🅿️ You’re enjoying beach life in Bali, but maybe you’re craving something more cultural—like a day surrounded by ancient mummies, space shuttles, or priceless art. You’ve probably asked yourself while scrolling travel reels: Where is the largest museum in the world located? Is it in Paris? New York? Or somewhere unexpected? 🤔
🅰️ Googling the largest museum in the world often leads to mixed results—some mention square footage, others count the number of exhibits. For travelers or digital nomads in Bali, it’s hard to know which museum is worth flying across the world to see. Is it only about size, or also the experience, collections, and stories inside? 🖼️
🆂 That’s why this guide reveals the world’s biggest and most fascinating museums—ranked not only by size but also by history, collections, and must-see highlights. 🏛️ From the Louvre in Paris to the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., we’ve gathered everything you need to decide where your next culture-filled stop should be!.
🆃 “I was living in Ubud and wanted something different than yoga and beach days,” said Clara, a Spanish expat. “After reading this blog, I flew to Washington and spent 3 days just exploring the Smithsonian. It blew my mind!” 🎫
🅴 ✨Imagine this: Standing in front of the Mona Lisa in Paris, walking beside dinosaur bones in D.C., or getting lost in halls filled with ancient Chinese scrolls. These aren’t just museums—they’re time machines that let you travel through human history in one afternoon.
🅰️ Ready to explore the biggest museum in the world and find out which one deserves a spot on your next itinerary from Bali? Scroll down for the ultimate museum travel guide—with rankings, real stories, and travel tips for cultural adventurers! 🌍
Table of Contents
- What Is the Largest Museum in the World by Size & Collection? 🏛️
- Top 5 of the World’s Biggest Museums Every Traveler Should Know 🌍
- How Museums Are Ranked: Size, Exhibits & Global Impact 📊
- Real Story “Why I Flew from Bali to D.C. Just to See the Smithsonian” ✈️
- Most Famous Museums to Visit for Culture-Lovers in Bali 🎨
- Best Museum Travel Tips from Bali to the World’s Top Museums 🧳
- How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Largest Museums Globally? 💸
- Visa & Entry Tips for Museum Travel from Bali 🛂
- FAQs About the World’s Largest and Most Famous Museums ❓
What Is the Largest Museum in the World by Size & Collection? 🏛️
The largest museum in the world by floor area and collection size is the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., USA 🇺🇸. It’s not just one museum but a network of 21 institutions, including the Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History.
This museum complex spans over 150 million objects, from dinosaur bones to space shuttles. If you’ve ever searched “where is the largest museum in the world,” this is your answer. And guess what? Admission is free! Perfect for curious travelers who want both size and substance from their museum travel adventure.
Top 5 of the World’s Biggest Museums Every Traveler Should Know 🌍
Wondering where to start your museum travel bucket list? Here are the top 5:
- Smithsonian Institution (USA) – world’s biggest museum by collection
- Louvre Museum (France) – famous for the Mona Lisa
- State Hermitage Museum (Russia) – stunning architecture & art
- British Museum (UK) – rich in human history & culture
- Shanghai Science and Technology Museum (China) – massive interactive exhibits
Each of these museums combines vast space with priceless collections, offering unforgettable experiences to travelers from Bali and beyond ✈️.
How Museums Are Ranked: Size, Exhibits & Global Impact 📊
Museums are ranked based on multiple factors. The most common are:
- Total floor space (size of all exhibit halls)
- Number of objects or artifacts in the collection
- Annual visitor count
- Historical and cultural significance
The world’s biggest museum by collection, like the Smithsonian, dominates in numbers, while the Louvre wins in fame. For best museums for global travelers, rankings should also include accessibility, languages, and ease of booking, especially if you’re flying from places like Bali.
Real Story “Why I Flew from Bali to D.C. Just to See the Smithsonian” ✈️
Marina, a German digital nomad living in Ubud, had a goal: see the world’s biggest museum before her 30th birthday. “I kept Googling ‘where is the largest museum in the world’ and the Smithsonian kept coming up,” she said.
In 2024, she took a flight from Denpasar to Washington via Tokyo. “Walking through the Air and Space Museum felt like being in a sci-fi movie,” she recalled. “It was worth the long haul. I even spent three days there and didn’t see everything!”
Her top tip for other museum travelers from Bali? Bring comfy shoes and don’t try to do it all in one day.
Most Famous Museums to Visit for Culture-Lovers in Bali 🎨
Living in Bali doesn’t mean you have to fly far to enjoy art and history. Here are a few top picks in and around the island:
- ARMA Museum, Ubud – Balinese paintings and cultural workshops
- Museum Pasifika, Nusa Dua – Asian-Pacific art collection
- Bali Museum, Denpasar – history and artifacts of the island
- Jakarta’s National Museum – perfect weekend museum trip ✈️
While not the world’s biggest museums, these spots offer rich local flavor and are ideal for art lovers and curious minds in Bali.
Best Museum Travel Tips from Bali to the World’s Top Museums 🧳
Here are some must-know museum travel tips from Bali:
🛫 Use Jakarta or Singapore for international flight connections
🎟️ Book museum tickets online to avoid long queues
📅 Visit on weekdays for smaller crowds
📸 Check if photos are allowed before snapping shots
📱 Download the museum’s app, many offer audio guides and maps
Planning early ensures you’ll make the most of your visit to the world’s biggest museum without stress.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Largest Museums Globally? 💸
Many top museums offer free entry, including the Smithsonian and British Museum. However, some like the Louvre and Hermitage charge €15–€20 per adult. Here’s a rough breakdown for Bali travelers:
✈️ Flights from Bali to Paris/Washington: USD 900–1,500
🏨 Hotels near museums: USD 80–200/night
🎫 Tickets: USD 0–25
🍴 Meals: USD 10–40/day
Budget around USD 2,000 for a full museum travel experience from Bali to Europe or the U.S. for one week, worth it for true culture fans!
Visa & Entry Tips for Museum Travel from Bali 🛂
Before you plan that trip to the largest museum, check visa rules:
- USA: Apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa, process can take weeks
- France: Schengen visa required for most nationalities
- UK: Standard Visitor Visa needed
- Russia: Requires a pre-approved tourist visa
Tip: Have proof of accommodation and return tickets ready. For Indonesian citizens living in Bali, plan ahead as visa approvals vary by country. Some best museums for global travelers offer fast-track entry to visitors with pre-booked tickets or museum passes.
FAQs About the World’s Largest and Most Famous Museums ❓
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Where is the largest museum in the world?
In Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian Institution is the largest by size and collection.
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What’s the most famous museum to visit?
The Louvre Museum in Paris—home to the Mona Lisa.
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Can I visit these museums easily from Bali?
Yes! Use Jakarta or Singapore as major flight hubs.
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What’s the world’s biggest museum by collection?
Again, it’s the Smithsonian, with over 150 million items.
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Any museum travel tips from Bali?
Book ahead, check visa rules, and budget well to enjoy stress-free cultural trips.
