Museums in Washington DC are plentiful and offer a variety of exciting learning experiences. Whether you are interested in art, espionage, history, science, the armed forces or natural history, there is a museum to satisfy your curiosity.
Museum lovers can plan an entire day, or even several days, to explore all of the area’s great options. And many of these museums offer free entry!
From life-size dinosaur skeletons at the Natural History Museum to magnificent sculptures at the National Gallery of Art, these museums give you a glimpse of human history and culture from multiple perspectives. Below, we’ll explore several Washington DC museums that you can visit during your visit to the nation’s capital.
International Spy Museum
Visiting the International Spy Museum is an exciting way to learn about espionage and the history of spies. The museum offers an interactive experience called Undercover Mission. As you explore the museum, you will have the opportunity to test your knowledge and spy skills. Once you arrive at the debriefing center, you can check your scores.
From codebreaking and spy agencies to secret-stealing inventions, the International Spy Museum is a fun and exciting place to visit with the family.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Opened in 1993, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is “a living memorial to the Holocaust.” It offers a captivating collection that helps remember the victims of this genocide and honor the survivors.
The museum’s permanent exhibition spans three floors and introduces you to the events of the Holocaust and its aftermath through artifacts, films and photographs. The museum also hosts traveling exhibits that provide a more in-depth look at some of the events and people of the Holocaust.
Smithsonian Institution
One of the most popular activities while visiting Washington, DC, is exploring one of the many Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo. Did you know that there are twenty-one museums under the umbrella of the Smithsonian Institution? Some museums are located in other cities, but those in Washington, DC, are free and open to the public.
Smithsonian museums in Washington DC include:
- National Museum of Natural History
- National Air and Space Museum
- National Portrait Gallery
- National Museum of American History
- National Museum of the American Indian
- Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
- National Postal Museum
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
- National Museum of Asian Art
- National Museum of African Art
- Renwick Museum of American Art and Gallery
- National Museum of Latin Americans
- Anacostia Community Museum
- Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum
Bible Museum
The Museum of the Bible offers an immersive, technologically advanced experience through the history, history and influence of the Bible. It’s a great learning adventure for all ages, with three floors of permanent exhibits and several other floors made up of rotating and traveling exhibits.
The museum’s permanent exhibits include artifacts from the Vatican Museums and Library as well as an interactive exhibit for children.
During your tour, you will walk village streets, watch films, listen to Bible readings, and learn about the Bible’s narrative in a very engaging way.
National Geographic Museum
Visiting the National Geographic Museum is a fantastic experience that allows you to explore different aspects of our world. The museum has a wide variety of rotating exhibits, so there is always a reason to return to the museum. Whether you are interested in anthropology, geography or the natural world, these immersive encounters will satisfy your curiosity.
Other museum attractions include six theaters, a gift shop, and a cafe where you can enjoy a meal or snack while admiring views of Washington, DC.
National Children’s Museum
The National Children’s Museum is an ideal destination for families with young children. The museum offers a rotating selection of experiences designed to inspire learning through art, music, science and creative activities.
From exciting art galleries to science experiments and environmental projects, the National Children’s Museum is a fantastic way for little ones to express their natural curiosity and creativity. This museum is perfect for a family outing with its entertaining exhibits, lively exhibits, and age-appropriate themes.
National Law Enforcement Museum
Visiting the National Law Enforcement Museum is an opportunity to honor the brave men and women of law enforcement who protect our country every day.
The museum provides a unique opportunity to explore the history of American law enforcement and celebrate courageous officers. You can ride in a police car, examine artifacts, and watch short films about crime-fighting technology and the evolution of law enforcement.
A visit to the National Law Enforcement Museum is worth it for those looking for an engaging way to better understand those who protect us every day.
National Art Gallery
The National Gallery of Art is an impressive experience. The museum offers a superb range of art from around the world, from classical Greek sculptures to modern works from France and Italy.
As you stroll through its galleries, you can admire some of history’s greatest artists, such as Monet, Vincent van Gogh and Renoir. Or perhaps you’d like to discover more traditional works that reveal fascinating perspectives on African or Asian cultures.
The National Gallery of Art displays sculptures, paintings, prints, drawings and decorative works of art. Whatever your interest in art, a visit to the National Gallery is an enriching experience.
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Exploring the National Museum of Women in the Arts is an opportunity to celebrate the social, cultural and political contributions of women throughout history.
This museum features paintings and sculptures, film screenings and programs on current events and complex issues affecting women today. Additionally, educational programs feature prominent contemporary artists who speak about their works and experiences.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts seeks to inspire art lovers and recognize the historic achievements made by women artists around the world.
National Guard Memorial Museum
The National Guard Memorial Museum is a unique and inspiring experience. It houses a rich collection of artifacts related to American military history that help you understand the sacrifices made by our troops.
As you walk among the exhibits, photographs and historical documents from past conflicts, you can’t help but appreciate all the brave men and women who risked their lives for our freedom. Each exhibit highlights stories of heroism and strength, showcasing the contributions many have made in service to their country.
National Building Museum
The National Building Museum is a must-see for anyone who wants to learn more about the design and architecture of historic and contemporary buildings. From art and architecture to feats of engineering, this museum exhibits the history and composition of Washington’s built environment.
When you visit the National Building Museum, you’ll discover how urban planning has intersected with the nation’s capital. With fascinating walks through different periods and interactive exhibits for children and adults, this Washington DC museum will give you a new perspective on the city’s architectural adventures.
National Museum of the United States Navy
As one of the largest national museums in Washington, DC, the National Museum of the United States Navy takes you on a journey through our naval history. The museum offers an incredible insight into what it means to serve our country, from artwork depicting battles fought throughout time to artifacts from wars past.
With free admission year-round and interactive exhibits for children, it’s a great stop for anyone interested in learning more about the courage displayed by members of the United States Navy.
National Archives Museum
A visit to the National Archives Museum offers an experience like no other. This free museum contains documents, photographs and artifacts that tell the story of American history through public records. Each exhibit offers insight into important historical moments, from the Declaration of Independence to the first decisions of the United States Supreme Court.
Not only does this museum hold an incredible wealth of knowledge, but it also has interactive activities that you can participate in. Exploring the National Archives Museum can be an enriching experience and gives you a better understanding of the evolution of our nation.
Museums in Washington, DC
Washington, DC, is home to some of the best museums in the world. From the Smithsonian Institution to the International Spy Museum, the nation’s capital has a museum for almost every interest. These museums provide educational experiences through captivating exhibits on diverse topics, ranging from science and art to international cultures.
Many Washington DC museums have free admission and are within walking distance of other famous landmarks. Whether you’re a museum enthusiast or simply looking for things to do in Washington, DC, these museums have something to satisfy all levels of curiosity.
Featured Image Credit: [@f11photo/DepositPhotos]
Alexandrea Sumuel is a nationally syndicated travel writer and founder of the travel blog Wander With Alex. His work has been published on MSN, YAHOO!, Euronews and FOX, ABC and NBC affiliates across the United States.
Alex travels to experience, eat, explore and sometimes escape! She collaborates with destinations, vacation property management companies and hotel technology companies to provide her readers with exclusive insights and information.