Museums are known for the treasures they hold within, but what about the outside? The saying is, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” but what if the outside is what draws you in. However, designing an architectural pleasing building can be quite difficult, especially when it is a museum. There needs to be space to preserve artwork, space for the public, space for staff members, and of course places to store archives. National Geographic has put together a slideshow of Modern Marvels: Museums with Spectacular Architecture.

Guggenheim Museum, Spain

The Guggenheim Bilbao Museum located in Spain, and known for its intriguing architecture, consists of three different levels. All containing contemporary and modern art. Curtain walls that are made up of glass connects the inside space to the outside space. Designed by the architect Frank Gehry, the building is mostly made up of curves that define the way it is shaped.  The building was built using titanium and the way it is curved, it catches the light in a unique way. Making it not only a place that houses art, but art itself.

Heydar Aliyev Center, Azerbaijan

Zaha Hadid, the Iraqi-British architect, designed the Heydar Aliyev Center. The building itself holds an auditorium, a museum, nine floors of exhibition halls, and is an exquisite example of beautiful architecture. This museum was created to help preserve the work and life of the nation’s former president Heydar Aliyev. It was also created to help preserve Azerbaijan’s history. The three floor, interactive museum gives visitors an amazing view into its’ heritage.

Museo De La Memoria De Andalucía, Spain

The museum offers its visitors the opportunity to understand the history of Spain, going as far as prehistoric times. This museum, designed by Alberto Campo Baeza, has a circular courtyard that the museum circles. Made up of three floors, a ramp connects all of them together. Beautiful and sleek, the perfect building to display Spain’s history.

Guggenheim Museum, U.S.

Solomon R, Guggenheim Museum located in New York was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and was opened in 1959. Sadly, he died six months before the grand opening. This museum is actually the oldest one that was placed on the list. This building was one of the first museums to be built in an artistic style. Becoming the spearhead for all of the modern day museums to follow. Even though it has had to close a few times for repairs, this museums us still on of the best architectural museums out there.

Heart Herning Museum of Contemporary Art, Denmark

This Demark museum was actually designed by an American, Steven Holl. Using music and visual art, this museum strives to present contemporary art. The museum opened its’ doors in 2009 and houses: a restaurant, an auditorium, exhibition galleries, and even a media library. The roof actually looks like shirt sleeves if you are viewing it from above. What an interesting display of architecture for visitors to experience.

Click here to view all of the amazing museums that are just as breathtaking on the outside as they are on the inside.

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