12 Lesser-Known Museums Around the World for Art Lovers 2025

Every major city has a mainstream museum that receives millions of visitors yearly, while other equally great cultural and art centers get overlooked. Think of the Louvre in Paris or The Museum of Modern Art in New York; they take center stage for art enthusiasts, and it is not difficult to see why. In fact, some tourists have been to the Louvre a dozen times but have never set foot in the many other lesser-known museums that also host a wide variety of magnificent and thought-provoking art.

The next time you create an itinerary to a major city, set some time aside to visit these lesser-known art museums. It is a chance to explore equally magnificent art collections and look at art from different perspectives, all while escaping crowds.

Musee d’Orsay, Paris

Musee D’Orsay made it to this list, not because it is lesser-known, but because it often fades behind the spotlight of the Louvre. Instead of seeing the Mona Lisa on every trip to Paris, set aside at least two hours for Musee D’Orsay; you will be impressed.

The museum hosts a vast collection of Impressionist and Post-impressionist art, including works of renowned artists like Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Degas, and Paul Cézanne. Visiting is an opportunity to see Van Gogh’s self-portrait, Starry Night Over The Rhone, and Claude Monet’s Water Lilies.

While there are numerous masterpieces to see and capture in this museum, make sure you spare some time to admire the Beaux-arts architectural style of this museum (formerly a train station) and snap some photos of the iconic Musee D’Orsay clock.

El Museo Del Barrio, New York City, USA

If you keep a keen eye on showbiz scenes, you must have realized that some great entertainers never make it to mainstream spaces for one reason or another. The same applies to artists; some of the greatest out there never get the acknowledgment their exemplary works deserve. Luckily, El Museo Del Barrio has dedicated itself to showcasing outstanding works of Latin American and Caribbean artists that never made it to larger institutions.

When in New York, spare time to explore the rich cultural heritage represented in this East Harlem museum. The collections include paintings, sculptures, photographs, textiles, and installations that evoke different emotions and tell different stories.

Reina Sofia Museum, Madrid, Spain

When art enthusiasts visit Madrid, they typically let Prado Museum take center stage and overlook the iconic Reina Sofia Museum. This museum holds an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art and some lesser-known works of famous Spanish artists like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, and Salvador Dali.

Visiting the Reina Sofia Museum is a chance to indulge in modern and contemporary works and explore artistic movements like Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism.

In addition, the Reina Sofia Museum hosts many temporary exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, and workshops, all perfect for art lovers looking for an immersive experience.

Currier Museum of Art, Manchester, United Kingdom

Currier Museum is a gem for its impressive New England art collection. This is a great place to explore paintings, decorative arts, and sculptures, perfect for artists exploring works from different backgrounds.

The museum hosts a European and American art collection from the Renaissance to contemporary works. Some notable artists featured include Monet, O’Keeffe, Picasso, and Wyeth.

While visiting, glimpse the Zimmerman House, which Frank Lloyd Wright designed. It is an excellent masterpiece for gaining insights into mid-20th-century architecture.

Musée de l’Orangerie, Paris, France

The art scene in Paris is vast, meaning smaller art institutions such as Musee de l’Orangerie do not get the attention they truly deserve. This museum’s impressive collection is not to be missed by any art enthusiasts visiting Paris.

Although it is renowned for its display of Claude Monet’s iconic “Water Lilies’ series, visiting Musee de l’Orangerie is an excellent opportunity to explore works by other Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists, including Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso, and Modigliani.

Musee de l’Orangerie strategic location on the west corner of the magnificent Tuileries Gardens means you can visit two must-see sites in Paris.

Museum of Cycladic Art, Athens, Greece

With so much history and monumental landmarks to explore in Athens, many tourists overlook the Museum of Cycladic Art. However, it is a great place to explore and understand the ancient civilization of the Aegean islands.

