This gigantic collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces (the biggest collection of such work in the world, in fact) can be found in what used to be a railway station. Originally the Gare d’Orsay, the building is one of the finest examples of the Beaux-Arts movements in France, with many of the period features like its gorgeous clocks maintained. It would take an impressive building to match a collection featuring some of the finest Manets, Van Goghs and Gauguins, but the Musée d’Orsay manages this feat.
Although many millions visit London’s Natural History Museum every year, many miss the purpose-built beauty of the building itself. Fitting the natural history subject matter, the walls, pillars and ceilings of the building are teeming with paintings and carvings of animals, flora and fauna that make every room a delight. From the tiny details of the stone monkeys climbing up the pillars around the main museum block to more recent additions like the atmospheric Earth Room, this building deserves just as much scrutiny as the exhibitions contained within it.
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