Choose from 4,530 Fun Things to Do in Europe
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National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The National Museum was founded in 1888 when Bosnia was under control of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and moved to its present, regal Art Nouveau accommodation in 1913 as its collections grew. It was closed during both world wars and its complex of galleries was heavily damaged during the 1,425-day Siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s. Due to political in-fighting and lack of funding, the beleaguered museum shut again in 2012 but happily reopened in September 2015 to display some of its four million artifacts in a series of light-filled galleries; during this
last closure staff worked unpaid to conserve the museum’s exhibits.
Along with a 300,000-volume reference and research library, the museum has three departments (archaeology, ethnology and natural history) crammed with medieval art, ancient armor, stuffed bears and countless other treasures covering thousands of years of Bosnian history. The ethnology selections are particularly strong, highlighting the multi-cultural nature of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s culture with an appealing mix of Bosnian, Serbian, Muslim and Jewish ethnic costumes. Neolithic ceramics from the excavations at suburban Butmir are the centerpiece of the archaeology collections; and to view the museum’s prize piece, the priceless Sarajevo Haggadah (Jewish Passover manuscript), call two days in advance of your visit.
Practical Info
Zmaja od Bosne 3, Sarajevo. Open Tue–Fri 10am–7pm; Sat–Sun 10am–2pm. Admission adults 6 KM; seniors & children aged six–18 3 KM. Viewing of the Sarajevo Haggadah: 30 KM. Take tram 3 to the National Museum.
Address: Zmaja od Bosne 3, Sarajevo, Sarajevo Canton 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Hours: Tue–Fri 10am–7pm; Sat–Sun 10am–2pm
Admission: Adults: 6 KM; Seniors & children aged 6-18: 3 KM
From $ 31
National Maritime Museum
Overview
The National Maritime Museum explores the naval and maritime history of Britain, which was for centuries one of the world’s leading sea powers. The exhibitions showcase everything from real-life vessels and model ships to nautical instruments, objects, manuscripts, and maritime-themed artworks from the likes of J.M.W. Turner.
The Basics
Visitors can explore the National Maritime Museum’s exhibits independently, or pay to join an hourlong guided tour, which can be booked online in advance of your visit. For a more intimate experience and thorough exploration of the museum, opt for a longer small-group tour.
The National Maritime Museum is one of four museums—together with the Greenwich Royal Observatory, the Queen’s House art gallery, and the Cutty Sark (a tea clipper turned museum)—that come under the banner of the Royal Museums Greenwich. Many day tours include visits to more than one of these attractions, as well as Greenwich Market and Greenwich Park. You can also visit the museum as a stop on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Maritime Museum is a must-visit for history buffs and art lovers.
- Special, child-oriented tours of the Greenwich neighborhood, which include a visit to the National Maritime Museum, are a good option for families.
- The National Maritime Museum is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The National Maritime Museum is in Greenwich, South East London. To get here, ride the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to the Cutty Sark stop or take the train from Cannon Street or London Bridge to the Greenwich rail station. Alternatively, travel by boat taking the MBNA Thames Clipper from London Eye Pier, London Bridge Pier, or Tower Pier to Greenwich Pier.
When to Get There
The National Maritime Museum is busiest on weekend afternoons, between 12pm and 3pm, and during school vacations. Go in early morning or late afternoon to experience it at its calmest. On Saturdays, from 12pm–3pm, the museum hosts performances from various costumed seafaring characters.
Highlights of the Collections
Among the must-see items in the collection are the 1933-built Miss Britain III, the first boat to reach speeds of more than 100 mph (160 kph), and The Battle of Trafalgar, one of J.M.W. Turner’s largest paintings. For families with kids, don’t miss the Ahoy! and All Hands galleries, with immersive exhibits aimed at children. The ship simulator and the giant walk-across Great Map will also prove a hit with younger visitors.
Address: Park Row, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
National Museum of Finland (Suomen Kansallismuseo)
The impressive National Museum of Finland (or Suomen Kansallismuseo) looks a bit like a Gothic church with its stonework and tower. Built in 1916 and extensively renovated in 2000, the museum's rooms cover different periods of Finnish history. The Treasure Trove has coins, silver, weaponry, medals and jewelery. The Prehistory of Finland is a large, permanent exhibition of prehistory and archaeological finds. A Land and its People shows life in Finland before industrialization. The Realm covers the history of Finland in the 13th - 17th centuries when it was under Swedish rule and an independent duchy of the Russian empire. The permanent exhibition, "Suomi Finland 1900", explores 20th-century Finland and was opened in April 2012. There are also changing displays of church relics, ethnography and cultural exhibitions.
