Top 10

You’ve heard of the Louvre, and probably of The Guggenheim. There are so many art museums in this world, all carefully curated by loving teams of art historians and museum educators. Exactly how many art museums are there in the United States alone, you ask? It is estimated that there are upwards of 1,500! Museo: The Art Tourism App helps connect art lovers to new places to see art, and in this entry we are featuring 10 lesser-known art museums in the US you don’t want to miss, and can find on our global art map.

Located on the campus of Norwich Free Academy, a privately funded and publicly attended High School, the Slater Memorial Museum is a gem of Connecticut’s cultural landscape. Founded in 1886, it’s renowned for its collection of first edition plaster casts of famous Greek, Roman, and Renaissance sculptures - one of the largest remaining in the U.S. The museum also houses American paintings, decorative arts, and rotating exhibitions that engage the community and students alike. The building itself is a work of art and a piece of history, so you’ll definitely want to add it to your travel plans!

One of the most comprehensive collections of Asian art outside Asia, the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco holds more than 18,000 treasures spanning 6,000 years. From ancient jades and Buddhist sculptures to contemporary Asian art, the museum is celebrated for its scholarship, stunning exhibitions, and educational programming that connects diverse cultures with visitors in the heart of San Francisco.

Part of the University of Texas at Austin, the Blanton Museum of Art is a leading university art museum in the U.S. It’s especially noted for its strong collection of Latin American art, European Old Masters, modern and contemporary works, and Ellsworth Kelly’s monumental Austin building — a vibrant architectural landmark. The Blanton serves as a creative hub for students and the wider community.

Dedicated to the life and legacy of iconic American modernist Georgia O’Keeffe, this Santa Fe museum holds the largest collection of O’Keeffe’s work in the world. Visitors can explore her paintings, drawings, and personal objects, gaining insight into her creative process and deep connection with the landscapes of New Mexico that inspired her groundbreaking art.

Celebrated internationally, the Heard Museum focuses on the advancement of American Indian art and culture. Founded in 1929, the museum showcases traditional and contemporary Native American art, with an emphasis on the Southwest. Its renowned collections, exhibitions, and festivals honor Indigenous voices, histories, and artistry with sensitivity and depth.

The High Museum of Art is the leading art museum in the Southeastern United States. Its collection of over 18,000 works ranges from classic to contemporary, with notable strengths in American art, decorative arts, African art, and modern and contemporary works. With striking architecture by Richard Meier and Renzo Piano, the High is a cultural anchor for Atlanta and the region.

Opened in 1931, the Joslyn Art Museum is Nebraska’s largest art museum and a striking landmark with its pink marble Art Deco building. The collection includes European and American masterpieces, ancient works, and an acclaimed collection of art of the American West. It’s an important cultural hub for Omaha, offering dynamic exhibitions and educational programs.

The National Museum of Women in the Arts is the only major museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women artists. Since opening in 1987, it has built a collection of over 5,500 works by artists from the Renaissance to the present, shining a light on historically overlooked women in art and advocating for gender equity in the arts.

Known for its vast encyclopedic collection and iconic shuttlecock sculptures on its lawn, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a cornerstone of Kansas City’s cultural scene. Its holdings span thousands of years and cultures, from ancient Chinese art and Impressionist masterpieces to contemporary works, making it one of the Midwest’s premier art institutes.

The Wichita Art Museum holds one of the largest collections of American art in the region, featuring works from the 18th century to today. Its diverse holdings highlight celebrated artists like Mary Cassatt, Edward Hopper, and Dale Chihuly. With exhibitions, public programs, and a beautiful riverside setting, it’s a vibrant hub for the arts in Kansas.

The Cameron Art Museum connects the Wilmington community with a broad spectrum of art and cultural experiences. Its collection and exhibitions range from contemporary works to historical pieces, often spotlighting Southeastern artists. The museum also hosts performances, educational programs, and maintains the historic site of a Civil War earthworks on its grounds.