In 2025, museums have transcended their traditional roles as passive vessels of knowledge. Around the globe, these cultural landmarks are undergoing a stunning transformation — not only housing masterpieces but becoming masterpieces themselves. In an era when visual storytelling and immersive environments dominate the cultural landscape, museum architecture has emerged as an art form, blurring the lines between structure and sculpture, between containment and creativity. This new generation of museums doesn't just protect history; it writes its own narrative in concrete, glass, wood, and steel.

As travelers seek out destinations that offer both cultural depth and visual grandeur, these architectural marvels are rising to the occasion. They're designed not only to inform but to evoke emotion, spark conversation, and deepen human connection to both place and purpose. From reimagined grain silos in Norway to subterranean digital sanctuaries in Saudi Arabia, these awe-inspiring museums are pushing the boundaries of design, sustainability, and spatial storytelling.

In many cases, the buildings themselves rival — or even surpass — the art they house. They challenge the conventional museum experience, inviting visitors to interact with the space as much as with the exhibits. They use light, shadow, texture, and scent to create multisensory journeys. Whether it’s a heritage structure reinterpreted for the modern age or a futuristic concept rooted in local culture, these museums remind us that architecture is not just a backdrop — it's a bold, dynamic protagonist.

1. Grand Palais – Paris, France

The Grand Palais is a masterpiece of architectural grandeur, originally built for the 1900 Paris Exposition by architect Charles Girault. This iconic structure features a vast 17,500-square-meter glass roof that allows natural light to flood the space, enhancing its ornate sculptures and frescoes.

After an extensive restoration by Chatillon Architectes, the Grand Palais now serves as a cultural hub, hosting art exhibitions, fashion shows, and public events. Its preserved upper gallery offers visitors a unique promenade, connecting them with Parisian history and providing panoramic views of the city.

2. Saka Museum – Bali, Indonesia

Opened in July 2024, the Saka Museum is a cultural gem within the Ayana Bali hotel complex, overlooking the breathtaking Jimbaran Bay. This museum reflects the Balinese philosophy of Giri Segara, symbolizing the harmony between mountain and sea. Its design includes a sloping roof that mimics the natural landscape, while a reflective pool enhances the serene atmosphere.

The Saka Museum showcases Bali’s living traditions, including an in-depth exploration of the Nyepi Day of Silence, offering visitors a deep dive into the island’s rich cultural heritage.

3. Audeum – Seoul, Republic of Korea

Audeum, designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, is an innovative museum that engages all five senses. Its façade, adorned with vertical aluminum pipes, reflects the beauty of nature and the play of light. The interior features a fragrant cypress wood entrance, inviting visitors to experience a multisensory journey.

Audeum not only showcases art but also serves as a space for performance and community engagement, creating an immersive environment where art and nature coexist harmoniously.

4. Kunstsilo – Kristiansand, Norway

Kunstsilo, a remarkable transformation of a former grain silo, is now Southern Norway’s largest museum, housing the world’s most extensive private Nordic art collection. Completed in May 2024, this three-story structure offers expansive views of the coastline and features a grand staircase that encourages meditation and reflection.

The museum hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events, making it a vibrant center for art and community engagement while celebrating the region’s industrial heritage.

5. Diriyah Art Futures – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Diriyah Art Futures stands as the first museum in the Arabian Peninsula dedicated to digital art. This ambitious project integrates exhibition spaces, research labs, and artist residencies into a cohesive structure that connects with the surrounding landscape of Wadi Hanifah. The design incorporates traditional architectural elements while embracing modern technology, creating an inviting atmosphere for exploration and interaction.

The museum aims to foster a dialogue between contemporary art and cultural heritage, appealing to both local and international audiences.

6. Cleveland Museum of Natural History – Cleveland, United States

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History recently underwent a transformative renovation by DLR Group, reflecting the region's geological history. The redesign features flowing, alluvial forms reminiscent of glacial landscapes, unifying the museum's diverse exhibits.

Set on beautifully landscaped grounds, the museum offers educational programs, interactive exhibits, and a planetarium, making it a vital resource for families, students, and researchers alike. Its commitment to conservation and education underscores the importance of natural history in understanding our world.

