Hubbry Logo
List of national museumsList of national museumsMain
Open search
List of national museums
Community hub
List of national museums
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
List of national museums
List of national museums
List of national museums
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

The Government Museum Complex in Chennai, which also houses the National Art Gallery and the Connemara Public Library

A national museum can be a museum maintained and funded by a national government.[1] In many countries it denotes a museum run by the central government, while other museums are run by regional or local governments.[2] In the United States, most national museums are privately funded and operated, but have been designated by Congress as national institutions that are important to the country. In other countries a much greater number of museums are run by the central government.[3]

The following is an incomplete list of national museums:

Afghanistan

[edit]

Albania

[edit]

The Albanian government operates several national museums, including:

Algeria

[edit]

Angola

[edit]

Argentina

[edit]

The Argentinian Ministry of Culture operates several national museums, including:

Armenia

[edit]

Australia

[edit]

The Australian Government operates several national museums through its various departments, including:

In addition, a number of states in Australia also operate "national museums". These include:

Austria

[edit]

Azerbaijan

[edit]

Bahamas

[edit]

Bahrain

[edit]

Bangladesh

[edit]

Barbados

[edit]

Belarus

[edit]

Belgium

[edit]

The Federal Public Service for Science Policy Programming in Belgium operates several museum associations:

Belize

[edit]

Bhutan

[edit]

Bolivia

[edit]

Bosnia and Herzegovina

[edit]

Botswana

[edit]

Brazil

[edit]

Brunei

[edit]

The government of Brunei operates several museums including:

Bulgaria

[edit]

Burkina Faso

[edit]

Burundi

[edit]

Cambodia

[edit]

Canada

[edit]

The following are national museums of Canada, established by the federal government of Canada and operated through an autonomous Crown corporation:

Former national museums that were later shut down includes:

In addition to institutions established or operated by the Government of Canada, several provinces and territories have established their own provincial and territorial museums.

Central African Republic

[edit]

Chad

[edit]

Chile

[edit]

China

[edit]

Colombia

[edit]

Comoros

[edit]

Congo, Democratic Republic of the

[edit]

Costa Rica

[edit]

Croatia

[edit]

Cuba

[edit]

Cyprus

[edit]

Czech Republic

[edit]

Denmark

[edit]

Djibouti

[edit]

Dominica

[edit]

Dominican Republic

[edit]

Ecuador

[edit]

Egypt

[edit]

Eritrea

[edit]

Estonia

[edit]

Ethiopia

[edit]

Fiji

[edit]

Finland

[edit]

France

[edit]

Gambia

[edit]

Georgia

[edit]

Germany

[edit]

Ghana

[edit]

Greece

[edit]

Grenada

[edit]

Guatemala

[edit]

Guinea

[edit]

Guinea-Bissau

[edit]

Guyana

[edit]

Haiti

[edit]

Holy See (Vatican City)

[edit]

Hong Kong

[edit]

Hungary

[edit]

Iceland

[edit]

Isle of Man

[edit]

India

[edit]

National-level museums in India come directly under the administrative control of Ministry of Culture, Government of India.[8]

Indonesia

[edit]

Museums listed below are operated by Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology and other ministries.

Iran

[edit]

Iraq

[edit]

Ireland

[edit]

Israel

[edit]

Italy

[edit]

Japan

[edit]

Jordan

[edit]

Kazakhstan

[edit]

Kenya

[edit]

Kiribati

[edit]

North Korea

[edit]

South Korea

[edit]

Kosovo

[edit]

Kuwait

[edit]

Kyrgyzstan

[edit]

Laos

[edit]

Latvia

[edit]

Lebanon

[edit]

Liberia

[edit]

Libya

[edit]
See also: List of museums in Libya

Liechtenstein

[edit]

Lithuania

[edit]
See also: List of museums in Lithuania

Luxembourg

[edit]

Macau

[edit]

Malawi

[edit]

Malaysia

[edit]

Maldives

[edit]

Mali

[edit]

Malta

[edit]

Marshall Islands

[edit]

Mauritania

[edit]

Mexico

[edit]

Moldova

[edit]

Monaco

[edit]

Mongolia

[edit]

Montenegro

[edit]

Morocco

[edit]

Myanmar

[edit]

Namibia

[edit]

Nauru

[edit]

Nepal

[edit]

Netherlands

[edit]

New Zealand

[edit]

Niger

[edit]

Nigeria

[edit]

North Macedonia

[edit]

Norway

[edit]

Oman

[edit]

Pakistan

[edit]

Palau

[edit]

Panama

[edit]

Papua New Guinea

[edit]

Paraguay

[edit]

Peru

[edit]

Philippines

[edit]

The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP), a government organization, operates several national museums, including:

The National Museum Complex in Manila which consists of the central museums of the NMP namely the:

The NMP also operates the following satellite museums:

Poland

[edit]
Main article: National Museum of Poland

Portugal

[edit]

Qatar

[edit]

Romania

[edit]

Russia

[edit]

Rwanda

[edit]

Saint Kitts and Nevis

[edit]

Samoa

[edit]

Saudi Arabia

[edit]

Senegal

[edit]

Serbia

[edit]

Sierra Leone

[edit]

Singapore

[edit]

Slovakia

[edit]

Slovenia

[edit]

Solomon Islands

[edit]

Somalia

[edit]

South Africa

[edit]

South Sudan

[edit]

Spain

[edit]

Catalonia

[edit]

Source:[10]

Sri Lanka

[edit]

Sudan

[edit]

Suriname

[edit]

Sweden

[edit]

Switzerland

[edit]

Syria

[edit]

Taiwan

[edit]

Tajikistan

[edit]

Tanzania

[edit]

Thailand

[edit]
Main article: National museums of Thailand

Togo

[edit]

Tonga

[edit]

Trinidad and Tobago

[edit]

Tunisia

[edit]

Turkey

[edit]

Turkmenistan

[edit]

Turks and Caicos

[edit]

Uganda

[edit]

Ukraine

[edit]

United Arab Emirates

[edit]

United Kingdom

[edit]
Main article: National Museums of the United Kingdom

England

[edit]

Sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Sponsored by Ministry of Defence

Sponsored by the Home Office

Northern Ireland

[edit]

Scotland

[edit]

Wales

[edit]

United States

[edit]

Uruguay

[edit]

Uzbekistan

[edit]

Vanuatu

[edit]

Venezuela

[edit]

Vietnam

[edit]

Yemen

[edit]

Zambia

[edit]

Zimbabwe

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

List of national museums

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A list of national museums is a compilation of prominent cultural institutions designated as national within their respective countries, typically owned, funded, and operated by central or federal governments to preserve, interpret, and exhibit collections of historical artifacts, artworks, and natural specimens that reflect a nation's heritage and identity. These museums serve as key repositories for national cultural and biological collections, often regulating archaeological sites and fostering public education, research, and national cohesion. Many originated during colonial eras or the 19th-century Victorian period, such as the established in 1753, and have evolved post-independence to emphasize local narratives, with examples including the in holding nearly 700,000 artifacts spanning over 10,000 years and the National Museum in . The following list organizes these institutions by continent, highlighting their diversity in focus—from art and history to science and ethnography—across the globe.

Introduction

Definition and role

In many countries, a national museum is generally a significant cultural institution that houses a permanent collection of historical artefacts and artworks, reflecting a nation's cultural heritage and identity, typically owned, funded, and operated by the national government to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit cultural, historical, artistic, scientific, or ethnographic artifacts and intangible heritage deemed of national significance, with primary funding from the state to ensure public accessibility and long-term stewardship. Unlike private or regional museums, national museums often embody the state's commitment to safeguarding collective memory and fostering societal cohesion, operating under legal frameworks that prioritize national interests in heritage management. This designation underscores their role as custodians of treasures that represent a country's identity, with examples spanning history museums chronicling pivotal events, art museums housing canonical works, science museums advancing knowledge dissemination, and ethnography museums documenting diverse cultural practices. The primary functions of national museums extend beyond mere storage to active engagement in , cultural promotion, and historical documentation, enabling visitors to connect with their heritage while promoting inclusivity and reflection. They facilitate public access to national treasures, often through exhibitions, programs, and digital initiatives that educate diverse audiences and reinforce , particularly in multicultural societies where they bridge historical narratives across communities. By interpreting artifacts in context, these institutions contribute to national , countering erasure of marginalized histories. Historically, national museums evolved from private royal and aristocratic collections in during the and Enlightenment periods, where "cabinets of curiosity" amassed global artifacts for elite display before transitioning to public institutions in the 18th and 19th centuries as symbols of enlightened governance and national pride. This shift democratized access, with landmarks like the in opening in 1793 as a repurposed royal repository. In post-colonial contexts, many nations established or reoriented national museums after independence to reclaim and assert indigenous identities, transforming colonial-era institutions into platforms for decolonized narratives and cultural sovereignty. Globally, national museums play a vital role in upholding international standards for protection, aligning with frameworks such as the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which emphasizes state responsibilities in safeguarding sites and objects of outstanding value. The 2015 Recommendation on the Protection and Promotion of Museums and Collections further reinforces their societal contributions by advocating for diversity, ethical practices, and community involvement in heritage preservation, positioning national museums as key actors in global efforts against illicit trafficking and cultural loss.

