There are more than 33,000 museums in the United States, according to a figure released by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. That means there's twice as many museums in the country as there are Starbucks – a staggering figure.
So, we wanted to narrow down the field to the best museums across six categories. An editorial panel, along with travel experts, elected 20 nominees per category, then you voted for the best in each one. The results are in.
Click on each category below to see the full winners list.
Best Art Museum: Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Georgia
Booth Western Art Museum wins for the third year in a row — Photo courtesy of Booth Western Art Museum
The Booth Western Art Museum maintains the world’s largest permanent exhibition space for Western art, and the building itself was designed to resemble a pueblo. The collection of paintings, sculptures, artifacts and photography focuses on themes of the Civil War and American West, with works by American legends such as Frederic Remington, Charles Russell and Andy Warhol.
Full list of winners: Best Art Museum »
Best Children's Museum: The DoSeum in San Antonio, Texas
The DoSeum offers plenty of family fun. — Photo courtesy of A family playing with the interactive displays in "Puppet Parade"
Opened in 2015 in San Antonio, The DoSeum is much more than a children’s museum – it’s a place where “minds are always at play.” Each guest is inspired to cultivate their curiosity and explore the joy of learning through STEM, the arts and literacy. Exhibits, programs, camps, classes and field trips are offered for all ages. DIY activities to do at home, such as fairy garden terrariums and coffee ground fossils, encourage learning after leaving the museum.
Full list of winners: Best Children's Museum »
Best Free Museum: National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center in Columbus, Georgia
National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center won both Best History Museum and Best Free Museum — Photo courtesy of Jay Rosenblatt / National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center
Free immersive exhibits at the National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center in Columbus take visitors through 240 years of U.S. history, examined through the lens of what it means to be a U.S. soldier.
Full list of winners: Best Free Museum »
Best History Museum: National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center in Columbus, Georgia
Winner in two categories, the National Infantry Museum & Solider Center is one of the world's best military museums and one of the top-rated attractions in Columbus.
Full list of winners: Best History Museum »
Best Pop Culture Museum: The Neon Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada
The Neon Museum offers a blast from the past — Photo courtesy of The Neon Museum
The modernization of Las Vegas has led to the decommissioning of many an iconic neon sign. The Neon Museum was founded in 1996 to collect and preserve these cultural relics. Visitors can see the Neon Boneyard – filled with more than 200 historic signs – on an hour-long guided tour.
Full list of winners: Best Pop Culture Museum »
Best Science Museum: Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, Ohio
Get hands-on with your next science lesson at COSI — Photo courtesy of Robb McCormick Photography
COSI offers a wide array of permanent exhibits and hosts a few traveling ones, too. Check out the American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery and Ohio’s largest Planetarium, or maybe take a tour of the ancient stories of the sea hosted by Poseidon himself. Lift a 2,437-pound car with the help of a lever in the outdoor Big Science Park.
Full list of winners: Best Science Museum »
Congratulations to all these winning nominees! Remember to visit 10Best.com daily to vote in our Readers' Choice contests.