Feeling Low? Swiss Doctors Suggest Visiting Museums—Here’s a Curated List from Around the Globe
02 - 04 -2025
The Swiss town of Neuchâtel recently made headlines for prescribing museum visits as a form of art therapy to enhance mental well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, beyond preserving culture, the best art museums around the globe are evolving, offering a sanctuary for the mind.
With guided art therapy sessions, immersive exhibits, and serene, meditative environments, these spaces are intentionally designed to inspire calm, reflection, and emotional clarity. But what makes them so therapeutic?
Through quiet contemplation or hands-on workshops, visiting museums while traveling can be a truly transformative experience, offering solace, creativity, and a deeper connection to the world’s artistic and cultural soul.
Inspired by this shift, we’re highlighting some of the most captivating museums around the globe where art and wellness beautifully intersect.
Table of Contents
- 01. The ARTE Museum, Dubai Mall, UAE
- 02. The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- 03. The Tate Modern, London, UK
- 04. The Dalí Theatre-Museum, Figueres, Spain
- 05. The Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy
- 06. Musée National des Beaux-Arts, Algiers, Algeria
- 07. The Erawan Museum, Bangkok, Thailand
- 08. The Museum of Indigenous Art (MAI) in Curitiba, Brazil
- 09. The Grand Egyptian Museum, Cairo, Egypt
- 10. The Louvre, Paris, France
- 11. Let Art Be Your Sanctuary: Travel the World with ITA Airways
The ARTE Museum, Dubai, UAE
When visiting the vibrant city of Dubai, a stop at the iconic Dubai Mall is almost a given. While you’re there, don’t miss the ARTE Museum, located right inside the mall. It is a must-visit attraction that blends art, technology, and immersive experiences in a truly unforgettable way. A digital oasis of art therapy, this is one of the best art museums to visit in the Middle East. It offers a multi-sensory escape where flowing movements of digital waves, vibrant floral landscapes, and soothing ambient sounds come together.
Through immersive projections that transform walls and floors into dynamic, interactive landscapes, this unique art museum blends technology and creativity. A must-experience exhibit is the “Eternal Nature” series, which brings elements like waterfalls, flowers, and galaxies to life with stunning visual effects and soundscapes. The nature-inspired visuals provide a calming environment that encourages deep reflection and boost creativity, serving as a modern haven for well-being.
Pro tip: Don’t miss the interactive exhibits that respond to movement and touch, creating a personalized art experience. Photography is encouraged, so bring a good camera or smartphone to capture the stunning digital installations.
Book in advance for a hyper-realistic, immersive experience.
If you’re in Dubai and looking to explore museums in the nearby region, you’ve got plenty of fascinating options both within the city and just a short drive away.
The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Netherlands is packed with incredible museums. We have picked Rijksmuseum, located in the heart of Amsterdam, often hailed as the best art museum to visit. It features an extraordinary collection of Dutch masterpieces and historical artifacts that offer a deep dive into the Netherlands’ rich cultural heritage, from fine art to maritime history.
It houses “The Night Watch” by Rembrandt, a masterpiece known for its dramatic lighting and movement, and “The Milkmaid” by Johannes Vermeer, a strikingly detailed depiction of everyday life. Beyond paintings, the museum features exquisite Delftware, intricate ship models, and historical artifacts, including the famous Battle of Waterloo painting by Jan Willem Pieneman.
Pro tip: Use the museum’s multimedia guides to uncover hidden details in Vermeer’s paintings and learn why The Night Watch is one of the most celebrated works in art history.
For a fast-track access buy your e-ticket for Rijksmuseum in advance.
The Tate Modern, London, UK
A must-visit museum for modern and contemporary art lovers, Tate Modern features work by artists like Pablo Picasso, Yayoi Kusama, and Henri Matisse. Look for The Snail by Henri Matisse, a bold collage showcasing his mastery of color, and Picasso’s Weeping Woman, a powerful depiction of grief and war through fragmented shapes and vivid hues interactive installations that push artistic boundaries. Explore the Turbine Hall for large-scale immersive installations and visit the underground Tanks, a space dedicated to live performances and video art.
From abstract sculptures to emotionally charged paintings, the collection is bold, thought-provoking, and designed to challenge perceptions. Whether you’re immersed in a Rothko color field or standing before a towering installation, Tate Modern offers a space for deep reflection and creative inspiration.
Pro tip: Best of all, entry to the permanent collection is free, though special exhibitions and select events may require tickets. Choose between a guided tour or a self-discovery experience.
