrigues. The best time to visit Lisbon is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists. A visit to the Museum of Amalia Rodrigues can be combined with the nearby Basilica da Estrela and the Sao Bento Palace, now home to the Portuguese Parliament.
The Legacy of Amalia
Amalia Rodrigues is considered one of the greatest singers of the 20th century and made over 170 albums in her lifetime. Her contributions to preserving the Portuguese genre of fado granted her a burial spot in Lisbon’s National Pantheon alongside Portuguese presidents and other cultural icons. Fans and fado enthusiasts continue to flock to Amalia’s home to pay tribute since her death in 1999.
Address: Rua São Bento 193, Lisbon 1250-219, Portugal
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma (Nykytaiteen Museo)
The Kiasma Museum of Modern Art (or Nykytaiteen Museo) is housed in a curvaceous and quirky chalk-white building. It exhibits a rapidly growing collection of Finnish and international modern art from the 1960s to the 1990s.
Leading Finnish artists in the permanent collection include Nina Roos, Susanne Gottberg, Jussi Nivi and the homoerotic illustrator Touko Laaksonen, better known as Tom of Finland. Some of the international artists represented are Nan Goldin, Richard Serra, Andy Warhol and Cindy Sherman. In addition to its impressive collection of visual art, the Kiasma regularly presents performance art, dance, music and films. Innovative and engaging, the Kiasma is not only a world-class museum but also a laboratory for artistic experimentation and expression.
The focus is definitely on the Finnish penchant for the offbeat. The cafe and beer terrace are also very popular in summer.
Leading Finnish artists in the permanent collection include Nina Roos, Susanne Gottberg, Jussi Nivi and the homoerotic illustrator Touko Laaksonen, better known as Tom of Finland. Some of the international artists represented are Nan Goldin, Richard Serra, Andy Warhol and Cindy Sherman. In addition to its impressive collection of visual art, the Kiasma regularly presents performance art, dance, music and films. Innovative and engaging, the Kiasma is not only a world-class museum but also a laboratory for artistic experimentation and expression.
The focus is definitely on the Finnish penchant for the offbeat. The cafe and beer terrace are also very popular in summer.
Practical Info
Nearest tram stop is Lasipalatsi, nearest Metro station is Rautatientori, nearest train station is Helsinki.
Address: Mannerheiminaukio 2, Helsinki 00100, Finland
Hours: Tues: 10am - 5pm, Wed - Fri: 10am - 8:30pm, weekends: 10am - 6pm. Closed Mondays
Admission: Adults: € 8, Children (under 18yrs): Free
From $ 35
Museum of Art (Kunsthaus Zurich)
Opened in 1910, the Kunsthaus, or Museum of Art, in Zurich is Switzerland's premier art gallery. It has a strong collection of modern art, including over 4,000 pieces of sculpture, paintings and installations. It has a particular emphasis on Swiss art, important for the rise of such movements as Dada which began in Zurich in 1916.
The collection includes work by Picasso, Chagall, Munch, Mondrian and Matisse as well as many more. The gallery has an extensive art education program and a library focusing on modern art.
Practical Info
From the main train station, Zurich Hauptbahnhof, take tram 3, or bus 31, to stop Kunsthaus.
Address: Heimplatz 1, Zurich 8001, Switzerland
Hours: Open Sat, Sun & Tues 10am - 6pm. Wed - Fri 10am - 8pm. Closed Mon
Admission: €10 - €23.50
From $ 152
Museum of Cycladic Art
The Museum of Cycladic Art houses a collection of works that belongs to Nicholas and Aikaterini Goulandris. Made up of two side-by-side buildings, the sites are connected by a glass-roofed hallway. The main building holds the museum's permanent collection, while the other building is mostly temporary exhibits. The museum gets its name from the Cycladic civilization which developed mostly in the Cycladic islands between 3200-2100 B.C. The collection contains artifacts from three different time periods of the Cycladic civilization.
There is also a collection titled Ancient Greek Art that has art and other artifacts from 2000 B.C. through 395 A.D. Another collection displays Cyprian art from prehistoric times to the Roman Empire. The exhibit on the everyday life of ancient Greeks uses photos, diagrams, and videos to explain the items on display. The videos include topics such as wedding and funeral rituals, entertainment, school, going off to battle, athletics, and much more.
