Have you ever wondered where to look beyond the well-known museums of the Louvre or the Met to find undiscovered artistic gems?
Of course, any art enthusiast’s bucket list includes visits to the Louvre in Paris, the Met in New York, and the National Gallery in London. Every year, these renowned museums welcome up to 20 million visitors—roughly Beijing’s population! But what about the undiscovered treasures that don’t feature pieces by Picasso, Van Gogh, or Rembrandt? Let’s explore a few lesser-known museums that provide interesting and memorable experiences.
Benesse Art Site Naoshima, Japan
Imagine a group of islands in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea that were devastated by industrialization and then turned into a haven for art enthusiasts. This is Benesse Art Site Naoshima, a thriving center for contemporary art that attracts major collectors such as François Pinault, Dakis Joannou, and Eli Broad. The Fukutake vision was to create a new culture by exhibiting a variety of artworks that inspire fresh perspectives. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking for a distinctive fusion of nature, art, and renewal.
Muzeum Susch, Switzerland
Nestled in the stunning Swiss Alps, Muzeum Susch is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy art. Polish entrepreneur and art collector Grażyna Kulczyk, along with architects Chasper Schmidlin and Lukas Voellmy, turned this historic site into a serene private museum. Kulczyk’s philosophy of “Slow Art” encourages visitors to engage deeply with the exhibits, fostering a quality viewing experience rather than rushing through countless artworks. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to enjoy art away from the bustle of the city, this is the perfect place to escape.
Sir John Soane’s Museum, London
A unique blend of architecture and eccentricity, Sir John Soane’s Museum in London offers a quirky yet enriching experience. Dedicated to the architect Sir John Soane (1753–1837), the museum is housed in his former home and showcases his eclectic collection of architectural and archaeological treasures, including paintings by Canaletto, drawings by Sir Christopher Wren, and cartoons by William Hogarth. The museum is a visual feast, with exhibits such as an Egyptian pharaoh’s sarcophagus and a replica of a monk’s cell.
Kistefos Museum, Norway
Welcome to the Kistefos Museum, a state-of-the-art art destination that was once an abandoned pulp mill in Norway. Kistefos, which was established by art collector Christen Sveaas, has an impressive sculpture park, two art galleries, and an industrial museum. Fifty sculptures by well-known artists, including Keith Haring, Martin Kippenberger, Christopher Wool, Howard Hodgkin, and Albert Oehlen, may be found throughout the park. The award-winning art gallery The Twist, which debuted in 2019, is the main attraction. This architectural wonder, which arcs over a river, functions as a sculpture, bridge, and art museum all at once. It is an impressive blend of modern architecture and nature, and it is a must-see for fans of both.