Criteria for inclusion

The inclusion of museums in this list adheres to established criteria that emphasize their status as key public institutions dedicated to national cultural preservation. These criteria require official designation by the national government as a primary steward of the country's heritage, ensuring a scope that transcends regional or local boundaries to encompass the nation's collective history, art, and identity. Additionally, inclusion demands predominant state funding, typically through national budgets or ministries of culture, and a formal mandate to collect, conserve, and interpret artifacts and narratives of national significance. For example, in , national museums are explicitly defined as state-owned institutions under the Ministry of Culture's supervision, with collections forming part of the . Similarly, in the , national museums such as the are recognized as public entities established by acts of , operating with government support to represent Britain's global cultural legacy. Verification relies on authoritative sources to maintain accuracy and transparency, including official government portals from ministries of culture, legislative records, and reports from international bodies like UNESCO's frameworks, alongside peer-reviewed academic studies in museumology. The (ICOM) provides overarching ethical and professional standards for all museums, which national institutions must align with, though specific national designations remain governed by sovereign laws. For disputed territories, such as or , museums are included if they hold national status from the administering government, acknowledging geopolitical complexities without endorsing political claims; for instance, 's is designated and funded by the Republic of China authorities. This approach ensures inclusivity based on self-designation by governing entities, cross-referenced with reports from bodies like the U.S. for comparative contexts. Exclusions are applied rigorously to focus solely on qualifying national entities: private museums, regardless of prominence, are omitted unless explicitly granted national status by government decree; sub-national or regional institutions, such as state-level museums in federations, are not included even if they manage significant collections; and defunct museums are generally excluded, except in rare cases where their historical role as a former national institution provides essential context for understanding national heritage evolution. These boundaries prevent dilution of the list's focus on active, state-endorsed repositories. Challenges in application arise from definitional variations across jurisdictions, particularly in federal systems where multiple museums may share national designation—such as the Smithsonian Institution's network or the several centrally administered museums under India's . In , for instance, institutions like the National Museum in qualify due to direct oversight, but regional equivalents do not. Furthermore, incorporating new establishments since 2020 necessitates continuous updates via monitoring official announcements, as seen with recent designations in emerging contexts, to reflect evolving national priorities without retroactive alterations.

By continent

Africa

National museums across Africa serve as vital repositories for the continent's diverse cultural, historical, and , often established in the post-colonial era to foster and preserve oral traditions alongside artifacts from ancient civilizations such as those in and . These institutions highlight themes of , with many focusing on indigenous narratives, rock art, and ethnographic collections that counter colonial-era looting and promote pan-African unity. However, coverage remains uneven, with larger nations boasting established networks while smaller ones like and have nascent or limited national museums due to resource constraints. Recent developments, such as post-2020 genocide memorials in , underscore ongoing efforts to address historical traumas and build inclusive heritage spaces. Conflicts in places like have led to outdated or inaccessible information for their museums. Algeria
The National Museum of Antiquities and in , founded in 1835, is the oldest museum in and one of the oldest in , specializing in archaeological finds from to periods, including Punic and Roman artifacts. The National Museum of Fine Arts in , established in 1930, focuses on modern and contemporary n art, featuring works by local artists alongside European influences from the colonial era. The National Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions in , dating to the early , emphasizes rural heritage through textiles, jewelry, and tools, promoting traditional crafts. Angola
The National Museum of in , opened in 1976, explores Angola's ethnic diversity through ethnographic displays of masks, instruments, and rituals from over 100 groups, aiding post-independence identity formation. The in , established in 1938, houses geological and biological specimens, including fossils that highlight Angola's biodiversity and prehistoric significance. The National Museum of Slavery in , located at a former slave port, focuses on the transatlantic slave trade with artifacts from the 16th to 19th centuries, commemorating Angola's role in global history. Botswana
The National Museum in , founded in 1967, combines , , and , with exhibits on and Kalahari ecology that underscore . Burkina Faso
The National Museum of in , established in 1962, showcases Mossi kingdom artifacts, masks, and textiles, emphasizing West African oral histories and traditional governance. Egypt
The in , opened in 1902, is renowned for its vast collection of pharaonic artifacts, including Tutankhamun's treasures, representing one of the world's oldest civilizations. The in , inaugurated in 2017, traces Egypt's history from prehistoric times to the through mummies and royal , promoting a holistic view of cultural continuity. The Grand Egyptian Museum near , fully opened by 2023, houses over 100,000 artifacts with views of the pyramids, focusing on ancient engineering and daily life. Ethiopia
The in , established in 1944 and renovated in 2025, features the 3.2-million-year-old "" fossil alongside Aksumite and medieval Christian relics, linking human origins to 's ancient empires. Ghana
The in , founded in 1957, is the oldest in the country and displays Akan gold weights, Ashanti stools, and colonial-era items, illustrating pre-colonial trade and independence struggles under the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board. Kenya
The , headquartered in and established in 1909, manage a network including the Nairobi National Museum (focusing on wildlife and ) and Fort Jesus Museum in (on Swahili-Arab trade), preserving East African coastal and inland heritage. Libya
Due to ongoing conflict, information on Libyan museums remains outdated; the National Museum (formerly Red Castle Museum) in Tripoli, dating to 1919, holds Greco-Roman and Islamic artifacts but was closed intermittently since 2011 and reopened in April 2025. Mali
The National Museum of Mali in , opened in 1953, exhibits Dogon masks, Tuareg jewelry, and , safeguarding Sahelian traditions amid efforts to recover looted items. Morocco
Under the National Foundation of Museums, established in 2011, key institutions include the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in (opened 2014, focusing on North African abstraction) and the Batha Museum in Fez (on medieval pottery and crafts). The Oudayas Museum in , founded in 1915, displays Berber and Andalusian ethnographic items in a historic fortress. Nigeria
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments oversees 53 sites; the National Museum in (1957) houses terracottas and , while the National Museum in (1952) features ancient ironworking artifacts, addressing of colonial-era collections. Rwanda
The Institute of National Museums of Rwanda manages sites like the Ethnographic Museum in Huye (1989, on pre-colonial kingdoms and Intore dance) and the (2004, post-1994 reconciliation exhibits), with recent additions including the Rwanda Liberation Museum in 2020 for independence narratives. South Africa
The in , founded in 1825, explores biodiversity and , while Ditsong Museums of South Africa in include the National Museum of Cultural History (on apartheid-era artifacts) and the , reflecting post-apartheid reconciliation. The in (1877) covers and settler history. South Sudan
As a young nation, South Sudan lacks a permanent national museum; the , Museums and National Heritage is planning its first fixed institution, with efforts ongoing as of 2025, building on mobile exhibits from 2014 that highlight Nilotic traditions and independence. Tunisia
The Bardo National Museum in Tunis, established in 1888, is famed for its Roman mosaics depicting daily life and mythology, housed in a 19th-century palace. The Carthage National Museum on Byrsa Hill (1875) focuses on Punic ruins and Hannibal's legacy. Zimbabwe
The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe oversee sites like the Natural History Museum in Bulawayo (on wildlife and Great Zimbabwe artifacts) and the Great Zimbabwe National Monument (11th-15th century stone ruins), emphasizing Shona heritage and UNESCO-listed sites. For other nations like , , , , , , , , , , Niger, , Sierra Leone, Somalia, , Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and others in the alphabetical list, national museums are often emerging or regionally focused, with limited centralized institutions due to historical and economic factors; for instance, 's Museum of Black Civilizations (opened 2018) represents pan-African efforts, while 's National Museum in houses Nubian pyramids replicas. Gaps persist in conflict-affected or smaller states, where oral heritage preservation dominates over formal museums.