Practical Info
The Museum of Cycladic Art is located at 4 Neofytou Douka.
Address: 4 Neofytou Douka, Athens 106 74, Greece
Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat: 10am-5pm, Tue 11am-5pm, Thur 10am-8pm
Admission: Adults € 7, Seniors, Students & Mondays € 3.5, Children 18 Years and Younger Free
From $ 8
Museum of Applied Arts
Budapest’s Museum of Applied Arts, which features the country’s unique handicrafts and industrial design, is the third oldest of its kind in the world. Founded by the Hungarian Parliament in the 19th century, it has since collected both historic and contemporary applied art from around the globe. There’s also an extensive collection of works specifically from Hungarian artists.
Pieces on display have been acquired at World’s Fairs and by dealers, as well as accepted as gifts of the state. Of particular note is the museum’s Collections and Treasures permanent exhibit and the Esterházy Treasury: the gold, silverware, costumes, jewelry and weaponry collected by one of Hungary’s most wealthy aristocratic families.
The museum’s ceramic facade is impressive in itself, with its bright green roof and Art Nouveau architectural design. Its interior blends Islamic, Hindu, and Mogul designs and includes a stately library that’s also worth seeing.
Practical Info
The Museum of Applied Arts is located Get there on the underground on M3 at the Corvin negyed station. Entrance fees range based on the exhibitions or events visited, starting at around HUF 600 and increasing up to HUF 2,500.
Address: Üllői út 33-37, 1091, Budapest, Hungary
Hours: Tues to Sun from 10 am - 6 pm
Admission: Tickets range from HUF 600 to HUF 2,500
From $ 145
Museum Kampa
Museum Kampa is one of Prague’s most charming museums and exhibits contemporary European art in the shiny-white, medieval Sova Mill, which sits on the Vltava bankside on cute-as-pie Kampa Island. The exhibitions are formed from the private collections of Jan and Meda Mládek, Czech art connoisseurs who gifted their stellar artworks to the country in 1999. Among the highlights of the collections are chunky bronzes of the human form by early 20th-century Cubist sculptor Otto Gutfreund and the world’s finest mass of works by pioneering abstract artist František Kupka.
Several temporary exhibitions of European artists take place throughout the year —Yoko Ono and Andy Warhol have both been featured there — and an ever-changing series of wacky art installations scatter the grounds of Sova Mill, which could range from a vast chair to an oversized bright-red plastic dog or ranks of yellow penguins lined up along the breakwater.
First mentioned in 1393, Sova Mill is itself worthy of interest as the oldest watermill on Kampa Island. It was converted into a two-story, Neo-Gothic mansion in the 19th for a wealthy milling family called Odkolek, and was reworked again by architect Helena Bukovanska, with the help of several other Czech designers, before the museum opened in 2003. From the glass rooftop terrace, there is a spectacular view of Prague Castle and the statuary of Charles Bridge.
Practical Info
Open daily 10am–6pm. Admission for adults is 240 CZK; seniors, students and children aged more than 6 are 120 CZK; less than 6 go free. Entry is free with the Prague Welcome Card. For transportation, take trams 12, 20 or 22 to Hellichova.
Address: U Sovových mlýnů 2, Malá Strana, Prague, Central Bohemian Region, Czech Republic
Hours: Daily 10am–6pm
Admission: Adults: 240 CZK; Seniors, Students and Children (over 6): 120 CZK; under 6 free
From $ 35
Museum of Fine Arts
Please note: The Museum of Fine Arts is currently closed for renovations. The reopening is scheduled for March 2018.
Budapest's Museum of Fine Arts was founded in 1896 when the collections of several institutions were combined to be housed under one roof, namely the roof of the 1906 neo-classical building hosting the museum today.
On the ground floor, visitors will find exhibitions of classical antiquities and of 19th-century paintings and sculptures. The classical antiquities exhibition spans five halls and consists of more than 5,000 items. The collection of paintings includes works from German, Austrian, Dutch, Flemish, Spanish, Italian and British masters. On the second floor, the sculpture exhibition consists of more than 100 European sculptures from the German late-Gothic, Italian Renaissance and Austrian Baroque periods, among others.
