If you’re a avid museum-goer or just looking for an excuse to plan a city break, Lonely Planet has rounded up the must-visit museums for 2025.
Whether you fancy modern art, classic collections, or cutting-edge photography, these museums are the highlights of the year.
1. Museum of Modern Art, Warsaw, Poland
Warsaw’s long-awaited Museum of Modern Art finally opened its doors this year, and it’s expected to be a game-changer. With its striking minimalist architecture and a focus on contemporary Polish and international artists, this museum is a must for anyone who loves the avant-garde. Plus, who wouldn’t want to explore Warsaw’s vibrant art scene while indulging in some pierogi?
2. Yale Centre for British Art, USA
It may be in the US, but the Yale Centre for British Art houses the largest collection of British art outside the UK. Think J.M.W. Turner, Thomas Gainsborough, and loads of other artists who painted moody skies and grand portraits. Mark your diaries for the 25 March when the museum will reopen.
3. The Frick Collection, New York, USA
After years of renovation, the iconic Frick Collection in New York is back and better than ever. This museum, housed in a Gilded Age mansion, is home to masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Goya. The site will reopen on April 17, in their renovated buildings at 1 East 70th Street. Tickets go on sale March 3.
4. Naoshima New Museum of Art, Japan
Japan’s Naoshima Island is already an art lover’s paradise, and this spring will see the opening of a brand-new museum. Known as Japan’s “art island,” Naoshima blends nature, architecture, and contemporary art into a surreal experience. Expect stunning installations, bold new exhibitions, and breath taking views of the Seto Inland Sea.
5. V&A East Storehouse, London, UK
The Victoria & Albert Museum is getting a brand-new outpost in East London on 31 May, and it promises to be one of the most exciting cultural spaces in the capital. The V&A East Storehouse will give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how a museum operates, offering access to thousands of objects from the V&A’s massive collection.
6. Studio Museum in Harlem, USA
New York’s Harlem has long been a cultural powerhouse, and the revamped Studio Museum is set to celebrate Black artists like never before. With a focus on contemporary African American and African diasporic art, this museum will be a hub for creativity, activism, and ground breaking exhibitions.
7. National Museum of Photography, Rotterdam, Netherlands
For photography lovers, Rotterdam’s new National Museum of Photography will be an absolute dream. Expect cutting-edge exhibitions, classic works, and a deep dive into the evolving world of visual storytelling. Plus, Rotterdam’s futuristic skyline and thriving creative scene make it the perfect backdrop for your own photo ops.
Whether you’re into modern art, Old Masters, or photography, 2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for museum lovers.
