10Best: Museums to enrich Black Friday

It's not only shopping malls that attract crowds on Black Friday. The day after Thanksgiving is also one of the busiest museum days of the year, with holiday travelers and their hosts streaming into exhibitions. Busy museums show that even in an era where nearly every major artifact or masterwork can be found online, there's no substitute for real life, says William U. Eiland, director of the Georgia Museum of Art at the University of Georgia, Athens. "It's just so much better in person. It's an emotional experience." He shares some favorite museums with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

Clark Art Institute
Williamstown, Mass.
This small college-town gallery has an incredible collection of European masters, and recently added a new treasure. "People who visit have an opportunity to see world-class art in a small town in New England," Eiland says. One of the highlights, the 15th century painting by Piero della Francesca Virgin and Child Enthroned with Four Angels. "It represents a pivotal moment in the history of the Renaissance." 413-458-2303; clarkart.edu

Nasher Sculpture Center
Dallas
Eiland calls this building designed by Renzo Piano "one of the most important museum architectural achievements in the last 30 years." Much of the collection is found in a garden with works by masters like Picasso, Calder, Miro, Moore and dozens of others. "I've watched people at the Nasher. The building is inviting and they like being there." 214-242-5100; nashersculpturecenter.org

Field Museum
Chicago
Eiland says he always looks forward to visiting this venerable natural history museum. A personal highlight: the dinosaur know as Sue. "It's the largest and best preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered and she's complete from the snout to tail. To be in a room with that object really does send shivers up my back," he says. "This is a family museum par excellence." 312-922-9410; fieldmuseum.org

Birmingham (Ala.) Museum of Art
This free museum in the heart of the Deep South has more than 24,000 pieces, including the largest collection of Wedgwood ceramics outside England. Galleries display many European and Baroque pieces donated by the Kress Foundation, along with folk art, photography and a strong Asian collection. "I love their gallery of Korean art. Just being in a room with them give you a feeling of tranquility that you associate with the Far East," Eiland says. 205-254-2565 artsbma.org

California Science Center
Los Angeles
This interactive museum makes learning practically effortless, Eiland says. The family-friendly venue attracts crowds to see Space Shuttle Endeavour. "It's your chance to learn with your family and children the laws of physics as well as space flight," Eiland says. 323-724-3623; californiasciencecenter.org

Detroit Institute of Arts
The sweeping murals by Diego Rivera are alone worth the visit to what Eiland calls "one of the world's great museums." Galleries feature European and American masters, and an impressive collection of Islamic art. A reinstallation in recent years has broadened the institution's appeal, making it more welcoming to children and adults. "It is truly one of the great collections." 313-833-7900; dia.org

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Richmond, Va.
Sometimes called a mini-Met because of its extensive ancient-to-modern collection, this recently expanded museum has "the finest collection in the Southeast," Eiland says. The institution may be best known for its collection of Faberge eggs, the largest outside of Russia, which is currently on a tour that concludes in China. Meanwhile, a reciprocal exhibition, "Forbidden City: Imperial Treasures from the Palace Museum, Beijing," remains on view through Jan.11. 804-340-1400; vmfa.museum

Portland (Oregon) Art Museum
Like its home city, this venue stands out for its quirky, accessible and friendly vibe. "The museum is like its namesake," says Eiland, who is particularly impressed with its extensive Northwest and Asian art offerings. 503-226-2811; portlandartmuseum.org

Frick Collection
New York
In a city of grand museums, the Frick stands out for its intimacy, a collection housed in the former home of industrialist Henry Clay Frick. "It's an old-fashioned experience. You're going into a rich man's house, but once you get into it, you're surrounded by masterworks of European painting and really gorgeous Italian sculpture," Eiland says. 212-288-0700; frick.org

Cleveland Museum of Art
This heavily endowed institution recently opened a new addition. It's best known for its emphasis on quality acquisitions and holdings in a range of artistic disciplines. "People from all over the world journey to Ohio to see this museum. Americans should do so as well," Eiland says. 216-421-7350; clevelandart.org