This list includes extraordinary museums work hard to preserve art, culture and history in unique and sometimes unusual ways. Surprise your partner with a romantic evening at the California Academy of Sciences with a planetarium show and a behind-the-scenes tour. For a touch of adventure, explore the International Spy Museum and find out how spying has evolved over time.
1. The Neon Museum in Las Vegas
When an iconic Las Vegas neon sign is taken down, it often ends up at the Neon Museum located in Downtown Las Vegas.
Founded in 1996, the museum rescues retired signs and makes them available to the public through an hour-long guided tour, offered seven days a week. Take a walk though history as you view the collection of 150 signs which date from the 1930s to the present.
It's a good idea to book the tour ahead of time because spaces are usually limited.
770 Las Vegas Boulevard North, Las Vegas, NV 89101, Phone: 702-387-6366
2. Society of Illustrators in New York
The Society of Illustrators, located on the Upper East Side in New York City, features 2,000 works by famous illustrators such as Norman Rockwell, Bernie Fuchs and Brad Holland.
See your favorite children’s books illustrations, historical works, films and special exhibitions at this unique museum. The Society of Illustrators was founded in 1901.
128 East 63rd Street, New York, NY 10065, Phone: 212-838-2560
More places to visit: 25 Best Things To Do in Brooklyn.
3. The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh
The Andy Warhol Museum features an impressive collection of the artist’s works, including 900 paintings, 100 sculptures, prints, photographs, works on paper, wallpaper, books, film and video work. You will get to see Warhol’s entire life though his art, beginning with the student years.
This museum is a must-see for everyone interested in contemporary art and culture.
117 Sandusky Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, Phone: 412-237-8300
What to do Next Weekend: 28 Best Things to Do in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
4. The International Spy Museum in Washington, DC
Fans of Mission: Impossible and Goldfinger can take a tour of the International Spy Museum and see the largest collection of espionage artifacts available to the public.
In-depth exhibits showcase tools, outfits and techniques used by individual spies. Some extraordinary items on display include the lipstick pistol, miniature cameras and concealment devices.
700 L'Enfant Plaza, SW Washington DC 20024, Phone: 202-393-7798
Romantic weekend ideas: Best Romantic Things to Do in Washington, D.C..
5. Activities Near Me: The Metal Museum in Memphis, Tennessee
The Metal Museum is dedicated to metal art and craft, offering exhibitions, classes and educational programs.
The permanent collection includes diverse pieces of art from different time periods, including Renaissance-era door knockers, farm tools and contemporary sculptures.
The beautiful outdoor Sculpture Garden showcases bronze and steel artwork surrounded by flowers.
374 Metal Museum Drive, Memphis, TN 38106, Phone: 901-774-6380
Vacation ideas for foodies: 10 Must-Try Lunch & Dinner Spots in Memphis.
6. Museums Near Me: Woodmere Art Museum in Philadelphia
Dedicated to the art of Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, Woodmere is located in a 19th-century Victorian mansion on six acres.
The museum houses a permanent collection which consists of 3,000 works of world-class paintings, sculpture and other art.
There is also the Helen Millard Children’s Gallery and temporary exhibitions.
9201 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118, Phone: 215-247-0476
Great getaways: 25 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia.
7. Best Museums Near Me: The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center in Vermont
The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center is housed in a former train station, complete with a ticket window, views of the tracks and original marble steps.
The museum presents art exhibits and events designed to be thought-provoking and educational in a historical setting. More ideas: 18 Best Things to Do in Brattleboro, Vermont
10 Vernon Dr, Brattleboro, VT 05301, Phone: 802-257-0124
8. The Linda Pace Foundation in San Antonio, Texas
The Linda Pace Foundation features a permanent collection of local, regional and national foremost artists. The museum presents a series of thought-provoking exhibitions which consist of a variety of media.
The foundation hosts live performances, artist talks and other programs.
111 Camp Street, San Antonio, TX 78204, Phone: 405-604-2793
9. Museum Near Me: National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin
Visit the National Mustard Museum where you can admire a collection of over 5,500 mustards from the 50 U.S. states as well as 70 countries around the world.
The antique mustard pots from the Gibbons Collection are a must-see. Admission is free but you will probably end up spending money at the gift shop which sells a variety of delicious mustard goods.
Plan a trip on National Mustard Day (the first Saturday in August) and eat free hot dogs, play mustard games and listen to live music.
7477 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton, WI 53562, Phone: 608-831-2222
10. Things to Do Near Me: The Wolfsonian-Florida International University in Miami
The Wolfsonian houses a collection of 120,000 objects dating from 1885 to 1945, including furniture, rare books, paintings, medals and textiles, as well as works in glass, ceramics and metal.
