Museum
Versailles, Paris
Beginning as a modest château of stone and slate to serve as a hunting lodge for Louis XIII (13th), Versailles blossomed - figuratively and literally - during the reign of his son. By 1682, after 20 years of work, the 'Sun King' took up residence... and then building really began.
The Field Museum in Chicago
Founded in 1893 as the Columbian Museum, this treasure trove of archaeological artifacts is one of the world's preeminent institutions. A major part of that collection is available to the public and it makes for much more than a dry, academic visit.
Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago
There are many examples of a Museum of Science and Industry around the country. But the one in Chicago is the oldest and unquestionably the best museum of its kind in the world.
The Art Institute in Chicago
Housed in an 1893 building erected as part of the World's Fair, The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the country's preeminent schools and museums.
Guggenheim Museum, New York
Built between 1956 and 1959, the museum still serves its original purpose - the display of works from the 20th century, primarily painting and sculpture.
The unusual spiral design has been controversial since before the first stone was laid. In part, because there were no stones to lay. The building is a continuous concrete pour in the shape of a sand-colored ribbon that winds from bottom to top, widening as it goes. The net effect is organic, but unlike any analogy one could draw. It's simply sui generis.
Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney
One of three major public galleries but the only one in Sydney, the building itself is worth a long visit. Classical Greek columns festooned with cloth drapes advertising the latest exhibits remind visitors of a small version of the Metropolitan in New York.
Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney
The structure is reminiscent of a lowered, scaled-down version of the Sydney Opera house with its sail motif. And a well chosen architectural theme it is, given what's on display.
The six galleries making up the museum, and the contents outside as well, offer everything from figureheads and model ships to brass hardware, antique racing yachts to the jet-powered Spirit of Australia. The latter has held the world water speed record, for going on 30 years. Another award winner, the double scull Barcelona used to win the Olympic Games gold medal is there as well.
Australian Museum in Sydney
Spread over three floors, the architecture alone is worth a visit. The sandstone Greek-style porticos invite the curious of all ages. The neo-classical building houses artifacts from Australia, Papua New Guinea and elsewhere in the Pacific region. There are first-rate exhibits in mineralogy, insects, birds, reptiles and a host of other areas.