7. Joslyn Art Museum – Omaha, United States

The Joslyn Art Museum is an architectural wonder that combines historical and contemporary designs. Founded in 1931, the museum features three distinct buildings, including the original Art Deco structure and two modern additions by renowned architects.

The museum's collection spans 5,000 years of art, with a focus on American and European works. It offers educational programs, workshops, and community events, making art accessible to all. The campus also boasts beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces for visitors to enjoy.

8. Louvre Museum – Paris, France

The Louvre, one of the world’s most famous museums, features a glass pyramid entrance designed by I.M. Pei, which revolutionized the visitor experience. The museum houses an extensive collection of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, spanning thousands of years and cultures.

The Louvre regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, educational workshops, and cultural events, making it a dynamic space that connects history with contemporary artistic expressions. Its rich history as a royal palace adds to the allure of this iconic institution.

9. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao – Spain

Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a landmark of contemporary architecture, known for its flowing, sculptural forms clad in titanium. Since its opening in 1997, the museum has revitalized the city’s industrial landscape and become a cultural beacon.

The museum hosts a diverse range of exhibitions, from modern and contemporary art to immersive installations. Its innovative design enhances the visitor experience, making it a must-see destination for art lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike.

10. Museum of Islamic Art – Doha, Qatar

I.M. Pei’s Museum of Islamic Art is a stunning example of modern architecture inspired by ancient Islamic design. Rising from an artificial island, the museum features a limestone façade and geometric forms that create breathtaking views of Doha Bay. Inside, it houses one of the world’s finest collections of Islamic art, spanning over 1,400 years.

The museum also offers educational programs, workshops, and cultural events, fostering a deeper understanding of Islamic heritage and its influence on global art.

These architectural wonders demonstrate that museums have evolved into destinations that celebrate both art and the human experience. Whether admiring the grandeur of the Grand Palais in Paris or exploring the innovative design of Diriyah Art Futures, visitors are invited to engage with culture in new and exciting ways. In a world where the journey through these stunning structures can be as enlightening as the art they contain, these museums are redefining the experience of cultural exploration.

Istanbul Airport has once again claimed the title of the world’s best international airport, securing the top spot in Travel + Leisure’s prestigious “World’s Top 10 International Airports” ranking for the second consecutive year.

The announcement was made by Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, who hailed the recognition as a “double success” for the airport. In addition to maintaining its global title, Istanbul Airport also recorded its highest-ever daily flight count on July 18, with 1,695 air traffic movements.

“This year, Istanbul Airport scored an impressive 98.57, up from last year’s 95.79,” Travel + Leisure noted, calling the achievement “extra impressive,” especially considering the airport ranked seventh just two years ago with a reader score of 83.36.

Airports in the survey were evaluated by readers based on key criteria such as accessibility, check-in experience, security procedures, dining options, shopping, and overall design. Istanbul Airport’s continued dominance reflects its rapid evolution into a global aviation powerhouse since entering the ranking in 2021 — the first Turkish airport ever to do so.

Operated by IGA, the airport has demonstrated significant operational milestones. In April, it became the first in Europe and second globally to operate three runways simultaneously, following only the United States. In 2024, it handled nearly 80 million passengers, solidifying its position as Europe’s largest and second-busiest airport, according to the State Airports General Directorate (DHMI).

Istanbul Airport is not only a leader in passenger traffic but also in air cargo. It was named Europe’s busiest cargo hub by Airports Council International (ACI) in its 2024 Annual Traffic Report. Weekly data from Eurocontrol consistently ranks it among Europe’s top airports for daily flights.

With a seamless blend of cutting-edge infrastructure, operational excellence, and world-class passenger amenities, Istanbul Airport continues to redefine global standards in aviation.

Hamad International Airport (DOH) maintained a robust and stable operational performance in the first half of 2025, reflecting its resilience amid evolving global travel dynamics. As the gateway to Qatar, the airport saw a notable increase in point-to-point travel to Doha, with passenger traffic rising by 2.3% between January and June 2025, underscoring the city's growing status as both a tourism and business hub.

During the same period, Hamad International Airport served 25.9 million passengers, marking a slight year-on-year dip of 0.45%, while cargo volumes totaled 1.2 million tonnes (-1.68% Y-o-Y), and aircraft movements reached over 136,000 (-1.71% Y-o-Y). These figures remain in line with regional trends and reflect the airport’s ability to sustain momentum despite the leap year comparison to 2024.