The superb frescoes on the ceiling arches (by Akseli Gallen-Kallela) depict scenes from the epic Kalevala, including one of the hero Väinämöinen plunging a stake into the giant pike. You can visit the cafeteria at the end of your day to rest and absorb what you've learned about the history of Finland.
Practical Info
The museum is only a 10-minute walk from the central railway station, and the bus terminal at Kamppi. Or catch tram 7A/7B, 4T or 10. Free entry on Fridays 4pm - 6pm.
Address: Mannerheimintie 34, Helsinki 00100, Finland
Hours: Tue-Sun 11am - 6pm. Closed Mondays.
Admission: Adults: € 8 (6 euros), Children (under 18yrs): Free
From $ 34
National Museum of Iceland
Iceland’s National Museum is an ideal attraction for anyone interested in exploring the country’s fascinating history. Alongside temporary exhibits, the museum’s permanent exhibition, “Making of a Nation,” employs more than 2,000 artifacts to chronicle Icelandic history from the Viking settlement through the introduction of Christianity and up to today.
The Basics
Among the museum’s extensive collection are various weapons, drinking horns, and a bronzed figure of Thor. Its most prized possession, however, is a 13th-century door that features intricate medieval carvings depicting scenes from the legendary 12th-century knight’s tale Le Chevalier au Lion. The museum goes into some depth covering the period from the 1600s to today, detailing how Iceland long struggled under foreign rule before finally gaining independence in the 20th century. Some of the most impactful displays are simple household items conveying everyday life during the country’s toughest times.
A private sightseeing tour that can be customized to your interests can include a visit to the National Museum of Iceland.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Museum of Iceland is a must-visit for those with an interest in history.
- The museum’s free smartphone audio guide provides a wealth of illuminating insights.
- Children under 18 and people with disabilities get free entrance.
- Your entrance ticket also gets you into the Culture House, home of the National Library and Archives.
- The on-site Cafe Kaffitar serves light refreshments, coffee, and Icelandic delicacies.
- The Museum Shop sells books on Icelandic culture and handcrafted souvenirs.
How to Get There
The museum is located at the top of a gentle hill, around a 10-minute walk from downtown Reykjavik. Public bus numbers 1, 3, 6, 11, 12, and 14 stop in front of or near the museum, and it is also a stop on the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour.
When to Get There
The National Museum is open every day from 10am to 5pm. From September through April it is closed on Mondays. The museum is also closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. If you visit on a Saturday morning, you can join a free 45-minute guided tour of the “Making of a Nation” exhibition.
The Yule Lads
Each December, the Yule Lads come to the National Museum of Iceland to visit and entertain children. The Yule Lads are a strong tradition in Icelandic folklore: They are 13 boys believed to enter homes over the 13 days leading up to Christmas to leave gifts in well-behaved children’s shoes. The lads were originally believed to be mischievous, hence their nicknames such as “sausage swiper” and “door slammer.”
Address: Sudurgata 41, Reykjavik, Iceland
Admission: Varies
From $ 38
National Museum of Denmark
The National Museum of Denmark is the country's largest cultural and historical museum, providing visitors with a broad variety of displays, from national treasures such as the prehistoric Sun Chariot to Egyptian mummies and an original hash stall from nearby Christiania.
Exhibits cover over 14,000 years of Danish history, showcasing Danish culture and heritage with a large collection of objects. It is possible to learn about the reindeer hunters of the Ice Age, the importance of religion in medieval Denmark and the Viking, who have a major exhibition dedicated to them thanks to Queen Margrethe. Other notable items include copies of the Golden Horns of Gallehus, the Gundestrup cauldron, the Egtved Girl coffin and the Kingittorsuaq Runestone. Visitors can also see a large collection of coinage and currencies from the Vikings, Rome and many other cultures.
Practical Info
The museum is located in the center of Copenhagen, a short distance from the main thoroughfare of Strøget. It can also be reached by public transit, either by metro (stop Kongens Nytorv) or by bus (take bus line 1A, 2A or 11A to Stormbroen). Admission is free for all exhibitions, and WiFi is provided. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and is only closed December 24 and 25 and on New Year's Day. There is also an onsite restaurant and café.
