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Washington D.C. is likely one of the most fascinating cities the place you may spend a complete 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, but it surely’s additionally a cultural hub stuffed with fascinating museums and historic landmarks.
It’s most well-known for being dwelling 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, really, it’s nickname is the Capital of Free Museums), so deciding which museum so as to add to your itinerary isn’t any simple activity.
That will help you out, we’ve listed our favorite museums in D.C. so you may choose which of them you just like the sound of throughout your go to.
1. Smithsonian Nationwide Museum of Pure Historical past
We start our checklist with probably the most fashionable museums within the nation’s capital. The Smithsonian Nationwide Museum of Pure Historical past is one in all many Smithsonian museums within the metropolis and, like all of them, is free to enter.
This museum is likely one of the finest locations to dive into the world’s pure wonders. From anthropology and biology to zoology, you’ll discover quite a few academic reveals 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 developed.
It’s the most effective museums for youths, as they’ll be taught concerning the world they stay in by interactive and thrilling reveals. They’ll find out about extinct creatures just like the woolly mammoth, see uncommon gems from all elements of the world, and seashells from faraway locations.
There are additionally archaeological artifacts that display how people used totally different supplies for instruments centuries in the past.
When you 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!
Pondering of visiting The Smithsonian Nationwide Museum of Pure Historical past with the household? Then it’s possible you’ll like this household tour of the museum, which is specifically designed for these travelling with kids.
2. Smithsonian Nationwide Museum of American Historical past
When you’re in search of museums to be taught concerning the nation’s historical past, tradition, and economic system, then it’s important to think about the Smithsonian Nationwide Museum of American Historical past.
There’s really one thing for everybody right here – whether or not you’re a historical past buff, a science fanatic, or a fan of museums basically.
With over 1.7 million artifacts, this museum gives a complete look into America’s previous. It’s additionally dwelling to a number of iconic gadgets, 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 usually hosts interactive reveals and academic occasions for all ages.
From stay performances to rotating exhibitions, there’s all the time 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 People.
The museum is the one museum devoted to the documentation and recognition of African American historical past and tradition.
The museum’s collections embody gadgets from each period of African American historical past, from slavery to the current day.
The museum is a strong reminder of the contributions that African People have made to our nation, and it’s a vital 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 gives an intimate look into america’ previous that you simply received’t discover wherever 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 pictures and maps, in addition to letters, diaries, stories, and notes.
The museum additionally hosts panels and lectures that make clear essential matters like civil rights, justice reform, and social progress.
With its various show of things, the Nationwide Archives Museum makes American historical past extra accessible.
Keep away from ready in line and be taught concerning the historical past of the Nationwide Archives Museum on this guided tour!
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, pictures, and work.
You might 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 authentic items by Leonardo da Vinci, Giorgione, and Raphael.
Another fashionable items within the museum are Claude Monet’s Japanese Bridge portray and authentic 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 midst 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 likely one of the most prestigious artwork museums in america.
It’s dwelling to a set of over 40,000 items of artwork, spanning a variety of kinds and durations.
The museum’s everlasting assortment consists of works by world-famous artists equivalent to John Singleton Copley, Winslow Homer, and Georgia O’Keeffe.
It additionally hosts quite a lot of short-term exhibitions, which showcase each new and previous 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 price a go to.
7. Nationwide Portrait Gallery
The Nationwide Portrait Gallery is dwelling 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 modern artists.
Whether or not you’re curious about 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 most important assortment of spy tools, devices, and weapons on show, in addition to a wealth of knowledge on well-known spies and their missions.
Guests also can be taught concerning the science of spying, together with easy methods to decipher codes and easy methods to make their very own disguise equipment by a vary of interactive reveals.
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 interior James Bond or just intrigued by the world of espionage, the Worldwide Spy Museum is an fulfilling expertise.
Watch our Reel beneath of the Worldwide Spy Musem
9. Nationwide Museum of Girls within the Arts
The Nationwide Museum of Girls 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, pictures, and extra that permits guests to be taught extra concerning the historical past of ladies within the arts and the way they advocate for one another.
The museum additionally gives quite a lot of academic packages, that are nice for each adults and youngsters.
When you’re in search of a spot to understand and find out about artwork created by girls, the Nationwide Museum of Girls within the Arts needs to be prime of your checklist.
10. Dumbarton Oaks Museum
Positioned in a historic Tudor Revival mansion, the Dumbarton Oaks Museum homes a formidable assortment of artwork and artifacts from world wide.
Guests also can view a choice of historic Egyptian statues, stroll by 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 heart, which is open to the general public. It additionally has a fantastic backyard with fountains and sculptures.
The Dumbarton Oaks Museum is a good place to find out about artwork and tradition from world wide, or simply be a spot to supply a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of town.
11. President Lincoln’s Cottage
When you’re curious about studying extra concerning the previous presidents of america, remember to try President Lincoln’s Cottage.
