If you love travelling, visiting a museum is something that hardly misses in your to-do list. However, at most times, you find that you are not the only one with the idea of visiting a popular destination. Due to this, popular museums get packed quit fast. This is why you see crowds of people taking pictures in front of the Mona Lisa. Although such destinations are popular for a reason, there is no need of spending your time in long queues to see almost similar things that you would find in other places. This article describes 10 of the most underrated but incredible museums in Europe that you must visit.
1. National Museum of Military History Ð Diekirch, Luxembourg
If you are a history enthusiast, you will want to visit the National Museum of Military History as soon as possible. The museum is specifically dedicated to the widely-known Battle of the Bulge, which took place between 1944 and 1945. The major displays here include models that depict the problems that soldier and civilians had to go through during the war. Moreover, there are permanent displays dedicated to the Korean War, the soldiers in the 1st and 2nd World Wars, and the Luxembourgish Army. In addition to this, there is a large collection of vehicles, maps, military equipment, personal items, and weaponry.
2. Plantin-Moretus Museum Ð Antwerp, Belgium
The Plantin-Moretus Museum is quite unique. It focuses on showcasing printing works by famous printers such as Jan Moretus and Christophe Plantin. Located in their previous premises, the Plantin Press, the museum has been UNESCO World Heritage Site since the year 2005. Other things displayed here include a Bible in 5 languages, a geographical book, a book about decimal numbers, a 26-line Bible, and paintings and drawings done by Peter Rubens.
3. Musee Marmottan Monet Ð Paris, France
Located in the outskirts of Paris, the Musee Marmottan Monet was once the home of the famous art collector, Paul Marmottan. At this point in time, this beautiful museum showcases the largest art collection of MonetÕs works that were given out by his son. The museum also exhibits works by other impressionists such as Pissarro, Renoir, Morisot, and Degas. If you are an art lover, this quite gallery will provide you with all the space you need to explore.
4. Bundeswehr Military History Museum Ð Dresden, Germany
Located in the Albertstadt, this is the museum of the German Armed Forces. After a very long history of switching between different titles and theories towards military history, Bundeswehr was later reopened in the year 2011 with a new external and internal concept. In the modern time, the museum now focuses on different aspects of war as it exhibits the growth of military technology in Germany.
5. Museo Nazionale Etrusco Di Villa Giulia Ð Rome, Italy
The Etruscan art in Rome is usually ignored by a lot of people, but not at the Museo Nazionale Etrusco Di Villa Giulia, where it is the main thing exhibited. The ancient civilization of the Etruscans lived in Umbria, Tuscany, and areas around Rome. These individuals had a critical influence on the Roman culture. You should visit this museum mainly due to its wonderful collection of Etruscan art, architecture, and artifacts.
6. Bode Museum Ð Berlin, Germany
Located on top of the Spree River, this stunning museum has a lot of to offer to explorers out there. It was opened back in the year 1904 by Wilhelm Von Bode after an idea by Crown Princess Victoria of Prussia. During this time, the museum was devoted to the Renaissance. Later on, Bode Museum went through a stage of restoration after the World War II and was reopened in 2006. During its debut, it showcased displays of the Museum of Byzantine Art and Sculpture Collection. In addition to this, it exhibits ancient sculptures collected between the Middle Age and the late 18th century. There are a lot of exhibitions here so plan a full day to visit this place.
7. Musee DÕArt Moderne Ð Ceret, France
It is in the village of Ceret where you find one of the most outstanding contemporary art museums in France. It was founded in the year 1950 by two individuals Ð Matisse and Picasso. Since these two French Cubist painters were incredible at their job, you can expect that the collection here is of the highest degree. In fact, it houses 57 original works by Picasso, and other pieces by Braque, Chagall, and many other artists.
8. The Hermitage Ð St. Petersburg, Russia
A day will not be enough to explore the vast collection of art displayed in this museum. In fact, officials here say it can take up to two years to explore every exhibit here. Some incredible works exhibited here were done by famous artists like Picasso, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Rembrandt.
9. Katten Kabinet Ð Amsterdam, Netherlands
If you are a cat lover, this is a museum that you must visit while in Amsterdam. It was established in 1990 by one Dutch financier, William Meijer in his mansion to celebrate the death of his favorite feline, Tom. Over the years, William collected all kinds of artwork displaying cats including paintings, sculptures, posters, lithographs, and photographs. He arranged them on the first floor of his beautiful 1667 house. Pablo, Rembrandt, Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec, and Picasso are artists whose works can be found here.
10. Benaki Museum Ð Athens, Greece
Located in a neo-classical building with a beautiful roof cafŽ, the Benaki Museum displays Greek art up to the 20th century. Stunning ceramics, furniture, jewelry and costumes are showcased here. However, the major pieces include; two early paintings done by El Greco, the Thessaly Treasure, and the rebuilding of two Ottoman-inspired rooms from the 18th century.
Conclusion
When it comes to amazing museums to visit, Europe offers numerous options. They are so many, in fact, some of them go unnoticed. This article has shown you some of the lesser known museums that you will fall in love with on your first visit.