On the ground floor, visitors will find exhibitions of classical antiquities and of 19th-century paintings and sculptures. The classical antiquities exhibition spans five halls and consists of more than 5,000 items. The collection of paintings includes works from German, Austrian, Dutch, Flemish, Spanish, Italian and British masters. On the second floor, the sculpture exhibition consists of more than 100 European sculptures from the German late-Gothic, Italian Renaissance and Austrian Baroque periods, among others.
The museum also frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, including a large-scale exhibition of works from Rembrandt and other Dutch masters, a collection of lithographs from Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and a display of prints and drawings from Italian Renaissance artist Raphael.
Practical Info
The Museum of Fine Arts is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9am to 5pm and the price of admission for adults is 1800 HUF. A separate admission ticket is required for special temporary exhibitions. Audio guides are available for 500 HUF. Free guided tours in English are available at various times throughout the week.
Address: Dózsa György út 41, Budapest 1146, Hungary
Hours: Tue-Sun 9am-5pm
Admission: Adults 1800 HUF
From $ 37
Museum of Communism
Following World War II, Czechoslovakia fell under Soviet rule between 1948 and 1989; during this time the Communist authorities arrested more than 205,486 Czech nationals and executed 248 after show trials, with 4,500 prisoners dying in jail. Around 170,940 people were driven into exile, with many more killed trying to flee the country. These dark days behind the Iron Curtain are explored at the Museum of Communism -ironically housed alongside a casino on the first floor of the Baroque 18th‐century Savarin Palace. Using photos, political posters, medals, a jumble of busts of Lenin and Marx, Soviet uniforms and movie reels, the displays deal with the perils of living under state‐sponsored terrorism, showcasing anti‐capitalist propaganda; the constant threat of Cold War warfare; work conditions in a Soviet factory and Russian teaching in schools. Highlights include the mock‐up of a stark interrogation room and rare film footage of the 1962 destruction of the massive, granite Stalin Monument in Letná Park. Happily, the exhibition ends on a positive note, with a video showing events that led to the (largely) peaceful Velvet Revolution and the re‐
establishment of Czech democracy under the leadership of Václav Havel.
Anyone wanting to learn more about Prague’s 20th‐century history can visit the Nuclear Bunker Exhibition near Olšanské Náměstí. The Memorial to the Victims of Communism, whose disintegrating bronze figures were created in 2002 by Czech sculptor Olbram Zoubek, stands on a stone stairway at Petřín Hill on the west bank of the River Vltava.
Practical Info
Opening hours daily 9am–9pm. Admission adults CZK 190; seniors CZK 170; students CZK 150; children younger than 10 go free; family tickets CZK 450. Accessed via Metro Lines A or B to Můstek; alternatively walk through the pedestrianized Staré Město (Old Town).
Address: Na Příkope 10, Prague 1, Central Bohemian Region 110 00, Czech Republic
Hours: Daily 9am–9pm
Admission: Adults CZK 190; Seniors CZK 170; Students CZK 150
From $ 37
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCAK)
Housed in two light-filled, concrete-and-glass galleries in Podgórze, an up-and-coming district south of the Old Town, Krakow’s first dedicated modern-art gallery opened in spring 2011. Designed by Italian architect Claudio Nardi, the Museum of Contemporary Art (Muzeum Sztuki Współczesnej w Krakowie) stands on land formerly occupied by Oskar Schindler’s enamel factory, which was immortalized in Steven Spielberg’s movie Schindler’s List.
MOCAK’s permanent collection holds contemporary sculpture, installations, photographs and paintings from the cream of Polish and European artists including Kristof Kinter, Tymek Borowski, Krzysztof Wodiczko and Robert Kusmirowski, all exhibited in minimalist white space. The collection is still growing, with the new interactive installation Live Factory 2, based on Andy Warhol’s studio-cum-factory in New York. A constantly changing repertoire of temporary exhibitions concentrates on conceptual art from across the world and for contemporary-art devotees, MOCAK has a good selection of books in its store and a well-stocked research library.
