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Interesting that natural history museums see so many more people.
And yes I agree that quantity of visitors does not necessarily reflect quality. But it's just one way of analyzing the question.
My guess for part of the reason at least would be the fact that it's easier to take children to natural history or science museums rather than art museums. For example, would a child rather see the Art Institute's impressionism collection or a German u-boat at the Museum of Science and Industry?
The Getty is a fantastic place to visit, but actually is a mediocre art collection. Come for the architecture and gorgeous gardens, but I don't think the Getty would be in the Top 30-40 U.S. art museums.
I agree. Chicago certainly has better museums than LA in terms of collections and community involvement as does Boston and probably Philly. I doubt there is anyone on this board who has been to the majority of major museums in the US. I have been to the art institute, getty, and museum of fine arts in Boston and the Getty, for all of its gardens, is no where near as good as the other two.
If you're into art museums, the Louvre is so huge and grand it makes most US museums look pretty provincial.
To avoid unceasing repetition of the same 5 cities (which, no doubt, are in fact at the top), I'd like to throw in that, having recently completed a $350 million expansion/renovation, Cleveland Museum of Art, which already held one of the best collections in the country, is now one of the premier art museums in the US. Cleveland also has the Rock and Roll HOF, a brand new Museum of Contemporary Art, a respectable, if a bit dated, natural history museum, and.... drumroll..... the Christmas Story House and Museum. And, do I get to include Canton? Because if so, we have the Pro Football HOF also.
I was going to say Cleveland is quite underrated as a museum city, but it seems to have pointed out a few times already. Detroit is also a bit underrated in terms of museums. Both these cities got rich at about the time rich people were trying to create museums as legacies, which probably helps (though I don't know if that's the specific reason for either city).
Quote:
Originally Posted by munchitup
Interesting that natural history museums see so many more people.
And yes I agree that quantity of visitors does not necessarily reflect quality. But it's just one way of analyzing the question.
The Natural History museum is always packed in DC. I think a major reason is how kid-friendly it is. On the other hand, the Gallery of Art, while attracting a good number of people, feels practically empty (there's a lot of space), so you can leisurely stroll around. It might be the Smithsonian's most underappreciated museum.
It's surprisingly easy to find decent lists for best science and children's museums and exceedingly difficult to find good lists for best art and history museums (especially history).
Interesting that natural history museums see so many more people.
And yes I agree that quantity of visitors does not necessarily reflect quality. But it's just one way of analyzing the question.
KIDS! Natural History Museums can be a nightmare if it's some field trip day, and that is a lot of days...
edit I see a couple people covered this already, but yeah... Although there are sometimes cool ancient art at natural history museums, and Field has a cool Gem collection. The Egyptian section at NY American Museum of Natural History is pretty cool.
KIDS! Natural History Museums can be a nightmare if it's some field trip day, and that is a lot of days...
edit I see a couple people covered this already, but yeah... Although there are sometimes cool ancient art at natural history museums, and Field has a cool Gem collection. The Egyptian section at NY American Museum of Natural History is pretty cool.
yeah good point, as a kid I always looked forward to the natural history museums - art museums not so much.
NYC or DC should be 1 or 2, in either order. I think a strong argument can be made for either city. Then it is definately, IMO, Chicago or LA right after them.
My favorite museum in the US is the Met, I think it is on par with the great museums of the world and it is the only US museum that can compete with the likes of the Louvre, British, Museum, etc.
My favorite museum in the US is the Met, I think it is on par with the great museums of the world and it is the only US museum that can compete with the likes of the Louvre, British, Museum, etc.
Most people in the art world consider the Met to be the most well-rounded major art museum on earth. It's usually grouped with the Louvre as among the top two art museums on earth, with Louvre stronger, but in fewer departments, and Met broader strengths, but not as in-depth in a few like Louvre.
In terms of actual size of holdings, Louvre is #1, and Met is #2. Met has world's largest art museum endowment, not sure about Louvre, but most European museums are publicly funded, so endowments are not as critical. Louvre is also #1 in attendance.
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