19 Fascinating Museums In Washington D.C. To Go to!

This put up could include affiliate hyperlinks. We could obtain a small fee, for free of charge to you, for those who make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.

Washington D.C. is among the most fascinating cities the place you may spend a whole week there and solely scratch the floor.

The U.S. Capital is mostly related to The White Home, the house to the U.S. President, and American Politics, however it’s additionally a cultural hub filled with fascinating museums and historic landmarks.

It’s most well-known for being house to the Smithsonian museums, however there are such a lot of extra fascinating museums in Washington D.C that tradition vultures and historical past buffs can get misplaced in.

There are over 40 Washington D.C. museums, and plenty of are free to enter (most of them, truly, it’s nickname is the Capital of Free Museums), so deciding which museum so as to add to your itinerary is not any simple job.

That can assist you out, we’ve listed our favorite museums in D.C. so you may decide which of them you just like the sound of throughout your go to.

1. Smithsonian Nationwide Museum of Pure Historical past

We start our record with probably the most fashionable museums within the nation’s capital. The Smithsonian Nationwide Museum of Pure Historical past is one among many Smithsonian museums within the metropolis and, like all of them, is free to enter.

This museum is among the finest locations to dive into the world’s pure wonders. From anthropology and biology to zoology, you’ll discover quite a few academic displays that inform the extraordinary story of Planet Earth, and the adjustments which have occurred over time.

Study concerning the totally different species of animals, vegetation, and microbes, in addition to how the human race has advanced. 

It’s the most effective museums for teenagers, as they’ll be taught concerning the world they dwell in by way of interactive and thrilling displays. They will find out about extinct creatures just like the woolly mammoth, see uncommon gems from all components of the world, and seashells from faraway locations. 

There are additionally archaeological artifacts that exhibit how people used totally different supplies for instruments centuries in the past. 

You probably have a curious thoughts and like to find out about nature, visiting the Smithsonian Nationwide Museum of Pure Historical past is certain to be a memorable expertise!

2. Smithsonian Nationwide Museum of American Historical past

In case you’re in search of museums to be taught concerning the nation’s historical past, tradition, and economic system, then it’s a must to take into account the Smithsonian Nationwide Museum of American Historical past. 

There’s actually one thing for everybody right here – whether or not you’re a historical past buff, a science fanatic, or a fan of museums typically. 

With over 1.7 million artifacts, this museum provides a complete look into America’s previous. It’s additionally house to a number of iconic objects, equivalent to George Washington’s uniform, the ruby slippers worn by Dorothy within the Wizard of Oz, and Abraham Lincoln’s prime hat.

Past its bodily choices, the museum additionally recurrently hosts interactive displays and academic occasions for all ages.

From dwell performances to rotating exhibitions, there’s at all times one thing new to discover at this ever-changing establishment. 

3. Nationwide Museum of African American Historical past and Tradition

The Nationwide Museum of African American Historical past and Tradition is a Smithsonian museum that opened to the general public on September 24, 2016, and is devoted to the historical past, tradition, and artwork of African Individuals. 

The museum is the one museum devoted to the documentation and recognition of African American historical past and tradition. 

The museum’s collections embody objects from each period of African American historical past, from slavery to the current day. 

The museum is a robust reminder of the contributions that African Individuals have made to our nation, and it’s a necessary a part of understanding America’s historical past and a tribute to those that formed the civil rights motion.

4. Nationwide Archives Museum

From the second you step contained in the Nationwide Archives Museum, you’re feeling enveloped in historical past. With its towering rows of preserved paperwork and artifacts, it provides an intimate look into the USA’ previous that you just received’t discover anyplace else. 

Whether or not you’re in search of assist with some analysis or just in search of a thought-provoking afternoon, the Nationwide Archives Museum has one thing to supply everybody. 

Right here you may see the long-lasting Declaration of Independence and Structure, in addition to see historic images and maps, in addition to letters, diaries, stories, and notes.

The museum additionally hosts panels and lectures that make clear essential subjects like civil rights, justice reform, and social progress. 

With its numerous show of things, the Nationwide Archives Museum makes American historical past extra accessible. 

