Skip to main content
EF Go Ahead Tours logo

Museums for modern art lovers

There are many museums full of bold, original pieces of artwork around the world. Check out these five modern art museums at the top of our must-visit list.

When artists turned away from tradition to experiment with more expressive colors and innovative techniques in the 19th century, the modern art movement was born. Today, there are many museums full of bold, original pieces of artwork around the world. Check out these five modern art museums at the top of our must-visit list.

Tate Modern

London, England

Tate Modern

More than 40 million people have visited the Tate Modern since it opened its doors in May of 2000. The gallery is in the former Bankside Power Station, located on the southern bank of the River Thames. Housing international modern and contemporary art, the Tate is a can’t-miss stop in London.

Centre Pompidou

Paris, France

Centre Pompidou

With its wild design and modern architecture, the Centre Pompidou stands in stark contrast to the nearby Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. This unique building holds France’s National Museum of Modern Art on its fourth and fifth floors. Cubism, Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism are just a few of the movements represented in this huge collection of modern artwork.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Sydney, Australia

Sydney Museum of Contemporary Art

Photo by Tristan Davey (Townsville, Australia)

A visit to Sydney Harbor isn’t complete without a stop at the Museum of Contemporary Art. 
Dedicated to exhibiting, collecting and interpreting contemporary art, this recently refurbished museum features work from Australia, the Asia Pacific region and around the world. It even has its own mobile app that shares inside stories about the exhibitions and lets you create your own online gallery.

Stedelijk Museum

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Stedelijk Museum

Photo by G.Lanting

With works from Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock and more, the Stedelijk Museum is the largest museum for modern and contemporary art in the Netherlands. Since opening in 1895, it’s featured thousands of paintings, sculptures, photographs and design objects. Recently renovated in 2012, it sits facing the public lawn of the Museumplein, Amsterdam’s Museum Plaza.

Museum of Modern Art

New York City, USA

MoMA

Photo by Alex Proimos

This midtown Manhattan museum is the place to go to get inspired. The Museum of Modern Art has been fueling creativity with its world-renowned, extensive modern art collection since 1929. It’s home to many celebrated pieces of work, including Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies.”

Do you have a favorite modern art museum? Let us know on Facebook!

About the author

Go Ahead Tours team

We’re a team of passionate travel experts, dedicated to helping people explore the world. From inspiring stories to tips for an amazing trip, the topics we cover are all about getting you out there and making discoveries.

Related tours

Skip to end of carousel
The New Year Sale

Save up to $400 & lock in your best price

Taking a 2025 trip is a resolution worth making, so book by 1/31 to save. Plus, beat the price increase!†

Skip to start of carousel

More travel inspiration

Skip to end of carousel
Destinations

The Ultimate Europe Travel Guide: everything to know before planning your trip

World Travel

EF’s Responsible Supplier Guidelines

Destinations

Things to do in Lima, Peru, to experience its rich history and culture

Destinations

Your guide to the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings: ancient civilizations hidden in Colorado’s canyons

Travel tips

Exploring Himeji Castle: Japan’s graceful White Heron

Destinations

10 fun facts about Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace and how to visit on tour

Travel tips

Things to do in Buenos Aires: The museums, galleries & street art you need to see on your next trip

Travel tips

The 12 best things to do in Buenos Aires for first-time travelers and returning visitors

Destinations

The best time to visit Japan: your month-to-month guide to planning the perfect Japanese vacation

Destinations

Exploring Arenal Volcano: Costa Rica’s sleeping giant

Travel tips

A food lover’s guide to Lima: What and where to eat on your next trip to Peru

Travel buzz

Is Colombia safe to visit? How a nation overcame conflict to welcome the world

Destinations

The best time to visit Costa Rica: a season-by-season guide to planning the perfect Costa Rican vacation

Travel tips

24 Hawaiian phrases and words to know before you go

Destinations

9 must-see attractions in Cartagena, Colombia

Travel tips

Lake Balaton, Tokaj, and Eger: These 3 Hungary wine regions are the hidden gems of Eastern Europe

Travel tips

Your one-stop packing list for vacation

Travel tips

How to spend 10 days in Turkey as a solo traveler

Travel buzz

Feeling the loneliness epidemic? You’re not alone! Here’s how guided group travel leads to new connections

Travel buzz

The best places to visit in 2024 and 2025 to see the northern lights

Skip to start of carousel