The museum houses a collection of art and artifacts from the Cycladic civilization during the Bronze Age. Some of the highlights to spot include Cycladic figurines, marble sculptures, and pottery.

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Any history and art enthusiast visiting Greece would love to explore the history of some of the islands before embarking on island hopping.

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Museum Montanelli – Prague, Czech Republic

Prague has many museums, historic landmarks, and architectural marvels. This means that visitors with just two or three days in the city rarely get to explore lesser-known museums such as Museum Montanelli.

This privately owned organization offers unique perspectives on avant-garde and experimental art scenes. The institution houses works of both Czech and international artists, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia artworks. The collection reflects diverse artistic styles and themes, providing insight into contemporary art’s dynamic and evolving nature.

If you want to explore contemporary artworks beyond the mainstream, a great bet would be at Museum Montanelli.

The Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Santorini, Greece

Everyone goes to Santorini to indulge in its breathtaking landscapes, which is very valid; the island’s natural beauty is irresistible. However, it would be a big itinerary blunder for an art enthusiast to visit Santorini and return without stopping by the Museum of Prehistoric Thera.

This museum hosts artifacts and art that offer deeper insights into the ancient history and civilizations of the island. Most of the artifacts in this museum were excavated from Akrotiri, a Bronze Age settlement buried under volcanic ash during the eruption of Thera (modern Santorini) around 1600 BCE. Some of the exhibits include pottery, frescoes, tools, household items, and other artifacts that provide a glimpse into the daily life, culture, and art of the Minoan civilization.

Visiting this museum is more than just marveling at intricate designs from different civilizations; it can offer deeper insights into Santorini’s history and rich cultural heritage.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is important to Boston’s rich cultural and art scene. Despite its rich collection of artifacts, it is still overlooked in favor of the Museum of Fine Arts.

Some exhibitions include works curated by Isabella Stewart herself and many display how she organized them when she lived in the palace. Visiting is also an opportunity to savor artworks from iconic European artists, including Titian, Rembrandt, and Vermeer.

Besides the impressive collection, tourists can visit to marvel at the stunning Venetian-style palace that houses the museum. Whether you’re into paintings or architecture, you will have a great time at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Museum Berggruen, Berlin, Germany

Museum Berggruen is a hidden gem frequented by locals but often overlooked by tourists. There is no better way to experience a city than to do it the way a local does, and this is why Museum Berggruen should appear in your Berlin itinerary.

This museum hosts a wide range of modern art, including works by Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, Henri Matisse, Alberto Giacometti, and Georges Braque. Spare at least two hours to explore art dealer Heinz Berggreun’s collection of drawings, paintings, and sculptures.

Visiting is not just an opportunity to marvel at an art dealer’s rich collection but to explore the evolution of art from one era to another.

Ghibli Museum, Tokyo

The Ghibli Museum is a magical destination perfect for art enthusiasts looking for an interactive experience. It is a must-visit destination for fans of Studio Ghibli’s animated films. The museum hosts intricate artworks designed to transport visitors into the magical world of Ghibli.

This museum engages visitors in its production process, from animation techniques to original artwork, sketches, and storyboards. Visiting it is an opportunity to gain deeper insights into the processes that went into the production of some beloved films, including Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Princess Mononoke.

The Leighton Museum, London, England

London is home to some of the world’s greatest museums, including the British Museum, which sometimes receives over 30,000 guests daily. Skip the crowds and tour other little-known gems, like the Leighton House Museum.

The Leighton House Museum is the perfect destination for tourists interested in interior design, architecture, and art. It is housed in the former house of Victorian artist Frederic Leighton, who lived there from 1866 until his death in 1896. The building is a masterpiece of Victorian architecture and interior design with intricate Moorish and Byzantine-inspired decorations.

Some must-sees include Leighton’s artworks, such as the “Flaming June” painting and Islamic tiles and ceramics. Leighton also collected many artistic items during his travels, all showcased in this museum.

12 Lesser-Known Museums Around the World for Art Lovers