These museums make this city one of the greatest destinations in the world for everyone, particularly those interested in broadening their horizons.
The unique opportunity Washingtonians have to visit some of the world’s greatest museums without having to worry about the cost of entry is what sets D.C. apart from other cities that consider themselves de facto “capitals of culture”…
You are invited in and encouraged to learn here free of charge, not barred entry unless you pay a hefty fee.
Nonetheless, here are a few top museums around Washington, D.C. to check out this year!
The Smithsonian Institutions’ free D.C.-Area museums and National Zoo
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, research, and education complex, earning itself the nickname ‘America’s Attic’ for its incredibly vast array of items on display and diverse collections of artwork, artifacts, and more!
African American History and Culture Museum
An entire museum dedicated to documenting and displaying the African American experience.
The museum has exhibits dedicated to the most powerful moments in African American history including slavery, segregation, the Civil Rights Movement, modern pop-culture, and more!
African Art Museum
This museum puts a spotlight on the diverse artistic traditions of Africa including a vast collection of traditional and contemporary African art.
The diverse collective includes scultures, textiles, ceramics, and so much more!
Air and Space Museum
You don’t have to be obsessed with planes, flights, or even space to have a blast at this place!
The incedible space is filled with tons of oppportunities to immerse yourself in history in an engaging way, making it not just interesting but fun as well.
American Art Museum and Portrait Gallery
The American Art Museum and Portrait Gallery are housed in the same building making it one of the easiest destinations when it comes to choosing where to start your museum tour around the District.
When you get inside, be sure to check out the Kogod Courtyard inside – it’s a stunning space that is said to serve as the inspiration for the upcoming design of the renovated Capital One Arena!
American History Museum
A great way to take in American history in a fun and engaging way, this museum is a must visit for anyone hoping to learn more about our nation’s past.
American Indian Museum DC
Explore the rich culture and history of the native peoples across the United States through immersive exhibits, cultural performances, and their vast collection artifacts that provide a highly informative glimpse into the way of life from those that were the first to call
Asian Art Museum – Freer Gallery
One of the most profound collections of Asian Art you can find in the United States, the Freer Gallery is a great visit that you should add to your bucket list this year.
Asian Art Museum – Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Containing some pieces that date back up to 6,000 years, the Sackler Gallery is well worth a visit to see masterpieces orginating from various nations of Asia throughout history.
Hirshhorn Museum
The Smithsonian Institution’s principal museum of modern art, the Hirshhorn Museum and its accompanying sculpture garden are filled with incredible works definitely worth the visit.
National Zoo
Not only home to Washington, D.C.’s new giant pandas, the National Zoo is one of the greatest zoos in the country and certainly one of the best in the D.C area!
National History Museum
The National History Museum is famous throughout the word for its incredible erray of exhibits constantly on display including exhibits dedicated to dinosaurs, gemstones, the ocean, human evolution, and so much more!
Postal Museum
This unique museum is one of the underrated visits in D.C., the museum dives into the history of the U.S. Postal Service through a series of exhibits including rare stamps, historic mail vehicles, and more!
Renwick Gallery
This contemporary craft and decorative art gallery that is part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and is an incredibly unique and fun experience.
You’ll find some incredibly innovative exhibits that use raw materials in creative ways to create stunning works of art.
S. Dillon Ripley Center
The distinctive copper-domed entrance to this museum is iconic enough, but inside you’ll find the Smithsonian Associates, the Discovery Theatre, and a series of rotating exhibits.
Smithsonian Castle (Currently closed for renovations)
While the Smithsonian Castle is currently closed for renovations, it’s still a stunning landmark worth the visit at least to walk along its historic grounds and take in the stunning gothic revival architecture.
Dopamine Land
Recently voted the #4 best new attraction in the country by USA Today, Dopamine Land is a family friendly interaction experience that is fun for everyone!
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
This museum provides a moving experience to everyone that visits it, which we highly recommend everyone should do at least once.
United States Botanic Garden
Featuring a vast collection of exotic and native plants, beautiful conservatories, and outdoor gardens, rgw U.S. Botanic Gardens educates visitors on the importance of plant conservation, ecology, and sustainability.
Definitely worth a visit on your own, but it’s also a great spot for an informal date.
International Spy Museum
Dedicated to the history, tradecraft, and impact of espionage, featuring real spy artifacts, immersive exhibits, and stories of intelligence operations from around the world, this museum is a can’t miss.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts
The National Museum of Women in the Arts is the world’s first major museum solely dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the artistic achievements of women across history and around the globe.
The Rubell Museum
This contemporary art museum features works from the Rubell family’s extensive art collection as well as works from up-and-coming artists from around the world.
The Art of the Brick: An Exhibition of LEGO Art
Now in the D.C. area, this temporary exhibit has turned some of the worlds greatest works of art into 3D scultupres made entirely out of LEGO bricks!
The exhibit brings elements of fun into the art world in such a great way that makes this place the perfect plan for all audiences and all occasions.
ARTECHOUSE
The incredible immersive 3D art exhibit available at ARTECHOUSE is one of the most unique art experiences in the capital city!
National Building Museum
This incredible exhibition at the National Building Museum focuses on the “brutalism” architecture wave that swept over the capital during the mid-20th century and will only be on view through February 17th.
The Phillips Collection
This fantastic art gallery constantly has exciting exhibits featuring unique artists and stunning work.