Are you ready to explore some top exhibits from home? Our guide includes the best museum webpages, showcasing the best in design, functionality, and user experience.
Discover stunning art, history, science, and natural history museum sites that inspire and educate. Whether you’re looking to build your own or just want some virtual inspiration, this guide has you covered.
Take a virtual journey through world-class museums – and find ideas to create an online presence that truly reflects your uniqueness!
For examples in other industries, visit our award-winning websites.
Top Museum Website Designs
1. National Museum of Natural History
Our team liked this example because of their blue and orange accent colors. Subtle animations helped it stand out from the others. We thought it was interesting to make their donate button a different color so that it is more visible. Using a variety of different photo frames was another idea we noticed.
2. Brussels Museum
Right away we noticed the bright pops of color that appeared in this example. Repeating their logo throughout the design was also helpful and looked good. This domain was simple and easy to identify with their company because they have the same names. Having an area for news and tips was another thing that we really enjoyed.
3. Tate
This company did a good job adding in colors and interesting fonts. They carefully balanced their white space which is something else that we appreciated. A search bar was included, which was something that we liked. We also noticed that they included their shop with art, prints, gifts, books, and more.
4. Crypt Art
The entry of Crypt Art was something that helped set them apart. It felt almost luxurious and unique as music plays softly from your device. Allowing for a 3D interactive design to explore their art was nice. Their exhibits are constantly being curated so new things can be seen.
5. The British Museum
This one balances images and videos well, making it more interesting to explore. Lots of information is shared in their footer, which is nice because it’s easy to access. Their black background was something else that helped them feel more unique.
6. National Museum of Singapore
Showing their current exhibits, costs, and time at the museum were all great additions. Including an itinerary to help visitors plan was something else that we liked. Showing some awards from Tripadvisor was another thing that we enjoyed. A search bar was also included, which we liked.
7. Guggenheim Museum
Right away we noticed this thoughtful logo. We thought it was interesting how it changed color as viewers scroll through the pages. Their navigation bar was also very well labeled, making everything easy to find. Guggenheim Museum had a simplistic domain that matches their company name.
8. Museum De Reede
A few different colors were used here in order to help everything pop. We felt like this choice of fonts was something that looked amazing in their website. Paragraphs are short while still including detail, making them perfect for people to read quickly. There was also a good variety of art forms that were on display.
Related: Raise awareness of your museum as a local entertainment attraction by implementing a digital marketing strategy.
9. National Gallery of Art
Here we have lots of different pieces on display varying in popularity. We loved their transitions that are subtle, but add to the feeling of their pages. Showing off their different locations was also helpful for those wishing to visit. We also enjoyed how images were all different sizes to help balance the white space more.
10. Courtauld Institute of Art
Using a large image to attract customers right away was a smart choice. Virtual galleries were another feature that we found useful for those that are unable to travel to their location. Small icons were used as visuals that included more information, which is always helpful.
11. New York Historical Society
There was a variety of font sizes which was nice because it made it easy to read important information and titles. Including their calendar was another feature that we enjoyed. New York Historical Society also did a good job staggering their images so it never felt overwhelming.
12. Museum of Science + Industry
Showing their popular exhibits right away was something that we enjoyed. The complexly interesting logo was a very impactful feature that we saw. They made use of drop downs within their navigation bar, which was something that we liked.
13. The Museum of the World
Upon entering this site, one of the first things we noticed was their use of a search bar. Having content logically organized was very helpful for those reading through. This was a unique site because it’s meant for museum goers looking for the best of the best to visit.
14. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum uses red, green, and blue in order to help separate the information within their website. Their fonts were simple, but could be read easily, which is always a plus. Adding in links to their social media pages is helpful to keep customers connected.
15. National Museum of African American History & Culture
Upcoming events and news are included, helping people stay informed. Additionally, we noticed their good balance of white space, and high quality images. Allowing customers to sign up for email notifications was also very helpful for those who want to learn more. We thought it was interesting that their logo was also the shape of their building.
16. Getty
We loved how Getty shows off their business name in many areas. Large images that display people interacting and having fun is always a good choice for sites like this one. Their domain matched with their business name which is always a good idea.
17. The Noguchi Museum
We loved how images were displayed here, there was a unique pattern and a variety of sizes. Another feature we noticed was their high-quality visuals. They clearly had website usability in mind when building the simple navigation.
18. Serpentine Galleries
This captivating font was a thoughtful feature that we enjoyed. Their arrows were interesting looking and matched with their decorative font, helping to maintain unity. An online shop could also be found including many pieces that were well labeled with prices.
