If you're an explorer at heart, you know there's no greater satisfaction than finding a new place to explore. And if you're a traveler, that feeling is amplified by seeing the world's greatest wonders. Thankfully, there are museums in just about every corner of the globe that can satisfy your wanderlust. Here are five museums that Vikki Gerrard La Crosse considers a must-see.

1. The Louvre, Paris

The Louvre is one of the world's oldest and most renowned museums. It's home to some of the most famous artworks in history, including Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and Michelangelo's The David. The Louvre is also one of the largest museums in the world, with over 380,000 square feet of exhibition space. So whether you're an art lover or just looking for a historical adventure, the Louvre is a must-see museum.

The Louvre was built in the 12th century as a fortress by King Philippe Auguste to protect Paris from invasion. It wasn't until the 16th century that it was turned into a museum by King Francois I. It has been through a lot in its 800-year history, including being a warehouse during the French Revolution and looted by the Nazis in World War II. But despite all of this, the Louvre remains one of the world's greatest museums.

Some of the most popular exhibits at the Louvre include the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Code of Hammurabi. But with over 35,000 works of art on display, there's something for everyone at the Louvre.

2. The British Museum, London

The British Museum is home to over 8 million artifacts, making it one of the largest museums in the world. It was founded in 1753 by Sir Hans Sloane and originally housed his collection of over 71,000 objects. The museum has since grown to include artifacts from all over the world.

Some of the most popular exhibits at the British Museum include the Rosetta Stone, which helped scholars decipher hieroglyphics, and the Elgin Marbles, which were sculptures from the Parthenon in Athens. The British Museum also has an extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts, including the mummy of Ramses II.

3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most famous museums in the world. It's located on Fifth Avenue in New York City and is home to over 2 million works of art. The Met's diverse collection includes everything from ancient Egyptian art to modern American paintings.

Some of Vikki Gerrard La Crosse's favorite exhibits at the Met include the Arms and Armor collection, which features over 14,000 objects, and the Egyptian collection, which consists of the Temple of Dendur. This sandstone temple was built in 15 BC. The Met also has an extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir.

In addition to artwork, the Met hosts a variety of special exhibitions throughout the year. Recent exhibitions have included a retrospective of artist Vincent Van Gogh and a collection of fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld's work.

The Met Gala is also held at the museum each year. This black-tie fundraiser is one of the most exclusive and glamorous events in New York City, and tickets can cost up to $25,000. The Vogue magazine hosts the gala, which celebrities like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Madonna, Rihanna, and Kanye West attend. The gala celebrates the best of fashion and features runway shows, celebrity interviews, and after-parties. It's always one of the most anticipated events for fashion lovers.

4. The National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.

The National Gallery of Art is one of the most visited museums in the United States. It's located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. The museum's collection includes worldwide paintings, sculptures, photographs, and prints.

The National Gallery of Art was founded in 1937 by Andrew Mellon. He donated his collection of over 2,000 paintings and sculptures to the museum. The museum's original building was designed by architect John Russell Pope and opened to the public in 1941.

The National Gallery of Art has since expanded to include two additional buildings. The West Building, which opened in 1971, was designed by architect I.M. Pei. The East Building, which opened in 1978, was designed by architect Philip Johnson.

The National Gallery of Art is home to an extensive collection of European paintings, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Vincent van Gogh. The museum also has a significant collection of American paintings, sculptures, and photographs.

5. The Vatican Museums, Vatican City

The Vatican Museums are located in Vatican City and are home to some of the most famous art in the world. The museums were founded in the 16th century by Pope Julius II and now house over 70,000 works of art.

The Vatican Museums are comprised of many different museums, each with its own collection of artwork. The museums include the Sistine Chapel, home to the world-famous ceiling painted by Michelangelo, and the Raphael Rooms, decorated with frescoes by the artist Raphael.

Other highlights of the Vatican Museums include the Borgia Apartments, decorated with lavish Renaissance artwork, and the Gallery of Maps, which features over 40 maps of Italy from the 16th century.

A visit to the Vatican Museums is a must for anyone interested in art or history. It's one of Italy's most popular tourist destinations, and Vikki Gerrard La Crosse calls it a truly unforgettable experience.

Final Thoughts

Museums are a gateway into past cultures and a way to appreciate the arts. Visiting one is also a great way to spend a day, especially when the weather is terrible. If you're an avid explorer or traveler, add these museums to your list. You won't be disappointed. Each one offers its unique collection of art and artifacts, which is worth visiting.