Guangdong Museum is the major provincial museum in Zhujiang New Town, close to the opera house and Canton Tower. It covers Guangdong's history, natural environment, ceramics, crafts, and regional art in a large contemporary building.
This is the museum to choose if you want context for Guangzhou beyond the skyline. The collections are broad enough for a half-day visit, and the location makes it easy to combine with the city's modern riverfront sights.