Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Kelowna & Okanagan Valley
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National Museum of African American History and Culture
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum in the United States devoted to the African American experience. Its unique architectural structure—wrapped in an ornamental bronze-colored metal lattice—houses 12 galleries and 13 interactive exhibits. The 36,000-object collection tells the American story through the African American lens, covering themes from history, politics, religion, slavery, and segregation to music, sports, fashion, and art.
The Basics
The museum’s concourse level documents slavery in the US from the slave trade to emancipation with moving exhibits including artifacts such as Harriet Tubman’s personal hymnal and a shawl gifted to her by Queen Victoria. Other floors delve into segregation and run through to the present day, telling stories of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and President Barack Obama as they relate to African American culture. The Community and Culture galleries showcase collective contributions to athletics, the military, and more. Also here, visitors can explore family histories through digital resources and get help conducting genealogical research and oral history interviews.
Museum entry requires a free timed-entry pass. Same-day and advance passes are available online, and some walk-up passes are distributed after 1pm on weekdays. Thousands flock to the museum daily, making it one of the most-visited Smithsonian institutions, and passes sell out quickly—plan ahead.
Things to Know Before You Go
- While the museum is free to enter, timed-entry passes are required.
- Head to the third-floor observatory for stellar views of the Washington Monument and the city.
- The on-site Sweet Home Café offers traditional African American cuisine from four US regions.
- Tripods, selfie sticks, food, and drink are not permitted in the museum.
- The museum is fully accessible. Wheelchair rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and open captioning is included in all exhibition videos.
How to Get There
The museum is the latest addition to the Smithsonian’s collection on the National Mall. Due to the lack of nearby parking, the best way to arrive is by foot, bus, or Metro. The nearest Metro stops are Federal Triangle and Smithsonian on the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines. The museum is also a stop on many hop-on, hop-off tours of Washington D.C.
When to Get There
The museum is open from 10am to 5:30pm every day of the year except December 25.
A Thoughtful Design
Designed by Ghanaian-British architect David Adjaye, the museum takes inspiration from Yoruba art of West Africa as well as architectural roots of the African diaspora of America. There are more than 85,000 square feet (7,897 square meters) of gallery space thoughtfully and beautifully displaying thousands of artifacts. Its history galleries in particular are a must-see.
Address: 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington DC 20560, USA
Hours: Daily 10am–5:30pm
From $ 14
National Museum of African Art
A series of six green copper domes cover the tiny entrance to the National Museum of African Art off the National Mall. Three underground levels radiate off central dueling staircases into hushed galleries of sculptures, wooden masks, paintings, clay and beaded jewelry, maps and textiles from nearly every country on the African continent. Most of the permanent collections are on the first and third sublevels.
Over 9,000 objects comprise the collections and recent ongoing and rotating exhibits have included films by African artists depicting interpretations of time; immersive sound pieces that transport visitors to Balogun, an open-air market in Lagos, Nigeria; and historical art from Sub-Saharan Africa. The second sublevel has workshop space and an auditorium where performing dance troupes, lectures, films and interactive traditional crafting workshops are sometimes held.
Before moving to its current location in 1987, the museum was housed in a townhouse once owned by the former slave-turned statesman, Frederick Douglass. Under the Smithsonian umbrella, it is the largest public collection of African art in the US.
Practical Info
The National Museum of African Art is located just off the National Mall behind the Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle) and across from the National Museum of Natural History. Its third sublevel connects to neighboring Arthur M. Sackler Gallery.
Entrance is always free and hours are from 10am-5:30pm daily except Christmas Day. The entrance is within short walking distance of the Smithsonian Metro stop on the orange, silver and blue lines. Docent-led tours are occasionally offered; check the Smithsonian calendar or the Information Desk inside the museum for current tour info.
Address: 950 Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington DC 20560, USA
Hours: 10am-5:30pm daily (closed Christmas Day)
From $ 14
National Mosque (Masjid Negara)
National Mosque (Masjid Negara)
Beside the Lake Gardens of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s National Mosque (Masjid Negara) reinvents traditional Islamic architecture with its angular lines and neutral color scheme. Built in 1965, the mosque was designed as a symbol of Malaysia’s independence and is a center of Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant Muslim community.