Asia

Asia's national museums serve as vital repositories of the continent's millennia-old civilizations, preserving artifacts from the trade routes that connected East and West, as well as profound religious influences from , , and that shaped cultural identities across the region. These institutions often emphasize post-World War II reconstructions, particularly in , where museums have been rebuilt or expanded to foster national unity amid geopolitical shifts. In , coverage remains sparse due to limited documentation and ongoing preservation challenges in states like and , while recent additions such as the ' , opened in 2017, act as cultural bridges blending global and local narratives. Disputed territories like are included here based on standard criteria for national institutions, with the National Palace Museum's collections—originally from —highlighting historical sensitivities in cross-strait relations. Afghanistan
The , located in and founded in 1919, safeguards over 100,000 artifacts spanning prehistoric times to the Islamic era, with special emphasis on Gandharan Buddhist sculptures and relics that illustrate the country's role as a cultural crossroads. Despite damages from conflicts, it continues to document Afghanistan's diverse heritage, including coins, manuscripts, and ivory carvings from ancient . Bahrain
in , inaugurated on December 15, 1988, by the late Amir Shaikh , explores 6,000 years of history through exhibits on the civilization, ancient burial practices, and the pearl-diving economy that defined pre-oil society. Its halls feature archaeological finds like burial mounds and Islamic manuscripts, underscoring Bahrain's maritime and trade heritage in the . Bangladesh
The in traces its origins to the Dacca Museum, founded on March 20, 1913, and officially designated as a national institution on November 17, 1983, housing over 100,000 items focused on Bengali art, folklore, and the 1971 Liberation War. Key collections include Mughal miniatures, tribal ethnographies from the , and sculptures reflecting Hindu-Buddhist influences from ancient . Bhutan
's National , situated in the Ta-Dzong in Paro and established in 1964, preserves the kingdom's spiritual and artistic legacy through exhibits of paintings, masks, and royal regalia that highlight Buddhist traditions and principles. Converted from a 17th-century fortress, it displays postage stamps, textiles, and weaponry, offering insights into Bhutan's isolated yet vibrant cultural evolution. Brunei
The Brunei Museum in Kota Batu, opened in 1965 under the Department of Museums, chronicles the sultanate's Islamic history and Malay heritage with galleries on , , and natural resources, including prehistoric tools and traditional models. As the nation's primary , it emphasizes Brunei's pre-colonial networks and the since the . Cambodia
's National Museum in , founded in 1920 during the French Protectorate and designed in Khmer architectural style, holds the world's premier collection of Khmer art, with over 14,000 artifacts including Angkor-period sandstone statues and bronze that exemplify the empire's . Established to protect sculptures from looting, it focuses on pre-Angkorian to post-Khmer Rouge eras, promoting cultural revival. China
The in , formed in 2003 by merging the Museum of Chinese History (founded 1912) and the Museum of the Chinese Revolution, spans 400,000 square meters of exhibition space, making it the largest museum globally, and displays over 1.4 million items chronicling 5,000 years from oracle bones to artifacts. Its halls underscore dynastic innovations, exchanges, and modern nation-building, with highlights like the Simuwu Ding bronze vessel. India
India's National Museum in , established in 1949, encompasses , , and across 200,000 square meters, featuring Indus Valley seals, Chola bronzes, and Gandharan Buddhas that trace the subcontinent's ancient urban centers and . As the country's flagship institution, it integrates pre-colonial empires with post-independence narratives, including tribal jewelry and Mughal miniatures.
The in , founded in 1868 as the Bataviaasch Genootschap and renamed in 1970, specializes in and with over 140,000 objects, such as Borobudur reliefs and Dayak textiles, reflecting the archipelago's Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms and diverse ethnic groups. Known as the "" for its facade, it highlights maritime trade and Islamic influences in . Iran
Iran's National Museum in , established in under the Archaeological Service, comprises three branches focusing on ancient Persia, Islamic art, and contemporary history, with treasures like Achaemenid reliefs from and Sassanian silverware that illuminate Zoroastrian and pre-Islamic legacies. It preserves over 300,000 items, emphasizing Iran's role in bridging Mesopotamian and Central Asian cultures. Iraq
The Iraq National Museum in , opened in 1926, curates Mesopotamian antiquities including the tiles and Sumerian cuneiform tablets, showcasing cradle-of-civilization innovations in writing and law from 3500 BCE. Despite losses from 2003 looting, its 500,000-piece collection underscores contributions and post-Ottoman nationhood. Israel
Israel's national museums, coordinated under the in (founded 1965), include the Rockefeller Archaeological Museum (1930), specializing in biblical-era artifacts like fragments and Canaanite idols that connect Jewish, Christian, and Islamic histories in the . The complex highlights post-1948 cultural consolidation amid regional religious tensions. Japan
Japan's , founded in 1872 as the first public museum in the country and located in , holds over 110,000 Japanese and Asian artworks, with specialties in prints, armor, and Jomon pottery that trace imperial artistry from prehistoric to Meiji eras. As part of the Independent Administrative Institution National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, it promotes cross-Asian exchanges through rotating exhibits. Jordan
Jordan's national collections are anchored by in , opened in 2003, displaying Nabataean sculptures from and artifacts that reveal Semitic trade routes and biblical connections. Complementing the archaeological park, it focuses on and heritage, supporting as a cultural bridge in the . Kazakhstan
The National of the Republic of in , established in 2001, exhibits nomadic gold, caravanserai relics, and Soviet-era across 65,000 square meters, illustrating the steppe's Turkic and Mongol influences. As a modern symbol of independence, it integrates digital displays on contemporary Kazakh identity. North Korea
's Central History in , founded in 1945 as the Pyongyang Municipal Museum, specializes in Korean ancient history with dynasty ceramics and Koguryo tomb murals, emphasizing self-reliant narratives from prehistoric to socialist eras. Housed in a Stalinist-style building, it covers over 5,000 years with a focus on anti-imperialist themes. South Korea
The in , originating from the 1909 Imperial Household Museum and reestablished in 1945, features 220,000 artifacts including Baekje gold crowns and celadons, highlighting Korea's period and post-liberation cultural revival. Its 137,000-square-meter site in Yongsan promotes and Confucian scholarship as national unifiers. Kuwait
