Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Kelowna & Okanagan Valley
ShowingFilter 2781-2800 of 5104 listings.
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology
Founded in 1877, Dublin’s Archaeology branch of the National Museum of Ireland houses a vast and varied collection of precious archaeological finds. See well-preserved Iron Age bog bodies, Celtic gold jewelry, and other ancient treasures such as the eighth-century Ardagh Chalice, which was used to dispense altar wine, and the intricately detailed Tara Brooch.
The Basics
A common stop on hop-on hop-off tour bus routes of Dublin, this museum is designed to be explored independently. Tours and talks are held here occasionally, with places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Two of the three other branches of the National Museum of Ireland are also located in Dublin: the Natural History Museum on Merrion Square is a 10-minute walk, while the Decorative Arts and History location at Collins Barracks is about a 15-minute drive.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Museum of Ireland is a must-visit for history and archaeology buffs, and anyone curious about Celtic art.
- All ground-floor galleries are accessible to wheelchair users, though the second floor is not.
- The museum houses a gift shop and a café serving locally sourced food.
How to Get There
The National Museum of Ireland is located on Kildare Street in Dublin. Take the Luas (tram) Green Line to St. Stephen’s Green and walk five minutes to the museum, or take the Red Line to Abbey Street and walk 10 minutes. Dublin Pearse railway station is just 10 minutes away on foot.
When to Get There
The National Museum is open year-round. It attracts most visitors during the peak summer tourist season, and is busiest on weekends. Come on a weekday morning to experience the exhibits without the crowds.
The Bog Bodies
Among the most attention-grabbing exhibits in the museum’s collection are the bog bodies. These well-preserved Iron Age human figures were pulled from peat in the Irish countryside. As well as the jarring visible details—you can still see fingernails and even hair—they are also fascinating because of their backstories: according to archaeologists and historians, it’s likely they were victims of torture and ritual sacrifice.
Address: Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
From $ 41
National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam
The National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam is located around five kilometers from Nha Trang’s city center in a grand old French-colonial building. It has a large collection of marine life and other items, including numerous jars of pickled specimens, stuffed birds and sea mammals, plus plenty of fishing related artefacts.
The displays are arranged across two floors. The ground floor is home to various sized tanks housing countless varieties of marine life, including reef sharks, turtles, anemones, pufferfish, lionfish, clownfish, seahorses, and a whole array of colorful coral. Upstairs is where to find the exhibiting specimens, local boats, and various fishing articles, not to mention an 18-meter-long skeleton of a whale.
Themed rooms chart the history, science, and technology associated with marine life, with exhibits focusing on things like algae and phytoplankton, as well as the history of fishing in Vietnam, plus natural disasters at sea and around the coast.
Practical Info
The National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam is located in the port village of Bao Dai, approximately five kilometers from Nha Trang. The best way to reach it is via taxi or motorcycle.
Address: 1 Cau Da Street, Nha Trang, Vietnam
Hours: Open daily 6am-6pm
Admission: Adult: 30,000 dong; Child: 12,000 dong
From $ 18
National Palace of Culture (Palacio Nacional de la Cultura)
In a city infamous for a lacking cultural center, Managua’s National Palace of Culture stands as a testament to Nicaragua’s rich history. The complex houses the National Museum (Museo Nacional Dioclesiano Chávez), the National Archives, and the National Library (Biblioteca Nacional Rubén Darío) all under one stunning neoclassical roof.
The Basics
The sprawling National Palace of Culture is best known to visitors as the home of the National Museum. Walk through the museum’s nine galleries filled with pre-Columbian ceramics, dinosaur bones, Latin American paintings, and more. General admission includes access to English-speaking guides who help explain the many exhibits. Bundle your visit with trips to the nearby Old Cathedral of Managua (Catedral de Managua), Plaza de la Revolución, and Hotel el Gran Marquez for an easy all-in-one discovery of top Managua attractions. Or for a more comprehensive and hassle-free experience, join a larger city tour that includes the National Palace and more far-flung points of interest in the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Palace of Culture is a must-see for anyone with interest in Nicaraguan history and culture.
- Quickly admire the building’s facade or plan to spend up to two hours exploring exhibits.
How to Get There
The best way to reach the National Palace of Culture is in one of Managua’s many inexpensive taxis. A number of nearby bus stops also service the neighborhood, which is right by the malecón on the shores of Lake Managua.
