Located in former wine cellars in the Bercy neighborhood, this private museum houses one of the largest collections of fairground objects, carousels, and amusement park memorabilia in the world. It is a "performance museum" where visitors are encouraged to interact with and ride the historic attractions.

Housed in two spectacular mansions (Hôtel Carnavalet and Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint Fargeau) in the heart of the Marais, this is the oldest municipal museum in Paris. It is dedicated to the history of the city, from prehistory to the present day, showcasing its evolution through art, furniture, and historical artifacts.

One of Paris’s most magnificent private museums. It was the lavish 19th-century home of Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart, who spent their lives traveling Europe to amass a world-class collection of Italian Renaissance art, 18th-century French paintings, and Flemish masters.

the Unko Museum (Poop Museum) is a one-of-a-kind "untertainment" facility dedicated to the world of poop but in the cutest, most "kawaii" way possible. It isn't a museum of history or science; it is a colorful, interactive art space filled with pastel colored poop sculptures, games, and photo zones designed to break the taboo around the subject with humor.

The Fujiko · F · Fujio Museum, located in Kawasaki near Tokyo, is dedicated to the beloved creator of Doraemon and other iconic manga characters. Set in a playful, immersive space, the museum showcases original drawings, interactive exhibits, short animated films, and thoughtfully designed rooms inspired by Fujiko F. Fujio’s world. Surrounded by greenery and featuring a themed café, it’s a charming visit for fans of Japanese pop culture and storytelling.

The Ghibli Museum, located in Mitaka, Tokyo, is a whimsical space dedicated to the films of Studio Ghibli. Designed by Hayao Miyazaki, it invites visitors into the studio’s imaginative world through original artwork, film clips, interactive exhibits, and exclusive short animations. With its storybook architecture and lush surroundings, the museum celebrates creativity, animation, and the magic of storytelling.

Like any natural history museum worth its salt, this relatively small but impressive collection offers a fascinating glimpse into Earth's history with minerals, meteors, and dinosaur skeletons, all housed in a beautifully preserved, historic building that truly feels like stepping back in time. One of my personal favorites as a dinosaur aficionado, the architecture, curation, and contents make this a highly underrated and lesser-known experience.

Jumex in Polanco features artists like Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Cy Twombly, and David LaChapelle. Located in a striking, minimalist building by British architect David Chipperfield, it focuses on vanguard (albeit occasionally social-media bate-y) exhibits.

Founded in 1588 as a Jesuit college, San Ildefonso later became part of the National University of Mexico and a key cultural institution. It is closely linked to figures like Diego Rivera and houses important murals by Rivera, Orozco, and Siqueiros. The colonial building now hosts temporary exhibitions by artists such as Louise Bourgeois, alongside its historic collections. It also occasionally presents orchestral concerts in its beautiful auditorium, making it worth following their Instagram for updates.

A bit of a favorite of mine, Franz Mayer houses one of Latin America’s finest collections of decorative arts, including intricate ceramics, furniture, textiles, and silverwork from around the world in a gorgeously restored colonial building. Franz Mayer also hosts the World Press Photo annual exhibition and sometimes features top notch temporary exhibits, like one by Dutch artist Theo Jansen, known for his Strandbeest sculptures, which are wind-powered, skeletal structures that move around like mythical creatures.