So you’re going to Washington, DC, or perhaps you already live there, or maybe you just want to learn about the museums that DC has to offer! The sheer number of museums Washington hosts can be a bit overwhelming to tourists and Washingtonians alike and both groups have limited time to offer to museum hopping. This is why I have narrowed down the extensive list of DC museums to five museums I believe you should spend the most time. Not only are they some of my personal favorites, but they are also free. I’ve also included a couple additional museums, that while aren’t free, are definitely worth their cost of admission and should make it on to your list of must-sees.
*I highly recommend checking out the museum website (linked in the header of the museum title) prior to your visit to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the exhibits and additional information the museum may have for guests.
Free Museums
1. National Museum of Natural History
Location: 10th St and Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC
Hours: Current hours for July and August*
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 10 AM – 7:30 PM
*Check the museum website linked in the “National Museum of Natural History” header to view non-summer hours
Price: Free
In the National Museum of Natural History, visitors can view exhibits that explore ocean life, fossils, ancient Egypt, geology, dinosaurs, and so much more. This museum is a great option for a rainy day due to the various activities the museum offers and is especially perfect for little ones due to the variety of exhibits and accommodations made to aid the learning of children (video games, visual aids and the use of touch to explain different concepts, movies, and more). Furthermore, the National Museum of Natural History is also home to the famous Hope Diamond, Henry the African Elephant who lives in the museum’s rotunda, three human mummies, a butterfly gallery, and more.
2. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Location: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC
Hours: 10 AM – 5:30 PM*
*Closed on Yom Kippur and Christmas Day
Price: Free, but during March – August timed tickets must be acquired to enter the museum’s permanent exhibits*
*More information on ticketing options is available here
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum features artifacts from the Holocaust, as well as the history of World War II and additionally, serves as a memorial for those who passed away in the Holocaust. This museum, while extremely educational and well put together, is more geared towards older children and while it features an exhibit that tells the story of one child’s experience during the Holocaust, this exhibition is recommended only for children 8 years an older. I was able to view this museum with one of my college courses and was able to take away so much from this museum and truly believe that everyone who visits the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum will learn something, no matter how much or how little you know about World War II and the Holocaust prior to your visit to the museum.
3. National Museum of American History
Location: Constitution Ave NW, Between 12th and 14th, Washington, DC
Hours: 10 AM – 5:30 PM Daily*
*Closed on Christmas Day
Price: Free
The National Museum of American History is a museum that you could spend, quite literally, the entire day in and still not have seen everything. This building is the home to a wide variety of exhibits, including everything from the evolution of cooking in America, inventions throughout American history, the history behind various American Presidents, and even the flag that inspired the Star-Spangled Banner. Additionally, the National Museum of American History is also the home to the iconic pair of ruby red slippers worn in the film The Wizard of Oz (as well as the wand held by Glinda in the film and the straw hat worn by the Scarecrow), the Wonder Woman costume worn by Lynda Carter in the 1970’s, and even the top hat worn by Abraham Lincoln when he was assassinated in the Ford Theatre.
This museum also hosts a wide variety of interactive exhibits that are perfect for children and it also has an exploration area for small children to play in. While this museum is highly recommended for anyone looking to visit a museum in Washington, DC, go in with the expectation that you probably won’t get to see the entire museum. I would recommend that you check out the museum website linked in the “National Museum of American History” header prior to your visit to view the different exhibits available to you. This will allow you to skip exhibits that aren’t as important to you when you visit the museum and feel confident that you aren’t skipping anything that you really wanted to see.
4. American Art Museum/National Portrait Gallery
Location: 8th and F Streets NW, Washington, DC
Hours: 11:30 AM – 7 PM Daily*
*Closed on Christmas Day
Price: Free
This Smithsonian museum has a lot to offer as a two-in-one package deal. Both museums reside in the same building, meaning you can get double the museum experience in one stop. To add to the convenience, this museum is located extremely close to the Gallery Place/Chinatown stop on the red line of the metro.
This museum boasts the title of ‘home to one of the largest collections of American art in the world’ and if that isn’t enough to convince you to visit, the National Portrait Gallery also houses the famed collection of the American Presidential portraits. Additionally, the American Art Museum and Portrait Gallery host a wide variety of art from paintings to sculptures, photography, and even interactive displays–meaning there is a little bit of something for everyone in your group. Finally, this building also contains a beautiful atrium with ample natural light, tables, and even a café! Making it the perfect study spot for all times of the year.
