From historical preservation to extraordinary sculptures, these are some of the world’s most beautiful open-air museums. (Left: Image by @samhorine. Right: Image by @tiagowolf.co.)
If you thought museums were dusty, old buildings where historical artefacts and intellectual snobs intersect through highbrow conversation, these open-air museum exhibits will hopefully be the pleasant surprise you’re looking for. Whether you’re a lover of art, history, architecture, nature, or none of the above, these museums will be well worth the visit and experience.
1. The Hakone Open-Air Museum, Japan
Starting off the list is the Hakone Open-Air Museum in Japan, an outdoor sculpture exhibit, home to almost 120 pieces of work. Established in 1969, the outdoor gallery boasts 70,000 square meters of vast fields, backdropped by the surrounding mountains of this region. The exhibit displays sculptures by artists from all over the globe, including notable works by Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin, and more.
Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0493, Japan
2. Göreme Open Air Museum, Türkiye
Some artifacts simply can’t be contained within the walls of a museum, and the cave churches of Cappadocia are one of them. Carved into volcanic rocks, the Göreme Open Air Museum is a monumental assembly of historical monasteries, chapels, and churches. About 350 medieval churches and chapels make up this UNESCO heritage site. The preserved frescoes, paintings, and cave interiors stand as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of its time, making it one of the more exciting places you will likely visit in your life.
Address: İsali – Gaferli – Avcılar, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Türkiye
3. Gibbs Farm, New Zealand
New Zealand’s best-kept art secret may just be the Gibbs Farm. A vast 990 acres of private land turns into an open-air sculpture park, home to several mega-scale art sculptures. Surrounded by hilltops, lakes, farm animals, and several exotic wildlife, the farm’s pieces of art appear as otherworldly objects set amongst an otherwise ordinary landscape. The farm only opens by appointment several times a year. For more information, check out their website.
Address: 0984/2421 Kaipara Coast Highway, Makarau 0984, New Zealand
4. Inhotim Museum, Brazil
Art and nature collide in an impressive display at the Inhotim Museum, a collection of contemporary art set in a private botanical garden in the Brazilian forest. Along with an accumulation of permanent outdoor artworks, the museum’s galleries include an ever-changing and ever-growing display of over 700 art pieces made by 200 artists from all across the world.
This one-of-a-kind museum works to preserve and protect the biodiversity of its region while expanding its artistic projects, showcasing just how contemporary spaces and nature can and should co-exist.
Address: Povoado Inhotim – R. B, 20 – Conceicao do Itaguá, Brumadinho – MG, 32497-142, Brazil
5. Österreichischer Skulpturen Park, Austria
This Austrian Sculpture Park has 81 permanent contemporary sculptures created by both local and international artists. Designed by Swiss landscape architect Dieter Kienast, the sculpture park was established in 2003 and has since opened its figurative doors to the public to enjoy works of art from all over the world. Admission to the park is free but opens only seasonally, closing during the winter months.
Address: Thalerhofstraße 85, 8141 Premstätten, Austria
6. Middelheim Open Air Sculpture Museum, Belgium
Nestled in the Middelheim Nachtegalen Park in Antwerp, the Middelheim Open Air Sculpture Museum features just about 400 works of art, including 215 sculptures on display. The exhibit includes a permanent collection as well as a rotation of new works added yearly, inviting artists to display their pieces here. Artists like Roman Signer, Ai Weiwei, and Franz West have created works for the museum.
Address: Middelheimlaan 61, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium
7. Mit Rahina Museum, Egypt
Finishing off this list with perhaps one of the more impressive open air museums to date is the Mit Rahina Open Air Museum in Memphis, Egypt. Built around a fallen limestone statue of Ramses II of the 13th century BC, this museum is the school field trip you wish you’d been on. Mit Rahina stands as the only remaining archaeological evidence of the city of Memphis in ancient Egypt. From breathtaking relics to its captivating history, the museum allows visitors to get an up close and personal experience with one of the great ancient civilisations of the world.
Address: Mit Rahinah, Badrshein, Giza Governorate 3364932, Egypt