Address: Ny Vestergade 10, Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark 1471, Denmark
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10am-5pm. Closed on December 24-25, New Year’s Day
From $ 39
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History
Housed within an 18th-century military barracks, the Decorative Arts and History branch of the National Museum of Ireland displays an eclectic collection of furniture, coins, ceramics, silverware, and decorative objects. Permanent exhibits focus on Irish military history, furniture over the centuries, and the evolution of Irish fashion.
The Basics
Most visitors explore the museum’s exhibitions independently, reading informational signage for context. Free guided tours—typically focusing on one or two exhibitions within the museum—are offered occasionally, on a first-come, first-served basis. Permanent exhibitions cover topics such as rural Irish furniture or silverware, and the history of Irish fashion and clothing. In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum usually hosts several temporary exhibitions, too.
Flexible multi-day Dublin tours are available, offering hop-on hop-off transportation plus admission to museums and other attractions; this may be a good option for those who plan to do a lot of sightseeing.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Decorative Arts and History branch of the National Museum of Ireland is a must for history buffs and culture enthusiasts.
- Pick up a floor plan on arrival to help plan your visit.
- The museum has a cloakroom, accessible toilets, and baby-changing facilities.
- There is seating in most of the galleries.
- All galleries in the museum are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Decorative Arts and History branch of the National Museum of Ireland is situated at Collins Barracks on the north side of the River Liffey in Dublin city center. To get there, take the Red Line Luas to the Museum stop.
When to Get There
Like many museums in Dublin, the Decorative Arts and History branch of the National Museum of Ireland is closed Monday. The galleries are open 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday, and 2pm to 5pm Sunday. They’re most crowded during the afternoon, so arrive early to avoid the crowds.
National Museum of Ireland Collections
The Decorative Arts & History collection at Collins Barracks is one of four branches of the National Museum of Ireland. Two others are in Dublin: the Archaeology branch on Kildare Street showcases precious artifacts, while the Natural History museum on Merrion Square contains taxidermy, skeletons, and specimens representing centuries of Ireland’s wildlife.
Address: Benburb Street, Dublin, Ireland
From $ 67
National Museum of Romanian History
Please note: The National Museum of Romanian History is partially closed for renovations. Exhibits may move to a temporary location in the interim. The reopening is scheduled for 2021.
Standing almost opposite the Beaux-Arts CEC Palace on Calea Victoriei is the equally grandiose neoclassical home of the National History Museum of Romania. A palatial building with a regal, colonnaded facade, the museum houses over 750,000 pieces of Romanian heritage spread across some 60 displays, offering a great introduction to the country's history. Its highlights are its two major collections: the priceless jewels in the National Treasury Hall, home to the Romanian Crown Jewels, and the Bronze Age relics in the Lapidarium, holding valuable Neolithic artifacts.
Walk your way from prehistoric times to 20th century Romania to learn about the country firsthand, and to view additional highlights, like a full-size replica of Trajan’s Column in Rome and a heavily satirized and very naked bronze sculpture of Emperor Trajan, which stands on the museum steps. A popular stop on many Bucharest walking tours, it's encouraged you step inside the museum to get the most out of your visit.
Practical Info
The National History Museum of Romania is located at Calea Victoriei 12 in Bucharest. It is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm, and is closed on Monday and Tuesday. The closest metro stop is Piata Unirii or Universitate. Admission varies depending on the ticket, but expect to pay between LEI 7 and LEI 25 to enter the museum.
Did you know? Designed by Alexandru Săvulescu in 1900, the museum previously served as headquarters to the Poşta Romană (Romanian Postal Service), until 1970.
Address: Calea Victoriei 12, Bucharest, Bucharest Municipality 030026, Romania
Hours: Wed–Sun: 9am–5pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 38
National Museum and Art Gallery
Housing Cardiff’s premium art and history collection, the National Museum and Art Gallery is the city’s most visited museum, dating back to 1927. Set in the tranquil surroundings of Cathays Park, the museum houses a vast collection of Welsh archaeology, geology and natural history items, depicting the country’s fascinating history and ancestry through a series of inventive installations.