When to Get There
The National Museum is open weekdays from 8am to 5pm and weekends from 9am to 4pm. For a stunning view of the National Palace, visit when it is lit up (though closed) at night.
Sandinista Revolution
In 1978, the National Palace had housed the Nicaraguan parliament for over 50 years. Then, on Aug. 22, of that year, Sandinista revolutionaries overthrew the Somoza dictatorship, ending the palace’s role as the seat of the Nicaraguan parliament almost overnight.
Address: Managua, Nicaragua
Admission: US $2
From $ 40
National Palace
The city of Santo Domingo is one of the oldest in the Caribbean, however the National Palace isn’t a colonial-era structure. Instead it harkens to a different, more recent period of the Dominican Republics history. The National Palace was built in the 1940s during the reign of the DR’s famously brutal dictator Rafael Trujillo. The National Palace is still in use as the seat of the DR’s government and the offices of the president, so it is not generally open to the public. However, visitors can explore the outside and take photos of the building’s impressive architecture.
Practical Info
The National Palace is a feature of modern Santo Domingo, and so is not found within the Colonial Zone where most visitors spend their time. However, it’s only a 10-minute drive west of the Colonial Zone, and easily reached by taxi.
Address: Calle Moses Garcia, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
From $ 50
National Palace
Built to replace the original, which was destroyed in a fire in the late 1880s, El Salvador’s current National Palace offers visitors a look at the politic, historical and national past. It is comprised of four main rooms and more than 100 smaller secondary ones, which provide visitors with a unique look at the historical, political and national past of this small South American country.
Travelers caution that many of the Palace’s rooms are now closed to the public despite the fact government offices haven’t operated here since the mid-1970s. But a tour of this famed landmark is still worth the stop, as the early 1900s furnishings and well-curated historical displays present a grander picture of the city’s colorful past. Be sure to check out the Salon Rojo, where the Foreign Ministry held its elaborate receptions; the Salon Amarillo, which once housed the president; and the Salon Rosado, which used to house the country’s Supreme Court.
Practical Info
The National Palace is located on Calle Rubin Dario. Admission to the palace is approximately $3. Tours are available both during daytime hours, as well as in the evening.
Address: San Salvador, El Salvador
Admission: $3 (adults)
From $ 25
National Museum of History
Founded in 1973, the National Museum of History in Sofia is Bulgaria’s largest museum. Housed in the former residence of dictator Todor Zhikov, the museum has more than 650,000 objects, although only about ten percent are on display. The main exhibition is spread throughout five halls. The first covers the development and culture of the people who lived on Bulgarian lands as early as the 6th millennium B.C. The second hall continues that theme, focusing on the end of the 6th century B.C. to the 6th century A.D. In the third hall, visitors see exhibits on the Bulgarian State in the Middle Ages and in the fourth hall, the focus shifts to the period of Ottoman rule, from 1396 to 1878. The fifth hall showcases the Third Bulgarian Kingdom, from 1878 to 1946.
Items on display include a variety of weapons, traditional costumes, furniture, tools and household objects, coins, artwork, documents and photos. The museum courtyard showcases a collection of Greek, Roman and Byzantine columns and monuments from various periods.
Practical Info
The National History Museum is in the center of Sofia, easily accessible from many tourist hotels. It can also be reached by taking bus number 63 or 111, or trolley number 2. A gift shop sells souvenirs and informational materials. The ticket office closes 45 minutes before the museum closing time.
Address: Vitoshko lale 16 str., Sofia, Bulgaria
Hours: Open daily April-Oct 9:30am-6pm; Nov-March daily 9am-5:30pm
Admission: 10 lv, free the last Monday of each month
From $ 8
National Museum of Finland (Suomen Kansallismuseo)
The impressive National Museum of Finland (or Suomen Kansallismuseo) looks a bit like a Gothic church with its stonework and tower. Built in 1916 and extensively renovated in 2000, the museum's rooms cover different periods of Finnish history. The Treasure Trove has coins, silver, weaponry, medals and jewelery. The Prehistory of Finland is a large, permanent exhibition of prehistory and archaeological finds. A Land and its People shows life in Finland before industrialization. The Realm covers the history of Finland in the 13th - 17th centuries when it was under Swedish rule and an independent duchy of the Russian empire. The permanent exhibition, "Suomi Finland 1900", explores 20th-century Finland and was opened in April 2012. There are also changing displays of church relics, ethnography and cultural exhibitions.
