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Washington, D.C. is home to many world-class museums, offering a diverse range of exhibits and collections. While some of the museums are free, museum offerings and availability may change over time. It’s a good idea to check the current status and exhibits of each museum before planning your visit. Some museums require advance booking or tickets.
Known for its vast collection of minerals, fossils, and gems, the museum also houses the Hope Diamond, various dinosaur skeletons, and the famous Hall of Mammals.
I really enjoyed the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. This is one of the best museums for kids, especially young kids. There’s A LOT to look at.
This museum showcases the history of the United States through artifacts like the original Star-Spangled Banner, the First Ladies’ Inaugural Gowns, and a vast collection of Americana.
This museum is one of the most visited in the world and houses an extensive collection of aircraft and spacecraft, including the Wright brothers’ plane, the Apollo 11 command module, and the Space Shuttle Discovery.
This museum was really cool! There is also a planetarium inside.
This museum explores the history and culture of African Americans in the United States. Its exhibits cover topics like the civil rights movement, music, sports, and African American achievements.
The elevator ride takes you back in time to the beginning of slavery, and the museum tells the story from there.
Dedicated to Native American history, this museum displays art, artifacts, and cultural items from indigenous peoples of the Americas. It features a diverse range of traditions and cultures.
The central rotunda often displays artistic works from contemporary Native Americans.
A powerful and moving museum dedicated to educating visitors about the Holocaust. It includes survivor testimonies, artifacts, and detailed exhibitions on the history of this tragic event.
The museum has an extensive collection of media artifacts from the time period.
This is America’s first museum of modern art, featuring works by artists like Renoir, Van Gogh, and O’Keeffe. It’s known for its intimate setting and exceptional Impressionist and American art.
Housing an extensive collection of European and American art, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet, this museum is a paradise for art lovers.
This museum explores the world of espionage, featuring a wide range of spy-related artifacts and interactive exhibits. Visitors can learn about the history and techniques of spying.
This museum is a living plant museum that showcases a wide variety of plant species from around the world. The garden’s diverse collection includes exotic tropical plants, desert flora, and temperate species. Visitors can explore various themed garden rooms, including a tropical rainforest, a succulent and cactus garden, and a historic garden highlighting American plants. The Botanic Garden provides a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, making it an excellent place to learn about and appreciate the beauty and importance of plants.
I stayed in the Hotel Harrington. It is within walking distance to the National Mall and affordable. It is NOT very fancy.
You can also check out Hostelworld. I LOVE Hostelworld!
There are also plenty of Airbnbs available.
