Top Museums in Asia

Across the continent, there is no end to interesting museums to visit during your travels to Asia. We absolutely love discovering unique and specialized museums, and here are some of our personal favorites. From quirky hidden gems like the poop museum in Tokyo to massive world-renowned establishments including the Design Museum Holon in Israel, we guarantee you will add a few of these outstanding museums to your travel bucket list.

うんこミュージアム TOKYO／POOP MUSEUM TOKYO, Tobacco & Salt Museum, Shitamachi Museum, Yayoi Kusama Museum, 三鷹の森ジブリ美術館, Samurai Museum, TOKYO TRICK ART MUSEUM, Meguro Parasitological Museum, teamLab Borderless, He Art Museum, Yunnan Museum, Tel Aviv Museum of Art, The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka, Teshima Art Museum, The Palestinian Museum, Ordos Art Museum, Ningbo Museum, Museum of Islamic Art, Jai Prakash Narayan Museum, Hanoi Museum, Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, Design Museum Holon, Etihad Museum, Bihar Museum, Incheon Children Science Museum, Hainan Museum, ArtScience Museum, Sifang Art Museum, Benesse House, Museum SAN, MIHO MUSEUM, Yinchuan MOCA, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, National Museum of Qatar, Louvre Abu Dhabi, West Bund Artistic Center, K11 MUSEA, Powerlong Art Museum, TANK Shanghai, M+

• うんこミュージアム TOKYO／POOP MUSEUM TOKYO in Tokyo, Japan

  
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  The Unko Museum Tokyo, also known as the Poop Museum Tokyo, is a unique and quirky museum located in Koto City, Tokyo, Japan. Visitors are taken on a fun and interactive journey exploring the science and history of poop. The museum offers various exhibits, photo opportunities, and a gift shop where visitors can purchase poop-themed souvenirs. This museum is truly one of a kind and is a must-visit destination for those looking for a one-of-a-kind experience when exploring top museums in Asia.

• Tobacco & Salt Museum in Tokyo, Japan

  
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  Tobacco & Salt Museum in Sumida City, Tokyo, Japan, is a unique museum that showcases the important role tobacco and salt played in Japan's history and culture. Visitors can learn about the production and distribution of these two essential products and their impact on society. The museum boasts an impressive collection of tobacco-related artifacts, art pieces, and historical documents that offer fascinating insights into Japan's past. As one of the top museums in Asia, the Tobacco & Salt Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Japan's cultural heritage.

• Shitamachi Museum in Tokyo, Japan

  
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  The Shitamachi Museum is a top-rated historical museum located in Taito City, Tokyo, Japan. It provides a unique opportunity to experience the traditional way of life and culture of Tokyo's common people. The museum houses a vast collection of archived artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that showcase the cultural and social events of the Shitamachi era. A visit to this museum promises to be an enriching and memorable experience for all visitors who wish to explore the rich history and traditions of Japan.

• Yayoi Kusama Museum in Tokyo, Japan

  
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  The Yayoi Kusama Museum in Shinjuku City, Tokyo Japan, is a must-visit for all those seeking to experience the breathtaking artworks of the iconic Japanese artist. The museum boasts a vast collection of Kusama's immersive installations, sculptures, paintings, and more, all presented in a unique and sensory-pleasing manner. It is undoubtedly one of the top museums in Asia, offering visitors an unforgettable glimpse into the mind of a true artistic genius.

• 三鷹の森ジブリ美術館 in Tokyo, Japan

  
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  三鷹の森ジブリ美術館, also known as the Ghibli Museum, is a must-visit for any anime fan or lover of Japanese animation. This top museum in Asia showcases the legendary work of Studio Ghibli, with a range of exhibits and interactive displays that celebrate the captivating storytelling of anime. From the rooftop garden to the enchanting cinema experience, the Ghibli Museum offers a unique and unforgettable journey into the world of Japanese animation.

• Samurai Museum, Japan

  
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  The Samurai Museum in Shinjuku City, Tokyo is a top museum in Asia that offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Japan's rich cultural history. Visitors can see authentic samurai armor and weaponry, learn about the samurai code of honor, and even participate in a samurai sword fighting experience. With knowledgeable guides and interactive exhibits, the Samurai Museum is a must-visit destination for history and martial arts enthusiasts alike.

