8 of the Most Anticipated New Museums in the U.S.

The world of museums is constantly evolving, offering visitors new opportunities to immerse themselves in captivating exhibits and explore diverse cultural narratives. From poignant reflections on African American history to celebrations of artistic movements and rebellious subcultures, the latest museum openings have something for everyone.

1. International African American Museum 

Charleston, SC

The International African American Museum in Charleston stands as a powerful testament to the rich history and enduring contributions of African Americans. Located at the site where an estimated 45% of enslaved Africans first set foot on American soil, this museum serves as a poignant memorial and educational institution. Through immersive exhibits, interactive displays, and compelling storytelling, the museum chronicles the journey of African Americans, highlighting their resilience, achievements, and ongoing struggle for equality. It serves as a place of reflection, fostering dialogue and understanding while honoring the diverse narratives that have shaped the African American experience in the United States.

Pairs well with this journey: Charleston, Savannah, and the Golden Isles

2. Buffalo AKG Art Museum

Buffalo NY

The Albright-Knox Gallery recently reopened as the Buffalo AKG Art Museum after a four-year closure and the most significant campus expansion and development project in the museum’s 160-year history. The museum is now open, while the Gundlach Building remains closed for essential work until July 20, 2023. The new Buffalo AKG will comprise more than 50,000 square feet of state-of-the art exhibition space, five classrooms, an interior community gathering space, and more than half an acre of new public green space. The museum’s collections span some of the greatest moments in art through the centuries, from a well-represented Impressionism collection including works by the likes of Monet, Degas and Van Gogh to ongoing representation of emerging contemporary artists. 

Pairs well with this journey: New York to Montreal: Where Past Meets Present

3. Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation, at the American Museum of Natural History   

New York City, NY

In May of 2023, Manhattan’s legendary American Museum of Natural History opened its expansive Richard Gilder Centre for Science, Education and Innovation. The 230,000-square-foot addition includes new exhibition galleries and one of a kind experiences, such as an insectarium and butterfly vivarium. The new glass and stone construction is fully integrated with the rest of the museum on all four floors, and in fact also was intended to add a more cohesive flow to the overall campus. Visitors have many fascinating exhibitions to see, from a projections gallery focusing on the “Invisible Worlds” of DNA and the human brain, to a transparent skybridge that doubles as a pathway for the largest leafcutter ant colony in the United States. 

4. National Museum of Women in the Arts

Washington D.C.

The National Museum of Women in the Arts is undergoing the top-to-bottom renovation and restoration– the first that the building has gone through since 1987. The museum will reopen on October 21, 2023 with enlarged gallery space, a new destination for researchers and education programs, enhanced amenities and accessibility for visitors as well as infrastructure and storage upgrades to improve the long-term conservation and security of the museum’s collection of more than 5,500 works.

Visitors to the museum are immersed in a captivating journey through art history, where they can explore thought-provoking exhibitions that shine a spotlight on women artists who have often been overlooked or marginalized. From the pioneering works of Renaissance painters like Artemisia Gentileschi to contemporary installations by groundbreaking artists such as Yayoi Kusama and Kara Walker, the museum presents a comprehensive panorama of women’s artistic achievements.

5. Modernism Museum

Palm Springs 

Recently opened in October 2022, the Modernism Museum is a must-visit destination for art and design enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in Palm Springs’ iconic mid-century modern aesthetic. The museum showcases a stunning collection of art, furniture, and architectural pieces that epitomize the innovative spirit of the mid-20th century. From sleek furniture designs by renowned figures like Charles and Ray Eames to striking abstract artworks by influential artists, the museum offers a comprehensive exploration of the cultural significance and enduring impact of mid-century modernism.

Pairs well with this experience: Explore Mid-Century Modern Architecture in Palm Springs

6. The Punk Rock Museum

Las Vegas, NV 

Vegas’ new Punk Rock Museum opened January of 2023 as an immersive tribute to the rebellious and influential subculture that emerged in the 1970s. The museum houses the world’s most expansive, intimate display of punk artifacts, fliers, photos, clothing, instruments, handwritten lyrics, and artwork. The museum goes beyond mere observation, allowing visitors to pick up real bass guitars used by renowned punk musicians, including members of Strung Out and Rise Against, and unleash their inner punk rock spirit. Beyond the exhibitions, the museum also houses a tattoo parlor, wedding chapel, and dive-style bar. 

7. The Museum of Broadway

New York City, NY 

After five years in the making, the Museum of Broadway opened in November of 2022 paying homage to the rich musical heritage that defines Broadway. The museum immortalizes hundreds of rare costumes, props, and artifacts from iconic productions like Hamilton and The Phantom of the Opera. It also delves into the world of set design with intricate models and captivating sketches, revealing the artistry behind the stage. The museum also invites guests to traverse a detailed timeline of Broadway history, providing a cultural context for legendary productions like the Ziegfeld Follies while seamlessly transitioning to the modern era.

8. Clotilda: The Exhibition at Africatown Heritage House

Mobile, AL 

Opening on July 8, 2023, the Africatown Heritage House, a site at the History Museum of Mobile, will debut its Clotilda exhibit, detailing the stories of the 110 African men, women, and children brought to Mobile aboard the ship called Clotilda. In 2019, Mobile captured national attention with the discovery of the long-lost remnants of the ship in the Mobile River– the final documented vessel to transport enslaved Africans to the United States during the mid-19th century. The exhibition will feature pieces of the sunken ship, as well as exhibits sharing the story of Africatown, the community that formed after the ship reached the shore.