7 Art Destinations Worth Making a Journey Across the World For
For the forward traveler, a special itinerary requires more than just a great hotel and a curated suitcase. Although, let's face it: Those are nonnegotiables too. Instead, the best kind of trips are the ones that revolve around a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage that, for some, can mean visiting a famous trove of vintage and archival designer fashion and, for others, can mean paying a visit to a bucket-list art and design landmark.
Here, we're diving into the world-renowned destinations where fine art and architecture meet breathtaking natural landscapes. From the sun-drenched, retro-futuristic curves of Pierre Cardin’s Palais Bulles on the French Riviera to the iconic, pumpkin-dotted shores of Japan’s Naoshima Island, these spaces are living, breathing works of art in their own right. Whether you're drawn to bold architecture, sculpture-filled gardens, or immersive cultural landscapes, these seven art destinations are worth crossing continents just to see and experience at least once in your life.
One thing about Dua Lipa? She'll always have the best taste in a vacation itinerary. The pop star recently paid a visit to Fondation Maeght while in town for the Cannes Film Festival, and if the museum wasn't already on your French Riviera wish list, it definitely will be now. Set among pine trees and rolling hills near Nice, the museum is a true hidden gem of the area that offers a uniquely intimate way to experience modern art—the sculpture gardens and light-filled galleries house works by artists including Joan Miró, Alberto Giacometti, and Marc Chagall. It tends to fly under the radar compared to many of Europe's major museums, so it still feels like a special discovery. A must-stop for art fans heading to the Côte d'Azur.
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Perched above the Mediterranean coastline near Cannes, Palais Bulles is unlike any other residence in the world. Designed by architect Antti Lovag, the surreal bubble-shaped structure resembles a futuristic dreamscape, with curved walls, circular windows, and organic forms replacing traditional straight lines. Famously owned by fashion designer Pierre Cardin, the property has hosted countless creative events and fashion shoots over the years, including the Dior cruise 2016 show. Even from afar, its otherworldly silhouette makes it one of the most visually compelling landmarks in Europe.
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Hovering above Guanabara Bay like a flying saucer, the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum is one of Oscar Niemeyer's most iconic creations. The museum's dramatic curves and sweeping views of Rio de Janeiro have made it a destination for architecture lovers as much as art enthusiasts. Its global fashion credentials were cemented when Louis Vuitton selected the museum as the backdrop for its cruise 2017 runway show, where the futuristic setting became the perfect backdrop to Nicolas Ghesquière's collection. Whether you're visiting for the exhibitions or the architecture itself, few museums offer a more cinematic arrival.
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Affectionately dubbed Japan’s "art island," Naoshima is the ultimate line item on every aesthete's Japan trip itinerary. What was once a quiet fishing island is now home to several world-renowned museums, site-specific installations, and galleries that are seamlessly integrated into the landscape with works by Claude Monet and James Turrell. But the undisputed fashion-person favorite is, of course, Yayoi Kusama's iconic polka-dot pumpkins that punctuate the landscape (and create a next-level backdrop for outfit photos). The journey to get there is all part of the experience, making Naoshima a true once-in-a-lifetime destination for art and culture.
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Copenhagen is already home to a number of world-class art museums, but none quite compare to the Louisiana Museum. Set about an hour outside of the city, it's a day trip that draws the Danish and the international fashion crowd alike, and it's especially a favorite stop for editors who are in town during CPHFW. Come here to fill up on inspiration from the impressive Calder sculptures that sit on the great lawn overlooking the water to the pieces by modern art legends like Picasso, Giacometti, and Bourgeois.
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Hidden within a lush residential development outside Mexico City, Nido de Quetzalcóatl is a surrealist residence turned museum that feels as though you're stepping inside of a fantasy world. Designed by architect Javier Senosiain, the building takes the form of the feathered serpent with curved walls and winding shapes that explode in a riot of colorful mosaics. Part architecture, part environmental artwork, the project embodies Mexico's tradition of blending mythology, design, and nature. Mexico City is home to some incredible architecture as it is, but a visit here isn't so much about seeing as it is about experiencing—you'll feel like you're stepping into an alternate universe.
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A pilgrimage site for interior-design lovers, Barcelona's Mies van der Rohe Pavilion is one of the most influential buildings of the modern era. Originally created for the 1929 International Exposition, the minimalist masterpiece is celebrated for its seamless interplay of glass, marble, and light. Nearly a century later, its clean lines and understated elegance continue to inspire architects, designers, and all manner of stylish creatives around the world.
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