How to Find Museum Collections and Exhibitions Online

A museum website usually does four jobs at once: describes the collection, announces exhibitions, sells tickets, and provides visitor information. The labels differ from site to site, so it is easy to land on an old press release or a third-party guide.

Here is a practical order of operations, using four well-known museums as examples.

First, confirm you are on the official site

In search results, prefer the domain that matches the institution, and check the footer, copyright line, and contact details. Ticketing platforms and travel guides can be useful supplements, but they are not the final authority on collections or exhibitions.

Every resource in this directory shows its domain before you click.

Four kinds of information, four entry points

1. Collection search

At The Metropolitan Museum of Art, collection search sits under the Art menu. You can filter by artist, date, medium, or open access.

The British Museum lets you search the collection by object type, culture, and period. Distinguish a collection record from an object currently on display: a catalogue page does not mean the work is in a gallery.

2. Current exhibitions

Tate Modern lists exhibitions and events under What’s on. Exhibition pages usually state whether a separate ticket is required, the run dates, and the gallery location.

The Louvre separates current, upcoming, and touring exhibitions. Check dates and closing days before planning a visit.

3. Visitor information

Opening hours, closures, entrances, bag rules, and transport usually live under Visit or Plan your visit. Holiday and temporary changes are announced separately; do not rely on a search snippet.

4. Tickets and timed entry

Many museums offer free permanent collections but require timed tickets or separate admission for special exhibitions. The official site is usually the safest place to book; third-party platforms may add fees or restrict changes.

A pre-visit checklist

• Is the exhibition still running?
• Is the work on display, or only in storage?
• Do you need a timed-entry slot?
• Is there a closure, strike, or special event that day?
• Which entrance should you use, and which transit stop is closest?
• Are photography and flash allowed?

Do not plan only around masterpieces

Popular works attract queues. Choose one less crowded object that genuinely interests you and build a route around it. You will see more and remember more.

If you are following a particular artist, check the collection record first, then the exhibition page. Confirm both before you plan the trip.

What to do next

Pick a museum you plan to visit and walk through the sequence: collection, exhibitions, visit, tickets. Save the four links so you do not have to search again.

More museum entries are listed under Museums.