Museums are like poetry; on the surface they appear simple and boring, but upon closer inspection they yield intricate layers of history and knowledge. Perhaps this is why they are some of the longest-lasting forms of leisure, as they don’t ever phase out or completely decline in popularity.

The ultimate representation of this museum-depth is the art museum. Compared to other museums, which may have dinosaurs, historical artifacts, or even interactive technology, art museums just have walls of paintings and halls of sculptures. However, they may yield the deepest meaning of all if time is spent with them.

The main thing setting art museums apart from other types, aside from the obvious, is the reality of everything in the museum. With history museums, some exhibits may be designed to replicate history, but not everything is an actual artifact. Art museums only yield real pieces from across history.

There’s a certain mystery and intrigue present in art museums that can’t be easily replicated, often because the history of each piece isn’t explained. It’s up to the attendees to imagine scenarios involving the pieces, which doesn’t happen in other museums.

“I like that you can find anything…and there’s always a story behind it,” says sophomore Sophia Petshow. “Each art piece is a window into the past.”

It’s also important for museums to have a nice space to be in beyond what’s in the exhibits, which art museums are great at.

Abe Peykanu, an 11th grader, says that art museums “always have a focus on the architecture in a way that I find really appealing.” He believes this is because the focus of the museum is on art, which is naturally “very beautiful.”

All in all, art museums can be some of the most rewarding experiences out there if you go into them with the right mindset and pace. As Leonardo da Vinci said, “The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.”