The superb frescoes on the ceiling arches (by Akseli Gallen-Kallela) depict scenes from the epic Kalevala, including one of the hero Väinämöinen plunging a stake into the giant pike. You can visit the cafeteria at the end of your day to rest and absorb what you've learned about the history of Finland.
Practical Info
The museum is only a 10-minute walk from the central railway station, and the bus terminal at Kamppi. Or catch tram 7A/7B, 4T or 10. Free entry on Fridays 4pm - 6pm.
Address: Mannerheimintie 34, Helsinki 00100, Finland
Hours: Tue-Sun 11am - 6pm. Closed Mondays.
Admission: Adults: € 8 (6 euros), Children (under 18yrs): Free
From $ 34
National Museum of Mongolia
The Museum of Mongolia is one of the nation’s top attractions and also holds one of the country’s most comprehensive collections of cultural, historical, political and scientific materials. Since 1991 the museum has resided in its convenient city location, making it an essential stop for travelers staying in Ulaanbaatar.
Travelers will find exhibits on the Mongol Empire, as well as a vast history of the nation prior to Mongol rule. The country’s lengthy history is laid out in both ancient archeological findings, and contemporary artifacts and pieces. One of the museum’s most impressive collections is the display of traditional attire that showcases dress from each of the country’s ethnic groups.
Visitors can explore this museum on their own, or as part of a comprehensive day tour of Ulaanbaatar. It’s the perfect place to gain a general understanding of the culture, tradition and history of this vast land.
Practical Info
The museum is located on Juulchin Street-1 in Ulaanbaatar, not far from the city’s main square. It is open daily from 9:30am-6pm. Most literature is in both English and Mongolian, making this an easy museum to explore without a guide.
Address: Juulchin Street -1, Ulaanbaatar 210646, Mongolia
Hours: Daily 9:30am-6pm
From $ 38
National Museum of Ghana
Opened on the eve of Independence Day back in 1957, the National Museum of Ghana has become a staple for travelers and locals looking to learn more about the rich history, colorful culture and unique traditions of a country and people in the midst of constant change.
Three major galleries highlight artifacts from ancient and contemporary Africa. Historic sculptures are displayed alongside the works of modern West African artists. Travelers can wander the halls decorated with traditional attire and handcrafted instruments, impressive and ornate chiefs’ regalia, and bronze statues from neighboring countries. A unique sculpture garden displays life-size 3-D images of Kawme Nkrumah, the nation’s first president, and other political figures. The library, conservation laboratory and education hall are also popular stops on a tour of the National Museum of Ghana.
Practical Info
The National Museum of Ghana is located at No 2 Barnes Road in Central Accra. It is open from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily with an entrance fee of US$2 for foreign children, US$5 for foreign students and US$7 for foreign adults.
Address: No 2 Barnes Road, Accra, Ghana
Hours: Daily 9am-4pm
Admission: Adults US $7, Students US $5, Children US $2
From $ 62
National Museum of Natural History
The impressive, green-domed Museum of Natural History on the National Mall in Washington, DC, was one of the first Smithsonian museums. Since it opened its doors in 1910, the museum has endeavored to inspire curiosity and learning through its collection of over 126 million natural specimens, artifacts, and photographs. It’s considered to be one of the world’s leading resources for scientific and cultural heritage.
The Basics
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History offers visitors permanent collections, temporary exhibits, and immersive, hands on experiences. Its collections include over 30 million insects housed in glass boxes, and a dazzling array of fossils, rocks, plants, tools, and artwork. Visitors can learn about the dinosaurs that roamed what is now America, and see the Hope Diamond, one of the world’s most admired jewels.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission to the museum and most exhibitions is free.
- Entrance to the butterfly pavilion is free on Tuesdays.
- The museum can be very crowded on Saturdays; during the summer, there’s a useful heat map on the website to help plan your visit.
- Dining options include a cafeteria and Café Natural, which serves coffee and a limited food menu.
- The wheelchair-accessible entrance to the museum can be found on Constitution Avenue.