Located on the southern edge of the Jewish ghetto constructed in the 1940s, a visit to MOCAK can be combined with a side trip to the Oskar Schindler Factory next door, now a museum dedicated to the horrors of World War II.
Practical Info
Ulica Lipowa 4, Krakow. Open Tue–Sun 11am–7pm. Admission 10 PLN; aged over 70 1 PLN; seniors, students & school children 5 PLN; family ticket 20 PLN (admission free on Tue). Tram to Plac Bohaterow Getta.
Address: Rynek Główny 1, Krakow 30-702, Poland
Hours: Tue–Sun 11am–7pm
Admission: 10 PLN; Seniors: 1 PLN; Children: 5 PLN; Family ticket: 20 PLN (admission free on Tue)
From $ 4
Museum of Jewish Art and History
The Museum of Jewish Art and History opened its doors in 1998. The collection, buoyed by the inheritance of a private collection from rue des Saules, traces the history and culture of Europe’s Jewish communities from the Middle Ages to the present, with highlights that include a torah ark from the Italian Renaissance, a Dutch torah scroll from the 1600s, a German menorah crafted from gold and silver, documents from the Dreyfus scandal and an exhibit dedicated to presenting what life was like for a Jewish residents of Paris in 1939.
The museum is housed within the Hotel de Saint-Aignan, a magnificent mansion built between 1644 and 1650 for the Count of Avaux. The building, considered one of the most beautiful private mansions in Paris, served as a government building and commercial space before it was purchased by the city of Paris in 1963.
Practical Info
The Museum of Jewish Art and History offers free audio guides in five languages, including English.
Address: 71 Rue du Temple, Paris 75003, France
Admission: 8 €
From $ 54
Museum of Byzantine Culture
As befits a city that was under Byzantine rule between the fifth and 13th centuries, Thessaloniki has a rich and priceless supply of Byzantine antiquities that are chronologically displayed in the city’s award-winning contemporary museum. Opened in September 1994, the Museum of Byzantine Culture was designed by modernist architect Kyriakos Krokos and has spectacular displays of mosaic fragments, icons, stone tablets bearing ancient inscriptions and delicate wall paintings taken from tombs. Although some of the almost 43,000 artifacts in the collection were moved there from the Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens, most were unearthed locally.
The three permanent exhibitions walk through the centuries of Byzantine rule in Thessaloniki, while the final two rooms display icon collections and religious engravings donated to the museum by Greek philanthropists. Multi-themed temporary exhibitions alternate precious treasures from the museum’s repository, and staff also operate vital conservation and preservation work onsite.
Practical Info
2 Stratou Avenue, Thessaloniki. Opening hours Apr–Oct Mon
1.30pm–8pm; Tue–Sun 8am–3pm; Nov–Mar Mon 10am–5pm, Tue–Sun 8am–3pm. Admission adults €4; seniors, students and under 18 €2.50. Bus no. 7, 10, 11, 31, 39 or 58 to Stratou Avenue.
Address: 2 Stratou Avenue, Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia 54640, Greece
Hours: Apr–Oct Mon 1.30pm–8pm; Tue–Sun 8am–3pm. Nov–Mar Mon
10am–5pm; Tue–Sun 8am–3pm
Admission: Adults: €4; Seniors, students and under 18: €2.50
From $ 514
Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp
Located in the buzzing district of Zuid south of Antwerp city center, the Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp opened in 1987, leading the rejuvenation of the once dilapidated district. Its gleaming white home is a former grain silo and warehouse, transformed by architect Michel Grandsard into a funky gallery in which some extremely avant‐garde artwork is displayed. The permanent collections encompass installations, videos and photographs plus paintings from some of Flanders’ foremost contemporary artists and the museum holds all manner of innovative temporary exhibitions showcasing the very best of international artists. It is also home to the art house Cinema Zuid, where classic and international movies are shown, and the top‐floor restaurant has wonderful views over the River Scheldt, plus a vibrant mural by US graffiti artist Keith Haring.