It’s the adjourning art gallery, however, that draws the most attention. Renowned as one of Europe’s finest art collections, with pieces dating back to the turn of the 16th century, the museum’s 15 galleries showcase Europe’s art history through a range of different styles, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics and silverwork. Particularly notable are the extensive 19th and 20th century galleries featuring Monet's famous San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk; the world's largest collection of works by satirical artist Honoré Daumier and works by Poussin and Salvator Rosa, among a roster of other celebrated names. A bronze cast of Rodin's The Kiss is the key piece of the impressionist gallery, displayed alongside works by Renoir, Van Gogh and Cézanne, and homegrown artists like Thomas Jones, Augustus John and Richard Wilson feature prominently in a gallery devoted to Welsh art.
It’s the adjourning art gallery, however, that draws the most attention. Renowned as one of Europe’s finest art collections, with pieces dating back to the turn of the 16th century, the museum’s 15 galleries showcase Europe’s art history through a range of different styles, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics and silverwork. Particularly notable are the extensive 19th and 20th century galleries featuring Monet's famous San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk; the world's largest collection of works by satirical artist Honoré Daumier and works by Poussin and Salvator Rosa, among a roster of other celebrated names. A bronze cast of Rodin's The Kiss is the key piece of the impressionist gallery, displayed alongside works by Renoir, Van Gogh and Cézanne, and homegrown artists like Thomas Jones, Augustus John and Richard Wilson feature prominently in a gallery devoted to Welsh art.
Address: Wales
Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-5pm; Closed Mon
From $ 16
National Library of Greece
With a history dating back to 1832 and home to over 2 million books, microfilms, newspapers, ancient manuscripts and historic documents, the National Library of Greece is the heart of Greek literary history.
The library moved to its current location in the center of Athens in 1903, a striking Neoclassical building designed by Danish architect Theophil Hansen, whose other creations include the National University of Athens and the Academy of Athens constitute. Inspired by a Doric Temple, the grand library is sculpted from Pentelic marble and fronted by a pair of dramatic winding staircases.
Plans are currently underway to relocate part of the library’s extensive collection, with construction beginning at a new complex in Phaleron Bay back in 2012.
Practical Info
The National Library of Greece is located on Panepistimiou Street in central Athens and is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 2pm.
Address: 32 Panepistimiou Street, Athens 10679, Greece
Hours: Open Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm and Fri-Sat 9am-2pm
From $ 23
National Museum of History
Founded in 1973, the National Museum of History in Sofia is Bulgaria’s largest museum. Housed in the former residence of dictator Todor Zhikov, the museum has more than 650,000 objects, although only about ten percent are on display. The main exhibition is spread throughout five halls. The first covers the development and culture of the people who lived on Bulgarian lands as early as the 6th millennium B.C. The second hall continues that theme, focusing on the end of the 6th century B.C. to the 6th century A.D. In the third hall, visitors see exhibits on the Bulgarian State in the Middle Ages and in the fourth hall, the focus shifts to the period of Ottoman rule, from 1396 to 1878. The fifth hall showcases the Third Bulgarian Kingdom, from 1878 to 1946.
Items on display include a variety of weapons, traditional costumes, furniture, tools and household objects, coins, artwork, documents and photos. The museum courtyard showcases a collection of Greek, Roman and Byzantine columns and monuments from various periods.
Practical Info
The National History Museum is in the center of Sofia, easily accessible from many tourist hotels. It can also be reached by taking bus number 63 or 111, or trolley number 2. A gift shop sells souvenirs and informational materials. The ticket office closes 45 minutes before the museum closing time.
Address: Vitoshko lale 16 str., Sofia, Bulgaria
Hours: Open daily April-Oct 9:30am-6pm; Nov-March daily 9am-5:30pm
Admission: 10 lv, free the last Monday of each month
From $ 8
National Motorcycle Museum
With more than 1,000 machines from 170 manufacturers, the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham has the world’s largest collection of British motorcycles. Visitors can gain insight into British engineering, learn about the vehicle’s history, and see motorcycles from classic models to 21st-century superbikes up close.
The Basics
At the National Motorcycle Museum, exhibits chart the motorcycle’s development from 1898 to the modern day, with a range of classic models by manufacturers such as Triumph, Ariel, and Norton, as well as examples of working bikes and military machines. Highlights include the 1938 Brough Superior Golden Dream and a 1912 Wilkinson Luxury Tourer. Most visitors tour the museum independently, though guided tours are available for a fee by reservation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Motorcycle Museum is an absolute must-see for motorcycle enthusiasts, as well as those interested in engineering.
