Exploring American art is a great way to learn more about the nation’s rich history and diverse culture. American art spans a wide array of genres, ranging from ancestral pieces that showcase the country’s beginnings to contemporary offerings that reflect the melting pot that is the United States.

The good news is that there are a number of art museums throughout the U.S. that make American works a focal point of their collections. Here are a few of the best museums in the coolest destinations if you want to learn more about American art and how it reflects the country’s history and people.

Smithsonian American Art Museum – Washington, D.C.

Nam June Paik – Electronic Superhighwayi by Ryan Somma licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

The Smithsonian American Art Museum — or SAAM — is a national treasure, showcasing the most comprehensive collection of works from prestigious American artists. The vast collection takes you on a journey through four centuries of American art. You will find pieces starting from the Colonial era, through the Hudson River School, to Impressionism all the way through contemporary movements. Notable artists include Edward Hopper, Thomas Hart Benton, Georgia O’Keefe, Joseph Stella, and Stuart Davis. The museum is especially distinguished by its inclusive collections, showcasing contributions from Asian American, African American, and Latinx artists — including Bill Traylor, Mickalene Thomas, Isamu Naguchi, Nam June Paik (see photo above), Olga Abizu, and Yolanda López.

Museum of Fine Arts – Boston

Boston Museum of Fine Arts by Jim Culp licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

While Boston’s MFA encompasses a wide array of art genres, its dedication to the preservation and promotion of American art makes it a must-see museum. The dedicated Art of the Americas galleries include works that span about 3,000 years, dating back to Mesoamerica and continuing through today’s modern art. The MFA is committed to amplifying the voice of a variety of American artists, including Black artists, such as Kehinde Wiley and Lois Mailou Jones; LGBTQ+ artists, such as Samantha Nye and Jess Dugan; as well as Native and Latin American artists.

Browsing the galleries of the MFA takes you on a journey through the country’s history and the ideals that shaped today’s culture. Notable American works at the MFA include John Singleton Copley’s 1768 portrait of Paul Revere from the time of the American Revolution and John Singer Sargent’s The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit.

Whitney Museum of American Art – New York City

Whitney Museum by Beyond My Ken CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

If you are looking for a collection of modern American art housed in one of the most important art cities in the world, look for no further than New York City‘s Whitney Museum of American Art. Over 3,600 artists are featured at this rotating collection, conveniently located at the southern end of the High Line in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan. So the Whitney can be an illuminating way to start your High Line trek, or a relaxing way to end it.

The Whitney has an extensive permanent collection of works by more than 3,700 American modern masters, including Amy Sherald, Willem de Kooning, Joseph Stella, Alice Neel, and an unmissable mini circus by Alexander Calder. However, only a fraction is on display at any given time, to make room for large temporary exhibits, including shows devoted to artists Edward Hopper and Jasper Johns, as well as group shows, including one dedicated to Mexican muralists remaking American art. The great thing about the Whitney is there’s always something new to see.

Heard Museum – Phoenix

Hoover Earth Song Hoover Sea Weed People Hyde Intertribal Greeting by Bob is Traveling licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

The Heard Museum pays homage to the Native Americans that were the original residents of the state of Arizona. Founded in 1929, the Heard Museum offers visitors a chance to get up close and personal with ancient artifacts as well as contemporary works. Artistic media include basketwork, beadwork, fashion, fine art, jewelry, pottery, and much more. The Phoenix-based non-profit organization works directly with the indigenous people of the Desert Southwest to promote and amplify their contributions in American art. Through its commitment to the indigenous people, the museum is broadening the cultural conversation to include a fully representative variety of American voices.

You Might Also Enjoy: Discovering African American History — Inspiring Museum Experiences

American Folk Art Museum – New York City

American Folk Art Museum by Ajay Suresh licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

New York City is no stranger to amazing museums. While many people understandably flock to the MoMA and the Met, do yourself a favor and take a side trip to the American Folk Art Museum, just a block west of Central Park, near the Lincoln Center complex. This museum is recognized as a leader in folk art, boasting over 8,000 works that span four centuries. Visitors will find art in a myriad of media ranging from sculptures to portraits to fabric textiles.

Museum of African American Art – Los Angeles

10 Exposition Park – California African American Museum by Kansas Sebastian licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Founded in 1976 by art historian Dr. Samella Lewis, the Museum of African American Art is dedicated to boosting public awareness of this important art genre. The nonprofit organization prides itself on being both an entertaining and educational outing. The works housed at this Los Angeles museum showcase the unique history of African Americans and their contributions to cultures around the world. Do not miss the Palmer C. Hayden Collection, providing a glimpse into the importance of the Harlem Renaissance movement.

Did we leave your favorite museum of American art off our list? Tell us about it in the comments below!