• TOKYO TRICK ART MUSEUM in Tokyo, Japan

  
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  The Tokyo Trick Art Museum in Minato City, Tokyo is a unique and fascinating museum that showcases mind-boggling 3D artworks that play with perspective and optical illusions. As one of the top museums in Asia, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in interactive and immersive exhibits that challenge traditional notions of space, perspective, and reality. This museum is a must-visit for those seeking a fun and unconventional art experience in Tokyo.

• Meguro Parasitological Museum, Japan

  
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  The Meguro Parasitological Museum in Meguro City, Tokyo is a must-visit for those interested in the fascinating world of parasites. It boasts an extensive collection of over 60,000 specimens, including rare and exotic pieces from around the world, making it one of the top museums in Asia. Visitors can learn about different types of parasites, their life cycles, and the impact they have on human and animal health through interactive displays and educational exhibits.

• teamLab Borderless, Japan

  
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  teamLab Borderless in Koto City, Tokyo is a top museum in Asia that offers visitors an immersive digital art experience. The museum features interactive and collaborative digital installations that bring together art, science, and technology. With its stunning visual effects and creative concepts, teamLab Borderless is a must-visit destination for art lovers and tech enthusiasts alike.

• He Art Museum, China

  
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  He Art Museum is a unique cultural and artistic platform located in Foshan, Guangdong Province, China. The museum's contemporary design features cutting-edge technology and innovative exhibition spaces that showcase some of the most significant works of Chinese contemporary art alongside international masterpieces. Its collection includes paintings, sculptures, and installations, bringing together art from the past, present, and future. The museum is a must-see for those interested in the latest trends and insights on contemporary Asian art.

• Yunnan Museum in Kunming, China

  
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  Yunnan Museum is one of the top museums in Asia, located in the city of Kunming in Yunnan, China. It is a comprehensive museum showcasing the history and culture of ethnic groups in Yunnan province, including exhibits on traditional clothing, handicrafts, architecture, and religious practices. This well-curated museum is worth a visit for anyone interested in learning about the diverse cultural heritage of China.

• Tel Aviv Museum of Art in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

  
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  The Tel Aviv Museum of Art in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel is one of the top museums in Asia. With over 20,000 works of art, the museum is a hub for contemporary and modern Israeli art, including a wide range of international works. Visitors can explore the diverse collections and exhibitions showcasing painting, sculpture, and photography from around the world. The museum also offers cultural events, educational programs, and tours that provide insight into the rich history and significance of art in Israel.

• The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka, Japan

  
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  The Museum of Oriental Ceramics in Osaka is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts traveling to Asia. It boasts a diverse collection of over 2,700 ceramics, including stunning displays of porcelain artifacts from Japan's Edo period, China's Ming and Qing dynasties, and Korea's Joseon period. The museum also features rotating exhibitions, lectures, and workshops that showcase the intricate beauty and rich history of Asian ceramics.

• Teshima Art Museum, Japan

  
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  The Teshima Art Museum is a unique and immersive experience located on the island of Teshima in Kagawa, Japan. Designed by avant-garde artist Rei Naito and architect Ryue Nishizawa, the museum features a single concrete shell that houses a serene space filled with natural light and water. Visitors can wander and interact with the water droplets that fall from the roof, creating a mesmerizing and contemplative experience. The Teshima Art Museum is a must-see for those seeking innovative and thought-provoking art in Asia.

• The Palestinian Museum, Palestine

  
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  The Palestinian Museum, located in Birzeit, Palestine, is a top museum in Asia that showcases the rich historical and cultural heritage of Palestine. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and multimedia displays that offer visitors a glimpse into the Palestinian way of life, traditions, and struggles. Through its exhibits and programs, the museum promotes cross-cultural understanding and promotes the preservation and celebration of Palestinian culture.

• Ordos Art Museum, China

  
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  Ordos Art Museum is an exceptional addition to the notable artworks of Inner Mongolia, China. This museum houses a remarkable collection of contemporary and traditional Chinese art that offers guests a comprehensive glimpse into the nation's cultural heritage. With its workshops, exhibitions, and installations, the museum provides endless opportunities to explore China's rich artistic history and participate in the nation's vibrant arts scene.

• Ningbo Museum in Ningbo, China

  
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  Ningbo Museum is a premier cultural center attracting visitors from all over Asia. Located in the city of Ningbo, Zhejiang, China, it showcases the rich history and culture of the region dating back to over 7,000 years. The museum boasts of several impressive exhibits, including rare artifacts, intricate crafts, and ancient ceramics, making it one of the top museums in Asia. Visitors can expect to be captivated by the sheer diversity and breadth of offerings at Ningbo Museum.

• Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar

  
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  Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar is one of the top museums in Asia featuring a collection of over 14 centuries of Islamic art from three continents. Its striking design, set amid the picturesque Doha skyline, was modeled after a mosque and a fort. Its galleries, which cover an area of 45,000 square meters, showcases a wide range of exquisite Islamic ceramics, glass work, textiles, manuscripts, metalwork, and precious metals from around the world, making it a must-see for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

• Jai Prakash Narayan Museum in Lucknow, India

  
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  Jai Prakash Narayan Museum is a top-rated museum in Asia, located in the historical city of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to the life and times of a prominent leader of Indian democracy, Jai Prakash Narayan. The museum showcases his personal belongings, photographs, and documents that illustrate his political career and struggle for India's independence. Visitors can experience a glimpse of India's rich history and celebrate the legacy of one of the most iconic leaders of the country.

• Hanoi Museum, Vietnam

  
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  The Hanoi Museum in Hanoi, Vietnam, is one of the top museums in Asia. This museum showcases the history and culture of Hanoi, with a collection of over 50,000 artifacts, paintings, and photographs. Visitors can explore 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups' cultures through the museum's eight galleries. The museum's architecture, designed to resemble an inverted pyramid, is also a striking sight.

• Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, Jordan

  
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• Design Museum Holon, Israel

  
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  Design Museum Holon is the first museum in Israel devoted to design, and one of the few such institutions in the world. Located in the heart of the city of Holon, it is a cutting-edge cultural destination that celebrates the power of design to shape our lives and solve real-world problems. Its striking building and diverse exhibits make it a must-visit destination for design enthusiasts and travelers alike, earning it a place among the top museums in Asia.

• Etihad Museum, United Arab Emirates

  
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  Etihad Museum is one of the top museums in Asia, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The museum showcases the rich history and culture of the UAE, particularly its formation and growth since independence in 1971. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, and immersive multimedia displays that offer a deep insight into the country's heritage and its journey towards modernity. A must-visit for any history buff or admirer of the UAE.

• Bihar Museum in Patna, India

  
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  Bihar Museum in Patna, Bihar, India is one of the top museums in Asia. The museum houses an exceptional collection of artefacts, sculptures and other rare historical objects, spanning over 4,000 years of history. The museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of Bihar and provides visitors with an interactive and immersive experience with its state-of-the-art technology, galleries and exhibits. A visit to Bihar Museum is a must for anyone interested in delving deep into the history of India.

• Incheon Children Science Museum, South Korea

  
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  The Incheon Children Science Museum is a top museum in Asia that offers a fun and educational experience for children and families. Its interactive exhibits and hands-on activities allow visitors to explore various scientific concepts and technologies in an engaging and stimulating way. The museum also hosts special events and programs throughout the year, making it a must-visit destination for science enthusiasts of all ages.

• Hainan Museum, China

  
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  Hainan Museum, located in the city of Haikou in Hainan, China, is one of the top museums in Asia. The museum has a magnificent architecture with vast exhibition halls showcasing China's rich history and culture, including rare artifacts from the Li and Miao ethnic groups. Visitors can learn about the anthropology, science, and technology of Hainan, while admiring art pieces from ancient dynasties. Overall, Hainan Museum is a must-visit destination for history and art enthusiasts exploring Asia.

• ArtScience Museum in Singapore, Singapore

  
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  ArtScience Museum in Singapore is one of the top museums in Asia, exhibiting the blend of art, science, technology, and culture. The museum features more than 500 artworks and artifacts from global collections that offer immersive experiences to visitors. Some of the top exhibits include Future World, Digital Light Canvas, and Wonderland. ArtScience Museum is a must-visit attraction for travelers who seek a unique blend of art and technology spectacle.

• Sifang Art Museum, China

  
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  Sifang Art Museum is one of the top-rated and most renowned art museums in Asia, located in Nanjing Shi Jiangsu Sheng China. This museum features contemporary art exhibitions, creative installations, and thought-provoking works by both established and emerging artists. Visitors can enjoy the stunning architecture and innovative artworks while learning about Chinese and international contemporary art.

