You only live once, so take the chances while you can. Follow your passions and choose to live in the world’s beautiful masterpieces; not just survive amongst. If you’re into the history of art and cultural ideas of the past, take a trip to the following four most extravagant art museums in the world before you die.

Let’s begin with the Louvre Museum

The Louvre, located in Paris, is one of the world’s most visited museums, as it is not only home to hundreds of thousands art masterpieces but also considered to be Paris’s most historical landmark. The Louvre’s art museum spans across 15 acres of land, which is home to eight different curatorial departments to distribute 35,000 works of art and 380,000 objects.

The eight curatorial departments are separated into collections of Near Eastern Antiques, Egyptian Antiques, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculptures Decorative arts, Paintings and Prints and Drawings. Amongst these eight curated collections, the treasures date all the way back from ancient civilizations throughout the mid 19th century of Europe.

One famous painting that the Louvre is home to, is the Mona Lisa by Italian renaissance artist, Leonardo da Vinci. There’s much more incredible history to learn about and much more works of art to discover within this lavish museum, so don’t just add touring the Louvre to your bucket list, but actually plan a future to visit one day.  

Next up are the Vatican Museums

The Papal Palace of Vatican City is home to 26 different museums as it spans across 180 acres of land that neighbors Rome. Not only are the Vatican Museums displayed with numerous art collections, but they’re also a work of art within themselves. The history dates back to the Renaissance period, with the Sistine Chapel ceilings painted by Michelanglo.

Although Vatican City is measured to be the smallest state in the world, there’s so much historical beauty to view within. When taking a trip to the Vatican, you’ll be able to tour archaeologist points, catholic religion nobility, extraordinary architecture, prosperous gardens, amongst varieties of museums in one exquisite palace property. 

There are no words to perfectly describe the Papal Palace; there’s a breathtaking aspect to this small state, a journey that begins from the late 1400’s. You can follow the history of Vatican City, by starting your long weekend tour in the symbolic St Peter’s Square and Basilica, then take your step back to modern society on the Bramante Spiral Staircase built in 1932.

Now let’s learn a bit about the Metropolitan Museum of  Art

One of  the largest art museums in the United States, with a permanent collection of over two million works, is the Metropolitan Museum of art or more commonly known as the Met. 

According to Metropolitan Pioneers, “Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum’s galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.” Though the Met’s architectural building is well known for its home to renowned paintings, it also houses many more cultural aspects of the world, such as porcelain, musical instruments, historical artifacts, costumes and even armaments.

The Met’s display ranges across 5,000 years of world culture, from prehistory to the present day, including a treasure from every part of the globe. In fact, the oldest object within the museum is a set of Archeulian flints from Deir el-Bahri, that’s history dates back to the lower paleolithic period of Egypt (between 300,000 and 90,000 BC).

Not only does the Met house ancient artifacts, but it is also home to the world’s oldest surviving piano, which was created back in 1720. In this incredible collection of art, cultural ideas and history, tourists will be able to view the world from a new perspective of life. New York is only roughly one to two hours from RV, so I recommend you visit the Met before graduating. 

Last but not least is the State Hermitage Museum

The State Hermitage Museum may be the last museum presented on this list, but it is certainly no less than the others. Its exhibitions include over three million works that date back to the Stone Ages. Considered one of the largest museums nationwide, with also the richest Western European collection, the Hermitage Museum includes art to represent antiquity, Western Europe, Russia and many epochs from various countries and regions.

Originally only housed in the Winter Palace, but after World War ll with a collection increase, the museum had expanded within five interconnected buildings; the Winter Palace, Palace annex, Small, Old and New Hermitages. In Russia, December 7 is a holiday known as Saint Catherine’s Day to represent the pioneer, Empress Catherine, of the beautiful State Hermitage Museum. Not only is State Hermitage a wonderful tourist spot to outsiders, but it also represents a great nationalism in Russia. Although Russia may be across the globe, there’s so much history to relieve yourself in, so one day when life leads you in a direction, follow that path.

Personally, I’ve always been captivated by art, so when researching these museums, I’ve found a journey to follow, places I’d love to explore. Although these are only four of the extraordinary museums this world holds, I definitely recommend taking a trip to at least one of these museums. I know one day I’ll plan a trip because there is so much to explore and learn about today, so step out of your comfort zone and place yourself into new ideas of art. Sometime’s reading about a topic isn’t always enough, so go out and live — experience the moment.