Europe beckons U.S. college students to wander (and get lost) in its ancient and flourishing world so vastly rich in cultural history. Those who choose to dive in will receive the greatest cultural experience of their lives. But with so many top-rated museums out there, where do you begin? Incredibly indecisive college students—look no farther.
No.1 The Louvre
The Louvre has consistently remained the most visited museum in the world with 9.3 million visitors in 2015 and foreign tourists accounting for 70 percent of its visitors. Normal entry price is 12 euros—but discounts are available for students (especially those studying abroad with a visa). The most famous piece of artwork featured in the Louvre is—of course—the “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo Da Vinci. What makes this museum so fascinating is the periods of historical artwork selected for display. Mesopotamian art, baroque, impressionist and countless others litter this multi-level building with extravagance and class. The Louvre itself is gigantic, therefore, it’s recommended to spend the entire day getting lost in the beautiful works of art rather than just a few hours.
No. 2 Vatican Museums
If the “Sistine Chapel” by Michelangelo Buonarotti isn’t enough to convince you, then consider the ancient history of the building itself. There are 54 galleries inside the Vatican museums making it one of the largest museums in the world. Other notable works of art include the vast array of marble sculptures dating back hundreds of years, along with archaeological excavation pieces from the Roman Empire and Ancient Egypt. If that’s not enough to convince you to consider this: you might get the chance to meet the Pope on one of his public addresses.
No. 3 Rijksmuseum
This Dutch national museum is located in the heart of Amsterdam. The museum, established in 1808, features the work of notable artists such as Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Johannes Vermeer. 1 million objects are currently on display in this richly cultural and historical museum that is dedicated to the arts throughout history. This museum provides a prominent look into the history of the ever-popular Dutch Golden Age.
No. 4 The British Museum
Located in London, this museum was first established in 1793 and currently features over eight million pieces of art. The types of artwork displayed in this museum are limitless and include artifacts from all over the world (showcasing many cultures). If you’ve ever wondered what the first translated language looked like, then look no further because this museum features the one and only “Rosetta Stone.”
No. 5 Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is located along the Arno River in none other than Florence, Italy. 45 galleries encompass the u-shaped structure and feature the artwork of Sandro Boticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci, Raffaello Sanzio, and Michelangelo Buonarotti—basically all of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous and oldest (c. 1574) museums in the world—and what better way to experience Florence than with some of the best works of Florentine art all featured in one gallery?
There are thousands of museums in Europe—some larger and more expensive than others. But if you start with these basics, you will become an art expert ahead of your peers and leave Europe with a newfound appreciation for culture.
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