19. Bob Dylan Center
Our team liked the black, white, and blue color scheme used in Bob Dylan Center’s website, because it creates a stunning layout. We liked small transition that were used to introduce information about their business or Bob Dylan himself. This navigation bar is also very well labeled, making it easy to find information.
Related: Museums often look at SEO as a way of improving organic traffic to their website from people searching for attractions in various cities.
20. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
A black and white color scheme allows for a more old-time look for these pages. Showing off lots of information all on their homepage was nice because viewers could click links to learn more. Having an area to buy tickets for their museum was something else that is very important.
21. Grand Rapids Art Museum
We loved how there was lots of high quality images here. Showing off their partners and thanking them was something that we liked. A search bar was another thing that we liked to see. Having their open hours in the top corner was helpful for those wishing to visit.
22. Field Museum
It was interesting to have more unique areas within their site like a “That’s My Cat!” contest. Including a blog was something that we felt was not just helpful, but it also helped them stand out. Using negative space within their logo to include all the information was nice.
23. Momentous
We loved how this example had an interesting layout. A green color scheme was very impactful within this homepage. Balancing videos with images was definitely refreshing. Momentous had digital marketing in mind when building a display of statistics to create a larger impact.
24. Whitney Museum of American Art
A black background creates a backdrop that we absolutely loved. Including links to each of their social media pages was another thing that we found helpful. Having the opportunity to book tickets or become a member was a nice touch. Besides that, we liked that they included many buttons to help guide people towards different information.
25. National Air & Space Museum
All images related to their theme of space (even the ones of customers and kids). Including lots of buttons to help with organization, and making content easier to find. We liked the little tabs that show what are events, exhibits, or deep dive information.
26. Chrysler Museum of Art
Upon entering this site, we loved how their pages were laid out carefully, allowing for a good balance of white space. High quality images was one of our favorite parts about Chrysler Museum of Art. Showing off customer reviews from their members was a great choice. Subtle accents of blue was also nice because it helped bring life to their pages.
27. Art Institute of Chicago
A video is as a hero header in order to grab attention and display their variety of art. Drop downs were used within their navigation bar in order to keep content organized. Lots of information is included in blogs, exhibit pages, and more. They wanted to stand out when creating a bunch of highlight stories.
28. Barnes Foundation
A homepage feature within Barnes Foundation that we noticed was their full screen imagery because that’s something you don’t find on most of these sites. We thought their logo was a great design that was simple and showed off their business name.
29. Pioneer Works
Pioneer Works does a great job with their large images that lead to a variety of different information. Sprinkling in videos and articles along with images from their exhibits was something that we loved. Including a page to donate to them was smart to include, but they don’t continuously ask for money which is nice.
30. Pulitzer Arts Foundation
Pulitzer Arts Foundation did an amazing job with their balance of white space. Many of their images have a similar appeal, meaning that it creates a feeling of unity. Adding in a search bar was something else that we enjoyed. Showing off their current exhibits with large images and their titles helped people to see if it’s worth visiting.
31. Barbican
This example was not only well organized, but they include lots of information in many different areas of interest. Many accents of bright colors used throughout their pages was a reason we included them into our rankings. They had accessibility in mind when making use of a navigation bar with organized sections.
32. The Met
There was lots of images here that help information and artwork to stand out more. Short and straightforward paragraphs are used throughout this example to keep people engaged. Including their locations in the footer was nice because it is easy to find there.
33. Phoenix Art Museum
There is clearly a more unique approach to these displays. This clean and professional font was a very impactful feature. Adding in buttons was also a very good choice to help everyone gain more information. There was a good balance of white space, which is always a helpful feature. Including a shop right on their website was something else we couldn’t ignore.
34. Museum Hack
Although this is a more unique example, we liked it just as much. We enjoyed how lots of highly popular publications were displayed to show their connection to this company. Their bursts of red-orange was a nice accent to make everything pop. We really liked how there was interesting photo frames to keep everything looking amazing.
35. British National Gallery
There was lots of stunning images that were used throughout these pages. Bright yellows carefully accented many areas of this webpage, which we loved. Showing off stories through their social media pages was another feature we were grateful for. Linking icons for each of their social media pages was also a nice choice.
36. Children’s Museum of the Arts
One of the best parts about Children’s Museum of the Arts was their sliding animations to introduce all their content. We loved their simplistic background with a basic color palette, helping images stand out more. Keeping paragraphs short and easy to read was something that makes it easy for everyone to read.
