Salt Lake City might be known for its stunning mountain views and outdoor adventures, but it also offers plenty to do indoors, perfect for those afternoons when the weather is just too hot to stay outside. During my recent trip, I found myself swapping hiking boots for air conditioning and museum passes, and I’m so glad I did. Here are the best museums in Salt Lake City to add to your itinerary if you, too, need to escape the heat or other elements and stay inside.

🦖 Natural History Museum of Utah

Address: 301 Wakara Way
Hours of Operation: 10 am – 5 pm daily and open until 9:00 pm on Wednesdays
Admission: $24.95 adults
Time Needed: 1.5-2 hours
Website: https://nhmu.utah.edu/

This was hands down my favorite museum in Salt Lake City. Set against the backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, the Natural History Museum of Utah feels like it was built to blend in with the landscape, and once you’re inside, it keeps getting better. The architecture is stunning, and the exhibitions do not disappoint.

I loved the sections about climates and the life cycle. The museum features numerous interactive exhibits, making it a particularly family-friendly destination. Plus, there’s a rooftop patio with incredible views of the city and surrounding mountains. Don’t skip it!

🖼️ Utah Museum of Fine Arts

Address: 410 Campus Center Dr. (on the University of Utah Campus)
Hours of Operation: Closed Mondays, 10 am- 5 pm Tuesday – Sunday, open until 8 pm on Wednesdays
Admission: $19.95 adults
Time Needed: 45 minutes -1.5 hours
Website: https://umfa.utah.edu/

If you love quiet, intentional spaces filled with art from around the world, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) is the place to go. It’s beautifully curated and covers everything from contemporary pieces and photography to Asian and African art.

One of my favorite things about UMFA is that it’s not overwhelming—just the right size to wander, think, and enjoy. I do think entrance fees are a little overpriced, but it’s a peaceful escape from the buzz of the city. There’s even a gallery dedicated to rotating exhibitions that often highlight local or regional artists.

🧪 The Leonardo Museum

Address: 209 E. 500 St
Hours of Operation: Currently closed for repairs, will post hours when re-open
Admission: $16.00 adults
Time Needed: 45 minutes -1.5 hours
Website: https://theleonardo.org/

I’ll be honest, The Leonardo felt a little overpriced for what it offers. While there are some cool sections (especially if you’re into tech), the museum is on the smaller side and doesn’t take long to explore. It’s probably not a place I’d revisit unless a specific rotating exhibit caught my eye. That said, the robotics and AI technology area during my visit was genuinely fascinating, interactive, and well-designed.

Another interesting element inside the museum is Ken Sanders Rare Books, a good-sized archive-style bookstore filled with old and collectible titles. It’s not necessarily something I’d seek out, but for book lovers and history buffs, it’s a unique addition that gives the museum a more eclectic, literary vibe.

🏅 Utah Sports Hall of Fame Museum

Address: 99 W. South Temple
Hours of Operation: 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Saturday, closed on Sundays
Admission: Free
Time Needed: 20-30 minutes
Website: https://www.utahsportshalloffame.org/

This hidden gem sits right downtown and pays tribute to Utah’s most legendary athletes. The Utah Sports Hall of Fame Museum is small but packed with heart, from Olympic athletes and basketball icons, to rodeo stars and local legends you may not know.

I loved the walk down memory lane and the way the exhibits honored both individual accomplishments and the community spirit that fuels them. And did I mention it’s free? Sports fans: this one’s for you.

I learned about sports I didn’t even know existed, and since I was the only one in the museum, I sat and talked to the woman working the entrance. She was super kind, willing to chat about the museum in depth and discuss personal travel. I really enjoyed stopping in and speaking with her for awhile.