The Basics
The cultural significance of the National Mosque makes it an integral part of most Kuala Lumpur sightseeing tours. The 18-pointed star dome is said to represent Islam’s five pillars and the 13 states of the Malaysian archipelago. The majority of tours combine a visit to the National Mosque with stops at the famous Petronas Towers as well as the Batu Caves, one of the world’s largest Hindu shrines.
For travelers that want to combine culture with nature, Kuala Lumpur Bird Park and Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park are both within a 10-minute walk of the mosque.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Photography is allowed inside the mosque, but phones must be in silent mode.
- Traditional attire, which include robes for men and a headscarf for women, is provided for travelers who want to go inside the mosque.
- A must-see for lovers of religious architecture.
- The National Mosque is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
You can either take a taxi to the mosque using a ride hailing app or go by public transport. The mosque is diagonally across from Kuala Lumpur railway station, and there is an underground walkway that goes underneath Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin. Alternatively, book a tour that includes round-trip transport.
When to Get There
During prayer times, which occur six times per day, the National Mosque is closed to the public. Make sure to check the most up-to-date times online as they’re subject to change according to the position of the sun.
Religious Harmony in Kuala Lumpur
If you want to get an overview of Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant multiculturalism, combine a visit to the National Mosque with a stop at Thean Hou Temple, a bright Buddhist monument, and Sri Mahamariamman Temple, an extravagantly decorated temple that’s one of the oldest in Malaysia.
Address: Jalan Perdana, Kuala Lumpur 50480, Malaysia
Hours: Open daily
From $ 8
National Museum
Malaysia’s National Museum (Muzium Negara), housed within a beautiful Minangkabau-style building in Kuala Lumpur, is one of the city’s best and an excellent place to learn about Malaysia’s long and rich multicultural heritage. Completed in 1961 and opened two years later, the museum takes visitors on a journey through time with beautifully curated displays divided into four themed galleries.
The Prehistory gallery displays stone tools and other Paleolithic artifacts dating back thousands of years, including the Perak Man, the oldest mostly intact human skeleton in Southeast Asia. The second gallery, The Malay Kingdoms, contains art and artifacts that trace the various people groups and kingdoms that once existed on the Malay Peninsula and in the Borneo Islands. The Colonial Era gallery recounts the period from 1511 to 1945 when foreign powers ruled the nation, and the final gallery, Malaysia Today, highlights the national movement and Malaysia’s many achievements since gaining independence.
Try to time your visit to take advantage of a free docent-led English tour of the museum. They take place several times throughout the week.
Practical Info
The National Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Entrance costs 5 RM for adult foreigners and 2 RM for foreign children between the ages of 6 and 12. Children ages 6 and under enter for free. The museum is accessible by the RapidKL bus No. 115, and it is stop number 12 on Kuala Lumpur hop-on, hop-off buses. There is also ample parking available for 3 RM per car.
Address: Muzium Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Admission: Adult Foreigners 5 RM, Children 6-12 2 RM, Children ages 6 and under enter for free.
From $ 8
National Museum of Art and History (Musee National d'Histoire et d'Art)
The idea for Luxembourg’s MNHA was first conceived before World War II but thanks to German occupation of the city it only finally opened in 1946. Today the museum has four permanent collections housed in a purpose-built gallery completed in the early 21st century. The Coins and Medals and Fine Arts collections are found in the revamped original museum, which is connected to a central atrium with a façade of stone cladding that houses the gift shops and café on the ground floor. Hidden beneath this — and literally carved out of rock — are three subterranean floors where the archaeological treasures are exhibited. The latest addition is the Wiltheim Wing, which was added in 2014 and comprises several modernized townhouses where Arts and Crafts from Renaissance times onwards are now on display.
In addition, the museum normally holds several temporary exhibitions at any one time and these have recently featured diverse themes such as art from the Cold War period and the work of Luxembourg artist Joseph Kutter (1894-1941), who was influenced by the Expressionists and renowned for his landscapes and nudes.
