Spend time exploring the grounds of the United States Nation’s Capital and see why Washington D.C. is the ideal place for anyone looking to step back in time and see history come alive. Washington D.C. is the perfect location to check out solo, as a couple or group of family and friends. The area is overflowing with historic sites, museums, and monuments. The best reason for visiting the museums in Washington D.C. is to explore the Smithsonian Institute, which includes 17 museums, galleries, and even a National Zoo in the surrounding area that offers free admission to the public.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to venture to Washington D.C. to take in the sights is from September to November and March to May. During these times, the weather is crisp and breezy with a beautiful array of fall foliage or the blooming cherry blossoms in the springtime offering picturesque views. If traveling during the spring or fall season, you will experience fewer crowds as well.
Top Museums to Explore
There are 70 museums throughout the Washington, D.C., area. Choosing which ones to visit while on vacation can be overwhelming, but no worries! Below is a list of some of the top museums you should not miss when in town.
Smithsonian American Art Museum: Visit where it all began for the nation’s art collection. Explore three centuries’ worth of experiences, inspiration, and creativity that drove the American people. The Smithsonian is home to the most significant works of American art, with over 7,000 artists on display, highlighting some key artists such as Copley, Homer, and Keefe. This museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution and admission to visit is free of charge to the public.
National Museum of African American History and Culture: Located at the National Mall in Washington, D.C, the museum allows visitors to dive deep into the rich and diverse culture that has formed and shaped today’s nation. This museum guest will find publications and photos capturing experiences and participation in the civil rights movement. Visitors will also explore Harriet Tubman’s hymnal, Michael Jackson costumes, and rotating exhibits showcasing the African American culture and how life has evolved. The museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution and admission to visit is free of charge to the public; however, guests do need a timed-entry ticket to access the museum.
National Gallery of Art: Explore a world full of art and beautiful sculptures in one of the top-ranked art museums in the world. The museum offers a multitude of paintings, drawings, multimedia collections, and decorative pieces of art that traces back from the middle ages to the present. The East and West building of the National Gallery of Art showcases countless famous artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Leonardo Di Vinci, Picasso, Pollock, and Warhol. Today the museum is home to the only painting of Leonardo Di Vinci in the Americas. The National Gallery of Art is free admission to all visitors and worth checking out while in town.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: The museum is a memorial for those lives taken way too early in life due to fueled hatred. The mission of the United States Holocaust is to spread hope on confronting hatred in the world and prevent genocide from ever occurring. During the self-guided tour of the museum, the guest will witness more than 12,750 artifacts, millions of pages of documentation, thousands of photographs, and interpretations of the Holocaust history. Although admission is free to visitors, guests must purchase a timed-entry ticket which will include a dollar transaction fee.
National Air and Space Museum: Get ready to take flight and discover the nation’s air and space travel history. The museum showcases aircraft and spacecraft, rockets, flight memorabilia, and artifacts through the decades. The National Air and Space Museum has the most extensive collection of aviation artifacts and is critical for educational research and technology. The museum is free entry to visitors; however, currently, the museum is undergoing renovations and is expected to be open in Fall 2022.
National Portrait Gallery: Explore a museum where you can put a name to a face in this unique National Portrait Gallery. The portraits showcase leaders and people with remarkable accomplishments ranging from American politicians, artists, scientists, entertainers, and even inventors that have helped shape the United States. Guests can visit the permanent collections and rotating traveling exhibits throughout the year. Entry to the museum is free admission for all visitors.
Ford’s Theatre: The infamous theatre that many thought of as a curse from an 1862 fire, President Abe Lincoln’s assassination, and a building collapse that killed and injured many people has undergone many restorations and has become a popular destination for visitors. The partnership between the National Park Service and the non-profit 501(c)(3) Ford’s Theatre Society has allowed the museum to be successful. The Ford Theatre museum showcases artifacts from the Lincoln Assassination, including objects like the pistol used, John Wilkes Booth’s Diary, Lincoln’s theatre box door, and many artifacts regarding Lincoln’s family life, his time in office, and the conspiracies following his death. Visitors must purchase a ticket to gain access, but be mindful that the theatre is not a part of every ticket. Also, be sure to follow the health and safety guidelines on the Ford Theatre website before visiting the National Historic Site.