5. Nationwide Gallery of Artwork

There’s lots to see on the Nationwide Gallery of Artwork. The gallery has a large assortment of work, sculptures, and different artworks from everywhere in the world that date again a whole lot of years. 

You’ll be able to see greater than 130,000 items within the museum, from sculptures, prints, drawings, images, and work. 

You could possibly spend hours strolling round and nonetheless not see every part. One of many highlights of the museum is its assortment of world-renown European work from the Renaissance interval, equivalent to unique items by Leonardo da Vinci, Giorgione, and Raphael.

Another fashionable items within the museum are Claude Monet’s Japanese Bridge portray and unique sculptures by baroque architect and sculptor, Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Whereas right here, don’t miss the 6.1-acre Sculpture Backyard. It’s an exquisite oasis in the course of a tiring Museum Day, with beautiful sculptures to admire. We skipped the artwork gallery and simply did this.

6. Smithsonian American Artwork Museum

The Smithsonian American Artwork Museum is among the most prestigious artwork museums in the USA. 

It’s house to a set of over 40,000 items of artwork, spanning a variety of kinds and durations. 

The museum’s everlasting assortment contains works by world-famous artists equivalent to John Singleton Copley, Winslow Homer, and Georgia O’Keeffe. 

It additionally hosts quite a lot of momentary exhibitions, which showcase each new and outdated artworks.

Whether or not you’re an artwork lover or just in search of one thing to do on a wet day, the Smithsonian American Artwork Museum is unquestionably value a go to.

7. Nationwide Portrait Gallery

The Nationwide Portrait Gallery is house to all kinds of portraiture, spanning centuries of American historical past. 

Guests can view work, sculptures, and pictures of previous presidents, first girls, civil rights leaders, and extra. 

The gallery additionally options rotating exhibitions by up to date artists. 

Whether or not you’re taken with American historical past or artwork, the Nationwide Portrait Gallery is certain to have one thing to seize your curiosity.

8. Worldwide Spy Museum

The Worldwide Spy Museum is a must-see for any fan of espionage. The museum has the biggest assortment of spy tools, devices, and weapons on show, in addition to a wealth of knowledge on well-known spies and their missions. 

Guests can even be taught concerning the science of spying, together with the right way to decipher codes and the right way to make their very own disguise package by way of a vary of interactive displays. 

It’s the most effective issues to do in Washington D.C. with children, as they’ll be taught in an immersive and enjoyable approach.

Whether or not you’re seeking to channel your internal James Bond or just intrigued by the world of espionage, the Worldwide Spy Museum is an satisfying expertise.

Watch our Reel under of the Worldwide Spy Musem

9. Nationwide Museum of Ladies within the Arts

The Nationwide Museum of Ladies within the Arts is a good place to see a variety of artwork by feminine artists. 

The museum has a big assortment of work, sculptures, images, and extra that enables guests to be taught extra concerning the historical past of girls within the arts and the way they advocate for one another.

The museum additionally provides quite a lot of academic packages, that are nice for each adults and youngsters. 

In case you’re in search of a spot to understand and find out about artwork created by ladies, the Nationwide Museum of Ladies within the Arts needs to be prime of your record.

10. Dumbarton Oaks Museum

Situated in a historic Tudor Revival mansion, the Dumbarton Oaks Museum homes a formidable assortment of artwork and artifacts from around the globe.

Guests can even view a number of historical Egyptian statues, stroll by way of a gallery devoted to Byzantine artwork (for which the museum is most well-known), and see a set of artworks from the pre-Columbian Americas. 

As well as, the museum homes a library and analysis middle, which is open to the general public. It additionally has a ravishing backyard with fountains and sculptures.

The Dumbarton Oaks Museum is a good place to find out about artwork and tradition from around the globe, or simply be a spot to supply a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of town.

11. President Lincoln’s Cottage

In case you’re taken with studying extra concerning the previous presidents of the USA, be sure you try President Lincoln’s Cottage.

This museum was the previous house of President Lincoln and was in-built 1851. It was initially supposed as a summer season retreat for President Lincoln however is now a museum devoted to his life and achievements.

Guests can tour the cottage and see interval furnishings and unique paintings. There are additionally quite a lot of images and paperwork on show detailing the president’s life. 

