We recently shared 10 museums to visit around the world so it only seemed appropriate to continue the list with museums to visit within the United States. There are hundreds of beautiful museums with a range of exhibitions from art to archaeology and every city has something different. There are museums known for their size and reputation like any of the Smithsonian's in Washington DC but there are also smaller, less-known ones that have a personality you can't argue with. Our list has a combination of both and I truly hope it inspires you to go out into your own nearest city to visit and support a museum with exhibits that you're personally interested in.

Art Institute of Chicago | Chicago, Illinois
This is one of my personal favorites and one that I have visited a number of times, I cannot say enough about this museum. Did you know that the AIC has the second largest collection of Impressionist art? The first is the d'Orsay in Paris. Outside of the impressionist movement, their collections range from ancient art and artifacts to modern day contemporary. It's truly an experience that you don't want to miss if you're visiting Chicago. Be on the lookout for their free admission nights to save a buck and avoid school crowds.

The Art Institute of Chicago. The Woman's Board Grand Staircase. Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago. — The Art Institute of Chicago. *The Woman's Board Grand Staircase.* Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Chihuly Garden and Glass | Seattle, Washington
Complete with works by Dale Chihuly, the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum is an experience of vibrancy, color and beauty. The amount of creativity that went into the creation of this particular museum is not lost on anyone. Walk through the garden, experience the glasshouse and do it all through an audio tour available for visitors.

Coral Castle Museum | Miami, Florida
Created by one single man from 1923-1951, the Coral Castle Museum is not only magnificent, it's a marvel. No one knows how Ed, the creator, carved the coral rock into the amazing piece of art we're able to enjoy today. This is certainly one of the more unusual museums on this list but clearly one of the more astonishing.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum | Boston, Massachusetts
Isabella Stewart Gardner made it her life's work to create a collection of some of the most revered and sought after artists in America. Displayed at this museum are paintings, sculptures, silver, ceramics, manuscripts, rare books and more as far as ancient Rome to America. It's become one of the most revered museums and is known for beautiful gardens.

Photo Credit: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston — Photo Credit: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston

Matchstick Marvels | Gladbrook, Iowa
Matchstick Marvels is exactly what it sounds like. This museum is home to 65 models made all from matchsticks that include everything from machines to architecture by artist Patrick Acton. His work has also been featured in other museums around the world but this is where you will find the largest collection and arguably some of his best pieces.

Museum of Bad Art | Somerville, Massachusetts
Interested in seeing some of the worst art? You might even say there's a beauty in the ugliest things. Located in Somerville, the Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) shows some of their 600 pieces in a gallery in the basement of a theater. See a variety of portraits, landscapes, blue people and much more. If nothing else, this is definitely a unique experience, one I wish I would have taken advantage of while visiting Boston.

The Andy Warhol Museum | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Andy Warhol is one of the most common household artist names. It seems everyone knows who Andy Warhol is for one reason or another. His work is truly one-of-a-kind, a combination of vision, aesthetic and pure talent. As far as the what you'll find? All of Andy Warhol's legacy, of course. The museum includes 900 paintings, about 100 sculptures, works on paper, published and unique prints and 4,000 photos among much, much more.

The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh, © Abby Warhola — The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh, © Abby Warhola

The Getty Center | Los Angeles, California
Art is a rich part of any culture and The Getty Center makes it a priority to make sure both are showcased throughout their exhibits. Located in both Los Angeles and Malibu, they collectively host collections of European paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography and more. In addition to their exhibits, they study the arts and cultures from ancient Greece, Rome and Etruria.

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures | Tuscan, Arizona
Do you enjoy seeing everything and anything in miniature form? This is your place. The museum transports you to different eras and stories throughout history via mini pieces of art. It's an interactive experience that drags you into the story being told for a truly unique experience despite its size.

Whitney Museum of American Art | New York, New York
Most people are familiar with the Degas', Monet's, da Vinci's and Rembrandt's of the world but one thing all of these greats have in common is that they're dead. The Whitney Museum was founded to showcase art by living artists. Since it's establishment in the early 20th century, the museum now holds art created within the last 100 years or so.

What are some museums throughout the US that are your favorites or that you are interested in visiting at some point? Have you been to any of these before? Tell us in the comments below.

10 Museums To Visit In The US

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