Even if art isn’t your thing, you’ll certainly be in awe of these buildings no matter which masterpieces are displayed inside. Here’s a collection of just some of the most amazing and interesting museums from around the globe and why seeing them is a cultural treat in itself- no cover charge required. Although taking a look inside never disappoints either!
1. Hundertwasserhaus - Vienna, Austria
The Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna with its irregular window shapes and colourful patchwork façade was originally an apartment complex. With the aim of being at one with the unpredictability of nature, artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, along with architect Joseph Krawina rejected modern buildings and described straight lines as ‘Godless’. Hundertwasser planned to make the floors uneven but as practicality got in the way- his idea never came to fruition. However, the landscaping of the terraces with trees and ivy guaranteed that this building was nothing but closer to nature and has become an undisputed landmark in the Austrian capital.
2. The Guggenheim Museum - Bilbao, The Basque Country
This museum of modern and contemporary art was designed by the Canadian-American architect, Frank Gehry. It’s listed as one of the most important buildings completed since 1980 in the 2010 World Architecture Survey and one of the few buildings in the world that had little or no negative press. Critics, architects and the general public were united in the belief that it is one of the best creations of all time. A huge piece called Puppy by Jeff Koons is displayed proudly at the entrance.
3. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum - New York, U.S.A
Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum currently houses a project by the Hugo Boss Prize winner, Hans-Peter Feldmann. With his $100,000 winnings, he pinned the exact amount in single dollar bills to the walls of the museum. Designed by Frank Lloyd-Wright, this Guggenheim is considered one of the most important buildings in the world. The museum opened in 1959 and was renovated extensively from 2005-2008.
4. MAXXI- National Museum of the 21st Century Arts - Rome, Italy
When we think of Rome, the Collosseum and the Trevi Fountain might spring to mind. But the MAXXI- National Museum of the 21st Century Arts is quickly becoming another landmark we can associate with this ancient city. Designed by Zaha Hadid, planning began in 1998 and took ten years to complete. It stands in the Flaminio neighbourhood and has been quoted as being ‘a masterpiece fit to sit alongside Rome’s ancient wonders’.
5. Salvador Dali Museum in - Florida, U.S.A
The Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida has the largest collection of the artists’ work outside Europe. Designed by the firm HOK and officially opened on 01/01/11 at 11.11am, this museum is already listed as “one of the top buildings you have to see before you die” in AOL Travel News.
The design and building of outrageous designs like these have become an art form in their own right in the past two decades, proving that sometimes, it’s not just what’s inside that counts.
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Words by Anna Shelswell-White
