One of the first things I always want to know before visiting a new city is what art museums they have to offer, and luckily living in Europe means we have an endless list of modern art museums to choose from! Most big European cities have a broad selection of modern art museums, but I’ve compiled together a list of the 10 unmissable, which you absolutely must visit in Europe before you die.
I think one of the things which I found so breathtaking about this modern art museum was the building and its graceful setting, with a location in Peggy Guggenheim’s former home, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, on the Grand Canal in Venice. In the house you will find Peggy’s personal collection of art, from artists such as Pablo Picasso, René Magritte and Joan Miró. The museum also houses a sculpture garden and often presents temporary exhibitions.
Located on the hill of Montjuïc in Barcelona, this modern art museum was created as a tribute to Spanish artist Joan Miró. The building was designed by Miró with the hope of creating an alternative design space for contemporary artists, and is now host to his personal collection of paintings and sculptures as well as temporary collections from other artists. The building boasts an open rooftop with stunning views of Barcelona where you can admire the city from a far.
For an architectural experience like nothing else, think of none other than the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, located just outside of Copenhagen. The various exhibition buildings display an array of internationally renowned artists and are connected by glass corridors, where you can admire the beautiful garden setting. The location of the Louisiana is truly outstanding, with the back garden of the museum even offering a view of the shore looking straight out onto Sweden!
Although an already very highly recognised institution, the Centre Pompidou remains one of the modern art museums you have to visit before you die! The building itself, located in elegant Paris, is a clear work of contemporary art, housing the largest museum of modern art in Europe. Here you will find the stories of the founding movements of modern art and the geniuses behind them, as well as the Kadinsky Library which specialises in the arts.
Another internationally acclaimed museum of modern art, the Guggenheim is one of the largest museums in Spain and is considered a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. The museum, which is located in Northern Spain, often features thematic exhibitions, as well as a permanent collection consisting of works from the 20th and 21st centuries. Definitely a highlight if you find yourself in Bilbao!
One of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the world, the Tate Modern in London hosts work dating back to 1900 up to present day. The permanent collection can be viewed free of charge, while temporary exhibitions are usually ticketed at a fee. The exhibition rooms are categorised by theme as opposed to chronologically and provide a profound insight into the history and rising of modern art as we know it!
The Reina Sofia houses modern art in all shapes and forms, from paintings, to film, sculptures and photography. The old renovated building provides a taste of traditional and modern architecture combined, with a quaint garden and balconies on the inside. Based in the thriving Capital City of Madrid, the museum hosts mainly Spanish artists such as Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso, but features the works of some great international artists too.
The Kröller-Müller Museum is the private collection and life work of art collector Helene Kröller-Müller, hosting one of the largest sculpture gardens in Europe. After the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the museum has the largest number of paintings by Vincent Van Gogh. Her collection of modern works of art is a must see if you are ever in the Netherlands!
Located in Hamburg, this art museum is one of the biggest of its kind in Germany. The Kunsthalle isn’t explicitly a museum of modern art, as it actually boasts a collection which covers 7 centuries of European art, all the way up to modern day! However, the museum’s astounding interior and regal design still make it a must-see in terms of modern art in Europe.
Located in the Norwegian Capital of Oslo, this very much contemporary art museum hosts work from Norwegian and international artists, focusing mainly on the young American art scene. The featured pieces date mostly from the 1960’s to present, with the museum attracting much support from the contemporary art movements of today – unmissable if you are planning a visit to Norway!
How many modern art museums have you visited? Let us know in the comments below!
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