Practical Info
Marché-Aux-Poissons, Luxembourg. Open Tue–Wed, Fri–Sun 10am–6pm; Thur 10am–8pm. Permanent collection free; admission to temporary exhibitions adults €7; seniors & children free. The attractions of Luxembourg City are easily accessed on foot.
Address: Marché-Aux-Poissons, 2345, Luxembourg
Hours: Open Tue–Wed and Fri–Sun 10am–6pm; Thur 10am–8pm
Admission: Permanent Collection: Free; Temporary Exhibitions: €7
From $ 16
National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepvaartmuseum)
Housed in a humungous former arsenal built in 1656, the National Maritime Museum reopened in 2011 after extensive reworking and is dedicated to showcasing the importance of Amsterdam’s maritime history. During the 17th-century Golden Age, The Netherlands was one of the richest powers in the world, thanks to its trading wealth and an empire that stretched across the globe. It was a time of great progress in Amsterdam, when the Canal Ring was built and the middle classes grew rich. All this is reflected in interactive and audio-visual displays of model ships, maritime oil paintings, charts, silverware and weaponry; the growth of the fabulously successful Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie or VOC) is charted and visitors are whisked on a simulated journey through Amsterdam as a piece of cargo. Two now controversial issues that are dealt with sensitively through thoughtful exhibits are the European slave trade and the whaling industry.
For kids, the highlight of a visit to the National Maritime Museum is undoubtedly the full-size replica of the merchant ship Amsterdam, which foundered in 1749 on a voyage to the East Indies (the present-day Indonesia). The craft is ‘crewed’ by actors who fire cannons, sing sea shanties, tie ropes and even stage a burial at sea.
Practical Info
Kattenburgerplein 1. Admission €15 adults; €7.50 students and children aged 5–17; free with IAmsterdam Card. Opening hours are daily 9am–5pm. Accessible via buses no 22 or 48 to Kadijksplein or a 15-minute walk from Centraal Station.
Address: Kattenburgerplein 1, Amsterdam 1018 KK, Netherlands
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
Admission: Adult €15, Child €7.50
From $ 18
National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History
When compared to cities like Trujillo and Cuzco with their wealth of archaeology, modern day Lima can sometimes seem like a city without a past. For what it lacks in ruins, however, it more than makes up for with its fascinating museums and collection of ancient artifacts. At the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History, visitors can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the trove of artifacts. In fact, not only do the 100,000 artifacts comprise the largest collection in Peru, but seeing as the museum was first opened back in 1826, it’s also the oldest state run museum anywhere in Peru. During your stroll through Peruvian history, look at ceramics, arrowheads, and jewelry that date back thousands of years, and read through exhibits of the Spanish occupation that led to modern Peru. Browse through one of the world’s most important displays of traditional textile art, or ogle at over 15,000 human skeletal remains. This one stop shop for Peruvian history can rival any museum in Peru, and along with the nearby Larco Museum, is the best way to explore the past when visiting Lima today.
Practical Info
The National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History is located in Plaza Bolivar in the Pueblo Libre district. The museum is open on Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-4pm, and on Sundays and holidays from 9am-3:30pm. Admission is approximately $3-$4, and English tours are available.
Address: Plaza Bolivar s/n Pueblo Libre, Lima, Peru
Admission: $3-$4
From $ 75
National Museum of Beirut
An essential stop for all visitors to Beirut, the National Museum features an impressive, well-displayed collection of archaeological artifacts from throughout the ages, offering a thorough overview of Lebanon’s history. Entry into the National Museum of Beirut is a staple of most historical Beirut walking tours.
The museum collection is displayed in chronological order, beginning in prehistory and ending in the Ottoman era. The circuit begins on the ground floor, where you’ll find various ancient statues and mosaics. The museum’s upper level features more than 1,000 artifacts from the Bronze and Iron ages, as well as from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Mamluk eras, all arranged by theme. Of its many artifacts, the Phoenician gilded bronze figurines found buried near the Obelisk Temple are probably the museum’s most famous.
Insider’s Tip: The museum’s audiovisual room near the entrance plays the documentary Revival every hour from 9am and 4pm, covering the restoration, revival and reopening of the National Museum.