's National Museum, part of the Al-Sabah Complex and reopened in 2024 after 1990 invasion damages, displays pottery and from the 18th-century pearl trade era, reflecting Gulf . It emphasizes textiles and modern oil discovery impacts on . Kyrgyzstan
Information on 's national museums is limited, with the State History Museum in (founded 1925) holding modest collections of nomadic felt rugs, epic Manas manuscripts, and Soviet-era art that evoke Central Asian oral traditions and Turkic migrations; preservation efforts lag due to funding constraints. Laos
Laos' National Museum in , established in 1921 as the Sisavang Vong Museum and relocated in 1995, showcases jars from the Plain of Jars and Buddhist statues, tracing animist and influences in Southeast Asian history. With around 8,000 items, it addresses French colonial legacies and socialist reconstruction. Malaysia
in , opened in 1963 in a former Malay regiment barracks, exhibits prehistoric tools, ethnographies, and Islamic sultanate regalia, illustrating multicultural fusion from Hindu-Buddhist to British colonial periods. It covers 10,000 years with interactive displays on independence struggles. Maldives
The Maldives National Museum in , founded in 1998 in a former sultan's palace, preserves Indo-Islamic artifacts like coral-stone mosques and shell currencies, highlighting the archipelago's maritime trade with and Arab worlds. Its small collection of 1,000 items focuses on pre-Islamic Buddhist relics and . Mongolia
's National Museum in , established in 1924, displays Genghis Khan-era armor, throat-singing instruments, and dinosaur fossils from the Gobi, embodying nomadic and imperial expansions across . Relocated multiple times, it integrates Soviet influences with post-1990 democratic exhibits. Myanmar
Myanmar's National Museum in , founded in 1952, features Bagan-era pagoda models, Shan textiles, and regalia, reflecting Buddhist dominance and ethnic diversity in . With over 60,000 artifacts, it navigates colonial and military histories amid ongoing political transitions. Nepal
Nepal's National Museum in , opened in 1928 at Chhauni, specializes in Malla kingdom sculptures and Newari paintings influenced by Hindu-Buddhist syncretism, including weaponry and Himalayan ethnographies. As the oldest in the kingdom, it preserves over 50,000 items from the Licchavi to dynasties. Oman
's National Museum, launched in 2010 in Muscat's grounds, explores trade routes and Ibadi Islamic heritage with falaj irrigation models and maritime replicas, spanning 5,000 years of history. It emphasizes pre-oil tribal life and Renaissance-era fortifications. Pakistan
's National Museum in , established in 1950, houses 65,000 artifacts like seals and Mughal jewels, focusing on Indus Valley urbanization and that bridged South and . It addresses partition-era migrations and Gandharan Buddhist sites. Philippines
The in , founded in 1901 as the Insular Museum, divides into art and anthropology wings with rice terraces models and Spanish colonial santos, illustrating Austronesian migrations and Catholic-indigenous blends. Post-WWII rebuilding highlights revolutionary artifacts from the 1896 uprising. Qatar
's National Museum, opened in 2019 adjacent to the , immerses visitors in pearling dhows and tents via multimedia, covering nomadic origins to gas-boom modernity with Islamic geometric tiles. Designed by , it spans 45,000 square meters emphasizing Gulf trade networks. Saudi Arabia
's National Museum of Saudi Arabian History in , part of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center and opened in 1999, traces pre-Islamic Nabataean rock art to Wahhabi unification with 3,000 artifacts like inscriptions and Hejazi textiles. It promotes Islamic holy sites' significance in national identity.
Singapore's National Museum, founded in 1848 as the Raffles Library and Museum, evolved into a history institution exhibiting Peranakan ceramics and colonial-era photographs that narrate multicultural development from trade to independence. It integrates Asian Civilisations Museum collections on Silk Road . Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's National Museum in , established in 1877 under British rule, displays relics and Kandyan royal regalia influenced by and , with over 100,000 items from Vedic to colonial periods. A sister branch in focuses on upcountry artifacts. Syria
Syria's National Museum in , founded in 1919, curates and Roman mosaics from , reflecting Levantine crossroads of Phoenician, , and Islamic cultures despite war-related thefts of Roman statues in 2025. Its 300,000-piece collection highlights pre-Abrahamic alphabets. Taiwan
's National in , originating in in 1925 and relocated in 1949, enshrines 700,000 imperial Chinese treasures like and Rongyi bronze vessels from the , symbolizing continuity of Han civilization amid cross-strait disputes. Its collections, primarily from the , emphasize Confucian artistry and porcelain evolution. Tajikistan
Tajik national museums, such as the National Museum of Tajikistan in (founded 1930s), feature Sogdian frescoes and Pamiri embroidery with limited public access, documenting Persianate outposts and Soviet collectivization; documentation gaps persist due to regional instability. Thailand
's National Museum in , established in from the Grand Palace's Buddhaisawan Chapel, showcases Ayutthaya gold Buddha images and Sukhothai ceramics, embodying Buddhist and Khmer-influenced architecture. As Asia's third-oldest public museum, it covers 700 years of Siamese . Turkmenistan
's National Museum of in , rebuilt post-2001 earthquake and founded in 1946, exhibits Parthian rhytons and Kara-Kum carpets, preserving Central Asian nomadic and Achaemenid legacies with restricted access under state control. Collections highlight oasis as a hub. United Arab Emirates
The UAE's , opened in 2017 on , serves as a universal museum with Asian holdings like Southeast Asian shadow puppets and Chinese Ming vases, fostering intercultural dialogue through loans from global institutions. Its architecture evokes a floating dome, symbolizing Abrahamic unity in the Gulf. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan's State Museum of Arts in , established in 1937, and the History Museum (1876 origins) display Timurid miniatures and madrasa tiles, capturing Samarkand's role as an Islamic Renaissance center on the . With 250,000 items, they blend Persian, Turkic, and Soviet narratives. Vietnam
's National of History in , founded in 1910 as the Musée Indochinois under French rule and nationalized in 1954, exhibits Dong Son bronze drums and Hindu sculptures, tracing Viet migrations and imperial mandarinates. It complements the adjacent Fine Arts with revolutionary dioramas. Yemen
Yemen's National in Sana'a, established in 1971, preserves Himyarite inscriptions and dragon's blood resin artifacts, despite conflict disruptions, focusing on pre-Islamic South Arabian kingdoms and Islamic coffee trade origins. Collections emphasize ancient dams and legends. Hong Kong and Macau, as , maintain distinct institutions: 's Museum of History (founded 1975) explores colonial harbors and , while 's Museum of Macau (1987) highlights Portuguese-Macanese fusion in Sino-Iberian architecture.

