Museums are full of priceless artifacts, sculptures, and art pieces that tell the story of our history. As visitors weave through the halls, they catch a glimpse of various styles, artists, and materials featured from ancient times to the present. But have you ever thought about how old the buildings that house these artifacts are themselves? Check out these six oldest museums in the world, holding some of the most famous pieces in the world.
6. Louvre Museum, Paris
Starting our list of the oldest museums in the world is the Louvre in Paris. Additionally, one of the most famous museums in the world, the Louvre, was created in the 13th century as a royal palace. But when King Louis XIV moved to another palace, the building was turned into a museum. It holds several paintings collected by French kings, including The Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci.
5. The Ashmolean, Oxford
Fifth on our list of the oldest museums in the world is The Ashmolean in Oxford. The museum was built in 1683 and became home to a large collection of artifacts and sculptures related to archaeological findings. It’s an incredible resource for anyone interested in art or archaeology, stretching from pre-history to the present day. Many of the artifacts can also be found in their online collection.
4. Kunstmuseum, Basel, Switzerland
Next on our list of the oldest museums in the world is the Kunstmuseum in Basel, Switzerland. It is the world’s first university museum, established in 1661. At the time of opening, the University of Basel and the City of Basel joined together to buy the Amerbach Cabinet, a collection of art made by German painter Hans Holbein. The collection is still featured there today, alongside works dating from the 15th century to the present day.
3. The Royal Armouries, London
Rounding out the top three oldest museums in the world is the Royal Armouries in London. While the Armouries have been admitting viewers since 1592, the collection wasn’t open to the public until 1660. Each exhibit features the power of the English monarchy, including the crown jewels. Today, the museum’s collection mainly surrounds arms and armor, with around 70,000 pieces on display.
2. The Vatican, Vatican City
Second on our list of the oldest museums in the world is the Vatican Museum. It was established in 1506 by Pope Julius II and is just a short walk away from the Capitoline Museum. The first artwork placed in the building was Laocoön and His Sons. Today, you can find many famous artworks in its halls, such as The Last Judgement by Michelangelo, School of Athens by Raphael, and Entombment of Christ by Caravaggio.
1. Capitoline Museum, Rome, Italy
Last but not least on our list of the oldest museums in the world is the Capitoline Museum in Rome. Within walking distance of the Colosseum, the museum was established under the observation of Pope Sixtus IV ini 1471. The Pope donated a large number of artworks and sculptures to the museum, giving it its first artifacts. Today, the museum holds an exquisite collection of classical art and archaeology.
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6 Oldest Museums in the World
