Metropolitan Museum of Art

What began in the 19th century with a few paintings brought over from Europe or donated by a few philanthropically inclined robber barons has grown into a gigantic collection of two million works of art spanning 5000 years of history. It's also become one of New York City's most popular neighborhoods. The Met (as it's called) has been immortalized in Leonard Cohen's and Jorge Luis Borges' poetry, has been extensively featured on Gossip Girl and was much missed when it shuttered its doors while the COVID-19 epidemic wreaked havoc on New York City.

The 17 acres of display space at the Metropolitan Museum of Art are filled with treasures that have enthralled visitors since 1870. From ancient Sasanian textiles to Henry VIII's armor, from the world's oldest piano to works by Dutch artists such as Vermeer, from extraordinary quilts from Gee's Bend, Alabama to Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze's iconic picture Washington Crossing Delaware, there's something for everyone. That's not to mention the always-popular fashion shows, which include everything from embroidered kimonos to modern designers like Marc Jacobs and Comme des Garçons.

Location: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028

Website: metmuseum.org