5. Hirshorn Museum
Location: Independence Ave and 7th Street, Washington, DC
Hours: 10 AM – 5:30 PM Daily*
*Closed on Christmas Day
Price: Free
This Smithsonian museum is home to a variety of art pieces and even features a sculpture garden around the vicinity of the museum. The Hirshorn Museum is unique in that it features interactive art pieces and pushes guests to expand on the concept of what art can be. While I haven’t gotten the chance to return to the museum since they implemented a new featured exhibit, I have no doubt that it is unique and will bring awe and excitement to visitors. One thing to keep in mind prior to visiting the Hirshorn Museum is that this museum will likely only take about an hour or so to view everything. While this isn’t an all-day type of museum, Dolcezza, a delicious coffee/gelato shop, resides on the first floor of the museum so you and your family can take a break before moving on to your next activity for the day.
6. National Museum of African American History and Culture
Location: 1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC
Hours: 10 AM – 5:30 PM Daily*
*Closed on Christmas Day
Price: Free, but timed passes may be needed to enter the museum depending on a variety of factors discussed below
Now, this museum is only listed last on this list for one reason: I have yet to visit this museum. But I didn’t want that to be the sole reason that the National Museum of African American History and Culture didn’t make this list as I have heard amazing things about this museum. Not only has everyone I have spoken to about this museum raved about the quality of the exhibits, but they have also spoken highly of the food at the museum café, as well as the architecture of the museum itself. The one thing holding me back from going to this museum right this minute is due to the ticketing aspect. Timed passes are required depending on the time of year, day of the week, and the time of day that you are planning on going to this museum. Thus, planning is needed in order to ensure you have secured tickets for your trip. More information on securing your tickets to the National Museum of African American History and Culture can be found here.
Unfortunately, since I have not actually set foot in the museum I cannot offer any additional information on the exhibitions, but if you have been lucky enough to have seen the interior of the National Museum of African American History and Culture I would love to hear what you thought about it.
Paid Museums
While there are many excellent museums in DC that are free to all, the following paid museums are two of my absolute favorites that can be enjoyed by children and adults. If you are able to fit it into your budget to visit these two museums, I would highly recommend squeezing some time into your schedule to take a look at what the following museums have to offer.
1. Newseum
Location: 555 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC
Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
** Note that the Newseum is closing its current location on December 31st of 2019
*Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Price:
Now – Labor Day up to four children can gain free admission to the Newseum with a paid adult/senior ticket
Ages 0 – 6: Free
Ages 7 – 18: $14.95
Ages 19 – 64: $24.95
Ages 65+: $19.95
*Discounts are available for journalists, students, members of the military, teachers, and AAA members, but an ID must be provided and tickets must be purchased at the ticketing counter
The Newseum offers a variety of exhibits all centering around the news and journalism and includes exhibits featuring photo-journalism, newspapers, television news, and radio broadcasting. Each exhibit offers news from different parts of American history and also includes interactive aspects that are perfect for smaller children. Some featured exhibits include: the 9/11 Gallery, Inside Today’s FBI, the Berlin Wall Gallery, the Journalists Memorial, the Pulitzer Prize Photographs gallery, and an interactive newsroom. One of my favorite parts of the Newseum is the outside terrace that overlooks Pennsylvania Ave and offers a stunning view of Washington DC, as well as a perfect photo op.
Overall, the Newseum is the perfect spot to remember events that have shaped the world into what it is today and allows visitors to understand the importance of journalism in today’s world.
2. The International Spy Museum
Location: 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 9 AM – 7 PM
Friday and Saturday: 9 AM – 8 PM
Price:
Ages 0 – 6: Free
Ages 7 – 12: $14.95
Ages 13 – 64: $24.95
*Discount tickets ($19.95) are available for seniors, college students, members of the military, law enforcement personnel, and intelligence community members
**College student tickets must be purchased on-site at the ticketing counter
The International Spy Museum just moved to a brand new location and now offers guests a more interactive and comprehensive experience! You begin your visit to the museum by receiving a new identity and mission. Throughout your time in the museum, different exhibits offer opportunities to advance your mission or catch you in your lie. This interactive aspect of the museum draws guests into a complete covert experience while also offering opportunities to learn about the intelligence community. Exhibits in the museum offer a variety of spy gear and the history of intelligence gathering. This museum is perfectly fit to be in the heart of Washington, DC and will please all members of your party due to the various exhibits offered.
Conclusion
While the above museums are some of my favorites, I truly believe that within DC each museum, on this list or not, has so much value that you really can’t go wrong when choosing just a couple to visit. It is important that you consider what you want to see and take away from a museum prior to choosing which ones to visit and I highly recommend that you take a closer look at what each museum has to offer by checking out the museum’s webpage. If you have any advice on museum-hopping in Washington, DC I would love to hear about it as I am always looking for new ones to visit!
Thank you so much for reading and until next time!
Xoxo,
Quinn
Life in Quinn's Corner 