How to Get There
The Natural History Museum is located on the National Mall at 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. Parking in the area is limited, but there are a couple of paid parking garages nearby. The museum is easily reached by bus and metro, and the nearest stops are Federal Triangle, Smithsonian Station, and Archives-Navy Memorial – Penn Quarter
When to Get There
The Museum is normally very crowded on Saturdays and during the summer months. Fall and winter weekdays days are normally quieter. The museum is open every day of the year but Christmas.
The Butterfly Pavilion
The Museum is home to a butterfly pavilion—a climate controlled room full of tropical plants and live butterflies. The pavilion is located on the second floor inside the Partners in Evolution exhibition. Tickets are required for each 15-minute visit and tickets cost $7.50 for adults and $6.50 for children. Admission is free on Tuesdays, and tickets must be purchased in advance in person or online.
Address: 10th St. & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington DC, USA
From $ 14
National Museum of Serbia
The National Museum of Serbia is the largest and oldest museum in Serbia and the former Yugoslavia. Sitting on Belgrade’s Republic Square, the museum was established in 1844 and has since grown to include more than 400,000 pieces in 34 different archaeological, numismatic, artistic and historical collections. The archaeological collection consists of sculptures from the 5th to 7th millennium BC, thousands of items from ancient Rome and ancient Greece and a rare gold sarcophagus and mummy from ancient Egypt. The numismatic collection features hundreds of thousands coins, medals, rings and seals, including coins issued by Phillip II of Macedonia and Alexander the Great.
The museum’s collection of medieval artifacts hails mostly from Europe and Asia and features an illustrated 362-page manuscript of the Miroslav Gospels written in 1186, rings belonging to 14th century Serbian Queen Theodora and King Milutin’s mantle from the 1300s. Its art collection is also world-renowned, with extremely rare pieces from masters like Matisse, Picasso, Renoir, Degas and Cezanne. It also includes hundreds of paintings by Italian, Dutch, Flemish, Russian, Japanese, Austrian, German and Yugoslav artists.
Practical Info
The National Museum of Serbia is located in the center of Belgrade on a square area between the Republic Square, the former Theatre Square, and Čika Ljubina, Vasina and Laze Pačua streets. It can be reached by any bus, trolley or minibus heading to Republic Square. One ticket entitles a visitor to visit the National Museum, the Gallery of Frescoes and the Museum of Vuk and Dositej over two days.
Address: Trg republike 1a, Belgrade 104303, Serbia
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 12 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
Admission: 200 dinars; free on Sunday
From $ 2
National Museum of Singapore
The National Museum of Singapore is the definitive historical record for the country as well as its oldest museum. Built in 1887, the impressive structure is one of the 11 national treasures of Singapore and contains several precious artifacts and fine art.
The museum offers free admission to its permanent exhibits including the Goh Seng Choo Gallery, which features a selection of watercolors from William Farquhar. Living in Singapore in the 19th century Farquhar assembled a series of paintings exploring the sights and sounds of the country.
Even with these permanent exhibitions, the museum’s organizers also incorporate new events and exhibits that keep Singaporeans coming back, showcasing new work from local photographers, filmmakers and dance performers on a weekly basis.
Aside from these events, the museum itself is worth exploring, containing intricate designs to its façade and interior. The very dome atop the structure contains 3,000 zinc fish-scale tiles and panels made from stained-glass.
The museum offers free admission to its permanent exhibits including the Goh Seng Choo Gallery, which features a selection of watercolors from William Farquhar. Living in Singapore in the 19th century Farquhar assembled a series of paintings exploring the sights and sounds of the country.
Even with these permanent exhibitions, the museum’s organizers also incorporate new events and exhibits that keep Singaporeans coming back, showcasing new work from local photographers, filmmakers and dance performers on a weekly basis.
Aside from these events, the museum itself is worth exploring, containing intricate designs to its façade and interior. The very dome atop the structure contains 3,000 zinc fish-scale tiles and panels made from stained-glass.
Address: 93 Stamford Road, Singapore City 178897, Singapore
From $ 8
National Museum of Iceland
Iceland’s National Museum is an ideal attraction for anyone interested in exploring the country’s fascinating history. Alongside temporary exhibits, the museum’s permanent exhibition, “Making of a Nation,” employs more than 2,000 artifacts to chronicle Icelandic history from the Viking settlement through the introduction of Christianity and up to today.