Beyond numbers, Hamad International Airport continued its commitment to enhancing the passenger journey. The airport’s recent expansion – including the opening of Concourses D and E – significantly boosted capacity, adding 17 new contact gates and increasing boarding bridges by 40%. These enhancements eliminated an estimated 350,000 bus transfers, streamlining terminal-to-aircraft transitions and offering a more seamless travel experience.

The terminal’s inclusive design further elevates passenger comfort, featuring barrier-free pathways, hearing loops, spacious seating areas, and dedicated services such as family lanes and e-gates for travelers with disabilities. These initiatives demonstrate the airport's focus on accessibility and thoughtful service.

Adding to its signature ORCHARD indoor tropical garden, Hamad International Airport also unveiled a permanent art collection by renowned artists Gillie and Marc. These installations not only enrich the airport’s ambiance but also serve as a reminder of the need to protect endangered wildlife, blending travel with cultural and environmental consciousness.

As it continues to evolve, Hamad International Airport stands as a model of operational excellence and passenger-centric innovation in the global aviation sector.

Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) has once again achieved a major milestone, earning the distinction of being the world’s most punctual airport in June 2025 with an impressive on-time performance rate of 90.41%. This recognition was announced by Cirium, a global leader in aviation analytics, reinforcing KKIA’s reputation for operational excellence and reliability on the international stage.

Third Top Ranking in 2025

This marks the third time in 2025 that KKIA has secured the number one global ranking for punctuality, having previously attained this accolade in March and April. Such consistency underlines KKIA's commitment to maintaining world-class standards in flight operations and passenger experience.

Cirium Report and Methodology

Cirium compiles its punctuality rankings through a comprehensive analysis of data from airlines, air traffic control systems, and airport feeds across the globe. The rankings reflect the proportion of flights departing or arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled times—a widely accepted industry standard. This robust methodology guarantees transparency and accuracy, providing a valuable benchmark for industry stakeholders and travelers alike.

Saudi Vision 2030 and Aviation Strategy

KKIA’s consistent top performance aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious strategy to transform its aviation sector and cement Riyadh as a top-tier logistics and travel hub. Ongoing investments in new infrastructure, enhancements in efficiency, and elevated customer service standards have all contributed to this achievement.

Additional 2025 Milestones and Recognitions

• Skytrax 2025 Awards: KKIA climbed to 24th place globally in the Skytrax World Airport Awards, an 11-position improvement, becoming the highest-ranking Saudi airport ever. The airport also received honors for “Best Airport Staff in the Middle East,” third globally for the “Best New Terminal,” and fourth for airports in the 30–40 million passengers category.

• Environmental Leadership: Earlier in 2025, KKIA became the first airport in Saudi Arabia to reach Level 4 Transformation under the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, marking a significant step toward sustainability and a commitment to reach net zero emissions by 205010.

• Expanding Connectivity: 2025 saw the launch of direct flights from Virgin Atlantic and US-Bangla Airlines, strengthening air links between Riyadh and key international destinations such as Toronto and Dhaka, further cementing KKIA's role as a global gateway.

• Domestic Excellence: KKIA maintained top rankings within Saudi Arabia for passenger traffic and flight punctuality, driven by ongoing modernization and expanded passenger services.

Saudi Airlines Also Excel

In June 2025, Saudia was named the world’s most punctual airline, with a 91.33% on-time arrival rate and a 90.69% on-time departure rate, according to Cirium. Saudia’s low-cost carrier, flyadeal, led the Middle East and Africa with a 91.77% punctuality rate, adding further prestige to Saudi Arabia’s aviation achievements.

iGA Istanbul Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport have formalized a Sister Airport agreement, uniting two of the world’s most prominent aviation hubs in a partnership designed to foster collaboration and innovation across multiple facets of airport operations. The agreement was signed during a ceremony at O’Hare’s Terminal 5 on June 20, 2025, attended by executives from both airports and Türkiye’s Consul General in Chicago, Tahir Bora Atatanır.