Make sure to stroll across the grounds, which embody a backyard and a cemetery. The cottage is open to the general public each day by guided tour solely. You’ll be able to reserve your tickets for a tour on-line right here.

We additionally advocate visiting the Ford Theater whereas in DC. It’s solely $5 and also you get an fascinating look into Lincoln’s life, his household, his years of Presidency, and the occasions main as much as his assassination and after.

We liked going contained in the Theater to see the place that occurred. Watch out when reserving your tour as not all grant entry to contained in the theater. Learn extra right here.

12. Nationwide Geographic Museum

In case you’re in search of a museum for kids, you then’ll need to take them to the Nationwide Geographic Museum.

This museum is a good place to be taught concerning the world round us, that includes the long-lasting Nat Geo images and inspirational tales. 

There are displays on every part from animals to historical cultures, or you may merely seize a selfie with the museum’s well-known big globe, which stands within the middle of the museum. 

The globe is interactive and is designed to assist guests find out about totally different international locations and areas.

The museum additionally has a dome theatre and planetarium the place guests can be taught concerning the night time sky. 

For these taken with historical past, geography, or science, you’ll love the Nationwide Geographic Museum.

13. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum serves as a reminder of the devastating penalties of unchecked prejudice and violence. 

It’s arduous to think about what life was like for therefore many individuals earlier than and throughout the holocaust and visiting this museum helps to grasp the magnitude of the tragedy that occurred. 

Upon getting into the constructing, you’re greeted with some emotionally triggering artifacts that illustrate the tales of these affected by discrimination and violence. 

There are quite a few interactive displays that intention to create a greater understanding of what occurred throughout this era in historical past. 

You may also see quite a few testimonies from survivors who share their tales, which might be fairly highly effective to witness firsthand. 

You could go away feeling saddened concerning the occasions of the previous, however it’s an essential museum that reminds us all why such tragedies must not ever be repeated.

14. Nationwide Museum of the American Indian

America’s historical past goes again lengthy earlier than the nation was based by the British greater than 500 years in the past. 

If you wish to be taught concerning the Native Individuals who lived right here lengthy earlier than, then it’s best to take into account visiting the Nationwide Museum of the American Indian.

The museum was in-built 2004 and homes a set of over 825,000 objects, paperwork, and pictures, making it one of many largest collections of Native American artifacts on the earth. 

The displays inform the story of the Native Individuals, from their first contact with European explorers to the current day. 

There are additionally rotating exhibitions that includes up to date artwork and associated subjects. 

The museum is free to go to and is among the finest locations to be taught extra about Native American tradition.

15. Hirshhorn Museum

The Hirshhorn Museum is the primary Washington D.C. museum to go to for followers of up to date artwork.

The museum was in-built 1960 as a spot to retailer Joseph H. Hirshhorn’s intensive assortment of sculptures and trendy artwork, and now options works by well-known artists equivalent to Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Jackson Pollock. 

It additionally hosts quite a lot of particular exhibitions that introduce each rising and established artists from across the globe. 

With its dedication to presenting transformative artwork, the Hirshhorn Museum is a must-see for anybody within the newest tendencies in up to date artwork.

We’re actually glad we determined to take a fast look inside on our Washington journey. We liked the trendy artwork shows inside and the sculpture backyard was cool. Don’t miss Yoko Ono’s Wishing Tree.

16. Smithsonian Nationwide Air and Area Museum

The Smithsonian Nationwide Air and Area Museum is a really awe-inspiring place. As quickly as you stroll in, it’s simple to see why it’s probably the most fashionable museums in Washington D.C. 

All over the place you look, there’s something fascinating to witness; from the precise Wright brothers’ 1903 Flyer or the unique Spacesuit worn by Neil Armstrong, anybody taken with air and house journey will love this museum.

One of many highlights of this museum is the Apollo Lunar Module 2. With the ability to witness the expertise that went to house actually highlights how far we have now come because the human race. It makes you’re feeling humble and appreciative of life on Earth.

Ensure to take a look at the particular displays that discover a number of subjects in better element. And naturally, be certain that to wander by way of the galleries displaying a few of historical past’s most iconic aircrafts, spacecrafts, and innovations.

