You will remember for a lifetime: which museums to visit in 2025

Museums are not just a place to preserve history, but also a source of inspiration that can leave a deep mark on the soul of every visitor. Spending a few hours among unique collections of art, architecture, and culture can be one of the highlights of your trip.

In recent decades, museums have become important tourist attractions, as the design and creation of new buildings often becomes an important part of urban modernization. A striking example is the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, which opened in 1997 and turned this city into one of the main cultural capitals of Europe.

If you are planning your travels for 2025, you should pay attention to the museums that will offer new exhibitions or renovated spaces this year. Lonely Planet has compiled a list of the best museums to visit in 2025 for true art and culture lovers.

Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw

This is a relatively young institution, founded in 2005, which, after years of searching for a permanent home, has finally found one. The museum focuses on Polish contemporary art, especially works created after the end of the Cold War, and is not afraid to address topical social and political issues.

The museum's new building, designed by renowned American architect Thomas Fifer, contrasts with the surrounding architecture, including the Soviet Palace of Culture and Science. Despite some criticism, the museum has become an important cultural center in Warsaw, offering a wide range of exhibitions, lectures, and other events.

The museum's permanent collection, which includes works by leading Polish artists, is presented in four sections, allowing visitors to better navigate contemporary Polish art.

Yale Center for British Art

The Yale Center for British Art, located in New Haven, Connecticut, is a real gem for art lovers. This museum, which contains the largest and most comprehensive collection of British art outside the United Kingdom, is reopening its doors to the public after a lengthy renovation.

The museum presents a completely renewed exposition. Visitors will be able to see British art in a new light, with an emphasis on lesser-known aspects and contemporary interpretations. One of the main features of the updated exhibition is a new look at the history of British art. The museum offers a more comprehensive and in-depth analysis that includes topics such as colonialism, world trade, and the contribution of women artists.

The exhibition dedicated to the work of J. M. W. Turner is particularly noteworthy. It presents a wide palette of his works, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the unique world of this outstanding artist.

An art museum on the Upper East Side in New York City

This museum houses the Frick Collection, a true treasure among New York museums. Located in an elegant mansion on Fifth Avenue, it preserves the spirit of the era when art was accessible only to the chosen few. The collection, assembled by industrialist Henry Clay Frick, is striking in its sophistication and diversity, including works by such masters as Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Holbein.

The museum has recently undergone a renovation that allowed it to expand its exhibition spaces and open new halls to the public. At the same time, the authentic spirit of the mansion was preserved, creating an atmosphere of comfort and intimacy. Visitors can not only enjoy the masterpieces of world art but also feel like a part of history.

One of the features of the Frick Collection is the ban on photography. This allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the world of art and enjoy each piece without distraction.

Naoshima New Museum of Art

Naoshima is a real paradise for lovers of contemporary art. This small island in Japan's Seto Inland Sea has become a unique cultural center where art is organically combined with nature. And now, another masterpiece of modern architecture and art has appeared on the island – the New Naoshima Museum of Art.

Created by the famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the museum blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. Its building, located on a hillside, offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the sea.

V&A East Storehouse in the UK

The V&A East Storehouse is an ambitious new project by London's renowned Victoria and Albert Museum, which will open in 2025. Located in the former Olympic Media Center, this unique space will offer visitors an extraordinary experience of interacting with art and design.

Unlike traditional museums, where exhibits are hidden behind glass, the V&A East Storehouse invites visitors to look behind the scenes of museum work. Huge vaults occupying several floors will be available for inspection.

Visitors will be able not only to admire the exhibits but also to participate in their research. Thanks to the "radical access" program, it will be possible to order a tour of specific objects accompanied by a museum expert.

The museum will regularly update its exhibitions, presenting new findings and research. This will allow visitors to come back again and again, discovering something new.

Studio Museum in Harlem, USA

The institution is an important cultural institution that has been collecting and presenting works by artists of African descent for almost 60 years. Closed since 2018 for renovations, the museum will soon reopen its doors in a new modern building designed by Adjaye Architects. The new building, located on 125th Street, harmoniously combines dark concrete and bronze inserts, and an abundance of natural light fills the museum's galleries. The museum's exhibitions have always had a significant impact on national cultural discussions, and its residency program has helped to develop the talents of outstanding artists.

Netherlands Museum of Photography

It is one of the largest collections of photographic works in the world, with about 6.5 million images. In 2025, the museum will move to a new building located in the historic warehouse of the Rotterdam dock area.

The new space will include not only modern galleries but also a rooftop restaurant and spaces for public programs. One of the main features will be the opportunity for visitors to observe the conservation and restoration work through glass walls. The museum will be an ideal place for those interested in Dutch culture or who simply love powerful visual stories.

Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

This museum is part of the UAE capital's ambitious cultural program, which aims to become an international center for art and architecture. After the successful opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, two giant museums have joined the project, providing even more opportunities for art lovers. The Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will be known for its monumental forms, including cubic, conical, and cylindrical structures, and will host contemporary artworks.

At the same time, the Zayed National Museum, designed by Foster + Partners, will be dedicated to the history and culture of the UAE, impressing visitors with interactive exhibitions and ancient artifacts.

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