- The museum is fully wheelchair accessible.
- Don’t forget your camera, as the museum encourages photography.
- A family-friendly restaurant and a coffee cart are on-site.
How to Get There
The National Motorcycle Museum is located in Solihull, on the outskirts of Birmingham, just off the M42 motorway. Driving is recommended as the site is a short taxi ride away from the nearest public transit options, Birmingham International train station and Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. Free parking is available.
When to Get There
The National Motorcycle Museum is open daily, and its size means it never feels overcrowded. One of the liveliest times to visit is in October, when the museum celebrates the anniversary of its opening with a day of free entry, live music, and celebrity guests. Antique fairs often run on Sundays throughout the year.
The Home of Mechanical Engineering
Still known as a manufacturing city today, Birmingham played a significant role in Britain’s industrial past. It was here that Boulton and Watt came up with the first steam engine that used a separate condenser, an invention central to the technological innovations of the Industrial Revolution. Learn more about the city’s science and industry and see the world’s oldest working engine at Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, about 20 minutes west of the National Motorcycle Museum.
Address: Coventry Rd., Solihull, Birmingham B92 0EJ, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 13
National Museum of Decorative Arts
With more than 60 rooms on five floors of a historic palace, the National Museum of Decorative Arts houses some of the finest furniture, decorative arts, glassware and ceramics in Spain. Elaborate tapestries, carvings, and figurines from primarily the 16th and 17th centuries are featured throughout. Its noteworthy 18th-century kitchen features more than 1,500 tiles depicting local life at the time. Though the majority of the objects are Spanish, there is some Asian art from China and Japan as well.
It is a great place to get a sense of the changes in everyday objects and design over time, with objects dating as early as the 14th century. Though much of the collection is Baroque in style, you can also find modernist pieces from the Art Nouveau movement. Chests of drawers, rugs, cabinets, and desks are seen as important works of art that reflect their period in history. A stroll though the elegant museum displays and you’re sure to share that sentiment.
Practical Info
The National Museum of Decorative Arts overlooks the Parque del Retiro. To get there take the metro L2 to Banco de España y Retiro, or the Cercanías train to Recoletos. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 3 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm and costs €3 to enter.
Address: Calle Montalbán, 12, Madrid 28014, Spain
Hours: Tues-Sat 9:30am-3pm and Sun 10am-3pm
Admission: €3
From $ 62
National Museum of Archaeology (Museo Archeologico Nazionale)
Travelers who walk through the doors of Italy’s National Museum of Archaeology will be immediately transported back in time. In addition to an impressive collection of Graeco-Roman artifacts, visitors will find Egyptian relics, iconic European sculptures, original carvings, stunning frescos and even ornate mosaics from the city of Pompeii.
Visitors can easily wander the halls and galleries on their own, but travelers who want to learn more about the museum’s most iconic pieces may prefer to purchase an audio guide that offers up rich details of the museum’s top attractions, like Hercules and the infamous raging bull.
Practical Info
The museum is located in Naples’ Piazza Museo Nazionale and is open from 9 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. It is accessible by taking the bus to the Piazza Cavour or the metro to the Cavour station.
Address: Piazza Museo, 19, Naples 80135, Italy
Hours: Open Tues-Sun 9am-7:30pm
From $ 127
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology
Founded in 1877, Dublin’s Archaeology branch of the National Museum of Ireland houses a vast and varied collection of precious archaeological finds. See well-preserved Iron Age bog bodies, Celtic gold jewelry, and other ancient treasures such as the eighth-century Ardagh Chalice, which was used to dispense altar wine, and the intricately detailed Tara Brooch.
The Basics
A common stop on hop-on hop-off tour bus routes of Dublin, this museum is designed to be explored independently. Tours and talks are held here occasionally, with places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Two of the three other branches of the National Museum of Ireland are also located in Dublin: the Natural History Museum on Merrion Square is a 10-minute walk, while the Decorative Arts and History location at Collins Barracks is about a 15-minute drive.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Museum of Ireland is a must-visit for history and archaeology buffs, and anyone curious about Celtic art.
- All ground-floor galleries are accessible to wheelchair users, though the second floor is not.
