Washington D.C. has a standard of its own when it comes to world-class museums most of which are conveniently located on the National Mall and are free! Visitors should take advantage of the plethora of knowledge and insight on hand, whether your interest is classic art or the world of aviation, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So let your wallets breathe and your minds explore as we venture into the ten museums in Washington D.C. that you can’t-miss!
United States Capitol Visitor Center
As some of you may know I was an intern on Capitol Hill, and one of my duties on The Hill was giving Capitol Tours. This is number one on the list as you can’t miss taking a tour in one of the world’s most recognizable builds! The name speaks for itself.
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Due to the obvious tragic history, this is quite an emotional museum to visit. This will take you simulations through some of the lives of the people that lived through the Holocaust. A museum staple in the lives of the kids of the holocaust. Take a chronological journey through the rise of the Nazi party, to the mass murder of Jews, and the liberation following the Allied victory.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Another emotional museum but one that is well worth it! Powerful, inspiring, and eye-opening are the three ways I would describe this museum. They way they physically and emotionally take you through the history makes you reconsider every step you’ve taken in life.
National Air & Space Museum
Home to the world’s largest collection of historic aircrafts and spacecrafts, including the Wright Brothers’ original 1903 flyer. You don’t need to be an aviation nerd to enjoy this museum. Climb into a huge Boeing 747 cockpit, touch a moon rock, and even test your hand-eye coordination in a combat simulator.
United States Botanic Garden
Explore the collection of plant life from climates across the world! This is a little getaway from D.C city life.
U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Witness the making of currency in a more than 10-step process. Despite what you may have seen on Money Heist of the money printing process. You never know how much goes into making a single note until you spend some time watching it live!
The National Archives Museum
Home to the nation’s most important documents: the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Those are just the highlights, as there are more than 10 billion Federal papers dating back 1774, and about 133 terabytes of electronic data.
National Museum of American History
Make your way through the depths of the Earth to the brutal truths of America. Information from the Civil War, the Restoration, Jim Crow era, the Civil Rights movement, and more. With over three million objects that tell the American Story, it’s no surprise that over four million people make their way to this museum.
The National Gallery of Art
Think art history movies and classical concerts. The collection spans over two major buildings – one classical, the other modern – and has a six-acre sculpture garden with a rotational display of permanent works and traveling exhibits.
National Museum of Natural History
Channel your inner Ross, as this museum has 127 million items including dinosaur bones! This museum covers it all from mammals to human origins (including replicas and ancient paintings) to gems and minerals to dinosaur fossils. Learn about how life went from oceans to ashore.
There is just so much to explore in Washington D.C. Keep your eyes out for other travel related posts on Washington D.C.
One of my close friends is very much into museums. She will appreciate this post very much. Thank you!
I think I have been to all of these museums at one time or another. I was even at the Botanic Gardens when the Corpse flower was in bloom (although I was too late to experience the stench). I have visited some of these museums multiple times because I find them so interesting.
One of my favorite things about Washington DC is the museums! The American History museum is one of my favorites (since I am a history teachers) but I found the Spy Museum, the Portrait Gallery, and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing fascinating as well.
So many great museums! I’ll have to take my husband to the National Air & Space Museum: he’d love it!
So many amazing museums! I haven’t been to DC yet, but there’s a ton to see! Is there a museum pass for the ones that aren’t free?
This is a great list! One of my favorites is the Spy Museum.