Practical Info
The National Museum of Beirut is located a 15-minute walk south of Sodeco Square.
Address: Museum Street, on the corner of Damascus St. and Abdallah El Yafi Ave., Beirut, Lebanon
Hours: Tues–Sun 9am–5pm
Admission: Adult: 5000 LP; Student/Child: 1000 LP
From $ 40
National Museum of Cambodia
The National Museum is home to one of the largest collections of Khmer art in the world. Well-kept galleries display choice artifacts that pay homage to Hinduism and Buddhism. Even daily objects, like household utensils, and items used in religious ceremonies are on display.
Works in the museum, which opened in 1920, are divided into four categories: stone, metal, wood and ceramics. Be sure to check out the bronze standing adorn Buddha, as well as ceramics dating as far back as the Neolithic period.
Practical Info
The museum is located on Street 13 in central Phnom Penh, near the Royal Palace. Visitors can enter at the corner of Streets 13 and 178. Admission is US$5 and travelers can arrange a one-hour group tour of the museum for an extra US$3.
Address: 13 Street and 178 Street, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Admission: $5
From $ 15
National Museum of Denmark
The National Museum of Denmark is the country's largest cultural and historical museum, providing visitors with a broad variety of displays, from national treasures such as the prehistoric Sun Chariot to Egyptian mummies and an original hash stall from nearby Christiania.
Exhibits cover over 14,000 years of Danish history, showcasing Danish culture and heritage with a large collection of objects. It is possible to learn about the reindeer hunters of the Ice Age, the importance of religion in medieval Denmark and the Viking, who have a major exhibition dedicated to them thanks to Queen Margrethe. Other notable items include copies of the Golden Horns of Gallehus, the Gundestrup cauldron, the Egtved Girl coffin and the Kingittorsuaq Runestone. Visitors can also see a large collection of coinage and currencies from the Vikings, Rome and many other cultures.
Practical Info
The museum is located in the center of Copenhagen, a short distance from the main thoroughfare of Strøget. It can also be reached by public transit, either by metro (stop Kongens Nytorv) or by bus (take bus line 1A, 2A or 11A to Stormbroen). Admission is free for all exhibitions, and WiFi is provided. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and is only closed December 24 and 25 and on New Year's Day. There is also an onsite restaurant and café.
Address: Ny Vestergade 10, Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark 1471, Denmark
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10am-5pm. Closed on December 24-25, New Year’s Day
From $ 39
National Museum of American History
The larger-than-life Star Spangled Banner gallantly streams from the walls of the National Museum of American History in Washington DC. This top-rated museum showcases the best of American memorabilia and memorializes iconic eras, events, and people in American history. The most popular exhibit is the original Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that was raised at Fort McHenry in Baltimore on September 14, 1814 to celebrate a victory over the British forces in the war of 1812. Another popular exhibits showcase dresses American First Lady’s have worn. Other significant artifacts include Archie Bunker’s chair, Abraham Lincoln’s top hat, Dorothy’s ruby slippers from the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz, and a replica of an 18th-century Massachusetts home.
The National Museum of American History opened in 1964 under a different name. The Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark. Its basic mission is the collection, care, and study of objects that reflect the experience of the American people. For anyone interested in history, the American experience, and quirky artifacts, the National Museum of American History is a must-see museum in Washington DC.
Practical Info
The National Museum of American History is located on the National Mall. It is part of the Smithsonian Institution, and therefore admission is free for all guests. There are some simulator rides inside the museum, each of which has a fee to ride. Each floor has its own theme – from transportation and technology to American ideals.
Address: 14th St and Constitution Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
From $ 14
National Maritime Museum
Overview
The National Maritime Museum explores the naval and maritime history of Britain, which was for centuries one of the world’s leading sea powers. The exhibitions showcase everything from real-life vessels and model ships to nautical instruments, objects, manuscripts, and maritime-themed artworks from the likes of J.M.W. Turner.
The Basics
Visitors can explore the National Maritime Museum’s exhibits independently, or pay to join an hourlong guided tour, which can be booked online in advance of your visit. For a more intimate experience and thorough exploration of the museum, opt for a longer small-group tour.