37. YBCA
YBCA had a simple but unique logo that gets smaller as customers scroll down. Showing a map in the footer and menu was another interesting aspect that we liked. Accents of orange was nice to help liven up each of the pages. Their logically organized template helped make this an amazing one to review.
38. The Jewish Museum
Displaying lots of images of their museum and the art that is on display there was perfect. Incorporating their social media page was something that we really enjoyed. Including titles for almost every image to show what piece is shown was nice.
39. American Folk Art Museum
We loved how they showed off their company name in many areas. Balancing images with whitespace was something that is always helpful for any type of business. Showing many things that are new and upcoming is also very helpful. Their domain is also very simple and matches with their name, which is always a good choice.
40. Harvard Art Museums
We loved how this layout scatters images in an asymmetrically balanced way. Many of these images included links to additional information. It was also nice to sometimes include frames for larger text boxes. We also liked having a whole page for events, a page for collections, a page for exhibits and more.
41. Hammer Museum
Lots of interesting images are used in every area of this site to keep everything looking great. Their bold fonts for titles is always a helpful choice. We liked how they included information about upcoming readings along with tours & talks. Having their own channel to show off more information was also really cool.
42. Van Gogh Museum
We loved how this example changed colors as you moved through their information. Using a bunch of bullet points to keep everything organized and easy to read. Their simplistic font was another thing that we really enjoyed. Having a search bar was nice for those who are looking for specific pieces.
43. McColl Center
It was amazing to have a logo design that was reused in lots of different places. We really loved how they used short and straightforward paragraphs that make it easy for readers. Allowing for opportunities like co-op programs and internships was what we really loved about McColl Center.
44. Museum of Modern Art
There was lots of unique pieces that are on display here. We liked that their choice in art has a variety of mediums and subjects. We really liked this creative configuration for their layout, also keeping everything organized and looking sharp. The balance of information and images was another thing we enjoyed.
45. Walker Art Center
This example appeared more like a newspaper, which we really liked. There was lots of links in their menu which we felt was very helpful. A page dedicated to their Design Studio was different, helping them stand out from their competitors. Having links for buying tickets, becoming a member, and to login was smart.
46. New Museum
Right away, we noticed how New Museum used bold and fun fonts within their webpage. It was interesting to include a store equipped with apparel and more. There was lots of tabs within their navigation bar making it easy to find information.
47. Cleveland Museum of Art
Adding in small yellow tags to show off information that is featured. Information is included for each event such as dates and locations. We liked how people could read about their restaurants, cafe, and store. A section dedicated to AI was interesting, and isn’t typical of art museums to include that.
48. MCA Denver
Bright flashes of purple and orange appear just to bring a little excitement to their pages. Bold capital letters are another smart choice for this example. A playful design is a nice touch for anyone looking for inspiration. This domain was simple and matched with their business name which was really nice.
49. National Museum of Mexican Art
Allowing for a variety of events other than exhibits was the first thing that we noticed. Some muted colors are used in order to grab attention of customers. Large images are occasionally used which was helpful to build up their visual aspects. Simple navigation was another thing that is always important to maintain.
How to Build an Impressive Museum Website
Are you building a site for your company? Exciting!
Here are the key steps to create or redesign – feel free to skip ahead if you’ve already chosen your domain, hosting, and platform.
1.) Acquiring a Domain Name
Choosing a domain is key to establishing your museum’s online identity. It’s your web address and a big part of your branding.
Here’s how to pick the perfect one:
- Generate Ideas: Include your museum’s name, location, or key exhibits.
- Simplicity: Easy to spell, pronounce, and remember – avoid hyphens or numbers.
- Consistency: Use your museum’s name or location to boost recognition in search results.
- Availability: See if your preferred name is available; avoid overpaying for domains already taken.
- Domain Extensions: .com is standard, but .org, .museum, or .art may suit you better.
- Legal Considerations: Do a trademark search to ensure your name doesn’t infringe on existing rights.
- Register the Domain: Use a reliable registrar like GoDaddy and Namecheap to secure your domain.
2.) Selecting a Website Platform
Once you’ve chosen a domain, the next step is picking a website platform.
Most museum sites focus on content, event calendars, and contact forms – ecommerce is usually only needed for online ticket sales.
For Content Websites:
WordPress is a top choice for most museums, though hosted builders like Wix are also great options.
