7 Museums Were Recognized as the ‘World’s Most Beautiful’ and 2 Are in the Midwest

Museums are the unsung heroes of our communities. Truly. They preserve the stories that textbooks often skip, celebrate culture in all its layered complexity, and offer a space where curiosity is not just welcomed but encouraged.

I always seek out museums whenever I travel, whether tucked inside a repurposed schoolhouse in a small town or a sprawling hub stretching across city blocks. I just know I’m going to walk away with a new piece of knowledge, no matter how big or small. Museums serve as time machines, conversation starters, and sanctuaries for wonder. They remind us who we are, where we’ve been, and even hint at where we might be going. In an age of digital overload, walking through a museum can feel like a breath of fresh air, slow, thoughtful, and deeply grounding.

Recently, the prestigious Prix Versailles, a global architecture and design award program, has dolled out their World’s Most Beautiful Museum awards, and guess what…not one, but TWO United States museums made the cut. Let’s explore these two winners together.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History - Cleveland, Ohio

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History was named one of the World's Most Beautiful Museums for 2025. Completed in December 2024, this $150 million renovation reimagined 375,000 sq ft of space, creating an impressive expanse to celebrate history. The overhaul features bright, interactive galleries: the Evolving Life Wing, the Dynamic Earth Wing, and a revamped planetarium. This is all in addition to some already existing favorites within the museum. This dynamic institution is dedicated to exploring the natural world through science, discovery, and education. Located in University Circle, it features world-class exhibits on paleontology, astronomy, biology, and human evolution. Highlights include a full Allosaurus skeleton, the beloved Balto the sled dog, and interactive experiences in the hands-on Smead Discovery Center. With its blend of cutting-edge research and family-friendly exhibits, the museum serves as a vibrant hub for science education in Northeast Ohio and beyond. And now, it's finally earning worldwide recognition.

Joslyn Art Museum - Omaha, Nebraska 

The Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, Nebraska, has also been recognized as one of the most beautiful museums in the world by Prix Versailles this year. The museum's recent expansion and renovation, which includes the Rhonda & Howard Hawks Pavilion designed by Snøhetta, has garnered international acclaim. This museum had been closed, re-emerging from the two-year renovation of two of its three unique structures and the addition of a third, all connected. Visitors can still enjoy the original 1931 pink marble structure, highlighting Art Deco Design, while also exploring the new contemporary buildings and sweeping garden views. For those interested in exploring inside, The Joslyn’s permanent collection showcases over 12,000 pieces spanning 5,000 years of artistic expression. From iconic European painters such as Titian and Monet to sweeping landscapes of the American West and bold contemporary works, the range is both impressive and inspiring.

It’s a major honor for these two U.S. museums to be recognized among the seven most beautiful in the world—huge congratulations are in order! Is there a museum in the U.S. you think deserves a spot on this prestigious list? We’d love to hear your pick!