Architecture: The 10 most beautiful museums in the world

Some museums are true works of art - monuments that reflect history and make us dream of the future. These marvels of architecture are often as intriguing as the fine art treasures they contain. Artalistic takes you on a journey around the world to visit some of the most beautiful museums.

Architecture: A world tour of the 10 most beautiful museums

5 must-see European buildings

The Louis Vuitton Foundation | Paris, France

The Louis Vuitton Foundation is a prime example of the architect Franck Gehry’s awe-inspiring curved glass buildings. Located in Paris, in the Bois de Boulogne, this unique building pushes the limits of architectural design. While creating the initial sketches for this architectural jewel Gehry sought to, “Design a magnificent vessel symbolizing the cultural calling of France.” Gehry also stated that, by building the museum walls out of panels of curved glass, he wanted to, “Reflect our constantly changing world, we wanted to create a building that would evolve according to the time and the light in order to give the impression of something ephemeral and continually changing.” This is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful museums in the world.

The Guggenheim | Bilbao, Spain

The Guggenheim Museum is a must-see for all contemporary art lovers visiting Spain. The American architect Franck Gehry also designed this extraordinary building. This museum resembles a cubist painting rendered in 3D, its flowing lines culminating at the top of the building. This architectural marvel is famous throughout the world.

The Kunsthaus | Graz, Austria

This building, designed by architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournie, was inaugurated in 2003 to celebrate Graz as the European Capital of Culture. Its designers dubbed it the "Friendly Alien." Its futuristic appearance is reminiscent of a caterpillar with several eyes, a hippo or maybe a human organ. The nozzles located at the top of the building allow light to penetrate the upper galleries, which are also fitted with 925 fluorescent tubes that broadcast messages and images.

The Eye | Amsterdam, Holland

The Eye was inaugurated by Queen Beatrix in 2012. It is located in the heart of Amsterdam’s industrial district along the IJ River. It was designed by the Viennese architectural firm Delugan Meissl. The building’s crystal-clear facade is striking and reflects the passing river. You can enjoy lunch in an ultramodern setting on the beautiful observation deck. The Eye is home to the Dutch Film Museum and the Eye Film Institute.

The Mucem | Marseille, France

The Mucem is a minimalist and very modern building dedicated to Mediterranean cultures. Designed by Rudy Ricciotti, the rectangular building is connected to Fort Saint-Jean by a long footbridge. Made of fiber-reinforced concrete, it has a mesh-like reflective exterior that also lets light gently filter into the museum. Loaded with history, the building’s galleries echo with ancient civilizations and heritage.

The 5 most beautiful museums outside of Europe

The Ordos | China

The Ordos Museum was created by MAD architecture. Its round shape and sandy color help camouflage it with the surrounding desert. Its facade is composed of metal panels that protect it from sandstorms and the cold, dry winter winds. Melding Chinese tradition and a futuristic vision, it is one of the most beautiful museums in the world.

The Zayed National Museum | Abu Dhabi

This magnificent structure was created by the British architects Foster & Partner. They designed it to represent the social and economic transformation of the emirate of Abu Dhabi and to house exhibitions tracing its history and culture. Set to be completed in 2022, this museum made of lightweight steel and glass will be part of a gigantic cultural complex on Saadiyat Island.

The Niterói Contemporary Art Museum | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This museum resembles a flying saucer and allows visitors to admire a building where technique gives significant support to art. Oscar Niemeyer, one of the most famous Brazilian architects, designed and completed this futuristic museum in 1996. A must-see museum if you are visiting Rio de Janeiro.

The Museo Soumaya | Mexico City, Mexico | One of the world’s most beautiful private museums

The Museo Soumaya by Fernando Romero can undoubtedly be added to our list of the most beautiful museums in the world. The building stands out due to its large stature and thousands of metallic hexagons that make up its facade. This architectural marvel is elegant, technically impressive and visually stunning.

The Royal Ontario Museum | Canada

The Royal Ontario Museum was originally housed in a 19^th century building that was expanded in 2007. The new modern wing juts out into the street and almost seems to be hanging over the passing cars. This striking museum was designed by the architect Daniel Libeskind.