The Basics
Among the museum’s extensive collection are various weapons, drinking horns, and a bronzed figure of Thor. Its most prized possession, however, is a 13th-century door that features intricate medieval carvings depicting scenes from the legendary 12th-century knight’s tale Le Chevalier au Lion. The museum goes into some depth covering the period from the 1600s to today, detailing how Iceland long struggled under foreign rule before finally gaining independence in the 20th century. Some of the most impactful displays are simple household items conveying everyday life during the country’s toughest times.
A private sightseeing tour that can be customized to your interests can include a visit to the National Museum of Iceland.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Museum of Iceland is a must-visit for those with an interest in history.
- The museum’s free smartphone audio guide provides a wealth of illuminating insights.
- Children under 18 and people with disabilities get free entrance.
- Your entrance ticket also gets you into the Culture House, home of the National Library and Archives.
- The on-site Cafe Kaffitar serves light refreshments, coffee, and Icelandic delicacies.
- The Museum Shop sells books on Icelandic culture and handcrafted souvenirs.
How to Get There
The museum is located at the top of a gentle hill, around a 10-minute walk from downtown Reykjavik. Public bus numbers 1, 3, 6, 11, 12, and 14 stop in front of or near the museum, and it is also a stop on the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour.
When to Get There
The National Museum is open every day from 10am to 5pm. From September through April it is closed on Mondays. The museum is also closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. If you visit on a Saturday morning, you can join a free 45-minute guided tour of the “Making of a Nation” exhibition.
The Yule Lads
Each December, the Yule Lads come to the National Museum of Iceland to visit and entertain children. The Yule Lads are a strong tradition in Icelandic folklore: They are 13 boys believed to enter homes over the 13 days leading up to Christmas to leave gifts in well-behaved children’s shoes. The lads were originally believed to be mischievous, hence their nicknames such as “sausage swiper” and “door slammer.”
Address: Sudurgata 41, Reykjavik, Iceland
Admission: Varies
From $ 38
National Opera House of Ukraine
The National Opera of Ukraine was founded in 1867 at a time when the country was part of Russia and loomed large on the world cultural stage. It was originally housed in the City Theatre, but that burnt down in 1896 and was replaced by today’s vast, gloriously ornate Neo-Renaissance concert hall, which was designed by German-Russian architect Victor Schröter and reopened in 1901. By the 1920s the National Opera was one of the most prestigious in Russia, performing great works by the likes of Tchaikovsky, Wagner and Rimsky-Korsakov while attracting famous opera stars from across the world. Having survived both world wars, the National Opera House was restored in the 1980s and its acoustics, stage equipment, rehearsal rooms and dressing rooms were much improved. The concert hall is lavishly decorated on the interior, with a colonnaded foyer dripping in chandeliers and molded ceilings; its plush gilt and red auditorium can seat 1,300. Today the award-winning National Opera performs a repertoire of Verdi, Ravel, Paganini and Chopin among many others, and the National Ballet is also in residence here. Going to the opera in Kiev is a dressy affair; anyone wearing jeans, shorts or sneakers will be refused entry.
Practical Info
Volodymyrska Street, 50, Kiev. Box office: daily 11am–7.30pm (Mon 7pm). Ticket price depends on event. Take the metro to Zaloti Vorota.
Address: Volodymyrska Street, 50, Kiev, Kiev Oblast 01030, Ukraine
Hours: Box office: daily 11am–7.30pm (Mon 7pm)
Admission: ticket depends on concert
From $ 22
National Museum of the Philippines
Established in 1901, the National Museum of the Philippines is a vast complex of museums and a planetarium located next to Rizal Park. Immerse yourself in the artistic, historical, and cultural heritage of the Philippines through the museum’s expansive collections covering fine art, ethnography, anthropology, archaeology, and natural history.
The Basics
The National Museum comprises the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Anthropology, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Planetarium, as well as branches of the museum throughout the Philippines. It’s also an educational, cultural, and scientific institution and offers lectures, interviews, and publications and conducts various research programs.
The museum complex is so massive that visitors would do well to prioritize areas that are of interest to them. A number of tours make a stop at the National Museum, along with other Manila highlights such as the Ayala Museum, Casa Manila, and Fort Santiago. Cruise ship passengers and those on a layover can take a customized private tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The National Museum of the Philippines is a must-visit for those with an interest in Philippine art, culture, and heritage.
- Admission to the museum is free.
- Group tours are available if booked in advance.