🌔 Clark Planetarium

Address: 110 S. 400 W (at the Gateway)
Hours of Operation: Sunday – Thursday 9:30 am – 8 pm, Friday – Saturday 9:30 am to 11 pm
Admission: Free general museum admission, ~$10 for 3D shows
Time Needed: 1-1.5 hours
Website: https://www.saltlakecounty.gov/clark-planetarium/

For a free museum, the Clark Planetarium is seriously impressive. But like most free things, it comes at a cost—it was very busy and loud during my visit, with tons of kids running around. That said, it’s still 100% worth checking out, especially if you’re looking to escape the heat or need a solid indoor activity for the afternoon.

The hands-on exhibits were fun (I loved the meteorite section!), and it’s small enough that you can see everything without feeling overwhelmed. I also paid $10 to see the Shark Kingdom 3D theatre show, and it was soooo cool. Immersive visuals, fascinating info, and a much-needed quiet moment. Don’t skip the gift shop either—it’s packed with fun toys, science kits, books, snacks, and souvenirs that go way beyond the usual museum fare.

🖌️ Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (UMOCA)

Address: 20 S. West Temple
Hours of Operation: Closed Sunday & Monday, 11am – 6pm Tuesday-Friday, open until 9pm on Fridays
Admission: Free (donations encouraged)
Time Needed: 30-40 minutes
Website: https://utahmoca.org/

Although it was closed for renovations during my visit, I still wanted to include the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art (UMOCA) as a solid option, especially if you’re already downtown and looking for something quick, creative, and free. This museum is known for showcasing contemporary and experimental art, often with a focus on local and regional artists.

It’s a smaller space that doesn’t take long to walk through, making it perfect for a brief stop in between other downtown activities. If you’re into modern art or just need a break from the crowds, UMOCA could be a great (and free!) addition to your Salt Lake City itinerary.

🧸 Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum

Address: 444 W. 100 S. (at the Gateway)
Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday-Sunday 10am-6pm, Closed on Tuesdays
Admission: $13.50-$15.50
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Website: https://www.discoverygateway.org/

I wasn’t able to visit the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum during my trip (solo adult travelers aren’t permitted without a child), but I still wanted to include it for families planning a visit to Salt Lake City. This hands-on, interactive museum is designed specifically for kids and consistently gets great reviews for being fun, educational, and super engaging.

It features everything from water play areas and a mini city to STEM-focused exhibits that let kids explore through touch, movement, and creativity. It’s located right at The Gateway complex, making it an easy addition to your itinerary if you’re in the area and looking to keep little ones entertained indoors.

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🗺️ A Few More Museums to Consider

These museums didn’t make my Best Museums in Salt Lake City list, simply because I didn’t visit any of them, but if you’re staying in Salt Lake City longer or just love squeezing in as many museums as possible, here are a few more worth checking out:

• Land Cruiser Heritage Museum – A must-see for car enthusiasts, this museum showcases a private collection of vintage Toyota Land Cruisers from around the world.
• Pioneer Memorial Museum – Run by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, it’s filled with early Utah artifacts that bring pioneer history to life.
• Fort Douglas Military Museum – Located on the University of Utah campus, this museum highlights military history and features tanks, uniforms, and weapons from various eras.
• Church History Museum – Offers exhibits on the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with interactive and historical displays.
• Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts – Tucked inside Liberty Park, this free museum celebrates traditional art, crafts, and culture from communities across Utah.

If you like museums, I wrote about some cool museums in Albuquerque, NM too!

Final Thoughts on the Best Museums in Salt Lake City

Whether you’re escaping the afternoon heat, waiting out bad weather, or just craving a little culture in between outdoor adventures, Salt Lake City’s museums offer a fun and surprisingly diverse way to experience the city. While I didn’t make it to every single museum on this list, I hope this guide helps you build your own museum-hopping itinerary—whether you’re traveling solo, with kids, or somewhere in between.

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I’m working on writing more content about my trip to Salt Lake City, including museums, restaurants, hotel reviews, and more. Here’s what I’ve got done for now:

• Photo-Worthy Salt Lake City Murals You Can’t Miss
• Sipping Through Salt Lake City: My Local Brewery Tour
• Inside The Peery Hotel Salt Lake City: A Boutique Hotel with History