The National Maritime Museum is one of four museums—together with the Greenwich Royal Observatory, the Queen’s House art gallery, and the Cutty Sark (a tea clipper turned museum)—that come under the banner of the Royal Museums Greenwich. Many day tours include visits to more than one of these attractions, as well as Greenwich Market and Greenwich Park. You can also visit the museum as a stop on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Maritime Museum is a must-visit for history buffs and art lovers.
- Special, child-oriented tours of the Greenwich neighborhood, which include a visit to the National Maritime Museum, are a good option for families.
- The National Maritime Museum is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The National Maritime Museum is in Greenwich, South East London. To get here, ride the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to the Cutty Sark stop or take the train from Cannon Street or London Bridge to the Greenwich rail station. Alternatively, travel by boat taking the MBNA Thames Clipper from London Eye Pier, London Bridge Pier, or Tower Pier to Greenwich Pier.
When to Get There
The National Maritime Museum is busiest on weekend afternoons, between 12pm and 3pm, and during school vacations. Go in early morning or late afternoon to experience it at its calmest. On Saturdays, from 12pm–3pm, the museum hosts performances from various costumed seafaring characters.
Highlights of the Collections
Among the must-see items in the collection are the 1933-built Miss Britain III, the first boat to reach speeds of more than 100 mph (160 kph), and The Battle of Trafalgar, one of J.M.W. Turner’s largest paintings. For families with kids, don’t miss the Ahoy! and All Hands galleries, with immersive exhibits aimed at children. The ship simulator and the giant walk-across Great Map will also prove a hit with younger visitors.
Address: Park Row, Greenwich, London SE10 9NF, England
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
National Monument
Standing high in the center of Amsterdam’s Dam Square, the National Monument is the Netherlands’ most important World War II memorial. In 1945, shortly after the end of the war, a liberty pole was erected in Dam Square; it evolved into the present-day 72-feet tall monument, which was unveiled on May 4 1956 by Queen Juliana of the Netherlands. Every May 4 since then, the Dutch royal family and local residents participate in National Remembrance Day and pay their respects to fallen soldiers from both WWII and subsequent armed conflicts involving the Netherlands.
Dutch architect J.J.P. Oud created the travertine stone monument, while John Rädecker and his sons designed the monument's sculptures. One of the most striking features is the Peace relief, which depicts four chained male figures demonstrating the misery endured during the war. The conical pillar is inscribed with a Latin message meaning, "Here, where the heart of the fatherland is, may this monument, which citizens carry in their heart, gaze at God's stars."
Practical Info
Due to its central location on Dam Square, the National Monument is easily accessible on foot or by public transit, including trams (4, 9, 14, 16, 24).
Address: Dam Square, Amsterdam, North Holland 1012, Netherlands
From $ 29
National Museum of Ancient Art
Housed within a late seventeenth century yellow-hued Palácio Alvor, the National Museum of Ancient Art was created in 1884 to protect and display a collection of European and Asian works of art. The current collection comprises more than 40,000 items — paintings, sculpture,
furniture, ceramics and textiles, among others — most of it dating from the fifteenth to the nineteenth centuries.
Highlights of the permanent collection include the naturalistic Panels of St. Vincent, considered Nuno Gonçalves’ masterpiece, as well as a set of sixteenth century Japanese folding screens that depict the arrival of Portuguese ships in Nagasaki. The Monstrance of Belem, a stunning work of gold and enamel by Gil Vicente, was originally brought to Portugal by Vasco da Gama on return from his second voyage to India; this piece is also on display in the museum.
Practical Info
Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month. The ticket price is also included in the Riverside Ticket and Lisbon Ticket.
Address: R. das Janelas Verdes, Lisbon, Portugal
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10am-6pm
Admission: €6.00
From $ 17
National Museum and Art Gallery
Housing Cardiff’s premium art and history collection, the National Museum and Art Gallery is the city’s most visited museum, dating back to 1927. Set in the tranquil surroundings of Cathays Park, the museum houses a vast collection of Welsh archaeology, geology and natural history items, depicting the country’s fascinating history and ancestry through a series of inventive installations.