This museum was the previous dwelling of President Lincoln and was in-built 1851. It was initially meant 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 authentic art work. There are additionally plenty of pictures and paperwork on show detailing the president’s life.
You’ll want 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 cherished 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
When you’re in search of a museum for youngsters, then you definately’ll wish 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 pictures and inspirational tales.
There are reveals on every part from animals to historic cultures, or you may merely seize a selfie with the museum’s well-known big globe, which stands within the heart 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 evening sky.
For these curious about 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 laborious to think about what life was like for thus many individuals earlier than and throughout the holocaust and visiting this museum helps to know 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 reveals that purpose to create a greater understanding of what occurred throughout this era in historical past.
You too can see quite a few testimonies from survivors who share their tales, which could be fairly highly effective to witness firsthand.
You might depart feeling saddened concerning the occasions of the previous, but it surely’s an necessary 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 People who lived right here lengthy earlier than, then it’s best to think about 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 planet.
The reveals inform the story of the Native People, from their first contact with European explorers to the current day.
There are additionally rotating exhibitions that includes modern artwork and associated matters.
The museum is free to go to and is likely one of 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 developments in modern artwork.
We’re actually glad we determined to take a fast look inside on our Washington journey. We cherished the trendy artwork shows inside and the sculpture backyard was cool. Don’t miss Yoko Ono’s Wishing Tree.
16. Smithsonian Nationwide Air and House Museum
The Smithsonian Nationwide Air and House Museum is a very 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.
In every single 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 curious about air and house journey will love this museum.
One of many highlights of this museum is the Apollo Lunar Module 2. Having the ability to witness the expertise that went to house actually highlights how far now we have come because the human race. It makes you’re feeling humble and appreciative of life on Earth.
Make certain to take a look at the particular reveals that discover a number of matters in larger element. And naturally, make certain to wander by 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 likely one of 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 free of charge, however they have to reserve a spot on a tour. Guests also can try the Exhibition Corridor which is a part of the Guests Heart. It is a museum showcasing interactive reveals about Congress and the U.S. Capitol.
Right here you may be taught concerning the improvement 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 upfront because it’s extremely fashionable. It’s advisable you e book as far upfront as doable as there are solely 50 slots per day.
18. Smithsonian Nationwide Museum of African Artwork
The Smithsonian Nationwide Museum of African Artwork is a panoramic place that has over time change 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 pictures, and 50,000 books. It was the primary establishment to ever be devoted to African artwork and has the most important assortment in america.
While you stroll by its doorways, you’re instantly transported to a unique time and place. The work, sculptures, and artifacts on show provide a glimpse into the tradition and historical past of the African American individuals.
The museum can also be a testomony to the facility of artwork to encourage and educate.
Study African Artwork on a small group strolling tour of Washington D.C. that additionally takes you to a few of the metropolis’s prime landmarks.
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 dwelling 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 individuals 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 individuals normally ask us about museums in Washington D.C.
Does Washington D.C. have free museums?
Sure, Washington D.C. has many don’t miss free museums. The entire museums belonging to The Smithsonian Institute are free to enter, as is america Holocaust Memorial Museum, Nationwide Archives Museum, Hirshhorn Museum, and Sculpture Backyard to call a number of.
What’s the most visited museum in Washington D.C.?
The Nationwide Museum of Pure Historical past was probably the most visited museum in Washington D.C. in 2021 with round 983,000 visits.
The place are the Smithsonian museums in Washington D.C.?
The Smithsonian Museums in Washington D.C. are principally positioned on the Nationwide Mall, alongside Unbiased Avenue. The Smithsonian American Artwork Museum is positioned within the Penn Quarter and the Smithsonian’s Nationwide Postal Museum is within the East Finish. All of them are inside strolling distance of one another.
The place to remain in Washington DC
When selecting lodging in Washington D.C., it’s finest to search for a lodge inside strolling distance to the Nationwide Mall.
In case your keep is brief, being near The Mall is the most effective thought because it’s surrounded by points of interest. If touring a little bit 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 lodge suggestions from us:
- We stayed at Le Meridien Washington, DC, The Madison Resort on 15th road 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 lodge. The room was snug however most necessary of all, was the handy location. See costs and availability right here.
- The Duo Nomad Hostel is a good finances lodging possibility 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 lodge model and inside strolling distance to the Nationwide Mall. You’ll have amenity charges at this lodge, nonetheless, so might want to issue that into your finances. See costs and availability right here.
Last ideas
So there you’ve gotten it, these are the most effective 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 points of interest to go to.
Earlier than you go, we extremely advocate you rent a motorbike to get from A to B. Lots of the museums are positioned on the Nationwide Mall, but it surely’s large, so save your self a while (and power) strolling and biking from place to put.
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 plenty of time and made it extra manageable to do with children susceptible to complaining.
And above all, have the most effective journey to Washington D.C!
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Are there any museums in Washington D.C. that you simply wish to go to? Tell us within the feedback.