Choose between a guided tour or a self-discovery experience.
If you are keen on exploring museums across UK, flying between major cities can save you time. From the British Museum to the Belfast Titanic experience, you can explore UK’s best museums with easyJet’s quick and easy domestic flights.
The Dalí Theatre-Museum, Figueres, Spain
Step into the surreal world of Salvador Dalí at his very own Theatre-Museum, where reality bends, dreams take shape, and the unexpected is around every corner. As you wander through its bold red walls and mirrored illusions, you’ll feel a sense of wonder and playfulness that challenges the ordinary and sparks creativity.
A must-see is The Mae West Room, where furniture pieces align perfectly to form the face of the famous actress when viewed from a specific angle. Dalí’s crypt is also inside, making it his final masterpiece. Expect melting clocks, dreamlike landscapes, and bizarre sculptures that blur the line between imagination and reality.
Pro tip: The museum houses the largest collection of Dalí’s major works, including his holographic art and jewelry designs.
Book your private tour now.
The Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy
Located in the heart of Florence in Italy, the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace, and Boboli Gardens are not-to-be-missed destinations on your travels if you are an art enthusiast. The artworks were gathered by ruling families over the centuries, spanning from the 13th to the 18th century.
The Uffizi Gallery’s art collection is a major attraction for Renaissance art enthusiasts. It includes works by Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian among many others. The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli, one of the most famous paintings in history, depicting the goddess emerging from the sea on a shell is a highlight. Another standout is Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation, showcasing his early mastery of perspective and light. Visitors should also take a moment to admire the Uffizi’s ornately frescoed ceilings, which depict scenes from mythology and history.
Pro tip: The walkway from the Uffizi offers panoramic views of the river and city rooftops. The Boboli Gardens showcase centuries-old botanical collections alongside sculptures from ancient and modern artists. The Pitti Palace is not just a museum but also a cultural venue, hosting fashion shows, concerts, theater, and opera events. Each site requires a separate ticket, but combined passes are available.
Book a ticket with us to skip the queue.
As we talk museums and cultural gems, it’s worth noting that Volotea, easyJet, and ITA Airways offer convenient options to connect major cities and even islands across Italy, making it easy to explore iconic museums in Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, and beyond.
Musée National des Beaux-Arts, Algiers, Algeria
Photo Credit: Dezedien
Perched on a hill with a view of the Mediterranean, this art museum is one of Africa’s most significant art institutions to visit if you are in Algeria. It houses around 8,000 works from Algeria, the Arab world, and across Africa. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, ceramics, glassware, decorative arts, and an extensive numismatic collection.
The museum showcases both Algerian and European masterpieces, including French Romantic paintings and notable Algerian works. Highlights include The Death of Cleopatra by Antoine-Jean Gros, a dramatic depiction of the queen’s final moments, as well as Algerian miniatures and pieces by orientalist painters like Eugène Fromentin.
Pro tip: For a deeper look into Algeria’s artistic heritage, visit the section dedicated to Algerian artists. Before leaving, stop by the museum’s terrace for panoramic views of the Bay of Algiers, an ideal spot to relax and take in the scenery.
Enhance your visit with a city tour.
Algeria is rich in history, culture, and archaeology, with a fascinating blend of Berber, Arab, Ottoman, and French colonial influences. There are several museums and cultural landmarks worth visiting across the country, especially in major cities and UNESCO heritage sites. Air Algérie, the national carrier, offers wide domestic network, making it the fastest and most efficient way to travel between the northern coastal cities and the southern desert towns.
The Erawan Museum, Bangkok, Thailand
Located in Samut Prakan, Thailand, just outside Bangkok, the Erawan Museum is a cultural gem renowned for its massive three-headed elephant sculpture, blending art, mythology, and spirituality. Inside, a stained-glass ceiling illuminates the grand hall, while detailed murals and statues depict stories from Thai cosmology. The top floor houses a sacred Buddhist relic, making it both a cultural and spiritual site. Visitors can explore the museum’s unique architecture, admire the celestial murals, or relax in the surrounding gardens. The space offers a quiet environment for reflection and appreciation of Thai artistic heritage.
For a more immersive experience, consider visiting Ancient Siam (Muang Boran), an open-air museum featuring scaled-down replicas of Thailand’s famous landmarks, including temples, palaces, and historical sites. You can also wear traditional Thai attire and enjoy an authentic local meal to complete the experience.