Europe

Europe's national museums form a cornerstone of the continent's cultural identity, safeguarding artifacts from prehistoric times through the , Enlightenment, and into the turbulent 20th century, including the profound impacts of on collections and narratives. These institutions often embody national pride while engaging with cultural policies that emphasize shared heritage, cross-border collaborations, and accessibility, as outlined in the EU's 2018 New European Agenda for Culture. With over 30,000 museums across the region, national ones stand out for their state-funded status and role in public education, frequently hosting iconic works like Leonardo da Vinci's or ancient sculptures from . Many have undergone recent renovations to integrate digital technologies and address colonial legacies in their holdings. Albania: The National Historical Museum in , founded in 1981, serves as the country's primary repository for Albanian history, spanning Illyrian antiquity, Ottoman rule, independence struggles, and communist era artifacts, with a notable mosaic facade symbolizing national resilience; it closed for restoration in 2024 and is set to reopen in 2028. Armenia: The National Museum of the History of Armenia in , established in 1919 as part of and independent since 1935, houses over 400,000 items documenting Armenian civilization from the to the modern republic, including medieval manuscripts and memorials. Austria: The in , opened in 1891, is a premier national institution for art and history, featuring collections from to masterpieces by and Velázquez, amassed by Habsburg emperors. The , also founded in 1889 in the same complex, focuses on , minerals, and with holdings like the . Belarus: The National Art Museum of the Republic of in , founded in 1939, preserves over 30,000 works of Belarusian, Russian, and European art from the onward, emphasizing national painters like . The Belarusian National Historical Museum, established in 1919 and relocated to in 1945, covers prehistoric to Soviet periods with archaeological finds from ancient settlements. Belgium: The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of in , dating to 1801, encompass six museums showcasing Flemish Primitives like Jan van Eyck's The Arnolfini Portrait alongside modern works by René Magritte. The Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History, founded in 1885, documents 's military past from the to contemporary peacekeeping missions. Bosnia and Herzegovina: The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina in , established in 1888 during Austro-Hungarian rule, holds ethnographic, archaeological, and collections illustrating the region's multicultural heritage, including Ottoman manuscripts and replicas; it faced closure threats in 2012 but continues operations. Bulgaria: The National History Museum in , founded in 1973, is the largest in the country with over 650,000 artifacts from Thracian gold treasures to medieval Bulgarian icons, housed in the former royal palace. The National Archaeological Museum, originating in 1906, focuses on ancient artifacts from Roman and Byzantine eras. Croatia: The Croatian National Museum in , established in 1846, collects specimens like Croatian fossils and minerals. The Archaeological Museum in , founded in 1848, features Greco-Roman and a notable Vučedol dove ceramic. The Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments in Split, opened in 1870, specializes in early medieval Croatian artifacts. Cyprus: The Cyprus Museum in , founded in 1900 by the British colonial administration, is the principal national repository for Cypriot from the to Ottoman periods, including idols. The Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia, established in 1984, covers the city's history with Byzantine and Venetian exhibits. Czech Republic: The National Museum in , founded in 1818, oversees multiple branches including the Natural History Museum with meteorites and the Historical Museum with Habsburg-era coins; its main building, damaged in 2018, reopened in 2024. The , established in 1796, holds Czech and European art from Gothic altarpieces to 20th-century works. Denmark: The in , tracing origins to 1807, explores Danish to the present with Viking artifacts like the . The (Statens Museum for Kunst), founded in 1825, features paintings alongside Rembrandts and Impressionists. Estonia: The Art Museum of Estonia in , formed in 1945, includes the Kumu Art Museum (opened 2006) focusing on Estonian art from the to Soviet . The in , established in 1909, documents Finno-Ugric cultures with ethnographic exhibits on rural life. Finland: The in , opened in 1916, presents Finnish history from to independence with medieval church art. The Finnish National Gallery, founded in 1846, comprises Ateneum for Finnish art, for European old masters, and for contemporary works. France: The Louvre Museum in , established as a public museum in 1793 during the , is the world's largest art museum with 380,000 objects, including the and , spanning Egyptian antiquities to 19th-century paintings. The , opened in 1986 in a former railway station, specializes in with works by Monet and Van Gogh. The , founded in 1977, houses modern and contemporary art alongside industrial design. The Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, dating to 1635, features biodiversity collections across multiple sites. Georgia: The in , founded in 1825 as part of the St. Petersburg Academy, covers Caucasian archaeology and ethnography with golden colchians from and medieval treasures. The complex includes the Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia for . Germany: The in , established in 1987, documents from the Middle Ages to reunification with 8,000 square meters of exhibits. The Pergamon Museum, opened in 1930, features monumental reconstructions like the Ishtar Gate from Babylon (under restoration until 2030). The Humboldt Forum, reopened in 2021 in the reconstructed Berlin Palace, displays non-European ethnological collections alongside Prussian art. The Deutsches Museum in Munich, founded in 1903, is the world's largest science and technology museum. Greece: The National Archaeological Museum in , founded in 1829, holds the world's finest collection of , including Mycenaean gold masks and Cycladic idols. The Numismatic Museum, established in 1834, features 500,000 coins from antiquity to modern times. Holy See (Vatican City): The , with origins in the 16th century under , encompass the frescoes by and vast papal collections of classical sculptures and Egyptian artifacts, opened to the public in 1771. The Vatican Apostolic Library, founded in 1475, preserves illuminated manuscripts. Hungary: The in , established in 1802, exhibits the and documents national history from Roman times to 1989. The , founded in 1957 in , focuses on Hungarian fine arts from Gothic to . Iceland: The National Museum of Iceland in , founded in 1863, illustrates Icelandic culture from settlement to the 20th century with medieval sagas and turf house replicas. Ireland: The in , established in 1877, comprises branches for archaeology (featuring Celtic gold), , , and country life. The , founded in 1854, holds Irish and European paintings from the onward. Isle of Man: The Manx National Heritage manages national collections, including the Manx Museum in Douglas (founded 1922), which covers island history from to Victorian eras with Celtic crosses. Italy: The Gallery in , opened in 1765 by Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo, is renowned for masterpieces like Botticelli's [Birth of Venus](/page/The_Birth_of_Venus_(Cabanel). The in , established in 1471, house ancient Roman sculptures including the She-Wolf. The National Roman Museum, founded in 1889, displays imperial artifacts across Palazzo Massimo and . Kosovo: The in , established in 1949 as the Regional Museum, focuses on Illyrian and medieval Albanian heritage with figurines and Ottoman artifacts. Latvia: The Latvian National Museum of Art in , founded in 1905, showcases Latvian painting and sculpture from the 18th century to contemporary. The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, opened in 1993, documents Soviet and Nazi occupations. Liechtenstein: The (Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein), established in 2000 in , features the princely art collection from the to modern abstract works. Lithuania: The National Museum of Lithuania in , founded in 1952 from earlier collections, covers Lithuanian history with pagan artifacts and books. Luxembourg: The National Museum of History and Art in , opened in 1996 (roots in 1848), explores national history through , fine arts, and decorative objects from Roman mosaics to modern Luxembourgish art. The , established in 1868, focuses on and . Malta: The National Museum of Archaeology in , founded in 1904 in Auberge de Provence, displays prehistoric Maltese temple artifacts like the replicas and Venus of Malta. The National Museum of Fine Arts, established in 1979, holds works by and Maltese masters (merged into MUŻA in 2018 for contemporary arts). Moldova: The National Museum of History of Moldova in , founded in 1989 from 1875 collections, exhibits Dacian and medieval artifacts alongside Soviet-era items. The National Museum of Art, established in 1939, features Moldovan and European paintings. Monaco: The New National Museum of Monaco (Novo Museo), opened in in Villa Sauber, focuses on modern and with Monegasque and international works; the Oceanographic Museum, founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I, is a national landmark for . Montenegro: The National Museum of Montenegro in , established in 1926, includes the State Museum with Njegoš's collections of Montenegrin history, , and art from medieval icons to 19th-century paintings. Netherlands: The in , founded in 1800 and reopened in 2013 after renovation, houses art including Rembrandt's . The in , opened in 1822, features Vermeer's . The National Museum of Antiquities (), established in 1818, covers Dutch archaeology from Roman times. North Macedonia: The Museum of the for Independence in , founded in 2011, documents the Ilinden Uprising and national liberation. The National Institution Archaeological Museum of , opened in 2021, exhibits ancient Macedonian artifacts from and . Norway: The National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in , opened in 2022 merging prior institutions, holds Edvard Munch's and Norwegian modern art. The (Norsk Folkemuseum), founded in 1894, preserves rural buildings and Sami ethnography. Poland: The Royal Castle in , restored post-WWII and reopened in 1984, functions as a national museum with 17th-18th century Polish royal collections. The , established in 1879, features Leonardo da Vinci's and Polish . The POLIN Museum of the History of Polish , opened in 2013, covers 1,000 years of Jewish life in . Portugal: The in , founded in 1884, displays and European art from the 15th to 19th centuries, including Hieronymite altarpieces. The , established in 1905, houses royal carriages from the . The National Museum of Archaeology, dating to 1861, focuses on Portuguese prehistory and Roman mosaics. Romania: The National Museum of Art of in , opened in 1950 in the former royal palace, holds Romanian medieval icons and modern sculptures. The National History Museum of , founded in 1972, exhibits Dacian gold bracelets and replicas. Russia: The State in St. Petersburg, founded in 1764 by , spans six buildings with 3 million items from ancient to , including Fabergé eggs. The State in , established in 1856, specializes in Russian fine art from icons to . The State in , opened in 1883, covers Russian history from to 1917. Serbia: The in , founded in 1844 and reopened in 2018 after 10 years of renovation, houses 400,000 objects from prehistoric to modern Serbian art. The , established in 1996, focuses on Tito-era history. Slovakia: The Slovak National Gallery in , founded in 1948, collects Slovak art from Gothic to contemporary. The Slovak National Museum, established in 1961, oversees branches for history, , and natural sciences with exhibits on . Slovenia: The National Museum of Slovenia in , founded in 1821, features Roman artifacts and Slovenian . The National Gallery of Slovenia, established in 1918, holds medieval frescoes and 19th-century paintings. Spain: The Prado Museum in , opened in 1819, is a for Spanish masters like Velázquez's Las Meninas and Goya's works, alongside Italian and Flemish art. The National Archaeological Museum in , founded in 1867, displays Iberian, Roman, and Islamic artifacts. In , the National Art Museum of (MNAC) in , established in 1990 (roots in 1934), focuses on Romanesque frescoes and Catalan modernism by Gaudí. Sweden: The in , founded in 1792 and reopened in 2018, collects Swedish and European art from the to 1920. The , opened in 1990, houses the intact 17th-century warship Vasa. The Museum of World Culture in , established in 2004, addresses global . Switzerland: The Swiss National Museum in , founded in 1898, illustrates Swiss history from prehistoric lake dwellings to with medieval armor. The Kunsthaus , established in 1910, features Swiss modern art by Hodler alongside Picasso. Turkey: The , founded in 1891 by , include the Ancient Orient Museum with Assyrian reliefs and the Museum of the Ancient Orient. The in , established in 1914, holds Ottoman carpets and Seljuk ceramics. Ukraine: The National Art Museum of Ukraine in , founded in 1904 as the , displays Ukrainian icons, Cossack portraits, and Soviet-era art. The National Museum of the History of Ukraine, established in 1899, covers to independence with Scythian gold. United Kingdom: The in , founded in 1753 from Hans Sloane's collection, holds 8 million objects encompassing world cultures, including the and sculptures. The in , established in 1824, features Western European paintings from 1250 to 1900. In England, the (V&A), opened in 1852, focuses on and design. The National Museums Liverpool group, formed in 1986, includes the Walker Art Gallery for British and European art. In , the in , founded in 1929, covers , , and fine arts with bog bodies. In , National Museums Scotland in , tracing to 1656, features the and Dolly the sheep. The National Galleries of Scotland include the Scottish National Gallery (1859) for Scottish and European art. In , the , established in 1927, houses Impressionist works and Welsh industrial history. Post-Brexit, museums continue EU collaborations via bilateral agreements.

