Top 10 Free-to-Visit Museums

Visiting museums is a great way to immerse oneself in the culture and history of a new place. However, the entrance fees can be a significant expense, especially for budget travelers. Fortunately, there are many museums around the world that are free to visit. In this post, we’ll highlight the top 10 free-to-visit museums based on their popularity according to visit count.

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• Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., USA

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and nine research facilities. All of the museums are free to visit and offer an incredible variety of exhibits, from the National Museum of Natural History to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Some of the most popular exhibits include the Hope Diamond and the Wright Brothers’ airplane.

Practical Information: The Smithsonian museums are open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm, with extended hours during the summer months. The museums are located on the National Mall, which is also home to many other landmarks, including the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.

• National Museum of China, Beijing, China

The National Museum of China is the largest museum in China and one of the most visited museums in the world, with over 7 million visitors annually. The museum’s collection covers Chinese history from prehistoric times to the present day, with exhibits ranging from ancient pottery to modern art. Some of the most popular exhibits include the jade burial suits from the Han dynasty and the terracotta warriors from the Qin dynasty.

Practical Information: The National Museum of China is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with late opening until 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The museum is located on Tiananmen Square, near other popular tourist attractions, such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven.

• National Gallery, London, UK

The National Gallery in London is home to one of the world’s finest collections of European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. The museum’s collection includes works by famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Rembrandt. Visitors can explore exhibits that cover everything from medieval art to Impressionism.

Practical Information: The National Gallery is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with late opening until 9 pm on Fridays. The museum is located in Trafalgar Square, a central London landmark that is also home to the National Portrait Gallery and the St. Martin-in-the-Fields church.

• The British Museum, London, UK

The British Museum is one of the oldest and most comprehensive museums in the world, with a collection that spans two million years of human history and culture. The museum’s collection includes exhibits on ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, as well as more recent history, such as the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution.

Practical Information: The British Museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, with late opening until 8:30 pm on Fridays. The museum is located in the Bloomsbury neighborhood, near other popular attractions such as the University of London and the British Library.

• National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., USA

The National Museum of Natural History is one of the most visited museums in the world, with over 7 million visitors annually. The museum’s collection includes over 145 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, and cultural artifacts. Some of the most popular exhibits include the Hall of Mammals, the Hall of Human Origins, and the Hope Diamond.

Practical Information: The National Museum of Natural History is open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm, with extended hours during the summer months. The museum is located on the National Mall, near other Smithsonian museums.

• The Museum of the History of Science, Oxford, UK

The Museum of the History of Science is a museum in Oxford that houses an extensive collection of scientific instruments, apparatus, and models from ancient times to the present day. The museum’s collection includes instruments used by famous scientists such as Albert Einstein and Robert Boyle, as well as a collection of astrolabes and sundials.

Practical Information: The Museum of the History of Science is open Tuesday to Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm. The museum is located in central Oxford, near other popular attractions such as the Bodleian Library and the Ashmolean Museum.

• Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul, South Korea

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul is one of the most important museums of modern and contemporary art in Asia, with a collection that includes over 8,000 works of art. The museum’s collection covers everything from Korean traditional art to contemporary installations, and includes works by famous artists such as Nam June Paik and Yayoi Kusama.

Practical Information: The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, with late opening until 9 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The museum is located in the Gwanghwamun district, near other popular attractions such as the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Bukchon Hanok Village.

• National Museum of Korea, Seoul, South Korea

The National Museum of Korea is the largest museum in South Korea, with a collection that covers the country’s history from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum’s collection includes over 220,000 objects, including Korean art, pottery, and royal treasures.

Practical Information: The National Museum of Korea is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, with late opening until 9 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The museum is located in the Yongsan district, near other popular attractions such as the Namsan Tower and the War Memorial of Korea.

• National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is one of the most popular museums in the UK, with a collection that covers the country’s history, culture, and natural heritage. The museum’s collection includes exhibits on Scottish history, ancient civilizations, and the natural world. Some of the most popular exhibits include the Lewis Chessmen, Dolly the Sheep, and the Elgin Marbles.

Practical Information: The National Museum of Scotland is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. The museum is located in central Edinburgh, near other popular attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.