It’s the adjourning art gallery, however, that draws the most attention. Renowned as one of Europe’s finest art collections, with pieces dating back to the turn of the 16th century, the museum’s 15 galleries showcase Europe’s art history through a range of different styles, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics and silverwork. Particularly notable are the extensive 19th and 20th century galleries featuring Monet's famous San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk; the world's largest collection of works by satirical artist Honoré Daumier and works by Poussin and Salvator Rosa, among a roster of other celebrated names. A bronze cast of Rodin's The Kiss is the key piece of the impressionist gallery, displayed alongside works by Renoir, Van Gogh and Cézanne, and homegrown artists like Thomas Jones, Augustus John and Richard Wilson feature prominently in a gallery devoted to Welsh art.
It’s the adjourning art gallery, however, that draws the most attention. Renowned as one of Europe’s finest art collections, with pieces dating back to the turn of the 16th century, the museum’s 15 galleries showcase Europe’s art history through a range of different styles, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics and silverwork. Particularly notable are the extensive 19th and 20th century galleries featuring Monet's famous San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk; the world's largest collection of works by satirical artist Honoré Daumier and works by Poussin and Salvator Rosa, among a roster of other celebrated names. A bronze cast of Rodin's The Kiss is the key piece of the impressionist gallery, displayed alongside works by Renoir, Van Gogh and Cézanne, and homegrown artists like Thomas Jones, Augustus John and Richard Wilson feature prominently in a gallery devoted to Welsh art.
Address: Wales
Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-5pm; Closed Mon
From $ 16
National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología)
Opened back in 1883, the National Museum of Anthropology is a fascinating stop for understanding the history of El Salvador and its people. Spread out over five different halls, it holds the treasures and ancient artifacts of pre-Columbian settlers, from the Maya and Olemec to Pipil tribes who inhabited the jungles and coasts. The halls are separated into five different categories, from agriculture and human settlements to religion, arts, and trade. See how native Salvadoran people once farmed and worshipped their gods, including an ancient altar of stone and petroglyphs carved into rocks. If you plan on purchasing local crafts when venturing outside the capital, this is a good spot to learn the facts behind traditional Salvadoran crafts, and gain an idea of what to look for when shopping in local villages. Arguably El Salvador’s most popular museum, the National Museum of Anthropology is a must for travelers in the city.
Practical Info
All museum exhibits are in Spanish, though museum guides who speak some English are available free of charge. When speaking with locals, the museum is also known as “Museo de David J Guzman,” an influential Salvadoran scientist who died in the 1920s.
Address: Avenida de la Revolución, San Salvador, El Salvador
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm
Admission: $3
From $ 20
National Museum of Decorative Arts
With more than 60 rooms on five floors of a historic palace, the National Museum of Decorative Arts houses some of the finest furniture, decorative arts, glassware and ceramics in Spain. Elaborate tapestries, carvings, and figurines from primarily the 16th and 17th centuries are featured throughout. Its noteworthy 18th-century kitchen features more than 1,500 tiles depicting local life at the time. Though the majority of the objects are Spanish, there is some Asian art from China and Japan as well.
It is a great place to get a sense of the changes in everyday objects and design over time, with objects dating as early as the 14th century. Though much of the collection is Baroque in style, you can also find modernist pieces from the Art Nouveau movement. Chests of drawers, rugs, cabinets, and desks are seen as important works of art that reflect their period in history. A stroll though the elegant museum displays and you’re sure to share that sentiment.
Practical Info
The National Museum of Decorative Arts overlooks the Parque del Retiro. To get there take the metro L2 to Banco de España y Retiro, or the Cercanías train to Recoletos. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 3 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm and costs €3 to enter.
Address: Calle Montalbán, 12, Madrid 28014, Spain
Hours: Tues-Sat 9:30am-3pm and Sun 10am-3pm
Admission: €3
From $ 62
National Library of Greece
With a history dating back to 1832 and home to over 2 million books, microfilms, newspapers, ancient manuscripts and historic documents, the National Library of Greece is the heart of Greek literary history.