The partnership aims to facilitate joint projects in airport management, operations, customer service, planning, and sustainability, reflecting the shared commitment to advancing global connectivity and excellence in passenger experience.

Selahattin Bilgen, CEO of iGA Istanbul Airport, highlighted the strategic importance of this alliance for expanding iGA’s presence in North America and strengthening its global network. He noted that the cooperation is expected to yield mutual benefits in both passenger and cargo transportation, leveraging the airports’ roles as major international gateways.

iGA Istanbul Airport, ranked the seventh busiest in the world by passenger numbers in 2024 and the ninth by aircraft movements, serves as Türkiye’s largest airport and a major hub for Turkish Airlines, offering nonstop service to over 330 destinations—including 14 in the United States. Similarly, O’Hare is recognized as the best-connected airport in the United States and a critical hub for Star Alliance carriers.

The agreement is particularly significant given the strong business and cultural ties between Chicago and Istanbul. The Chicago metropolitan area is home to approximately 5,000 Turkish nationals, with over 20 Turkish investors and 12 Turkish firms operating in the city, while eight Chicago-based companies maintain a presence in Türkiye. This partnership is expected to further enhance trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two cities.

Michael J. McMurray, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, emphasized that the Sister Airport agreement will elevate bilateral relations between the United States and Türkiye and help maintain Chicago’s status as a global transportation hub. The partnership is also supported by World Business Chicago, whose President & CEO, Phil Clement, underscored the unique position of Istanbul as a city bridging Europe and Asia, and the value of deepening international ties for Chicago’s diverse economy and global reach.

The Sister Airport agreement establishes joint working groups focused on sharing best practices in airport management, customer service, planning, operations, and sustainable development. This is iGA Istanbul Airport’s first such partnership in the Americas, complementing its existing alliances with major airports in Asia and Europe, including Incheon, Beijing, Shanghai, and Copenhagen.

For the Chicago Department of Aviation, this marks its tenth Sister Airport agreement, further expanding its international network.

Both airports anticipate that the collaboration will position them to capitalize on growing passenger and cargo volumes, reinforcing their roles as vital nodes in the global aviation network and setting a foundation for ongoing innovation and connectivity

Sharjah Airport has announced its full readiness to accommodate the significant increase in passenger traffic expected during the peak summer travel season. From July 1 to 15, 2025, the airport anticipates welcoming over 800,000 travelers, reflecting a substantial rise compared to previous years. This surge is driven by increased tourism, holiday travel, and business activities in the region.

To manage this influx, the Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) has implemented a comprehensive operational plan developed in collaboration with airlines, ground handling companies, security agencies, and health authorities. The plan focuses on enhancing passenger experience by streamlining check-in, security screening, and boarding processes. Additional counters and staff have been deployed to reduce wait times, while advanced biometric and automated systems are being utilized to expedite passenger flow.

Customer service teams are working tirelessly around the clock to provide assistance, answer inquiries, and guide passengers through the airport’s smart services and innovative technologies, such as contactless check-in kiosks and real-time flight information displays. The airport has also expanded its lounge capacities and improved amenities to ensure comfort during waiting periods.

In line with global health and safety standards, Sharjah Airport continues to enforce rigorous sanitation protocols, including frequent cleaning of high-touch areas and mandatory mask policies where applicable. Health screening procedures remain in place, and the airport has coordinated with local health authorities to facilitate COVID-19 testing and vaccination verification as required by destination countries.

Security measures have been upgraded to incorporate the latest technologies and intelligence-sharing practices, ensuring passenger safety without compromising efficiency. The airport’s infrastructure has been enhanced to support the increased traffic, including expanded parking facilities and improved ground transportation links to and from the airport.

Passengers are strongly advised to arrive at least three hours before their scheduled departure to allow sufficient time for check-in and security procedures. It is also recommended that travelers verify their flight details and any travel advisories directly with their airlines prior to arriving at the airport, as schedules may be subject to change during this busy period.

The Sharjah Airport Authority remains committed to delivering the highest standards of service and safety, reinforcing Sharjah Airport’s status as a key regional and international travel hub. Continuous monitoring and adjustments will be made throughout the peak season to maintain operational excellence and ensure a smooth travel experience for all passengers. For further information and updates, travelers can visit the official Sharjah Airport website or contact their airline customer service centers.