When you think of museums, what usually comes to mind are art galleries, interactive exhibits and historical artifacts that reveal a little bit more about the world we live in. But not all museums are the same. In fact, there are a few that put a unique twist on their collections, making learning fun and exciting for those that come to visit.
Smithsonian National Air And Space Museum | Washington D.C.
One of the most visited space museums in the world, the Smithsonian National Air And Space Museum sees around 8 million visitors every year, and for good reason. Since 1946, the National Air And Space Museum has collected over 60,000 artifacts for its 161,000-square-foot facility. Nearly everything on display in the museum is either an original or an original backup craft, so you know everything you see here is the genuine article. And its exhibits showcase everything in aviation history, from the Wright brothers’ 1903 flyer and the Apollo 11 Command Module to the Lunar Module LM-2. The museum even features a STEM program where students can learn firsthand the wonders of space. And they can apply their lessons inside the Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory, which features a 16-inch telescope, to conduct their own astronomical explorations.
Museo Subacuático de Arte | Cancun, Mexico
Submersive in more ways than one, the Museo Subacuático de Arte in Cancun, Mexico is just like any other museum save for one key difference — it’s underwater. Opening in November 2010, the Museo was created to spread awareness about aquatic life and save the coral reefs. Featuring 500 sculptures by six sculptors in three different galleries, Museo’s attractions are submerged between 10 and 20 feet in the ocean beneath the Cancun National Marine Park. To visit the underwater exhibits, guests have to rent scuba gear from Museo just to be able to see them. Guests who are aqua-adverse can reserve a see-through glass-bottom boat that provides a clear view of the exhibits. Whether you enjoy snorkeling, diving or just want to experience art appreciation in a new way, the Museo Subacuático de Arte is both entertaining and helpful for the ocean environment.
Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum | Xi’an, China
One of the most ancient collections of artifacts in the world, the Terracotta Army is among the most cherished items at Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi’an, China. First discovered by farmers in 1974, the Terracotta Army was buried with the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, in 210-209 B.C. Erected to protect the emperor in his afterlife, it took more than 700,000 people and 40 years to craft the ceramic clay army. And amazingly enough, no two look alike, even though the army includes 8,000 soldiers, 670 horses and 130 chariots. The army is so expansive that three vaults are dedicated to its sizable militia. Over 5 million people visit this cultural site every year.
Vasa Museum | Stockholm, Sweden
In the 17th century, the 64-gun warship Vasa sank on her maiden voyage across the port of Stockholm in 1628. Nearly 400 years later, the ship was rediscovered and resurrected into a maritime museum in 1990, nested on the coast that sank it many years ago. The 226-foot museum has six levels dedicated to the full history of this tremendous titan, from the people who lived on it to the sizable artillery that sank with the ship. Guests are greeted by the ship’s massive figurehead and sterncastle, and 1:10 models portray what life was like on the ship during its early days until its untimely sinking. With over 40,000 original objects exhibited throughout the ship, visitors can see just how careful the museum is to preserve its most sensitive artifacts. Whatever you explore, history comes alive at the Vasa Museum.