Cheong Fatt Tze, the Blue Mansion, was one of the wealthiest merchants of the 19th century, and Penang Straits Settlement imported artisans from China to build this opulent 38-room mansion. With its five courtyards, carved woodwork, Gothic louvered windows and cast iron, the mansion is a fascinating fusion of East and West culture. The building was restored at a cost of 7.6 million ringgit, and it is crammed with sculptures, antique furniture and tapestries, while now being a unique boutique hotel. However, it is also open for non-residents during guided tours, so book one ahead.

The Momentary, a contemporary art space in Bentonville, Arkansas, serves as a satellite of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Housed in a repurposed cheese factory, it features visual and performing arts, live music, culinary events, and artist residencies. With free admission, the venue connects visitors to dynamic cultural experiences while honoring the ancestral lands of the Osage, Caddo, and Quapaw peoples. Its focus on modern creativity makes it a standout destination in downtown Bentonville.

The Peel Mansion Museum & Heritage Gardens, built in 1875 by Colonel Samuel West Peel, is a stunning example of Italianate Villa architecture. Carefully restored and furnished with authentic 19th-century antiques — many on loan from the Historic Arkansas Museum and the Old State House — the mansion offers a glimpse into life during that era. Beyond the historic home, the experience continues in the surrounding botanical gardens. Stroll through seven Victorian-inspired gardens, each showcasing seasonal blooms and adding to the property’s timeless charm.

This interactive museum is an exceptional place to gain a deeper understanding of Warsaw’s history. It was founded in commemoration of an event that profoundly changed the city: the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. Listen to the oral accounts given by insurgents, go down into the sewers — similar to the ones that insurgents used to move around the city — and see The City of Ruins, a bird’s-eye view of Warsaw burnt to the ground. Don’t forget to see the murals painted by Polish artists on the Wall of Art. The museum building is interesting in its own right since it was previously an old electric power plant for trams.