January 4, 2025 | 05:00 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Asia is a vibrant tapestry of rich cultural and historical heritage. Many of its most fascinating stories are preserved within some of the best museums in Asia. A journey through history, art, and culture unfolds with a visit to these incredible institutions.
7 Best Museums in Asia
Citing Blooloop, TimeOut, and Sea Tongue, the continent boasts an impressive array of world-class museums. This article will guide you to the seven best. Read on to explore the list.
1. National Museum of China - Beijing, China
Get a glimpse of Chinese history from 1.7 million years ago to the Qing Dynasty in 1912 by visiting the most visited museum in Asia, the National Museum of China.
Located in Beijing, this museum is not only one of the best in Asia, it's also recognized as one of the largest in the world. With 48 exhibition halls covering more than 65,000 square meters, the museum houses more than one million rare and significant artifacts.
During your visit to China, you might be inspired to head to the Great Wall, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Asia, wouldn’t you?
2. Asian Civilisations Museum - Singapore
Located in the heart of Singapore, the Asian Civilizations Museum offers an immersive experience of the diverse cultures and civilizations of Asia. The museum's extensive collections span regions from Southeast Asia to China, India and the Islamic world.
Reflecting Asia's multicultural identity, the museum also showcases the colorful journey of religions such as Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and other belief systems across the continent.
3. National Palace Museum - Taipei, Taiwan
Home to over 700,000 Chinese artifacts, the National Palace Museum in Taipei is a must-visit gem. Take a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese history with exhibits of jade carvings, ceramics, paintings, and ancient scrolls.
Don't miss the iconic Jadeite Cabbage, a masterfully detailed jade carving that exemplifies the high skill of Qing Dynasty artisans.
4. ArtScience Museum - Singapore
Famous for its futuristic design, the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands is a striking fusion of art and science. With more than 20 gallery spaces, the museum invites visitors to explore interactive exhibits that incorporate cutting-edge technology to enhance the learning experience. It frequently hosts traveling exhibitions that explore the intersection of creativity and technology.
5. Tokyo National Museum - Tokyo, Japan
As Japan's oldest and largest museum, the Tokyo National Museum is a cultural treasure trove. According to Japan Guide, the museum is known for housing over 100,000 priceless items of ancient relics and traditional artworks, offering visitors a captivating journey through Japan's history and art.
6. National Museum of Korea - Seoul, South Korea
In the heart of Seoul lies the National Museum Located in the heart of Seoul, the National Museum of Korea is an essential stop for exploring the country's rich history. With more than 410,000 precious objects, the museum covers Korean history from the Paleolithic era to the early 20th century. Explore its six galleries filled with collections of calligraphy, pottery, and ceramics that reflect the country's cultural evolution.
7. National Museum of Indonesia - Jakarta, Indonesia
Rounding out the list, the National Museum of Indonesia has been around for over 150 years and remains one of the best museums in Asia. Offering a comprehensive look at the country's cultural history, the museum features nearly 109,342 artifacts, each telling the unique stories and histories of Indonesia's 17,500 islands.
Each of these museums opens a window into the continent's vast and diverse cultural landscapes, deepening your appreciation and understanding of Asia's rich heritage. If you’re planning to explore Asia, be sure to head to the best beaches in Asia as well.
Timeout | Blooloop | Sea Tongue
Editor's Choice: Top 7 Best Museums in Singapore
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