Pro tip: The optimal times to visit the open-air ancient city museum are early morning (around 9 AM) or late afternoon (after 3 PM). This avoids the scorching midday heat while allowing you to capture stunning photographs with the golden hour light. Weekdays provide a quieter experience with fewer crowds, while weekends feature traditional performances for a more engaging visit.
Get your ticket for an anxiety free trip.
Whether you’re chasing temples, museums, islands, or night markets, Thailand has a super convenient and affordable domestic flight network with airlines like Thai Lion Air, Thai VietJet, and Nok Air.
The Museum of Indigenous Art (MAI) in Curitiba, Brazil
Step into a world where every artifact tells a story of tradition, resilience, and connection to nature. The Museum of Indigenous Art (MAI) in Curitiba celebrates the artistry and heritage of Brazil’s Indigenous communities, featuring works from the Guarani, Kayapó, and Yanomami peoples. Intricately woven baskets, vibrant feathered headdresses, and symbolic carvings reflect their deep spiritual beliefs and connection to the land.
Beyond static displays, the museum brings indigenous traditions to life through rotating exhibits and interactive workshops. You can learn about sustainable craft techniques, natural dyeing methods, and the symbolism behind different artistic styles. Special events feature Indigenous artists and elders sharing their knowledge through storytelling, that highlight the significance of forests, warrior songs, dances and traditional cuisine.
Pro tip: The museum gives you the unique opportunity to engage directly with Indigenous artists at the museum by arranging their visit in advance.
The Grand Egyptian Museum, Cairo, Egypt
A visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) should be a highlight of your travels to Egypt. Set to be the world’s largest archaeological museum, it is scheduled for its grand opening on July 3, 2025. At that time, visitors will experience its full array of exhibits, including the complete Tutankhamun collection featuring his iconic golden mask and intricate chariots, the Khufu’s Boats Museum, and the colossal statue of Ramses II.
If you visit before the grand opening, you can still explore several sections of the museum. The Grand Hall, Grand Staircase, and 12 main galleries offer a fascinating journey through Egypt’s ancient history, from the Old Kingdom to the Graeco-Roman period. Highlights include artifacts from Queen Hetepheres, providing insights into royal life, and the reconstructed Tomb Chapel of Khnumhotep II, which showcases ancient burial practices. With over 100,000 artifacts, including royal mummies and hieroglyph-covered sarcophagi, the museum provides an immersive experience in ancient art and history, offering a unique form of art therapy.
Pro tip: The museum has a section dedicated for children. The interactive exhibits, augmented reality, and hands-on activities, makes exploring ancient Egypt fun and educational for kids. To enhance the visitor experience, the museum hosts cultural events and works by newer artists.
Book your guided tour to fully comprehend its grandeur with an Egyptologist.
Egypt is a dream destination for cultural tours – from ancient temples to vibrant bazaars. Hop around the country’s iconic cities with ease using Nile Air or Air Cairo.
The Louvre, Paris, France
No list of museums is complete without mentioning the Louvre. When in the Louvre Museum, you shouldn’t miss the Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous painting, known for its mysterious smile and the artist’s use of sfumato, a technique that creates soft transitions between colors and tones.
Another must see is the Venus de Milo, an ancient Greek statue believed to represent Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Its missing arms add to its intrigue, sparking endless theories about its original pose. These masterpieces, among thousands of other artifacts, make the Louvre an essential stop for art and history lovers.
Pro tip: Escape the crowds by exploring the Louvre’s lesser-known galleries, where hidden gems await in beautifully curated settings. Discover secret passageways, quiet halls, and overlooked masterpieces for a more intimate and immersive experience.
Book your ticket to Louvre self-guided journey with us.
From Paris to Bordeaux, Strasbourg to Marseille, explore France’s rich tapestry of over 1,200 museums with easyJet or Volotea, connecting you to the country’s cultural heartlands with ease.
Let Art Be Your Sanctuary: Travel the World with ITA Airways
Museums today are more than just windows into the past. They are spaces for mental well-being and creative inspiration. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful space for quiet reflection or a vibrant setting to ignite your imagination, the best art museums around the world offer truly transformative experiences.
With convenient routes to some of the world’s most inspiring destinations, ITA Airways makes it easier than ever to explore the cultural treasures that nourish both mind and soul. Coincidentally, ITA Airways flies to all the cultural gems featured in this article.
Ready to indulge in an art-filled escape? Book an ITA Airways flight today and immerse yourself in a journey of beauty, culture, and inspiration.