-
What makes Washington, D.C. unique for museum lovers?
- When it comes to museums, Washington, D.C. definitely sets itself apart with a large number of world-class museums, many of which offer free admission.
-
What types of museums can visitors explore in Washington, D.C.?
- The museums of the Smithsonian Institution have an extensive range of interesting exhibits, whether visitors are interested in art, history, or science.
-
Where are most museums located in Washington, D.C.?
- Many of these museums are located near the National Mall, making them conveniently accessible for tourists.
This post may include affiliate links. Click here for Affiliate Disclosure.
1. National Air and Space Museum
The National Air and Space Museum is home the most significant and largest collection of space and aviation artifacts in the entire world. Every aspect of human flight can be seen on display at the museum, including archival material and art related to aviation and space. This Smithsonian museum takes guests up to the sky, highlighting the remarkable achievements in technology that have helped to advance space exploration and aviation over the past century. The many historical items on display are fundamental to the country’s story of flight, including the Wright Flyer from 1903 and the Spirit of St. Louis flown by Charles Lindbergh.
600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560, Phone: 202-633-2214
2. National Museum Natural History
The National Museum Natural History is one of the earliest Smithsonian museums, having opened its doors in 1910 with a mission to foster education and discovery of the natural world. The museum is home to some of the world’s most famous artifacts, including the Hope Diamond. Over 285 artifacts and fossils are all display in the Hall of Human Origins, which tells the story of the evolution of the human species through reconstructions. The museum also contains the Sant Ocean Hall, which is home to a replica of a North Atlantic right whale as well as several other permanent exhibits.
10th St. & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560, Phone: 202-633-1000
3. National Arboretum
The National Arboretum is a park, a garden, and a research facility all in one. The arboretum spans across 446 acres and features some world-famous collections of plants, such as azaleas, penjing and bonsai, dwarf conifers, and many more. The garden is often noted as one of the hidden gems of Washington, D.C., and the cultivated gardens, winding roadways, and wild forest are all less than 2 miles away from the Capitol Building. The plant collections and gardens have valuable scientific and aesthetic purposes. One of the most popular is the Azalea Collection, which is an especially beautiful sight to behold during early spring.
3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, Phone: 202-245-2726
4. National Museum of Women in the Arts
The National Museum of Women in the Arts is the world’s only major museum focused solely on championing women in the arts. The museum aims to inspire conversations about art through its exhibits, collections, online content, and programs. A collection of over 5,000 objects are preserved and displayed at the museum, and every year ten world-class exhibits featuring women artists are presented. The museum advocates for women artists to better represented and is an important center for social change, community engagement, and thought leadership. Gender imbalance is addressed through the display of art by bringing important women artists into the spotlight.
1250 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005, Phone: 800-222-7270
5. Anacostia Community Museum
The Anacostia Community Museum provides an insight into life in urban communities, examining, documenting, and interpreting the impact that both contemporary social and historical issues have had on these communities. Rotating exhibitions are often focused on human stories and are a source of community partnerships. During the summer, the museum offers a free shuttle that picks up and drops off at the Anacostia Metro station and the National Mall. The new Bridging the Americas permanent exhibit showcases the stories of people from Panama who migrated to Washington, D.C., from the California Gold Rush era up until 2014.
901 Fort Pl SE, Washington, DC 20020, Phone: 202-633-4820
6. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is home to some of contemporary and modern art’s most unique works of art, including photography, sculpture, and painting. The Hirshhorn Museum features rotating exhibits that steadily engage audiences through the finest in contemporary and modern artwork. The famous sculpture garden and the accompanying plaza showcase works by various artists, displaying the artwork in an easily navigable open area. Visitors can see one of the most famous sculptures by Auguste Rodin, The Burghers of Calais. Other works of art that can be seen include Yoko Ono’s Wish Tree for Washington D.C.
Independence Ave SW & 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20560, Phone: 202-633-1000
7. National Building Museum
The National Building Museum is the premier cultural institution focused on presenting the impact and history of the built environment in the United States. This is done by sharing the stories of design, engineering, architecture, and landscape architecture throughout history through exhibits, festivals, and programs. The museum is one of the area’s most awe-inspiring and family-friendly spots. The National Building Museum is situated just a short distance from the National Mall and is housed within an amazing building that features a great hall of soaring heights, massive Corinthian columns 75 feet high, and a 1,200-foot terracotta frieze.
401 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001, Phone: 202-272-2448
8. National Geographic Museum
The National Geographic Museum offers visitors an opportunity to explore the world. The museum is a great experience for guests of all ages and displays an array of rotating exhibits, from beautiful photography to interactive activities. For more than 125 years, National Geographic has worked to educate the public about the world around them. The museum offers a unique perspective on the world from the renowned scientists, photographers, and explorers who support the mission of National Geographic to inspire others to care about the world. There are plenty of amazing, interactive, and colorful displays to intrigue both children and adults alike.
1145 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036, Phone: 202-857-7700
9. National Museum African American History Culture
The National Museum African American History Culture is four-level museum dedicated entirely to the documentation of African-American culture, life, and history. The 19th museum of the Smithsonian Institution features several interactive exhibits and is also a marvel of architecture. The exterior of the building was designed by David Adjaye, an architect born in Ghana, and consists of a bronze-colored three-tiered screen. The lattice screen is a tribute to the intricate ironwork that was forged by enslaved African Americans throughout the South. There are approximately 3,500 artifacts on display in the museum, with around 35,000 more in the museum’s entire collection.
1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560, Phone: 844-750-3012
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. National Air and Space Museum
- 2. National Museum Natural History
- 3. National Arboretum
- 4. National Museum of Women in the Arts
- 5. Anacostia Community Museum
- 6. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
- 7. National Building Museum
- 8. National Geographic Museum
- 9. National Museum African American History Culture