- The museum houses a gift shop and a café serving locally sourced food.
How to Get There
The National Museum of Ireland is located on Kildare Street in Dublin. Take the Luas (tram) Green Line to St. Stephen’s Green and walk five minutes to the museum, or take the Red Line to Abbey Street and walk 10 minutes. Dublin Pearse railway station is just 10 minutes away on foot.
When to Get There
The National Museum is open year-round. It attracts most visitors during the peak summer tourist season, and is busiest on weekends. Come on a weekday morning to experience the exhibits without the crowds.
The Bog Bodies
Among the most attention-grabbing exhibits in the museum’s collection are the bog bodies. These well-preserved Iron Age human figures were pulled from peat in the Irish countryside. As well as the jarring visible details—you can still see fingernails and even hair—they are also fascinating because of their backstories: according to archaeologists and historians, it’s likely they were victims of torture and ritual sacrifice.
Address: Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
From $ 41
National Monument
Standing high in the center of Amsterdam’s Dam Square, the National Monument is the Netherlands’ most important World War II memorial. In 1945, shortly after the end of the war, a liberty pole was erected in Dam Square; it evolved into the present-day 72-feet tall monument, which was unveiled on May 4 1956 by Queen Juliana of the Netherlands. Every May 4 since then, the Dutch royal family and local residents participate in National Remembrance Day and pay their respects to fallen soldiers from both WWII and subsequent armed conflicts involving the Netherlands.
Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud created the travertine stone monument, while John Rädecker and his sons designed the monument's sculptures. One of the most striking features is the Peace relief, which depicts four chained male figures demonstrating the misery endured during the war. The conical pillar is inscribed with a Latin message meaning, "Here, where the heart of the fatherland is, may this monument, which citizens carry in their heart, gaze at God's stars."
Practical Info
Due to its central location on Dam Square, the National Monument is easily accessible on foot or by public transit, including trams (4, 9, 14, 16, 24).
Address: Dam Square, Amsterdam, North Holland 1012, Netherlands
From $ 29
National Museum of Art of Romania
Housed in the majestic former Royal Palace, which stands on Revolution Square and dates from 1812, the National Museum of Art of Romania opened in 1947; it was subsequently badly damaged in the Romanian Revolution of 1989, which saw the downfall and death of Communist despot Nicolae Ceaușescu. The museum reopened fully in 2005, displaying three major collections spread over three floors of the palace, and is now regarded as Romania’s premier art gallery.
The European Paintings and Sculpture galleries include mighty Old Master treasures from the private collection of King Charles I – the likes of Rembrandt, Rubens, El Greco and the Impressionists – while the Romanian Medieval collections feature glittering silver icons, rare manuscripts and stone sculptures in the Lapidarium, found in the restored cellars of the palace. The Romanian Modern galleries are jam-packed with works such as modernist sculptures by Constantin Brancuşi, the best-known of Romania’s 20th-century artists.
An ever-changing selection of temporary exhibitions highlights the best of contemporary Romanian art, from installations to photography, drawings and prints. The museum is currently in the process of handing back artwork stolen from Romanian nationals in the Soviet-era late 1940s, and guided tours of the palace’s sumptuous royal apartments are now available, at a cost of 20 lei.
Practical Info
Open May–Sept Wed–Sun 11am–7pm; Oct–Apr Wed–Sun 10am–6pm. Admission adults 15 lei; seniors & students 7.5 lei; free first Wednesday of every month. Take the metro to Piaţa Romană or Universitate.
Address: Calea Victoriei 49-53, Bucharest 010063, Romania
Hours: May–Sept Wed–Sun 11am–7pm; Oct–Apr Wed–Sun 10am–6pm
Admission: 15 lei
From $ 45
National Museum of Art and History (Musee National d'Histoire et d'Art)
The idea for Luxembourg’s MNHA was first conceived before World War II but thanks to German occupation of the city it only finally opened in 1946. Today the museum has four permanent collections housed in a purpose-built gallery completed in the early 21st century. The Coins and Medals and Fine Arts collections are found in the revamped original museum, which is connected to a central atrium with a façade of stone cladding that houses the gift shops and café on the ground floor. Hidden beneath this — and literally carved out of rock — are three subterranean floors where the archaeological treasures are exhibited. The latest addition is the Wiltheim Wing, which was added in 2014 and comprises several modernized townhouses where Arts and Crafts from Renaissance times onwards are now on display.