North America and the Caribbean

The national museums of and the serve as vital repositories of the region's multicultural heritage, often highlighting indigenous histories, colonial legacies, the transatlantic slave trade, and abolition movements, as well as contemporary efforts toward cultural unity across islands and mainland nations. In federal systems like the and , "national" status is typically granted through congressional or parliamentary charters, distinguishing them from state or provincial institutions, while in smaller nations, museums frequently address shared themes of resilience against natural disasters and colonial exploitation. These institutions play a key role in promoting , such as First Nations narratives in and Native American stories in the U.S., and in and the , they emphasize pre-Columbian civilizations like the Maya and alongside African diasporic influences. Recent developments include post-earthquake reconstructions in and collaborative heritage initiatives among islands to bridge cultural gaps. To illustrate the diversity, the following table lists key national museums alphabetically by country, including name, location, establishment year where available, and primary focus. This selection prioritizes federally funded or chartered institutions, with notes on regional themes; exhaustive lists are avoided to emphasize representative examples.
CountryMuseum NameLocationEstablishmentFocus and Type
BahamasNational Museum of the BahamasNassauNot specifiedPreserves Bahamian cultural heritage through antiquities, monuments, and history exhibits, managed by the Antiquities, Monuments and Museum Corporation.
BarbadosBarbados Museum & Historical SocietySt. Michael1933Chronicles Barbadian history from prehistoric times to the present, with over 500,000 artifacts covering colonial legacies and cultural evolution; operates as a non-profit with public collections.
BelizeMuseum of BelizeBelize City2002Explores Belizean history from ancient Maya to post-independence through artifacts, archival photos, and cultural exhibits, managed by the Institute of National Heritage.
CanadaCanadian Museum of HistoryGatineau, Quebec1856 (reorganized 1986)Explores Canadian history, including First Nations and multicultural influences; part of nine crown corporation museums funded federally.
CanadaCanadian Museum of NatureOttawa, Ontario1881Houses natural history collections with emphasis on indigenous biodiversity and environmental heritage.
CanadaNational Gallery of CanadaOttawa, Ontario1880Showcases Canadian and international art, highlighting indigenous and multicultural artistic traditions.
Costa RicaMuseo Nacional de Costa RicaSan José1882Documents Costa Rican history from pre-Columbian eras to modern democracy, focusing on indigenous cultures and colonial transitions in a former military barracks.
CubaNational Museum of Fine ArtsHavana1913Exhibits Cuban and international art, emphasizing multicultural influences from indigenous, African, and European sources.
DominicaDominica MuseumRoseau1995Provides a 'time walk' through Dominica's cultural and social history, from geology and archaeology to the present, including Kalinago and Creole culture, slave trade exhibits.
Dominican RepublicMuseo del Hombre DominicanoSanto Domingo1973Preserves Taíno indigenous artifacts and Dominican ethnology, addressing pre-Columbian and colonial multicultural histories.
GrenadaGrenada National MuseumSt. George's1977Chronicles Grenada's history from Kalinago inhabitants and European influences to modern times, with over 500,000 artifacts on colonial legacies and cultural evolution.
GuatemalaMuseo Nacional de Arqueología y EtnologíaGuatemala City1946Conserves Maya archaeological and ethnological artifacts, emphasizing indigenous rights and pre-Columbian civilizations.
HaitiMusée du Panthéon National HaïtienPort-au-Prince1985Displays Haitian revolutionary artifacts, including slavery-era items and the independence bell, with post-2010 earthquake reconstructions highlighting resilience.
MexicoNational Museum of Anthropology (via INAH)Mexico City1964Showcases Mesoamerican indigenous histories, including Aztec and Maya artifacts; managed by the National Institute of Anthropology and History as a flagship federal institution. (Note: Specific establishment details from INAH oversight.)
PanamaMuseo del Canal InteroceánicoPanama City1997Explores the Panama Canal's history, colonial legacies, and multicultural labor forces from indigenous and global perspectives.
Saint Kitts and NevisNational Museum of Saint KittsBasseterre1985Covers pre-Columbian to independence eras, focusing on African slavery abolition and indigenous Carib influences; represents federal heritage in small island context.
Trinidad and TobagoNational Museum and Art GalleryPort of Spain1892Exhibits Trinidadian art and history, emphasizing multicultural East Indian, African, and indigenous narratives. Official government site confirms national status.
Turks and CaicosTurks and Caicos National MuseumGrand Turk1992Documents Lucayan indigenous history, maritime heritage, and environmental themes; supports Caribbean unity efforts in shared island cultures.
United StatesSmithsonian Institution (network)Washington, D.C. (multiple sites)1846World's largest museum complex with 21 museums, focusing on American innovation, indigenous histories (e.g., National Museum of the American Indian, 2004), and African American experiences (e.g., National Museum of African American History and Culture, 2016); federally chartered.
These museums underscore regional efforts to address historical injustices, such as slavery's legacy in the —evident in Haiti's revolutionary exhibits and ' colonial collections—and indigenous rights movements, like Guatemala's Maya-focused displays and Canada's First Nations emphasis. In smaller islands like and , limited infrastructure highlights ongoing needs for regional collaboration, as promoted by organizations like the Museums Association of the Caribbean, while recent openings, such as Haiti's reconstructed sites post-2010, demonstrate commitment to cultural recovery.

South America

South American national museums play a vital role in preserving the region's rich pre-Columbian heritage, colonial history, and post-independence narratives, with many institutions highlighting Inca and , artifacts from liberation wars led by figures like , and the continent's diverse through collections. These museums often face challenges such as political instability and funding issues, but recent efforts include initiatives to enhance accessibility. The following lists key national museums organized alphabetically by country, focusing on their establishment, location, and primary emphases. Argentina
The National Museum of Fine Arts in , founded in 1895, houses one of Latin America's most extensive art collections, spanning European masters to Argentine modernists, with a focus on national artistic identity post-independence. National Historic Museum in , established in 1938, preserves artifacts from the of 1810 and Simón Bolívar's independence campaigns, emphasizing Argentina's role in South American liberation. Recent post-2020 digitization projects by the have made virtual exhibits of pre-Columbian and colonial items available online, addressing access gaps amid economic pressures. Bolivia
The National Museum of Art in , opened in 1846, showcases Andean pre-Columbian influences through colonial religious art and modern Bolivian works, reflecting indigenous empires like . The National Museum of Ethnography and in , established in 1963, focuses on Bolivia's indigenous cultures and biodiversity, including Aymara and Quechua artifacts tied to Inca heritage. Political instability has limited expansions, but 2024 collaborations with have supported conservation of liberation war relics. Brazil
The National Museum in Rio de Janeiro, founded in 1818 as part of the Royal Library, was a premier institution for , , and pre-Columbian artifacts until the devastating 2018 fire destroyed much of its collection; recovery efforts as of 2025 include rebuilding with international aid and digitization of surviving items. The National Historical Museum in Rio de Janeiro, established in 1922, highlights 's independence from and indigenous biodiversity, with exhibits on Amazonian ecosystems. The National Museum of Fine Arts in Rio de Janeiro, opened in 1937, features influenced by European and local liberation themes. Chile
The National Museum of Fine Arts in Santiago, founded in 1880, displays Chilean art from pre-Columbian influences to post- works, underscoring the country's role in the wars of liberation. The Chilean Museum of in Santiago, established in 1981, specializes in artifacts from Inca, , and other , with over 3,000 pieces illustrating regional cultural exchanges. The National History in Santiago, opened in 1911, focuses on Chile's independence struggles and , including Patagonian exhibits. Colombia
The National Museum of Colombia in , established in 1823 as the first in the country, chronicles national history from pre-Columbian to independence artifacts linked to Bolívar's campaigns. The Museum in , founded in 1939 by the Bank of the Republic, holds the world's largest pre-Columbian collection, emphasizing indigenous craftsmanship and themes through ceremonial objects. Recent 2024 updates include enhanced virtual tours for global access to these collections. Guyana
The Guyana National Museum in Georgetown, established in 1868, explores the country's colonial history, indigenous Amerindian cultures, and , with exhibits on Caribbean-South American transitions and natural specimens from the . Limited documentation persists due to resource constraints, but 2025 partnerships with regional bodies aim to digitize ethnographical holdings. Paraguay
The National Museum of Fine Arts in , founded in 1902, features Paraguayan art influenced by Guarani indigenous roots and independence from Spanish rule, including works depicting the 1811 revolution. The Ethnographic Museum Andrés Barbero in , established in 1910, focuses on pre-Columbian artifacts and , showcasing Mbyá-Guarani traditions and regional flora-fauna ties. Peru
The in , opened in 1926, is renowned for its pre-Inca and Inca ceramics and textiles, providing insights into 5,000 years of and their biodiversity motifs. The National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History in , founded in 1822, houses key independence-era items, including Bolívar's correspondence, alongside pre-Columbian treasures like textiles. Digitization efforts since 2023 have made high-resolution scans of these collections publicly available online. Suriname
The Suriname Museum in , established in 1954, covers the country's Dutch colonial history, indigenous and Amerindian cultures, and tropical , with limited but growing exhibits on pre-colonial artifacts. Documentation gaps remain due to historical underfunding, though 2024 regional initiatives seek to expand holdings. Uruguay
The National Museum of Visual Arts in , founded in 1937, highlights Uruguayan art from indigenous influences to post-independence , reflecting the Artigas-led liberation movements. The National Historical Museum in , established in 1911, focuses on Uruguay's 1825 independence and , including exhibits on ecosystems. Venezuela
The National Museum of Anthropology and in , opened in 1937, preserves pre-Columbian Venezuelan cultures and Bolívar's independence artifacts, such as his sword and documents from the 1811 revolution. Political instability since 2019 has impacted operations, with closures and limited access reported in 2025, though international aid supports partial digitization of collections. Science Museum in , founded in 1941, emphasizes Venezuela's biodiversity, including specimens tied to indigenous heritage.

