There are literally thousands of art galleries all over the world. Almost every city has an art gallery but there are some art galleries that are known all around the world. People will travel across the world just to see some of these famous art galleries and the master pieces that they house inside.

Probably the most famous art gallery in the entire world is the Louvre, located in Paris, France. The building itself is a museum, but it's more widely known as being home to many stunning paintings. The most famous of all is da Vinci's Mona Lisa. Due to theft, and thankfully being returned, security is extremely high. You will find other paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, as well as other world class painters.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York City, is another home to incredible works of art. For Americans, it's a great place to see works by famous fellow countrymen, but there are also important works from all over the globe. Some of these are paintings and sculptures by Botticelli, Raphael, and El Greco.

Our next stop is London, England, where the National Gallery is situated. There you will find glorious works by the best known artists of Europe. Some of the most famous are by Raphael, Manet, da Vinci, Renoir, and Monet. True art lovers will need to make a visit to this stunning gallery at some time in their lives. Some paintings hanging there are: Sunflowers, by Vincent Van Gogh; The Virgin of the Rocks, by Leonardo da Vinci; and Venus and Mars, by Sandro Botticelli.

While most art galleries cater to the works of the 'greats', in recent times many galleries have started focusing on the contemporary arts of the twentieth century. Amongst the most famous contemporary art galleries and museums in the world is 'The George Pompidou Center' in Paris. The building that house the George Pompidou Center itself is also totally contemporary with all the ducts and piping on the outside.

Contemporary art galleries and museums typically feature not only paintings, drawings, and prints, but exhibits of furniture, sound, light, and even music. Visiting these galleries can be a fascinating visit through the past few decades and shows how much style and taste has changed.

Most of the major European cities are home to at least a national and a contemporary gallery. Usually there are also private galleries. Any time you visit a major metropolitan area, be sure to include the galleries in your itinerary. It's a wonderful way to learn about a country and its cultures. History and its changes are reflected in the art on display.

If you are interested in purchasing some art, the above mentioned art galleries won't sell you any of their master pieces. Typically you will need to go to a private art gallery to buy good art. You may not find Renoirs or Van Gogh's, but there is plenty of beautiful art that you can bring home. Art houses like Christie's often hold art auctions that feature some stunning pieces that you can bid on.

Art as an expression of our culture, thought process and creativity has no parallel. Viewing these masterpieces in an art gallery transposes the viewer into the mind and time of the creator who has shaped our culture.