UNESCO’s 7 most beautiful museums in the world

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The UNESCO's Prix Versailles is an annual award that recognises excellence in architecture and design. It was first introduced in 2015. Image: architecturaldigest.in/Grand Egyptian Museum

In the 2024 edition of the award, Gujarat’s Smritivan Earthquake Memorial and Museum was shortlisted as the seven most beautiful museums in the world. Image: architecturaldigest.in/Dhruvil

Smritivan became the first museum in India to receive international recognition for its cultural significance and environmental conservation. Image: architecturaldigest.in/Vinay Panjwani

Let’s take a look at all 7 most beautiful museums that were shortlisted for three prizes—the Prix Versailles itself, and awards for the best interior and exterior. Image: architecturaldigest.in/Tektonn Architects

A4 Art Museum, China

This museum in China’s Chengdu is a privately operated, non-profit art museum focusing on contemporary art. It was founded in 2008 to promote research in art. Image: architecturaldigest.in/Tektonn Architects

Simose Art Museum, Japan

This is a cultural institution known for its unique art concept ‘Admire art, inside art’, featuring eight movable galleries that ‘float’ in a shallow water basin. Image: architecturaldigest.in/Hiroyuki Hirai

Smritivan Museum, India

Smritivan Earthquake Memorial and Museum is a memorial park, dedicated to the victims of the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, and a museum on Bhujiyo Hill in Gujarat’s Bhuj (Kutch). Image: Shutterstock

Grand Egyptian Museum, Egypt

This is a new world-class museum near the Giza Plateau in Egypt designed to highlight Egypt’s rich history. It has over 100,000 artefacts. Image: architecturaldigest.in/Grand Egyptian Museum

Paleis Het Loo, Netherlands

This museum depicts Dutch history, European royalty and the lifestyle of the House of Orange-Nassau. It was formerly a royal palace. Image: architecturaldigest.in/Paleis Het Loo

Polish History Museum, Poland

This is a modern museum highlighting Polish history through exhibitions, educational programs and other events, with a focus on the independence struggle. Image: architecturaldigest.in/Bartosz Makowski

Oman Across Ages Museum, Oman

This is a cultural landmark celebrating Oman’s rich history and culture. It is built in one of Oman’s oldest cities, Nizwa, and has a vast collection of artefacts. Image: architecturaldigest.in/Oman Museum

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