• Benesse House, Japan

  
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  Benesse House is a breathtaking contemporary art museum located in Kagawa, Japan. The building is designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando and houses a vast collection of modern and contemporary artwork from around the world. The museum's unique blend of art, architecture, and serene natural surroundings make it a must-see destination for art lovers visiting Asia.

• Museum SAN, South Korea

  
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  Museum SAN is a must-visit destination for art and culture enthusiasts exploring the top museums in Asia. Located in the scenic city of Weonju Gangwon-do, South Korea, this sprawling museum offers visitors a glimpse at nearly 7,000 artifacts and artworks spanning centuries. From traditional Korean pottery to contemporary art exhibitions, a visit to Museum SAN promises to be an immersive cultural experience unlike any other.

• MIHO MUSEUM, Japan

  
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  MIHO Museum is a breathtaking private museum located in Koka Shiga, Japan. The building seamlessly integrates into the surrounding natural landscape and houses a collection of over 2,000 artworks from around the world. Visitors can explore this unique blend of ancient and modern art, as well as take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. MIHO Museum is truly a must-visit destination for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

• Yinchuan MOCA

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  Located in the northwestern Chinese city of Yinchuan, the Yinchuan MOCA is one of the top museums in Asia. With a focus on contemporary art and culture, the museum houses a vast collection of works by prominent artists from China and around the world. Visitors can expect to be immersed in a unique and thought-provoking experience that explores the intersections between traditional and modern art forms.

• Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Thailand

  
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  The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is one of the top museums in Asia, known for its impressive collection of contemporary art pieces, sculptures, and installations from both local and international artists. The center is a true reflection of Thailand's creative and cultural heritage, and the exhibits are thoughtfully arranged to showcase different themes and ideas. The building is modern and minimalist, providing the perfect backdrop for the colorful and eclectic artworks on display.

• National Museum of Qatar in Doha, Qatar

  
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  The National Museum of Qatar is a stunning architectural masterpiece located in Doha, Qatar. It showcases the rich heritage and cultural history of Qatar through immersive exhibits, interactive displays, and multimedia installations. It is undoubtedly one of the top museums in Asia and a must-visit destination for history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike.

• Louvre Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

  
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  Louvre Abu Dhabi is a landmark museum situated in one of the world's most culturally diverse cities, the United Arab Emirates. Opened in November 2017, the museum houses a vast collection of historical artifacts and contemporary art from around the world. Its unique design and architecture blend traditional Arabic elements with modern aesthetics, offering visitors an immersive and educational experience. As one of the top museums in Asia, Louvre Abu Dhabi is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in culture and art.

• West Bund Artistic Center, China

  
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  West Bund Artistic Center is a must-visit destination for art lovers in Shanghai, showcasing avant-garde contemporary art from China and other parts of Asia. The center's striking architecture and sprawling exhibition spaces feature works by both established and emerging artists, as well as hosting special events and performances. With its diverse and thought-provoking exhibitions, West Bund Artistic Center is a top museum in Asia that shouldn't be missed.

• K11 MUSEA, Hong Kong

  
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• Powerlong Art Museum in Shanghai, China

  
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  Powerlong Art Museum in Shanghai, China is a top museum in Asia that showcases an extensive collection of contemporary artworks created by Chinese and international artists. The museum features multiple exhibition halls, state-of-the-art facilities, and an impressive architecture that blends traditional Chinese elements with modern aesthetics. Visitors can expect to immerse themselves in a vibrant and diverse art scene while gaining insights into the cultural and historical significance of contemporary art in China.

• TANK Shanghai, China

  
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  TANK Shanghai is a large contemporary art center located in the West Bund Cultural Corridor of Shanghai. Boasting one of the largest exhibition spaces in Asia, TANK Shanghai features three main buildings showcasing various works of local and international artists. Visitors can also enjoy the outdoor sculpture park and the stunning views of the Huangpu River from the center's rooftop terrace. TANK Shanghai is a must-visit for art enthusiasts looking for a unique and immersive museum experience in Asia.

• M+, Hong Kong

  
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  Located in the bustling city of Kowloon, M+ is one of the top museums in Asia, showcasing an extensive range of contemporary art, architecture, and design. With over 4000 works of art and artifacts, the museum features international and local artists, and offers a comprehensive insight into modern and contemporary art movements of the region. The museum's collection reflects Hong Kong's unique cultural heritage, and its innovative programming ensures visitors an immersive and engaging experience.