Practical Info
Leuvenstraat 32, Zuid. Open Tue–Wed, Fri–Sun 11am–6pm; Thur 11am–9pm. Admission adults €8; seniors & students €6; aged under 26 €1 (also €1 Thursday between 6pm–9pm). Walk along the River Scheldt from the city center.
Address: Leuvenstraat 32, Antwerp, Flanders 2000, Belgium
Hours: Tue–Wed, Fri–Sun 11am–6pm; Thur 11am–9pm
Admission: Adults: €8; Seniors & Students: €6; Under 26: €1
From $ 15
Museum of Broken Relationships
This quirky museum zeros in on heartbreak and failed relationships, both romantic and platonic. Relics of relationships past, from photographs to unusual mementos such as an ax, are displayed alongside explanations of their significance, sending visitors on an emotional roller coaster—at times comical and at other points heartrending.
The Basics
Visitors who want to avoid wasting any time waiting in the ticket line can prebook an admission ticket to the Museum of Broken Relationships and turn up at a time of their choosing. It’s also possible to combine a guided walking tour of Zagreb with admission to the museum. With explanatory text accompanying each object on display, the museum is designed to be explored independently.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Museum of Broken Relationships is a must for sightseers who need a break from the traditional tourist trail.
- Find a café and a shop selling souvenirs, including clothing and stationary, at the museum.
- The Museum of Broken Relationships is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Museum of Broken Relationships is situated in Zagreb’s Upper Town (Gornji Grad). To get here, ride the funicular from the Lower Town (Donji Grad) or the tram (lines 1, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 17 by day and 31, 32, or 34 by night) to Ban Jelačić Square. The museum is just a short stroll from there.
When to Get There
The museum is very popular—so popular it has since spawned a sister outpost in Los Angeles—and can get busy. To avoid the crowds, try visiting in early morning or in the evening. The museum is busiest on weekends, between 12pm and 3pm.
Things to Do Nearby
The Museum of Broken Relationships enjoys a prime setting in Zagreb’s Upper Town, just steps from some of the city’s top attractions. If you have some time to kill before or after your visit, do some people-watching on Ban Jelačić Square. The near-constant arrival and departure of trams means there is a never-ending flow of people to observe. You can also browse the fruit-and-vegetable-loaded stalls of Dolac Market, ride the short-but-steep funicular that connects the Upper and Lower towns, and view the 13th-century Lotrščak Tower, where a cannon is fired at 12pm every day.
Address: Ćirilometodska 2, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
Admission: Varies
From $ 6
Museum of Innocence
Created by the Turkish Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk and opened in 2012, Istanbul’s Museum of Innocence is the world’s first museum to be based on a novel. Centered around Pamuk’s 2008 book of the same name, this is the tale of upper-class Istanbulite Kamal who falls in love with his distant, poorer cousin Füsun in the 1970s. Though they make love he can’t be with her, and, growing increasingly infatuated, over a period of eight years Kamal collects a museum’s worth of objects dedicated to Füsun and his love for her.
Set in a 19th-century house in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district, the museum has over 1,000 artifacts collected by Pamuk over a period of more than a decade. As you walk in, you’ll see a huge glass case containing 4,213 cigarette butts, each said to have been smoked by love interest Füsun. Everything from the collection of salt shakers to the old lamps evokes a past era, and over the museum's four floors you’ll see what bourgeois Istanbul society "used, wore, heard, saw, collected and dreamed of, all meticulously arranged in boxes and display cabinets." 83 display cabinets, to be exact, each one corresponding to the novel’s 83 chapters. According to reviews, and Pamuk, just as you don’t need to visit the museum to enjoy the novel, you don’t need to have read the novel to check out the museum.
Practical Info
Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 - 6pm, (10-9pm on Thursdays), if you bring the book you can visit the Museum of Innocence for free, though you can also buy the book at the museum shop for the same price as adult admission (25 TL) and get in free that way. Audio guides (available in Turkish and English) cost 5 TL, and tours are available for groups of 15 or more people (reservations necessary).
Address: Firuzağa Mh., Dalgıç Sokak No:2, Beyoğlu, Turkey
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10-6pm, (10-9pm on Thursdays)
Admission: Adult Admission 25 TL
From $ 57