Top-10 Oldest Museums in the World, Check the List

Museums are places where history, art, culture, and knowledge are preserved and shared with people. Some of the world’s oldest museums began as private collections of kings, popes, or scholars, later opened for the public to learn from. These museums not only protect ancient treasures but also tell stories of civilizations, making them windows into the past and valuable centers of learning for everyone.

Top-10 Oldest Museums in the World

Capitoline Museums, established in the year 1471 and located in Rome Italy, stands as the oldest museum in the world, followed by Vatican Museum, Royal Armouries and Kunstmuseum.

Here is the list of top-10 oldest museums in the world:

Rank	Museum	Location	Year Established
1.	Capitoline Museum	Rome, Italy	1471
2.	Vatican Museum	Vatican City	1506
3.	Royal Armouries	London, England	1660
4.	Kunstmuseum	Basel, Switzerland	1661
5.	Ashmolean Museum	Oxford, England	1683
6.	Louvre Museum	Paris, France	1793
7.	Belvedere Palace	Vienna, Austria	1781
8.	Charleston Museum	South Carolina, USA	1773
9.	Hermitage Museum	St. Petersburg, Russia	1764
10.	Indian Museum	Kolkata, India	1814

Capitoline Museum, World’s Oldest Museum

The Capitoline Museum is considered the oldest museum in the world. It was founded in 1471 when Pope Sixtus IV donated several Roman statues and artworks. Located near the Colosseum in Rome, it was opened to the public in 1734. The museum preserves many treasures of ancient Rome, including sculptures like the Capitoline Wolf, making it a center of history and art.

Vatican Museum

Founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II, the Vatican Museums are among the most famous in the world. Their first artwork was Laocoön and His Sons, later joined by masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Last Judgement and Raphael’s School of Athens. Millions visit yearly to see the Sistine Chapel, making it a global symbol of religious art, culture, and Renaissance brilliance.

Royal Armouries

The Royal Armouries in London is one of the oldest museums, first opened in 1660. It displayed the crown jewels and later expanded to become home to the world’s largest collection of armour and weapons. The museum highlights Britain’s military history through swords, shields, firearms, and royal treasures, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history and warfare.

Kunstmuseum

The Kunstmuseum Basel was established in 1661 with the Amerbach Cabinet, a vast collection of art. Known as the world’s first civic museum, it became open to the public to promote learning and culture. Today, it contains works from the Renaissance to modern art, showcasing famous European artists. It remains Switzerland’s most important art museum and one of the oldest worldwide.

Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum opened in 1683 at Oxford University, making it the world’s first university museum. It was established when Elias Ashmole donated his personal collection of artefacts. The museum displays items ranging from archaeology, ancient coins, and Egyptian mummies to Renaissance art. It has served as a key educational and cultural institution, allowing students and the public to explore history and art.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre began as a royal palace in the 13th century and was converted into a museum in 1793. Today, it is the world’s most visited museum, holding masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. The Louvre houses collections covering thousands of years, from ancient Egypt to European art, and stands as a global landmark of culture and history.

Belvedere Palace

The Belvedere Palace, built as a royal residence for the Habsburg family, became a museum in 1781. It is home to Austria’s most important art collection, including the famous painting The Kiss by Gustav Klimt. The museum also preserves Baroque architecture and Austrian artworks, making it one of Europe’s most visited cultural sites. Its palace gardens add beauty and historical charm.

Charleston Museum

The Charleston Museum, founded in 1773, is known as America’s first museum. Located in South Carolina, it displays local history, decorative arts, and fossils. Highlights include the skeleton of a 40-foot shark and a giant ground sloth. The museum reflects Charleston’s cultural and natural heritage, offering a unique glimpse into early American history and scientific discoveries.

Hermitage Museum

The Hermitage Museum was founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great and opened to the public in 1852. Today, it is one of the largest museums in the world, holding more than 3 million artefacts, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Picasso. With vast collections of art, culture, and history, it stands as a symbol of Russia’s cultural pride and global influence.

Indian Museum

The Indian Museum, founded in 1814 by the Asiatic Society of Bengal, is the oldest museum in India. It holds collections of antiques, ornaments, fossils, Mughal paintings, and cultural artefacts. The museum is of national importance, preserving India’s ancient history and heritage. It is a must-visit for those who wish to understand India’s rich past and diverse civilizations.