USA's 10 Best Museums in Unexpected Locations
From ancient indigenous craftsmanship now on display in Massachusetts to a strikingly contemporary Quaker modern art space in Texas, outstanding museum-worthy objects can be found in the most surprising of humble locations across the United States. Below is our selection of the best weird and wonderful stops on an alternative cultural tour of great artwork in the USA.
1. The Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh
Museum
The collection includes thousands of Warhol’s paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, films and screen tests, showcasing a comprehensive range of his life’s work, with recognisable pieces such as Campbell’s Soup Cans, alongside lesser-known collaborations with young artists. Creating a dynamic social space with hands-on workshops, a vintage photobooth and the opportunity to direct and star in your very own screen test, the museum is committed to providing an immersive, interactive experience.
3. The Museum of Art at Rhode Island School of Design, Rhode Island
Museum, School
4. Live Oak Friends Meeting House, Texas
Building
5. McNay Art Museum, Texas
Museum
6. The Wolfsonian – Florida International University, Florida
Museum, Library, University
Past exhibitions have tackled issues ranging from modern beauty in poetry, World Fairs of the 1930s as indicators of social crises, and the shifting behaviour of America with respect to food and geography. With its commitment to research and education of this specific era, the museum is lauded by scholars, history enthusiasts and art aficionados, and continues to use exhibitions, events and publications to promote discussion about how innovation and technology are shaping society.
7. The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Massachusetts
Museum, University
8. Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Massachusetts
Museum
Also in Cambridge, MA, the Arthur M. Sackler Museum is home to a unique collection of Asian art, incorporating remarkable Chinese jades and Japanese surimono woodblock prints, ceremonial weapons, Korean ceramics and Buddhist sculptures. Impressive and intricate works of Islamic and Indian art are also part of the collections, including paintings, drawings and ancient manuscript calligraphy and illustration. The museum is in the process of moving to a new Harvard Art Museums complex (which will also include the Fogg and Busch-Reisinger museums), designed by Renzo Piano – architect of London’s Shard, and was closed to the public until November 2014.
9. Yale Center for British Art, Connecticut
Art Gallery, Museum
10. The Yale University Art Gallery, Connecticut
Art Gallery
Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.
Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>
All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.