Oceania

Oceania's national museums preserve the diverse of Pacific Island nations and , emphasizing , colonial encounters, and environmental vulnerabilities unique to isolated archipelagos. These institutions often integrate oral traditions, artifacts from ancient migrations, and contemporary narratives shaped by and threats, differing from continental focuses elsewhere by highlighting maritime connectivity and bicultural dialogues. Australia
The , located in , was established by the National Museum of Australia Act 1980 and officially opened in 2001, specializing in the nation's with a strong emphasis on 50,000 years of Aboriginal and Islander heritage, including migration stories and post-colonial narratives. It actively engages in efforts, returning ancestral remains and sacred objects to First Nations communities, with notable post-2020 initiatives supported by government programs to foster . The Australian Museum in , founded in 1827 as the colony's first public museum, holds one of the world's largest Pacific collections, over 60,000 Melanesian and Polynesian artifacts, focusing on indigenous arts, navigation tools, and colonial explorations like Captain Cook's voyages. Fiji
The Fiji Museum in , established in 1904 from an initial collection donated to the Suva Town Board and formally opened in , serves as the national repository for Fijian history and culture, showcasing over 3,000 years of indigenous artifacts including Lapita pottery, war clubs, that reflect Melanesian and Polynesian influences. It highlights voyaging canoes and colonial-era items from European contact, including those linked to Cook's expeditions, while addressing preservation challenges from tropical climates. Kiribati
Te Umanibong, the National Cultural Centre and Museum in Bikenibeu on , traces its origins to a 1971 initiative and was formally established in 1991 with support, focusing on oral histories, traditional , and Micronesian artifacts like mat-weaving and shell tools amid emerging efforts to document climate-vulnerable intangible heritage. As a small-island institution, it emphasizes community-led collections due to limited resources, representing Kiribati's oral traditions over physical relics in a context of rising sea levels threatening sites. Marshall Islands
The Alele Museum, Library, and National Archives in , initiated in 1970 through a museum committee and incorporated as a nonprofit in 1981, preserves Marshallese culture through exhibits on traditional stick charts for , WWII relics, and oral legends, serving as the primary hub for Micronesian heritage in a remote Pacific setting. It addresses gaps in documentation from colonial disruptions, with collections highlighting environmental stories like nuclear testing impacts alongside Polynesian-style artifacts. Nauru
The Naoero Museum in Yaren, opened on January 30, 2019, as Nauru's first national museum, documents the island's unique Micronesian history through mining exhibits, pre-colonial artifacts, and oral accounts, though remoteness and small population limit its scope to basic displays of traditional fishing tools and colonial photographs. Emerging as an institution, it underscores preservation challenges in isolated environments, with posing risks to coastal collections and cultural sites. New Zealand
Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of in , opened in 1998, embodies a bicultural approach integrating and perspectives, with over two million items including Polynesian voyaging canoes, (treasures), and Captain Cook voyage artifacts that narrate Aotearoa's formation and European arrival. It specializes in interactive exhibits on migration and contemporary issues like climate impacts on Pacific ecosystems, repatriating items to while hosting global Oceanic collections. Palau
The Belau National Museum in , founded in 1955 as the oldest continuously operating museum in , collects and interprets an cultural heritage through storyboards, bai meeting houses, and artifacts from ancient trade routes, emphasizing indigenous governance and amid climate threats to coral ecosystems. Its exhibits trace Polynesian-Melanesian influences via oral histories and colonial relics, including those from exploratory voyages. Papua New Guinea
The National Museum and Art Gallery in , established in 1978 under the National Museum Board, houses remarkable Melanesian treasures like bilum bags, spirit masks, and Haus Tambaran carvings, focusing on over 800 languages' diversity and highland-lowland migrations. It preserves specimens and addresses of colonial-era items, with recent collaborations enhancing digital access to artifacts vulnerable to . Samoa
The Museum of Samoa (Falemata'aga) in , housed in a historic German colonial building and operating as the national museum since the early 2000s with roots in 19th-century collections, displays Polynesian artifacts such as 3,000-year-old Lapita pottery, fale structures, and siapo bark cloth, illustrating ancient voyaging and chiefly systems. It incorporates exhibits on effects on Samoa's coastlines and oral traditions, bridging pre-contact heritage with modern resilience stories. Solomon Islands
The National Museum in , officially opened in 1969 and rebuilt in 1999 with Japanese aid, safeguards Melanesian culture through exhibits, panpipe ensembles, and WWII artifacts, while documenting oral epics and knowledge from the ' 900+ islands. Recent virtual cataloging efforts, supported internationally, combat climate-induced losses to collections and sites, including those tied to Cook's 1760s explorations. Tonga
The National Museum in Nuku'alofa, formed in 1998, curates Polynesian royal regalia, ngatu textiles, and ancient Lapita shards, focusing on Tonga's unbroken and voyaging heritage, though operational challenges from limited funding highlight gaps in small-island institutions. It features artifacts from Captain Cook's 1770s visits and addresses sea-level rise threats to Tongan cultural landscapes through community programs. Vanuatu
The Vanuatu Cultural Centre (National Museum) in , established in 1959 as part of colonial efforts and formalized in 1980, integrates Melanesian grade-taking rituals, sand drawings, and land diver exhibits, preserving over 100 languages' intangible heritage via fieldworker networks. It tackles through documentation of vanishing traditions and repatriation of overseas-held artifacts, emphasizing resilience in cyclone-prone regions. Across Oceania, these museums collectively highlight Polynesian and Melanesian artifacts—such as canoes and carved prows symbolizing ancient Pacific migrations—while interpreting Cook's voyages through journals, maps, and collected items that reveal early cross-cultural exchanges. poses acute risks, with rising seas and storms endangering atoll-based collections in places like and , prompting innovative and community-led initiatives to safeguard oral histories and .

