Yale University Art Gallery
Oldest US university art museum
Founded in 1832, the Yale University Art Gallery is the first university art museum in the United States.
Its collection spans more than 5,000 years, with strengths in ancient Mediterranean and Asian art, early American decorative arts, modern and contemporary painting, and photography.
Highlights include works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Rothko, alongside rare artifacts like ancient coins and African sculpture.
The museum is spread across interconnected buildings designed by noted architects, including Louis Kahn, making the gallery itself a landmark.
Best of all, admission is free, making world-class art accessible to everyone.