The world's best modern & contemporary museums
Modern and contemporary art museums focus on creative work from the mid-19th century to today — challenging, experimental and often provocative. These institutions push the boundaries of what art can be, from Impressionism through Abstract Expressionism to digital installations and immersive experiences.
37 museums across 18 countries and 29 cities, ranked by our editorial composite of TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice, AECOM/TEA attendance data and coverage in Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times.
About modern & contemporary museums
The best modern art museums do more than display paintings on walls. They commission site-specific installations, host performance art, and blur the line between architecture and exhibit. Many were founded in the 20th century and have become cultural landmarks in their own right — think the Guggenheim's spiral, Tate Modern's Turbine Hall, or MoMA's sculpture garden. Our ranking reflects their curatorial ambition, the quality of their permanent collections and their influence on global contemporary culture.
The top-ranked modern & contemporary museum on our list is Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, United States. Explore all 37 museums in this category above, or browse our full Top 50 ranking for a cross-category overview.