References

  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/national-museums
  2. https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-museums-2009640
  3. https://www.unesco.org/en/museums/about
  4. https://www.museumnext.com/article/why-we-need-museums-now-more-than-ever/
  5. https://www.thecollector.com/history-of-museums/
  6. https://press.rebus.community/historyoftech/chapter/the-early-history-of-museums-in-europe/
  7. https://stedelijkstudies.com/journal/decolonizing-the-museums-of-kenya/
  8. https://whc.unesco.org/en/convention/
  9. https://www.unesco.org/en/legal-affairs/recommendation-concerning-protection-and-promotion-museums-and-collections-their-diversity-and-their
  10. https://www.insee.fr/en/metadonnees/definition/c2236
  11. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/british-museum/about
  12. https://icom.museum/en/resources/standards-guidelines/museum-definition/
  13. https://www.npm.gov.tw/
  14. https://nationalmuseumindia.gov.in/
  15. https://alger.mta.gov.dz/en/national-museum-of-antiquities-and-islamic-arts/
  16. https://momaa.org/directory/musee-national-des-beaux-arts-dalger/
  17. https://www.museumwnf.org/partner.php?id=DZ_01_A%3Bdz&theme=AWE&tye=SH
  18. https://www.traveloangola.com/places-to-visit/national-museum-of-anthropology/
  19. https://momaa.org/directory/museum-of-natural-history/
  20. https://welcometoangola.co.ao/en/directorio/museu-nacional-da-escravatura/
  21. https://momaa.org/directory/botswana-national-museum/
  22. https://museenational.bf/
  23. https://egyptianmuseumcairo.eg/
  24. https://nmec.gov.eg/
  25. https://grandegyptianmuseum.org/
  26. https://www.fanamc.com/english/national-museum-of-ethiopia-reopens-following-major-renovation/
  27. https://gmmb.gov.gh/national-museum-of-ghana/
  28. https://museums.or.ke/
  29. https://libyaobserver.ly/culture/gnu-reviews-several-ambassadors-opening-national-museum
  30. https://momaa.org/directory/national-museum-of-mali/
  31. https://fnm.ma/
  32. https://www.museumwnf.org/partner.php?id=Mus01_B%3Bma&theme=ISL&tye=museum
  33. https://museum.ng/national-museums-list/
  34. https://www.rwandaheritage.gov.rw/en/visit-national-museums
  35. https://www.iziko.org.za/museums/south-african-museum/
  36. https://nationalmuseum.co.za/
  37. https://www.eyeradio.org/south-sudan-to-build-first-ever-museum-before-2025-official/
  38. http://www.bardomuseum.tn/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=64&Itemid=73&lang=en
  39. https://momaa.org/directory/carthage-national-museum/
  40. https://www.nmmz.co.zw/
  41. https://kalpak-travel.com/blog/central-asia-world-museums/
  42. https://english.news.cn/20250518/c91de323b26b4c11a4a7ed46794ec3ae/c.html
  43. https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-183420
  44. https://www.culture.gov.bh/en/authority/cultural_sites/BahrainNationalMuseum/about/
  45. https://www.bahrain.com/en/bahrain-national-museum
  46. https://dhakacourier.com.bd/index.php/m/news/Culture/National-Museum-celebrates-its-105th-founding-anniversary/505
  47. https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/9338ac858dc5
  48. https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.bt/
  49. https://www.museums.gov.bt/our-museums/national-museum-of-bhutan
  50. http://www.museums.gov.bn/
  51. https://culture360.asef.org/resources/brunei-museums-department/
  52. https://whc.unesco.org/en/events/996/
  53. https://www.vietnamalluretravel.com/national-museum-phnom-penh/
  54. https://en.chnmuseum.cn/about_the_nmc_593/about_the_nmc_594/
  55. https://www.confinity.com/museums/national-museum-of-china
  56. http://saarcculture.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/book-of-abstracts_museums.pdf
  57. https://www.visitsoutheastasia.travel/guides/top-national-museums-of-southeast-asia/
  58. https://asean.org/book/museum-treasures-of-southeast-asia/
  59. https://irannationalmuseum.ir/en/
  60. https://www.mei.edu/events/changing-role-museums-middle-east
  61. https://www.theiraqmuseum.com/
  62. https://theartwolf.com/art-museums/museums-location-asia/
  63. https://www.nich.go.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/12-25__gaiyo2021e.pdf
  64. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/boosting-tourism-and-cultural-ties-how-kuwait-jordan-and-riyadh-are-collaborating-to-attract-global-visitors-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/
  65. https://nmrk.kz/en/
  66. https://www.ryongnamsan.edu.kp/univ/en/research/articles/9f03268e82461f179f372e61621f42d9
  67. https://lindagoeseast.com/2020/03/22/20-amazing-virtual-museum-tours/
  68. https://www.museum.go.kr/ENG/main/index.do
  69. https://www.museum.go.kr/ENG/contents/E0601000000.do
  70. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g21-Activities-c49-Middle_East.html
  71. https://journals.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/index.php/transfer/article/view/108903/105440
  72. https://horizonguides.com/guides/guide-to-central-asia
  73. https://asia.si.edu/explore-art-culture/collections/collections-areas/southasian-himalayan/
  74. https://artsouthasiaproject.org/the-library/museums/
  75. https://en.tempo.co/read/1960042/7-best-museums-in-asia-a-must-visit-and-see-in-2025
  76. https://www.facebook.com/groups/919606695249286/posts/1546058325937450/
  77. https://www.thestar.com/news/world/middle-east/thieves-steal-ancient-roman-era-statues-from-syrias-national-museum/article_77814828-ff30-5c1b-82d8-caf712d147f4.html
  78. https://english.moe.gov.tw/cp-117-20935-CD915-1.html
  79. https://www.ne-mo.org/about-us/network/
  80. https://www.mhk.gov.al/en/homeen/
  81. https://www.louvre.fr/en
  82. https://www.mnhn.fr/en
  83. https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/museums
  84. https://www.barbmuse.org.bb/
  85. https://www.gov.bb/State-Bodies/museum-historical-society
  86. https://nichbelize.org/museum-of-belize-houses-of-culture/
  87. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/culture/cultural-attractions/museums-galleries/national-museums.html
  88. https://www.museocostarica.go.cr/
  89. https://visitcuba.com/art-culture/havanas-national-museum-fine-arts/
  90. https://www.visitdominicanrepublic.org/museum-dominican-man-santo-domingo
  91. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g292006-d307904-Reviews-Museo_Nacional_de_Arte_Maya_Arqueologia_y_Etnologia-Guatemala_City_Guatemala_Depar.html
  92. https://visithaiti.com/art-culture/museum-haitian-national-pantheon/
  93. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g291958-Activities-c49-Central_America.html
  94. https://www.projectexpedition.com/attraction/the-national-museum-of-st-kitts/
  95. https://www.tcmuseum.org/
  96. https://www.si.edu/
  97. https://www.si.edu/visit/museums
  98. https://icom.museum/en/committee/museums-association-of-the-caribbean/
  99. https://mhn.museus.gov.br/
  100. https://www.museonacional.gov.co/
  101. https://ntg.gov.gy/monument/guyana-national-museum/
  102. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000055815
  103. https://www.nma.gov.au/about/corporate/reports-reviews/annual-reports/annual-report-2010-11/part-two-performance-reports/history
  104. https://www.nma.gov.au/about/repatriation
  105. https://www.arts.gov.au/what-we-do/cultural-heritage/indigenous-repatriation/international-repatriation
  106. https://australian.museum/learn/cultures/pasifika-collections/melanesian/
  107. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000035383
  108. https://fijimuseum.org.fj/about/
  109. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000085996
  110. https://internalaffairs.gov.ki/cmd/
  111. https://digitalpasifik.org/
  112. https://alelemuseum.tripod.com/Museum.html
  113. https://mistories.org/resources.php
  114. https://whc.unesco.org/en/news/2777
  115. https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Nauru_Archives_and_Libraries
  116. https://tepapa.govt.nz/about
  117. https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/
  118. https://palaunationalmuseum.pw/
  119. https://www.prm.ox.ac.uk/regional-overview-pacific
  120. https://digitalpasifik.org/content_partners/papua-new-guinea-national-museum-and-art-gallery
  121. https://www.ncdc.gov.pg/places-to-visit/the-png-national-museum-art-gallery.html
  122. https://www.samoa.travel/plan-book/activities/museum-of-samoa/
  123. https://book.samoapocketguide.com/free/falemataaga-museum-of-samoa
  124. https://solomons.gov.sb/ministry-of-culture-and-tourism/solomon-islands-national-museum/
  125. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/si-national-museum-goes-virtual-with-uk-and-australias-support
  126. https://www.tongatourism.travel/see-and-do/talamahu-market
  127. https://www.newzealand.com/us/plan/business/museum-of-new-zealand-te-papa-tongarewa-new-zealand-residents-general-admission/
  128. https://vanuatuculturalcentre.gov.vu/
  129. https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/ocean/peoples-pacific-on-front-line-climate-change
  130. https://www.britishmuseum.org/our-work/departments/africa-oceania-and-americas/oceania
  131. https://grist.org/arts-culture/indigenous-pacific-island-arts-festival-cost-climate-change/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.