7 Best Open-Air Museums In The World [2025]

Ever walked through history without stepping into a building? Open-air museums give you that chance. These are not just outdoor exhibits with a few artefacts; they are comprehensive, immersive experiences. They are entire towns, villages, or landscapes that have been carefully recreated or preserved to show how people once lived. You get to stroll through old houses, meet craftspeople at work, and experience a slice of life from a different time and place.

Let’s take a look at some of the best open-air museums around the world that are worth your time in 2025. Whether you're into Viking settlements, medieval towns, or rural farming life, there's a place for you here.

Skansen – Stockholm, Sweden

Skansen isn’t just another museum. It’s the world’s first open-air museum, founded back in 1891. And it still holds its place at the top. Set on Djurgården Island in Stockholm, this place is like a window into Sweden’s past, spread over 75 acres.

As you walk through, you’ll see traditional wooden houses, farmsteads, and workshops from different parts of the country. There’s even a full working replica of a 19th-century town square. Watch a shoemaker at work or smell fresh bread from an old-style bakery. You’re not just looking at exhibits—you’re walking through them.

Skansen also includes a Nordic zoo, which means you’ll see reindeer, lynx, and bears along the way. The best time to visit? During Swedish holidays. Midsummer celebrations here come with dancing, music, and flower crowns—like stepping into a folklore painting.

Bokrijk – Genk, Belgium

Set in the heart of Belgium's green countryside, Bokrijk is more than just a nostalgic walk. It's an active, hands-on experience. Over 100 historic buildings have been moved here from all across Flanders. From cottages with thatched roofs to large barns and chapels, it's a full immersion into rural life from the 17th to the 20th centuries.

This museum also makes good use of live demonstrations. You'll see blacksmiths hammering out tools, women in aprons spinning wool, and kids learning old-school games. Want to try something? Many stations invite visitors to participate, whether it's baking bread or creating crafts.

One unique part of Bokrijk is the cycling experience. It offers a scenic path that goes straight through a pond—literally through the water, at eye level. It's called “Cycling Through Water,” and it's both peaceful and surreal.

St. Fagans National Museum Of History – Cardiff, Wales

Not far from Cardiff, this museum sits on the grounds of a 16th-century castle. It’s one of Wales’ most beloved attractions—and for good reason. St. Fagans brings Welsh history to life through over 40 carefully reconstructed buildings from across the country.

You'll find a medieval church, a Victorian schoolhouse, traditional cottages, and even an old bakery where fresh bread is still made. The variety is impressive. From ancient Celtic homes to 20th-century miners' houses, you get a full spectrum of Welsh life through the centuries.

The museum also hosts seasonal events. Harvest festivals, blacksmithing workshops, and storytelling sessions make this place feel alive. It's not just about what you see—it's what you think, hear, and smell.

The Norwegian Museum Of Cultural History – Oslo, Norway

Just a ferry ride from central Oslo, the Norsk Folkemuseum offers a deep dive into Norwegian heritage. Spread across a sprawling area, it features more than 150 buildings from all over the country.

One of its biggest draws is the Gol Stave Church. This beautifully preserved wooden structure dates back to the 1200s. With its tall spires and carvings, it’s unlike anything else you’ll see in Europe.

Beyond the architecture, the museum is known for its seasonal programming. Think Christmas markets, folk dancing, and reindeer sleigh rides in winter. It's the kind of place that works all year round, with each season offering a different layer of history.

Colonial Williamsburg – Virginia, USA

History classes often gloss over what daily life looked like in 18th-century America. But in Williamsburg, you get to see it all unfold. This isn't just a museum; it's a living, Breathing colonial town.

Actors in full costume roam the streets. They don’t break character, either. You can talk politics with a 1775 blacksmith or ask the town crier about today’s news. There are workshops, old-fashioned gardens, brick-making stations, and candle shops, all working just as they did 250 years ago.

The attention to detail is what makes Williamsburg stand out. The town is so well-preserved that walking through it can feel surreal, as if you've been dropped into a history book.

Ballenberg – Brienz, Switzerland

Located near the Swiss Alps, Ballenberg is both scenic and educational. It features over 100 original buildings imported from various regions of Switzerland. Chalets, barns, and workshops show how Swiss people lived from the 14th century onward.

Each building is carefully placed, reflecting the region from which it came. That means you get a real sense of how culture and geography shaped the homes. You'll see how the Alpine lifestyle influenced architecture and farming methods.

Live demonstrations play a significant role in the overall experience. Watch cheese being made, bread baking in stone ovens, and woodcarving that feels more like a form of sculpture. The surrounding meadows and forests add to the peaceful feel. It's history with a backdrop of postcard views.

Den Gamle By – Aarhus, Denmark

Translated as "The Old Town," this museum in Aarhus blends the charm of a preserved village with an innovative museum experience. It spans several centuries of Danish life, from the 1700s to the 1970s.

What makes Den Gamle By unique is its detailed section on 20th-century Denmark. There's a 1920s radio store, a 1970s flat, and even a Cold War-era office. For anyone who grew up in the 20th century, there's a strange comfort in recognising old furniture, posters, and tech.

The museum staff dresses in era-appropriate clothing, and many of them stay in character. Kids will enjoy the toy museum and interactive exhibits, while older visitors often find themselves caught up in nostalgia.

Experiencing History In The Open

The best open-air museums are more than just displays; they are immersive experiences. Their stories are told through houses, tools, and traditions. They're towns where history didn't stop, it just paused—waiting for you to step in.

If you're planning your travels for 2025, consider adding one of these spots to your list. You won't be walking through quiet halls with glass cases. You'll be walking through time.