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Best Free Museum

By Readers' Choice On 2/1/24 at 12:00 PM EST

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The truism that the best things in life are never free is . . . not always true. Case in point, free museums. Below we've curated a collection of top-notch art, science and history museums that offer you hours of contemplation, relaxation and inspiration—all at no cost to you. Make sure to put these winning museums on your list for future visits!

These 10 museums were selected by our expert panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.

Congratulations to our 2024 winners; you can now visit our 2025 Best Free Museum contest.

National Museum of Mexican Art

1. National Museum of Mexican Art—Chicago, IL

With 18,000 artworks spanning ancient times to the present, the National Museum of Mexican Art has showcased authentic Mexican voices since 1982. Browse collections of stunning textiles, ancient sculptures, modern paintings, photographs, popular art and more. Afterward, pick up a map and take a self-guided tour of the surrounding Pilsen neighborhood's many murals. The museum also nurtures a thriving educational program with workshops and classes available.

Saint Louis Science Center

2. Saint Louis Science Center—St. Louis, MO

With an emphasis on discovering science through interactive exhibits and experiences, the Saint Louis Science Center offers adventure for everyone—the young and not-so-young. From flight simulators to a science lab, a series of energy exhibits to hands-on engineering puzzles, this one is all about exploration. Don't miss a program at the McDonnell Planetarium or a show at the OMNIMAX theater as well.

Baltimore Museum of Art

3. Baltimore Museum of Art—Baltimore, MD

With 97,000 pieces including the largest public Matisse collection, the BMA offers a globe-spanning collection that really shouldn't be missed. Browse masterworks by 19th-century modern and contemporary painters like Picasso, Cézanne, Degas, Gaugin and van Gogh. Prefer 3D art? You can admire Chinese ceramics; African masks, headdresses and ceremonial weapons; Native American beadwork and textiles; Hawaiian jewelry and much more.

Cleveland Museum of Art

4. Cleveland Museum of Art—Cleveland, OH

An exceptional institution—from its 66,500-plus works of art spanning 6,000 years to its live music and drama performances—the Cleveland Museum of Art is a can't-miss hub for art and culture. Photographs, paintings, textiles, pottery, metalwork, folk art, book illustrations—you name it, they have examples of it from around the world. Reserve a free guided tour, and check the calendar for events to make the most of your visit.

Holocaust Museum

5. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum—Washington, D.C.

Both a museum and a memorial, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum offers a transformative experience. Its enormous, movingly presented collection of artifacts from Holocaust victims celebrates their lives, honors the truth of their deaths and confronts visitors with the enormous costs of hatred. With a stated goal of preventing genocide and promoting human dignity, this museum is a must-see. Make sure to reserve a slot ahead of time.

National Museum of African American History

Photo Credit: Alan Karchmer Photo Credit: Alan Karchmer

6. National Museum of African American History & Culture—Washington, D.C.

Make sure to reserve your time at this Smithsonian museum dedicated to African-American culture and history from colonial times to the present. With more than 40,000 artifacts, the museum creates a lively portrayal covering famous figures like MLK as well as individual and community stories of how African-Americans made their constrained circumstances work. Interactive exhibits keep young and old engaged for a moving and memorable experience.

National Air and Space Museum

7. National Air and Space Museum—Washington, D.C.

Part of the Smithsonian, the National Air and Space Museum is a must-see for pretty much anyone. Encounter "firsts" like the Wright Brothers' 1903 flyer, the Apollo 11 command module, and the super-sonic Bell X-1, and enjoy spectacular shows in the IMAX and planetarium. Whether you love the science of space and flight or the high romance of challenging the skies, you'll be inspired by the world's premier collection of aeronautical artifacts.

National Infantry Museum

8. National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center—Columbus, GA

On 200 acres outside Fort Benning, the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center leads visitors through the history of the U.S. infantry soldier. Opened in 2009, its huge collection spans artifacts from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror. Explore interactive exhibits, get a taste of combat in the VR simulation center or watch educational shows in the giant-screen theater. You'll exit with a deep appreciation for the costs of freedom.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

9. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences—Raleigh, NC

Explore for hours in this exciting, interactive museum dedicated to the natural world and its conservation. Perfect for families, the museum covers topics from dinosaurs to beetles, ecosystems to biodiversity and weather prediction to astronomy. You can participate in labs, handle natural specimens and hear fun presentations from experts. In town for a while? Send your kids to summer camp or sign up for a class yourself.

Frye Art Museum

10. Frye Art Museum—Seattle, WA

Built from a core collection of late 19th- and early 20th-century paintings donated by the Frye family, the Frye Art Museum has been part of the Seattle landscape since 1952. The museum has continued to grow its collection and more recently has expanded into a contemporary direction, particularly in its special exhibitions. As one of the city's only free museums, this sometimes-hidden gem is an easy add to your itinerary.

About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.

Our experts

Linnea Bailey

Linnea Bailey is an award-winning journalist specializing in travel and tourism. Her freelance work can be found in Southern Living, The Palm Beach Post, Florida Weekly, Modern Luxury, art&culture magazine, The Palm Beaches Blog and more. A former newspaper reporter, she now owns a communications company in West Palm Beach. Linnea is an active member of The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), the North American Travel Journalists Association, the International Travel Writers Alliance, The Family Travel Association and The Adventure Travel Trade Association. She is a graduate of the University of Central Florida's journalism school. Learn more about her travels at www.linneabailey.com.

Teresa Bitler

Teresa Bitler is an award-winning travel writer whose work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, TripSavvy.com, Wine Enthusiast, ShermansTravel.com, AAA publications and others. She's also the author of four guidebooks and a contributor to Fodor's Arizona and the Grand Canyon. While she'd never miss a must-see attraction, she believes it's the unique experiences that make a trip worth taking. You can find her on Instagram @teresa.bitler.