The museum aims to inspire visitors to contemplate the changes that have taken place in the world by studying historical art and design.
1001 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, Phone: 305-531-1001
11. Museum Near Me: American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City
The American Banjo Museum is a 16,000-square-foot gallery spanning two floors, dedicated to the history of the instrument. The first floor of the museum serves as an introduction to banjo’s history and art.
The second floor continues to tell the story about the people and instruments that have shaped banjo music through time.
9 East Sheridan Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, Phone: 405-604-2793
12. Museums Near Me: Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame
Visit the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame on your weekend trip from New York or Boston. The exhibit celebrates 200 years of Rhode Island’s musical history, showcasing artifacts and audio recordings.
Every year, new artists are inducted during a two-day event.
999 Main Street #100, Pawtucket, RI 02860, Phone: 401-225-8860
Weekend & Day trip ideas: Weekend Getaways from New York City.
13. NightLife VIP Tour at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco
Couples can go on a VIP tour at the California Academy of Sciences which lets them skip the line, enjoy drinks & snacks in a reserved area, take a one-hour tour of the gem & mineral collection, visit the rainforest, interact with scientists, and watch the evening show at the Planetarium.
55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, Phone: 415-379-8000
California getaways: 45 Best Weekend Getaways from San Francisco.
The 15 of the Coolest Museums near me today according to local experts are:
- 1. The Neon Museum in Las Vegas
- 2. Society of Illustrators in New York
- 3. The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh
- 4. The International Spy Museum in Washington, DC
- 5. Activities Near Me: The Metal Museum in Memphis, Tennessee
- 6. Museums Near Me: Woodmere Art Museum in Philadelphia
- 7. Best Museums Near Me: The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center in Vermont
- 8. The Linda Pace Foundation in San Antonio, Texas
- 9. Museum Near Me: National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin
- 10. Things to Do Near Me: The Wolfsonian-Florida International University in Miami
- 11. Museum Near Me: American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City
- 12. Museums Near Me: Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame
- 13. NightLife VIP Tour at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco
Attraction Spotlight: Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame
The Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame celebrates the musical heritage of the state through documenting the legacy of the professionals that have made the most impactful contributions to the music industry nationwide and Rhode Island music culture.
The Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame, as it is today, was incorporated in 2012 as a joint initiative between two Hall of Fame projects—The Rhode Island Popular Music Archive and The Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame.
The Rhode Island Popular Music Archive was started in 2006 by Mederick Bellaire to honor Ken Lyon in concert. The Archive also began working on a discography of other Rhode Island musicians and acquired the personal artifacts, including lyrics written by hand, demos, and memorabilia, of Anders & Poncia. There was no physical location for these artifacts to be displayed; however, the archive was available to be viewed online.
The Archive began using the name “The Rhode Island Popular Music Hall of Fame” in 2010 when they joined their efforts with Al Gomes and Bob Giusti to merge The Hall of Fame with the Archive. A concert was held with Anders & Poncia performing some of their past hits and they were the first act to be inducted into the Rhode Island Popular Music Hall of Fame.
A year later Bob Billington spearheaded a committee that laid out a plan to create a Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame that was more traditional and included all types of music. The Hall and Archive became aware and it was quickly agreed to incorporate all three entities and have a brick and mortar museum, thus, the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame was born.
Exhibits
The museum currently only showcases wall exhibits that visitors can walk around and read that tell the background of the various artists that have been inducted into the Fall of Fame. Each panel is designed by graphic artist Jack McKenna and explores 200 years of Rhode Island music legacy.
In the future, exhibits will also showcase music memorabilia for Rhode Island musicians and industry professionals. Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame is currently seeking donations, grants and sponsorships to be able to expand their exhibits and incorporate more interactive and audio elements into their space. The historical archive can be viewed on the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame website and is updated with the help of volunteers. The online archive is considered to be a long term project that will be continually updated.
Some of the Inductees to the Hall of Fame include: Cheryl Wheeler, Sugar Ray &The Bluetones, Dave McKenna, Marty Richards, Bill Harley, Bobby Hackett, George Masso, The Others, Frankie Carle, The Castaleers, Eileen Farrell, Georgie Peorgie, The Fireflies, The American Dream, Marty Ballou, Brenda Bennett, The Adapters, Nelson Eddy, Sissieretta Jones, Dick Leger, The Tombstone Blues Band.
