Breathtakingly Captivating Galleries And Museums

There's never a shortage of things to do when you visit a new city, from sightseeing to dining out. Something that we always try to prioritize in such a destination, though, is seeing what the local museums and galleries have to offer. While some might find these places to be stuffy and boring, they can offer some fascinating insight into history and culture that you won't see elsewhere. 

Of course, not all of these institutions are made equal, with some definitely better than others. If you wish to craft a vacation around the most breathtakingly captivating galleries and museums, then you'll probably want to focus on seeing these five. Each one offers an incredible experience that may well change what you expect from such places forever.

The National Gallery, London, is filled with art from around the world

London's National Gallery is probably exactly what you'd expect a gallery to be - a building full of artwork. However, while that alone might not set it apart from many similar institutions around the world, the work on display does. There are reportedly over 2,300 pieces in the National Gallery, meaning it's easy to lose a day just admiring them all. The works - which include pieces by Van Eyck, Vermeer, Van Gogh, and Turner - are also highly impressive, with some of them apparently more than half a millennium old. The mix of artists and styles at the National Gallery means that anyone should be able to find art that speaks to them, ensuring that a trip here isn't boring. Just be prepared to be on your feet for a long time as you walk around the place.

La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux, offers a closer look at one of the most popular drinks

Plenty of people like to relax with an adult beverage after a long day. That's why somewhere like La Cité du Vin probably resonates with so many visitors every year. This museum that celebrates one of the finer drinks in life provides a compelling insight into how it came to be so popular. The building itself is shaped like a decanter and covers eight floors as it reveals the truth of this beverage's history. From explanations over how the drink is made to revelations about the different 'families' of it, you're bound to leave here feeling much more educated than when you entered. You may also leave in quite high spirits, given that the museum has several tasting rooms and a shop with hundreds of bottles to choose from.

Museo Nazionale del Cinema, Turin, unveils a new side to cinema

For those who assume that museums are dull places that don't offer exciting displays, we'd suggest visiting Museo Nazionale del Cinema in Turin. This place is focused entirely on cinema, from researching it to showcasing images, props, and costumes from some of the world's biggest movies. Established in an old synagogue in the Mole Antonelliana building, this place shows a lot of love for the classics, from the thriller film 'Jaws' to the sci-fi horror 'Alien.' It covers a massive five floors and hosts various festivals every year to keep visitors engaged with new content. It also has its own movie theater because it would probably be silly for a place like this not to have one.

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Madrid, is set in an unforgettable location

Madrid in Spain definitely knows a thing or two about museums. It's home to several notable institutions that form the Golden Triangle of Art, including the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Museo Del Prado. However, it's the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía that we feel stands out the most. This place - which is set inside an old hospital - focuses on modern art and features the works of artists like Joan Mirό, Salvador Dali, and Pablo Picasso. That includes the latter's Guernica painting, one of the most highly-regarded and powerful works of art in history. With the creations of such incredible people on display, it's maybe no wonder this is one of the world's most captivating museums.

Biomuseo, Panama City, is all about showcasing the natural world

To look at Frank Gehry's Biomuseo from the outside, you might not be sure what to expect. The Panama-based institution simply looks like a mess of shapes and colors that stands out against its surroundings. Inside, though, is a compelling collection of exhibitions that frame the natural world as art. Offering essential education into ecological and geological history, this museum gives people the opportunity to explore living gardens that allow for some eye-opening experiences. In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, somewhere like the Biomuseo has the potential to really make a difference. We just have to hope that enough people feel compelled to visit it and discover what it has to teach us.

These five institutions really showcase how captivating museums and galleries can be. While there might be thousands of others out there that are worth checking out, it's these that can truly take your breath away.