The National Archives Museum: Take a step back in time and visit the museum home to some of the most important original documents in US history. The museum showcases the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, The Bill of Rights, the 1827 Magna Carta, and permanent exhibits of the Record of Rights and Public vaults with rotating exhibits that highlight periods that have shaped the US nation. Admission is free entry to visitors for self-guided tours.
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens: Head over to Hillwood Estate where the business woman, socialite and collector Majorie Merriweather Post has opened her doors for visitors to get a glimpse of renowned collection of the French and Russian art. The 25 acre estate is home to 17,000 collected art pieces, a beautiful Japanese-influenced garden, an enchanting rose garden and a french inspired maze. To gain access visitors must pay for a ticket at the suggested donation price list on the website. Please note if making reservations online there is a small discount to the price of tickets for adults and seniors.
National Museum of American History: Travel back in time and uncover the past American culture from significant events that have shaped the nation today. Upon entering the museum, you will feel like you’re no longer in the 21st century. Guests can view Dorothy’s ruby red slippers from the Wizard of Oz production, the elegant gowns of the First Ladies, Archie Bunkers Chair, and The original American Flag, which are true US treasures. Other exhibits popular with visitors are America on the Move, which offers guests the history and evolution behind transportation from the 1870s to the present day, and the American Presidency, for guests to explore the executive actions of individuals who have held office. Admission is free entry for guests looking to peek at the past.
International Spy Museum: Ever want to know what it’s like in the day in a spy’s life? Go undercover and explore the tradecraft, international espionage, and history of what it takes to be a spy. In a fully interactive mission, test your skill set on 17 different platforms but remember never to unveil your identity and secrets. Are you ready to see what it takes? For access to the museum, tickets must be purchased for ages seven and up.
National Geographic Museum: This museum is perfect for those looking for inspiration to discover the world’s hidden gems. Explore the world through photographs, artifacts, and interactive stations, and get a glimpse of expedition stories of those who have traveled to remote places where most people would dream of going. The museum has constantly changing exhibits for guests to enjoy through the years. National Geographic Museum is currently closed for a new installment, but head to the museum in mid-June to explore the Beyond King Tut exhibit.
National Postal Museum: Opening its doors to visitors in 1993, the National Postal Museum offers guests a look at the history of how mail gets from point A to B from colonial periods to the present day. The museum showcases the transportation used by ways of vintage planes, railways, Ford Model A postal trucks, and stagecoaches. Take a look at ages past, and don’t forget to check out the most extensive array of stamps throughout the decades. If you are a collector of stamps, this place is for you to check out! Admission is free to all visitors ready to see how the system and process work of retrieving essential documents and getting your message out to your loved ones.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Gardens: The Hirshhorn Museum is a contemporary and modern art museum home to 12,000 art pieces that range from paintings and visual arts to multimedia. Explore the garden grounds that showcase 30 sculptures throughout the property. Expand your mind through the creativity of the living and past artists and visit this beautiful museum. Entry to the museum is free admission for all visitors; however, timed passes are required to view the traveling exhibit.
Overall Thoughts
Washington D.C. is the ideal spot when looking for a quick getaway or extended vacation to explore the world of history. Whether you venture to visit iconic monuments, visit museums and those connected to the Smithsonian Institute or stroll through the beautiful gardens in the surrounding area, Washington D.C. has something to offer for everyone. Visiting these museums will bring education to the next level while expanding the minds and creativity, taking a look into the past and understanding the bigger picture, and bringing hope and growth of the future to the front. The biggest obstacle will be how many museums you can visit during your stay.