Induction Events
The Induction events are the highlight every year for the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame. These events take place over multiple days and are announced via press conference in the beginning of the year when the Hall of Fame announces who the inductees will be. The number of inductees to the Hall of Fame will vary every year.
Each artist is honored with a concert that is held at venues usually near Pawtucket such as The Greenwich Odeum and The Met. These concerts take place on multiple days and weekends and tickets are sold in advance. There is also one induction ceremony in which all of the artists come together at The Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame and their commemorative exhibits are unveiled and they are formally inducted into the Hall of Fame. This event is also open to the public with advance ticket sales. In previous years, these events have sold out so it is a good idea to purchase tickets well in advance. Details are available online.
Programs
While the main function of the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame will always remain induction events, they are also dedicated to improving the lives of local musical artists and their families.
Tune in and Tune Up- This program is a health awareness initiative that seeks to help self-employed music industry professionals understand and access their healthcare options. Participants can enjoy seminars, workshops, get discounts at select retailers, get reimbursed part of the cost of your annual physical, and other great perks.
175 Main Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860, Phone: 401-724-2200,
Attraction Spotlight: Ruby City The Linda Pace Foundation is dedicated to fostering the creation and presentation of contemporary art and building upon the vision of its founder, Linda Pace. The foundation showcases its collection through a public gallery called Space in San Antonio, Texas.
About the Linda Pace Foundation
The Linda Pace Foundation is named after its founder, artist and philanthropist Linda Pace, who founded the organization on April 28th, 2003 with the goal of creating a space to exhibit the collection of over 500 works of contemporary art works that she had amassed as a collector and artist.
Born in 1945, Linda Pace began working as a professional artist in 1976. Her works captured ordinary objects and everyday life in poetic ways and transcendent quality.
Her Philanthropy work began in 1993 with the founding of Artpace, a residency program for artists in San Antonio that gained national recognition and nurtured artists that went on to be awarded MacArthur Fellows and Turner Prize nominations. In 2005 Linda built the Chrispark named after her late son Christopher to display her personal collection of contemporary art. This one acre space is free to the public and maintained by the Linda Pace Foundation.
Linda Pace died on July 2, 2007, but her work is maintained through the Linda Pace Foundation. The works that are held by the Foundation are now displayed in a gallery called Space that is accessible through Chrispark. The Linda Park foundation also loans pieces from its collection to contemporary art museums across the world. A new project, Ruby City is also in the works for 2018 that will feature more of the Linda Pace Foundation’s ever growing collection.
The Collection
The collection of works apart of the Linda Pace Foundation are from Linda Paces contemporary art collection. The collection has grown to over 800 pieces including paintings, sculpture, and video. The collection continues to grow with some pieces being acquired the same year that they are created. The collection features high quality work from artists all over the world.
The Foundation supports the work of artists granted residencies at Artpace, as well as works that echo the same themes that Linda Pace once gravitated towards such as the feminist perspective, social issues, spirituality, and beauty. All works are installed at SPACE, however, pieces are also loaned to museums around the world and are not guaranteed to be on exhibit.
Exhibitions- All exhibitions are installed at SPACE and displayed for a few months at a time usually. All special exhibitions will feature an opening weekend artist reception.
SPACE- Located in the Northeast corner of CHRISpark, SPACE looks like a giant storage shed, but inside holds the collection of contemporary art from the Linda Pace Foundation. There is no parking at the gallery, however, on street parking is available along Camp street. The outside of the building is white but has a bold quotation.
Space also hosts public events such as poetry readings, live musical performances, art making, art discussions, artist receptions, and more. Details about events, many of which are free and open to the public can be found on the Linda Pace Foundation website.
Ruby City
One of the original goals of the creation of the Linda Pace Foundation was to establish a space that could serve as a place to exhibit an ever-growing collection of contemporary art to the public. SPACE was always meant to be a smaller scale gallery with the more grandiose project being Ruby City.
Linda Pace was introduced to David Adjaye, world renowned architect, in 2006, and he has designed Ruby City which is slated to break ground in 2017 and open in 2018 to feature the Linda Pace Foundation’s collection of more than 800 works of contemporary art.
The building is crimson is color and features a two-story design made from concrete and glass aggregate and a dramatic rooftop with skylights and jutting angles. The interior will feature an impressive grand staircase and three gallery spaces totaling 10,000 feet of exhibit space. Ruby City is on Camp Street and will be part of the Linda Pace Foundation. SPACE will remain open and both galleries will operate and be considered a part of CHRISpark.
111 Camp Street, San Antonio, Texas, 78204
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