Looking for the best free museums around the world? This guide highlights world-class museums with free entry, perfect for budget travelers, culture lovers, and city explorers who want unforgettable experiences without spending a dime.
Travel doesn’t have to be expensive—and neither does culture. Around the world, some of the most iconic museums offer free entry, at least to their permanent collections. Whether you’re a history lover, art enthusiast, or curious traveler, these museums prove you don’t need to spend money to have a world‑class experience.
Here are 10 of the best free museums in the world that deserve a spot on your travel itinerary.
1. British Museum – London, UK 🇬🇧
One of the most famous museums on Earth, the British Museum houses over 8 million objects spanning human history. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and ancient Greek sculptures. Entrance to the permanent collection is completely free.
Don’t miss: The Egyptian Gallery and the Great Court.
2. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History – Washington, D.C., USA 🇺🇸
Part of the Smithsonian Institution, this museum is perfect for all ages. From towering dinosaur skeletons to the Hope Diamond, it’s an unforgettable—and free—experience.
Don’t miss: The Hall of Fossils.
3. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – Washington, D.C., USA 🇺🇸
A dream for aviation and space lovers, this museum features historic aircraft, moon rocks, and spacecraft used in real missions—all with free admission.
Don’t miss: The Wright Brothers’ plane and Apollo exhibits.
4. National Gallery – London, UK 🇬🇧
Located in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery displays masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Da Vinci, and Rembrandt. Entry to the main collection is free, making it one of Europe’s best art bargains.
Don’t miss: Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.
5. Tate Modern – London, UK 🇬🇧
Housed in a former power station, Tate Modern is one of the world’s leading modern art museums. Admission to the permanent exhibitions is free and constantly changing.
Don’t miss: The Turbine Hall installations.
6. Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris – Paris, France 🇫🇷
This underrated gem offers free access to its permanent collection, featuring works by Picasso, Matisse, and Braque—all with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower nearby.
Don’t miss: The large-scale murals by Dufy.
7. National Museum of China – Beijing, China 🇨🇳
One of the largest museums in the world, this museum showcases thousands of years of Chinese history and culture. Entry is free with valid identification.
Don’t miss: Ancient ceramics and calligraphy.
8. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa – Wellington, New Zealand 🇳🇿
Te Papa combines history, Maori culture, and natural science in an interactive and modern way. It’s consistently ranked among the world’s best museums—and it’s free.
Don’t miss: The Maori cultural exhibitions.
9. National Museum of Korea – Seoul, South Korea 🇰🇷
This impressive museum explores Korea’s long and rich history through artifacts, art, and architecture. Admission is free and the space itself is worth the visit.
Don’t miss: The ancient pagodas and Buddhist art.
10. State Hermitage Museum (Free Days) – St. Petersburg, Russia 🇷🇺
While normally ticketed, the Hermitage offers free admission days each month, allowing visitors to explore one of the world’s largest and most spectacular art collections at no cost.
Don’t miss: The Winter Palace interiors.
Final Thoughts
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean missing out on culture. These free museums around the world prove that some of the most meaningful travel experiences cost nothing at all. From iconic art galleries to immersive history museums, each stop on this list offers incredible value—and unforgettable memories.
Travel tip: Always check official museum websites before visiting, as free access may apply only to permanent collections or specific days.
If you’re planning a budget-friendly itinerary, these museums are a perfect way to explore more while spending less.
Sources & Official Museum Websites
- British Museum – Official Website
https://www.britishmuseum.org - Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
https://naturalhistory.si.edu - Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
https://airandspace.si.edu - National Gallery, London
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk - Tate Modern
https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern - Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris
https://www.parismusees.paris.fr - National Museum of China
https://en.chnmuseum.cn - Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
https://www.tepapa.govt.nz - National Museum of Korea
https://www.museum.go.kr - State Hermitage Museum
https://www.hermitagemuseum.org
Leave a Reply