17. United States Capitol

The U.S. Capitol constructing is among the most iconic buildings in D.C. that sits on prime of Capitol Hill on The Nationwide Mall. It’s famed for Renaissance-inspired structure and a big domed roof.

The USA Capitol Constructing is the assembly place of the American legislature and congress and is the place the Senate and the Home of Representatives come collectively to debate and deliberate political points. 

Guests can go to the constructing totally free, however they have to reserve a spot on a tour. Guests can even try the Exhibition Corridor which is a part of the Guests Middle. It is a museum showcasing interactive displays about Congress and the U.S. Capitol.

Right here you may be taught concerning the growth of the 12 main items of laws, have a go at passing laws, view the desk from President Lincoln’s second inauguration, and take a digital tour of the constructing.

You should e-book prematurely because it’s extremely fashionable. It’s really helpful you e-book as far prematurely as potential as there are solely 50 slots per day.

18. Smithsonian Nationwide Museum of African Artwork

The Smithsonian Nationwide Museum of African Artwork is a wide ranging place that has over time turn into greater than only a house for artwork. 

It was established in 1979 and homes greater than 9,000 works of conventional and trendy African artwork, greater than 300,000 images, and 50,000 books. It was the primary establishment to ever be devoted to African artwork and has the biggest assortment in the USA.

Whenever you stroll by way of its doorways, you’re instantly transported to a unique time and place. The work, sculptures, and artifacts on show supply a glimpse into the tradition and historical past of the African American folks. 

The museum can also be a testomony to the ability of artwork to encourage and educate.

19. Nationwide Museum of Asian Artwork

The Nationwide Museum of Asian Artwork was based in 1982 and homes a set of greater than 45,000 items of Asian artwork, which incorporates work, sculptures, ceramics, and extra. 

The museum additionally has a backyard with a pond that’s house to koi fish. The Nationwide Museum of Asian Artwork represents the cultures of nations equivalent to China, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia. 

It’s a place the place folks can be taught concerning the historical past and artwork of Asia. The museum additionally hosts occasions and packages that promote understanding and appreciation of Asian cultures.

FAQs about museums in Washington D.C.

Here’s what folks often ask us about museums in Washington D.C.

The place to remain in Washington DC

When selecting lodging in Washington D.C., it’s finest to search for a resort inside strolling distance to the Nationwide Mall.

In case your keep is brief, being near The Mall is the perfect thought because it’s surrounded by sights. If touring just a little additional out, you’ll additionally need lodging near a Metro station. Parking is at a premium in D.C., so we don’t advocate driving round.

Listed below are some resort suggestions from us:

• We stayed at Le Meridien Washington, DC, The Madison Lodge on 15^th avenue solely a few blocks away from the White Home. We may stroll all over the place – Georgetown was even a 3-minute stroll from our resort. The room was snug however most essential of all, was the handy location. See costs and availability right here.
• The Duo Nomad Hostel is a good price range lodging choice for these wanting to remain within the metropolis. See costs and availability right here.
• Beforehand, we’ve stayed at The Hilton Backyard Inn within the Georgetown space / west finish of downtown once we visited the White Home, which met all our wants as a vacationer AND enterprise traveler. See costs and availability right here.
• I additionally love the look of the Kimpton Banneker – it’s our favourite resort model and inside strolling distance to the Nationwide Mall. You should have amenity charges at this resort, nonetheless, so might want to issue that into your price range. See costs and availability right here.

Last ideas

So there you might have it, these are the perfect museums in Washington D.C, and as you may see, there’s a lot to see and be taught on this fascinating metropolis. We hope this information helped you intend your subsequent trip to Washington D.C. and gave you some sights to go to.

Earlier than you go, we extremely advocate you rent a motorcycle to get from A to B. Lots of the museums are positioned on the Nationwide Mall, however it’s large, so save your self a while (and vitality) strolling and biking from place to position.

We extremely advocate renting bikes from Limitless Biking. You’ll be able to watch our Reel of us driving across the Nationwide Mall right here.

We had a blast biking from monument to monument on the Nationwide Mall. It saved us numerous time and made it extra manageable to do with children liable to complaining.

And above all, have the perfect journey to Washington D.C!

Extra Washington D.C. Journey Ideas

Pin To Save It On Pinterest