From Rome to Paris: A Bucket List of the Oldest Museums on Earth

Some of the oldest museums on Earth contain priceless artifacts that tell humanity’s long story, and from the grand roads of ancient Rome, to the odd alleyways of Paris, a visit to a museum is different than visiting a building. Museums are living, breathing historical, art, and cultural timelines that welcome wanderers and explorers on an art journey down memory lane.

Capitoline Museums, Rome: The Oldest Public Museum in the World

Pope Sixtus IV founded the Capitoline Museum in 1471 as the first museum in the world. In this enormous collection you will see classical statues, renaissance sculptures, and artifacts that are rich in history and display the greatness of ancient Rome. Regardless of what type of culture you love, you will not leave enchanted. The Capitoline museum serves to bring both ancient and modern foundational components of history into one visit. 

Vatican Museum: Renaissance Art and Religious Treasure

Pope Julius II established the Vatican museums in 1506, and their collection is one of the world’s largest assembled collections of art. The Vatican has an extraordinary collection of antiquities, including the excavated Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michelangelo, and frescos by Raphael.  Visiting this institution, known by many, is a pilgrimage for any believer and arts enthusiast. 

The Royal Armouries and The Ashmolean Museum: British Heritage and Harvard Scholarship

The Royal Armouries, established in 1660, features exquisitely made royal armorial pieces, indicative of historical warfare and kingship, and The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford founded in 1683, is the world’s first university museum with archaeological and art collections that link ancient things with Scholarship and today. 

Kunstmuseum Basel: The First Public Collection

Founded in 1661, this Swiss institution is regarded as the first museum for public access. The gallery’s history is told like a story from Old Masters through Contemporary works. Basel occupies an important cultural place in the world.  

The Louvre, Paris: From Royal Palace to Famous Museum 

Originally called the Louvre when it was a royal palace, the museum opened to the public in 1793, during the French Revolution.  The Louvre today is the largest and most visited museum in the world. It houses some of the most famous works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.  It does represent the epitome of art history.  

Other Historic Giants

Consider museums outside Europe, such as the Hermitage, St. Petersburg (1764) and the Indian Museum in Kolkata (1814).  These museums from historical and cultural perspectives are very important and they represent an expansion of the oldest museums by significant collections.

Conclusion: A Timeline & Artistic Journey

Once in a lifetime, you’re able to visit the worlds oldest of museums, and appreciate where civilization has evolved over time. Whether you’re looking at the classical sculptures in Rome, or the artistic medley in Paris, museums keep alive the spirit of humanity’s imagination & creativity through time, time-traveling each time you walk through the entrance.

Disclaimer: Information provided is for travel inspiration. Museum details, entry fees, and policies may change—verify directly with institutions before planning visits.