In addition, the museum normally holds several temporary exhibitions at any one time and these have recently featured diverse themes such as art from the Cold War period and the work of Luxembourg artist Joseph Kutter (1894-1941), who was influenced by the Expressionists and renowned for his landscapes and nudes.
Practical Info
Marché-Aux-Poissons, Luxembourg. Open Tue–Wed, Fri–Sun 10am–6pm; Thur 10am–8pm. Permanent collection free; admission to temporary exhibitions adults €7; seniors & children free. The attractions of Luxembourg City are easily accessed on foot.
Address: Marché-Aux-Poissons, 2345, Luxembourg
Hours: Open Tue–Wed and Fri–Sun 10am–6pm; Thur 10am–8pm
Admission: Permanent Collection: Free; Temporary Exhibitions: €7
From $ 16
National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum)
Housed in a humungous former arsenal built in 1656, the National Maritime Museum reopened in 2011 after extensive reworking and is dedicated to showcasing the importance of Amsterdam’s maritime history. During the 17th-century Golden Age, The Netherlands was one of the richest powers in the world, thanks to its trading wealth and an empire that stretched across the globe. It was a time of great progress in Amsterdam, when the Canal Ring was built and the middle classes grew rich. All this is reflected in interactive and audio-visual displays of model ships, maritime oil paintings, charts, silverware and weaponry; the growth of the fabulously successful Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie or VOC) is charted and visitors are whisked on a simulated journey through Amsterdam as a piece of cargo. Two now controversial issues that are dealt with sensitively through thoughtful exhibits are the European slave trade and the whaling industry.
For kids, the highlight of a visit to the National Maritime Museum is undoubtedly the full-size replica of the merchant ship Amsterdam, which foundered in 1749 on a voyage to the East Indies (the present-day Indonesia). The craft is ‘crewed’ by actors who fire cannons, sing sea shanties, tie ropes and even stage a burial at sea.
Practical Info
Kattenburgerplein 1. Admission €15 adults; €7.50 students and children aged 5–17; free with IAmsterdam Card. Opening hours are daily 9am–5pm. Accessible via buses no 22 or 48 to Kadijksplein or a 15-minute walk from Centraal Station.
Address: Kattenburgerplein 1, Amsterdam 1018 KK, Netherlands
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
Admission: Adult €15, Child €7.50
From $ 18
National Marine Museum (Musee National de la Marine)
Housed within the southwest wing of the Palais Chaillot, the National Marine Museum (Musee National de la Marine) appeals to naval and history buffs with its extensive collection of model ships, art and objects relating to 300 years of French maritime history and culture from the seventeenth century to the modern day.
Highlights of the collection include a cutaway model of a modern aircraft carrier, several figureheads recovered from shipwrecks, a metal diving suit from 1882, an imperial barge commissioned built for Napoleon in 1810, the prow of Marie Antoinette’s pleasure barge and models of the galleys of Louis XIV. Art aficionados will appreciate the collection of maritime paintings by eighteenth century artist Joseph Vernet.
Practical Info
Be sure to pick up a free English audio guide to learn more about the museum’s collections. The National Marine Museum is closed on Tuesdays.
Address: 17 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, Paris, France
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 11am to 6pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 7pm.
Closed Tuesdays and holidays.
Admission: €10
From $ 61
National Museum of Ancient Art
Housed within a late seventeenth century yellow-hued Palácio Alvor, the National Museum of Ancient Art was created in 1884 to protect and display a collection of European and Asian works of art. The current collection comprises more than 40,000 items — paintings, sculpture,
furniture, ceramics and textiles, among others — most of it dating from the fifteenth to the nineteenth centuries.
Highlights of the permanent collection include the naturalistic Panels of St. Vincent, considered Nuno Gonçalves’ masterpiece, as well as a set of sixteenth century Japanese folding screens that depict the arrival of Portuguese ships in Nagasaki. The Monstrance of Belem, a stunning work of gold and enamel by Gil Vicente, was originally brought to Portugal by Vasco da Gama on return from his second voyage to India; this piece is also on display in the museum.
Practical Info
Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month. The ticket price is also included in the Riverside Ticket and Lisbon Ticket.
Address: R. das Janelas Verdes, Lisbon, Portugal
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10am-6pm
Admission: €6.00
From $ 17