The library moved to its current location in the center of Athens in 1903, a striking Neoclassical building designed by Danish architect Theophil Hansen, whose other creations include the National University of Athens and the Academy of Athens constitute. Inspired by a Doric Temple, the grand library is sculpted from Pentelic marble and fronted by a pair of dramatic winding staircases.
Plans are currently underway to relocate part of the library’s extensive collection, with construction beginning at a new complex in Phaleron Bay back in 2012.
Practical Info
The National Library of Greece is located on Panepistimiou Street in central Athens and is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 8pm, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 2pm.
Address: 32 Panepistimiou Street, Athens 10679, Greece
Hours: Open Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm and Fri-Sat 9am-2pm
From $ 23
National Mall
Stretching from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial, the grassy, tree-lined National Mall is a hub of activity in Washington DC. The open space—America’s most-visited national park—between Constitution and Independence avenues is fringed by Smithsonian museums, numerous monuments, and attractions, such as the National Archives.
The Basics
With at least a dozen museums spread along 11 blocks (plus all the other monuments and memorials), there’s a lot to see and do at the National Mall. As a hub of so many attractions, the National Mall features on just about every guided tour of the city.
Walking tours of the National Mall hone in on the history of America’s “front yard,” while evening tours on foot, by coach, or Segway allow visitors to see the monuments and museums illuminated after dark. Some tours combine the National Mall with a trip to Arlington National Cemetery.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Mall is a must-visit for all first-time visitors to DC.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes; it’s a 1.9-mile (3-kilometer) walk from one side of the National Mall to the other.
- The National Mall and many of its major monuments and memorials are wheelchair accessible.
- Don’t forget to bring sun protection and plenty of water.
How to Get There
The National Mall is well-connected via public transportation. Ride the Orange, Blue, or Silver Metro lines to the Smithsonian stop, or hop from one attraction to the next aboard the DC Circular National Mall route.
When to Get There
The National Mall itself is open 24 hours a day, though some of the attractions in the area have their own hours. Fall (September to November) and spring (March to May) bring the best weather for enjoying the National Mall’s outdoor spaces.
Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
One of the most prominent features of the National Mall is the 2,028-foot (618-meter) glass reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. The pool was built in the 1920s, and today, it uses water from the Tidal Basin, treated and filtered to up its reflection factor.
Address: 17th Street NW, between Constitution Avenue NW and Independence Avenue SW, Washington D.C. 20024, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 14
National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The National Museum was founded in 1888 when Bosnia was under control of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and moved to its present, regal Art Nouveau accommodation in 1913 as its collections grew. It was closed during both world wars and its complex of galleries was heavily damaged during the 1,425-day Siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s. Due to political in-fighting and lack of funding, the beleaguered museum shut again in 2012 but happily reopened in September 2015 to display some of its four million artifacts in a series of light-filled galleries; during this
last closure staff worked unpaid to conserve the museum’s exhibits.
Along with a 300,000-volume reference and research library, the museum has three departments (archaeology, ethnology and natural history) crammed with medieval art, ancient armor, stuffed bears and countless other treasures covering thousands of years of Bosnian history. The ethnology selections are particularly strong, highlighting the multi-cultural nature of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s culture with an appealing mix of Bosnian, Serbian, Muslim and Jewish ethnic costumes. Neolithic ceramics from the excavations at suburban Butmir are the centerpiece of the archaeology collections; and to view the museum’s prize piece, the priceless Sarajevo Haggadah (Jewish Passover manuscript), call two days in advance of your visit.
Practical Info
Zmaja od Bosne 3, Sarajevo. Open Tue–Fri 10am–7pm; Sat–Sun 10am–2pm. Admission adults 6 KM; seniors & children aged six–18 3 KM. Viewing of the Sarajevo Haggadah: 30 KM. Take tram 3 to the National Museum.
Address: Zmaja od Bosne 3, Sarajevo, Sarajevo Canton 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Hours: Tue–Fri 10am–7pm; Sat–Sun 10am–2pm
Admission: Adults: 6 KM; Seniors & children aged 6-18: 3 KM
From $ 31