As we wrap up 2023, we also explore the world’s most sought-after museums that people have searched for on Google, specifically Google Maps. It was predictable that in 2023 the list of the most sought-after museums in the world should be headed by the French Louvre, which welcomes millions of tourists every year.
Top 10 trending museums in the world in 2023
Check out the list of the 10 most popular museums in the world that people searched for the most on Google Maps.
Louvre Museum, Paris, France
Housing masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Louvre boasts a breathtaking collection spanning the history of art from ancient civilizations to the modern era. With over 350,000 artworks across 350,000 square meters, it’s a treasure trove for art lovers and history buffs alike.
Unveiling Stats: Let’s delve into the Louvre’s recent visitor numbers:
- 2020: Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the Louvre saw a significant drop to 2.7 million visitors, a far cry from its usual figures.
- 2021: As restrictions eased, the museum welcomed 2.3 million visitors, marking a gradual return to pre-pandemic levels.
- 2022: Witnessing a resurgence, the Louvre received a promising 4.6 million visitors, demonstrating the enduring allure of its artistic treasures.
The British Museum, London, United Kingdom
The British Museum in London stands as a titan among its peers, a colossal repository of human history and artistic achievement. From ancient Egyptian mummies to the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures.
Let’s peek into the British Museum’s recent visitor numbers:
- 2020: The pandemic dealt a blow, with visitor numbers plunging to 1.24 million, a fraction of its usual figures.
- 2021: A gradual recovery began, with numbers rising to 1.78 million.
- 2022: A promising resurgence saw 2.2 million visitors, demonstrating the museum’s enduring appeal.
Musée d’Orsay, Paris, France
Step into the Musée d’Orsay and prepare to be transported to a world bathed in light. Monet’s iconic water lilies shimmer on the walls, Van Gogh’s swirling brushstrokes dance before your eyes, and Renoir’s portraits capture the fleeting beauty of a moment. From Degas’ graceful ballerinas to Manet’s provocative Olympia.
Let’s take a look at the Musée d’Orsay’s recent visitor numbers:
- 2019: The museum enjoyed a thriving year with 3.3 million visitors, solidifying its status as a major Parisian attraction.
- 2021: The pandemic brought a significant drop, with visitor numbers falling to 2.4 million.
- 2022: Encouragingly, the museum saw a rebound to 2.7 million visitors, demonstrating its enduring appeal.
Want to fly to Paris this year? Check out the flight calendar for Paris and plan your trip in advance.
Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
In London’s heart, the Natural History Museum reigns supreme as a colossal cabinet of curiosities, where towering dinosaur skeletons gaze down on vibrant butterfly wings and colossal blue whales hang suspended, as long as a double-decker bus. Despite the pandemic’s dip from 5.1 million visitors in 2019 to 2.4 million in 2021, the museum saw a promising resurgence in 2022, welcoming 3.7 million, proving its enduring appeal as a portal to Earth’s diverse wonders. See also: cheap airfare options for London flights
teamLab Planets, Tokyo, Japan
teamLab Planets TOKYO isn’t just a museum; it’s a portal to a surreal, immersive world where digital art and nature blend seamlessly, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Imagine walking through water, swimming amidst digital stars, and losing yourself in an ever-evolving landscape of light and sound.
How were teamLab’s visitor stats in recent years?
Since its opening in 2018, teamLab Planets TOKYO has become a global phenomenon, attracting millions of visitors:
- 2018: More than 1 million visitors in its first year, solidifying its popularity as a must-see Tokyo attraction.
- 2019: Continued strong visitor numbers, exceeding 1.5 million.
- 2020-2022: The pandemic brought temporary closures and reduced visitor numbers, but its popularity endures.
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Nestled in Amsterdam’s heart, the Rijksmuseum is a treasure trove of Dutch art and history. From Rembrandt’s iconic “Night Watch” to Vermeer’s delicate “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” its galleries showcase the Golden Age in all its glory. Despite the pandemic’s dip in 2021, the museum saw a promising resurgence in 2022, with visitor numbers climbing from 1.2 million to 2.1 million, demonstrating its enduring appeal.
Take a look at affordable flight tickets to Amsterdam for your 2024 journey
Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid, Spain
Reigning supreme as Spain’s artistic treasure trove, Madrid’s Museo Nacional del Prado whispers tales of Spanish royalty and artistic mastery. From Velázquez’s captivating “Las Meninas” to Goya’s haunting “Black Paintings,” its halls brim with masterpieces, solidifying its status as a global draw. Despite the pandemic’s impact, with visitor numbers dipping from 3.2 million in 2019 to 1.7 million in 2021, the Prado witnessed a heartening rebound in 2022, welcoming 2.5 million art lovers, proving its enduring allure as a testament to Spanish artistic heritage.
Check out the quick bucket list for Madrid
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is a lively place full of bright colors and bold paintings, all dedicated to the famous Dutch post-impressionist artist. Whether you’re looking at the swirling skies in “Starry Night” or the cheerful faces of sunflowers, the museum is bursting with Van Gogh’s unique way of seeing the world. Despite the pandemic affecting visitor numbers, the museum had a good recovery in 2022, with 1.7 million art lovers coming to appreciate its collection. This shows that it’s still a must-visit spot for fans of Van Gogh.
American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York
The American Museum of Natural History in New York is like a huge nature cathedral. You can hear dinosaurs roaring, see dioramas that take you to distant places, and listen to meteorites telling stories about the universe. Even though the pandemic caused a drop in visitors from 7.4 million in 2019 to 2.1 million in 2021, the museum had a good comeback in 2022 with 3.8 million visitors. This shows that it’s still a great place for explorers of all ages.
Anne Frank House, Amsterdam, Netherlands
In the middle of Amsterdam, by a peaceful canal, you’ll find the Anne Frank House. It’s not just a building—it’s a touching story of strength and hope during really tough times. In this place, Anne’s diary tells her story, sharing her dreams and fears from the Secret Annex where she and her family hid during World War II. Even though fewer people visited in 2021 because of the pandemic, the numbers went back up in 2022, reaching 600,000. This shows that Anne’s story still has the power to inspire and touch hearts, no matter the generation.