- Photography for personal use is allowed, though the use of flash is not permitted.
- Food, bottled water, and ballpoint pens are not permitted inside the museum.
How to Get There
The museum complex is located in Ermita in Central Manila, near Rizal Park. All of the buildings are located close to each other. Parking can be difficult, so it’s best to take a taxi or a jeepney. The closest LRT station is United Nations.
When to Get There
The National Museum is very popular, especially the newly opened Museum of Natural History. Visit early in the morning to try to beat the crowds. The museum is closed Mondays.
Museum of Natural History
The Museum of Natural History opened its doors on May 18, 2018. The museum features six floors and 12 galleries, and visitors are advised to start at the top and work their way down. Don’t miss the “Tree of Life” sculpture, the mini mangrove and marine life exhibits, and the replica and skeleton of Lolong, the largest crocodile ever held in captivity.
Address: Padre Burgos Drive, Manila, Philippines
Admission: Varies
From $ 64
National Museum of Korea
Not only is the National Museum of Korea the best in the country, it’s also free. In a sweeping introduction to Korean art, culture and history, the museum houses more than 150,000 artifacts with around 11,000 on display, so you’ll have plenty to see, even if you’ve been to the museum before.
The three floors are divided into six total exhibit areas. On the first floor, you’ll find the Prehistory and Ancient History section and the Medieval and Early Modern History section, each displaying artifacts from the beginnings of Korean civilization through the Joseon Dynasty. The second floor houses the Calligraphy and Paintings section as well as an area designated for pieces donated by private collectors. The third floor contains a Sculptures and Crafts section and an Asian Arts section with cultural and artistic artifacts from various Asian countries.
If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to visit the onsite Children’s Museum, filled with interactive exhibits on traditional life in Korea. To enhance your experience, rent an audio guide from the museum’s information desk.
The three floors are divided into six total exhibit areas. On the first floor, you’ll find the Prehistory and Ancient History section and the Medieval and Early Modern History section, each displaying artifacts from the beginnings of Korean civilization through the Joseon Dynasty. The second floor houses the Calligraphy and Paintings section as well as an area designated for pieces donated by private collectors. The third floor contains a Sculptures and Crafts section and an Asian Arts section with cultural and artistic artifacts from various Asian countries.
If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to visit the onsite Children’s Museum, filled with interactive exhibits on traditional life in Korea. To enhance your experience, rent an audio guide from the museum’s information desk.
Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: Tue, Thu, Fri: 9am - 6pm
Wed, Sat: 9am - 9pm
Sun, Holidays: 9am - 7pm
From $ 18
National Palace of Sintra (Palácio Nacional de Sintra)
Sintra lies in hilly country close to Lisbon and is considered such an extraordinary town that the whole place is UNESCO World Heritage listed. As one of the most popular day trips from the Portuguese capital, Sintra has a cluster of beguiling attractions to explore, from fairy-tale castles and palaces perched on hilltops to the flamboyant clash of Moorish, Gothic and 19th-century Neo-classical architecture, but the stand-out building is the National Palace.
The gigantic, whitewashed National Palace and its two conical chimneys dominate Sintra’s main square as well as the flat plains for miles around. Starting life in the 10th century as home to Lisbon’s Moorish rulers, the palace has been consistently remodeled throughout its thousand-year-plus history and now is largely a happy mishmash of Gothic, Renaissance and Manueline styles in appearance.
After the conquest of Lisbon by the first king of Portugal in 1147, the palace became the summer retreat of the Portuguese royal family and remained so until 1910; the richness of its interior reflects this importance. From the 14th century onwards this wonderful jumble of royal apartments and chambers, courtyards and patios, corridors, staircases and chapel was bedecked with one of the world’s most important collections of azulejos tiles.
In addition many of the staterooms reveal ceilings encrusted in intricate gilt paneling and exhibit a rare collection of Portuguese decorative arts; the Grand Hall is renowned for its elaborately gilded ceiling portraying royal coats of arms and those iconic chimneys on top of the palace can be traced to the vast palace kitchens.
Practical Info
Sintra is 40 minutes north-west from Lisbon Rossio, Oriente and Entrecampos stations or a 50-minute drive along the IC19 from Lisbon to the A5 Cascais turning.
