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Museums aren’t just about the art and artefacts that call them home – sometimes the building itself is worth travelling for.
Time Out’s recently published guide to the world’s must-see museums showcases some incredible feats of architecture, from the Renaissance revival Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam to the egg-shaped Museum of the Future in Dubai.
While many of those world-class institutions have been around for years, there are plenty of new museums to get excited about in 2026, from London’s spectacular new V&A East to the sweeping Grand Egyptian Museum on the outskirts of Cairo – but only seven new projects have just received the accolade of ‘world’s most beautiful’, according to Prix Versailles.
What is Prix Versailles?
Prix Versailles is a prestigious annual architecture and design award, highlighting outstanding new projects the world over, from airports and hotels to stadiums. Their list of commended museums for 2026 features institutions in China, Japan, Uzbekistan and more.
Which museums received the Prix Versailles award in 2026?
The Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi, which Time Out named one of the top new things to do in 2026, was recognised by Prix Versailles.
It’s nestled in the city’s Saadiyat Cultural District and is home to more than 1,500 artefacts, taking visitors on a journey throughout the UAE’s history since the dawn of civilisation.
Recommended: The world’s 20 best cities for art and culture in 2026.
With its looming steel structures which soar above the surrounding gardens, the building is reminiscent of the wings of a falcon – which is a reference to Emirati cultural identity – and was designed by esteemed British architect Lord Norman Foster. Keen to learn more? Check out Time Out Abu Dhabi’s guide.
Elsewhere on the list are the Xuelei Fragrance Museum, the largest of its kind in the world, which resembles a collection of fragrance bottles. The Lost Shtetl Museum in Šeduva, Lithuania, also features, which details the history of the local Jewish community and looks like a sleek, futuristic village.
The world’s most beautiful museums, according to Prix Versailles
- Zayed National Museum, UAE
- Science & Technology Museum, China
- Xuelei Fragrance Museum, China
- MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives, Japan
- Lost Shtetl Museum, Lithuania
- National Medal of Honor Museum, USA
- Islamic Civilization Center, Uzbekistan
Intrigued to see the museums featured last year? Check out 2025’s list.
🏛️ Check out Time Out’s ranking of the planet’s greatest museums.
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