Brooklyn Museum, New York

Designed in the early 1890s by the renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead & White, this magnificent five-story, 560,000-sq-ft Beaux-Arts building stands as a testament to architectural excellence. Originally envisioned as the largest single-site museum in the world, its grandeur was scaled back when Brooklyn became part of New York City, but it remains the city's third-largest museum. Within its walls, visitors can explore ancient art, opulent 19th-century interiors, and cutting-edge contemporary works.

One of the standout attractions is the exceptional collection of Egyptian art, spanning an astonishing 5,000 years. Housed in the third-floor galleries, it features remarkable bas-reliefs and Roman-era portraits, some of which are derived from the museum's ongoing excavations in Egypt. A mummy chamber holds sarcophagi and ritual objects, and the Wilbour Plaque is a must-see-a limestone fragment depicting the striking profile of Queen Nefertiti facing a male figure, likely Akhenaten, dating back to 1352–1336 BCE.

Make sure to visit the fifth floor to witness the museum's colossal collection of American art. Highlights include Gilbert Stuart's iconic full-length portrait of George Washington, Childe Hassam's celebrated 1900 urban landscape "Late Afternoon, New York, Winter," and watercolors by the late-19th-century portraitist John Singer Sargent.

A notable feature of this institution is its dedication to showcasing the works of women artists. The Elizabeth Sackler Center for Feminist Art, occupying 8,300 square feet on the fourth floor, presents an engaging mix of one-person and historical exhibitions, ranging from radical Black women artists to video installations and photography. At the heart of the gallery, Judy Chicago's captivating 1979 installation, "The Dinner Party," awaits, featuring place settings for 39 mythical and historical women-an artwork that manages to be both imposing and intimate.

With over 1.5 million objects in its collection, the museum also houses noteworthy galleries devoted to African sculpture, Islamic design, Latin American textiles, and contemporary art. For a glimpse behind the scenes, head to the Visible Storage and Study Center on the fifth floor, where glass cases display an eclectic array of treasures, including Tiffany lamps, Brooklyn-made ceramics, vintage bicycles, and Spanish colonial artifacts.

On the first Saturday of every month (except September), the museum extends its hours until 11 pm and hosts a lively evening of art, performances, and live music-often including a dance floor. This event is particularly popular among families, drawing a large and diverse audience.

Why You Should Visit:
This museum has it all: a fantastic permanent collection, which includes Judy Chicago's "The Dinner Party" (don't miss it!), engaging temporary exhibits, convenient location, helpful staff, free coat check, and other amenities. So, whether you're in the vicinity or seeking to avoid waiting in lines to see Manhattan museums, check it out!

Tip:
For a different museum experience, consider taking the elevator up to the 5th floor and exploring each exhibit as you work your way down, rather than ascending the stairs.