Opening Words
Over the past 100 days, I visited 20 of the world's top museums. This decision significantly reduced my savings, but the gains far exceeded my expectations. Did you know? In 2023, the top 20 museums globally received nearly 100 million visitors. As an ordinary working professional, I wanted to understand what magic these museums possess to attract so many pilgrims.
The Data Speaks
Let's first look at how staggering these numbers are. In 2023, the world's top 20 museums received 99.763 million visitors, a 65.9% increase year-over-year. This is no small figure - it's equivalent to the entire permanent population of Beijing visiting museums.
In the Asia-Pacific region, the situation is even more surprising. The top 20 museums received 71.769 million visitors, a 167.5% increase year-over-year. This growth rate is even faster than my salary increases.
Notes from the Louvre
My first stop was the Louvre in Paris. As the museum with the highest visitor count globally in 2023, it welcomed 8.86 million visitors. You might ask, what makes it attract so many people?
I remember when I first stood in front of the Mona Lisa, there were at least 100 people crowded around. Everyone held up their phones, trying to capture this masterpiece. But honestly, rather than Mona Lisa's mysterious smile, I was more moved by the genuine expressions on the visitors' faces.
There was an interesting episode. While resting in the Louvre's café, I sat next to a couple from Shanghai. The man was enthusiastically explaining Da Vinci's works to his girlfriend. I initially thought he was an art historian, but later learned he was actually a programmer who had researched everything online beforehand. This made me realize that young people today pursue culture and art much more seriously than we imagine.
Observations from the National Museum of China
As a Chinese person, after visiting the Louvre, I naturally had to visit the National Museum of China. Data shows that in 2023, the National Museum ranked third globally with 6.757 million visitors. This achievement is truly pride-worthy.
The bronze ware exhibition left the deepest impression on me. Once, while standing before the Houmuwu Square Cauldron from the Shang Dynasty, I heard a little boy ask his father, "Dad, how did ancient people transport such large bronze vessels everywhere?" This question stumped his father, and it made me think too. Isn't this the charm of museums? They spark our curiosity about history.
A Promising Future
With the development of digital technology, museums' exhibition methods continue to innovate. The AR technology application I saw at the British Museum was particularly cool - you could see CT scan results of Egyptian mummies through your phone. It makes me wonder what museums will become in the future.
According to industry predictions, by 2031, Asia's museum tourism market share will further increase. What does this mean? It means we'll have more opportunities to closely encounter world-class art treasures.
Concluding Insights
This 100-day museum journey made me realize that museums were never dull institutions. They are bridges connecting the past and future, sources of inspiration, and windows into understanding a country's culture.
Looking back now, I have found the answer to my initial question. The magic of these museums lies not only in their collected treasures but also in how they give every ordinary person the chance to touch the essence of human civilization.
Have you visited these museums? Or do you plan to? Feel free to share your museum stories in the comments.