Address: Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, Sintra 2710-616, Portugal
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History
Housed within an 18th-century military barracks, the Decorative Arts and History branch of the National Museum of Ireland displays an eclectic collection of furniture, coins, ceramics, silverware, and decorative objects. Permanent exhibits focus on Irish military history, furniture over the centuries, and the evolution of Irish fashion.
The Basics
Most visitors explore the museum’s exhibitions independently, reading informational signage for context. Free guided tours—typically focusing on one or two exhibitions within the museum—are offered occasionally, on a first-come, first-served basis. Permanent exhibitions cover topics such as rural Irish furniture or silverware, and the history of Irish fashion and clothing. In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum usually hosts several temporary exhibitions, too.
Flexible multi-day Dublin tours are available, offering hop-on hop-off transportation plus admission to museums and other attractions; this may be a good option for those who plan to do a lot of sightseeing.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Decorative Arts and History branch of the National Museum of Ireland is a must for history buffs and culture enthusiasts.
- Pick up a floor plan on arrival to help plan your visit.
- The museum has a cloakroom, accessible toilets, and baby-changing facilities.
- There is seating in most of the galleries.
- All galleries in the museum are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Decorative Arts and History branch of the National Museum of Ireland is situated at Collins Barracks on the north side of the River Liffey in Dublin city center. To get there, take the Red Line Luas to the Museum stop.
When to Get There
Like many museums in Dublin, the Decorative Arts and History branch of the National Museum of Ireland is closed Monday. The galleries are open 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday, and 2pm to 5pm Sunday. They’re most crowded during the afternoon, so arrive early to avoid the crowds.
National Museum of Ireland Collections
The Decorative Arts & History collection at Collins Barracks is one of four branches of the National Museum of Ireland. Two others are in Dublin: the Archaeology branch on Kildare Street showcases precious artifacts, while the Natural History museum on Merrion Square contains taxidermy, skeletons, and specimens representing centuries of Ireland’s wildlife.
Address: Benburb Street, Dublin, Ireland
From $ 67
National Museum of Ethiopia
One of the most important collections in sub-Saharan African is housed within the walls of the National Museum of Ethiopia in the capital city of Addis Ababa. Founded in 1944, the museum is divided into four sections: paleontology and prehistory, history, ethnography and modern art. The collections together paint a picture of Ethiopia’s natural and cultural history.
The star of the collection, which includes traditional and ceremonial costumes, paintings, sculptures and relics from the Pre-Aksumite civilization, is the partial fossilized skeleton of Lucy, a female hominin who lived some 3.2 million years ago. While the original fossils belong to the museum, what’s on display for visitors is a cast of our ancient ancestor.
Practical Info
English-speaking guides will show you around the museum free of charge, though tips are appreciated.
Address: King George VI St, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm
Admission: Birr10
From $ 65
National Museum of the American Indian
One of the newest branches of the Smithsonian, this 2004 museum is dedicated to the history, arts and culture of Native Americans throughout the Western Hemisphere. Its permanent collections, which contain thousands of artifacts, are supplemented by those at its sister institution, New York City’s long-established Museum of the American Indian.
Set on the National Mall along Independence Avenue, arguably D.C.’s most condensed museum mile, the NMAI stands on its own, a modern, curvilinear design amidst landscaping reminiscent of the American Southwest and Midwestern plains. The focus of its collections leans heavily towards native tribes of the United States, but its extensive object, media, photo and paper archives also illustrate the history and cultures of tribes from Canada, Central and South Merica, and the Caribbean.
A destination of itself the museum’s renowned café, Mitsitam, offers seasonally-changing menus, a chef’s tasting menu, and is the only eatery in the city to offer Native American specialties like fry bread.
Set on the National Mall along Independence Avenue, arguably D.C.’s most condensed museum mile, the NMAI stands on its own, a modern, curvilinear design amidst landscaping reminiscent of the American Southwest and Midwestern plains. The focus of its collections leans heavily towards native tribes of the United States, but its extensive object, media, photo and paper archives also illustrate the history and cultures of tribes from Canada, Central and South Merica, and the Caribbean.
A destination of itself the museum’s renowned café, Mitsitam, offers seasonally-changing menus, a chef’s tasting menu, and is the only eatery in the city to offer Native American specialties like fry bread.
Address: Independence Ave SW, Washington DC, USA
Hours: Open Daily 10:00am - 5:30pm; Closed December 25th.
From $ 14