- WordPress: WordPress is a flexible, widely-used CMS ideal for everything from simple to advanced museum sites. With thousands of themes and plugins, it offers great customization and room to grow. Most users opt for the self-hosted version for full control.
- Wix: Wix is a user-friendly builder with templates and tools suited for museums. No separate hosting needed, and it’s a solid choice for simpler sites.osting service.
For Ecommerce Websites:
If you plan to sell products online, you’ll likely want either WooCommerce or Shopify as your ecommerce platform.
- WooCommerce: WooCommerce is the go-to ecommerce plugin for WordPress. It integrates smoothly, offers many extensions, and is perfect for museums selling products or tickets online.
- Shopify: Shopify is a fully hosted ecommerce platform with built-in tools for payments, shipping, and inventory. Great for museums wanting a user-friendly, all-in-one online store solution.
Web Hosting Requirements
If you’re using WordPress or WooCommerce, you’ll need web hosting.
We recommend our own hosting service, optimized for WordPress. Other good options include:
- WP Engine: A top choice for you is WP Engine, offering easy staging and reliable backups. Just note the PHP execution time limits and that costs can rise with upgrades.
- SiteGround: Excellent support with quick response times, user-friendly backup tools, and fair pricing – making SiteGround great for museums.
- Digital Ocean: Digital Ocean is a powerful cloud hosting, but best suited for tech-savvy users. It’s reliable but can get costly with added services. For help managing it, we recommend AdminGeekZ.
3.) Selecting a Website Template
Most museums choose a pre-designed template to save on cost and development time. For a unique look, you can hire a custom web developer or custom ecommerce developer to build a custom theme.
For now, here are top marketplaces to explore pre-built museum templates:
WordPress Museum Themes
You can find free themes at wordpress.org, or consider museum-inspired templates on ThemeForest.
Loquet – Themeforest
$79
Musea – Themeforest
$85
Egypt – Themeforest
$59
Muzex – Themeforest
$35
Wix Museum Themes
You can find free and paid themes in the Wix marketplace at wix.com, some of which are well-suited for museums.
4.) Creating Content & Adding Images
With your domain, platform, and theme ready, it’s time to create content for your museum website!
Here are a few tips for writing engaging, effective copy:
- Know your target audience: Understand who you’re writing for and tailor content to their interests.
- Define your key messages: Focus on your museum’s mission, unique features, and value to visitors.
- Keep it concise and scannable: Use short paragraphs, bullets, and headings to improve readability.
- Create clear and compelling headlines: Capture attention with clear, compelling titles.
- Incorporate keywords strategically: Include relevant keywords to boost SEO by using Ahrefs or Semrush to help – avoid overstuffing.
- Maintain a conversational tone: Write in a friendly, approachable tone; skip the jargon.
- Edit and proofread: Check for errors and ensure your content flows well. Use tools like Grammarly.
- Utilize ChatGPT for assistance: Need help brainstorming or editing? AI tools like ChatGPT can assist.
Boost your content’s readability by adding high-quality, relevant images. Here are a few tips:
- Opt for high-quality images: Avoid blurry or pixelated visuals.
- Ensure relevance: Choose images that support and enhance your content.
- Consider stock photo resources: Use sites like Unsplash, Pixabay, or Shutterstock – follow licensing rules.
- Customize images when possible: Add your branding for a cohesive look using tools like Adobe Photoshop or Canva.
- Optimize image file sizes: Compress images to keep your site fast – try tools like TinyPNG.
5.) Post Launch Strategies
After launching your museum website, focus on key tasks to boost its effectiveness. Here are some essential post-launch tips:
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Boost visibility with keyword research, optimized content, and regular updates. Hire our SEO team or use services like The HOTH for help.
- Paid Advertising: Drive traffic fast with Google or Facebook Ads. Use our PPC management services or find pros on Mayple.
- Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO): Use tools like Google Analytics and VWO to improve conversion rates through data-driven tweaks.
- Website Security: Protect your site with SSL, firewalls (like Sucuri), backups, and regular updates. Monitor uptime with tools like UptimeRobot.
- Website Maintenance: Update plugins, fix errors, and back up your site regularly. Hire us for our website maintenance services or find freelancers on Upwork.
- User Feedback and Testing: Gather feedback and test user experience to guide future improvements.
- Content Updates: Keep content fresh – add blog posts, update events/exhibits, and maintain accuracy to engage visitors.
Post-launch digital marketing is key to your museum website’s long-term success. Stay proactive, track performance, and adjust strategies to meet your goals.