A complete guide to the 15 best museums in Washington

A complete guide to the 15 best museums in Washington

Discover the National Archives and the Smithsonian complex with this list of the best Washington museums.

From the Smithsonian’s endless wonders spanning prehistory to planetary exploration, to the grandeur of the National Gallery of Art, the best museums in Washington, DC, have helped shape the city’s narrative. Explore American history at the National Portrait Museum or delve into the complex history at the National Museum of the American Indian and National African American History and Culture Museum. Many of Washington DC’s museums are located in the heart of the National Mall, one of the best things to do in Washington, DC, providing tons of world-renowned museums and Washington, DC landmarks for you to explore.

Best history museums in Washington, DC

The National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, houses the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.

1. National Archives Museum

One of the first stops on a Washington, DC, museum tour should be the National Archives Museum, especially if you’ve got a passion for American history. This historic landmark is the custodian of the United States’ most important historical documents. The documents on display range from the early days of the country’s inception to the significant milestones that have helped shape it over the last few centuries.

Insider tip

Don’t miss the David M. Rubenstein Gallery, which hosts one of the few known copies of the Magna Carta, one of the most important legal documents in British history that states that the monarchy is not above the law.

Address and opening hours

701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408, United States. Open daily 10:00 AM-5:30 PM.

Photo: Gunnar Klack

The Smithsonian National Museum of American History is where you can see the original Star-Spangled Banner, presidential memorabilia, and exhibits on American culture.

2. Smithsonian National Museum of American History

The Smithsonian National Museum of American History takes visitors through pivotal moments across all areas of American history. Explore iconic artifacts like the original Star-Spangled Banner, the First Ladies’ inaugural gowns, and the original Greensboro lunch counter, where students in the 1960s took part in a sit-in as a nonviolent protest against racial segregation. The museum’s exhibits take a deep dive into the cultural, social, and political milestones of the United States.

Insider tip

In addition to treasures from American history, the museum also features interactive simulators where guests can ride a virtual roller coaster or drive a race car, which can be a fun break from the history lesson.

Address and opening hours

1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, United States. Open daily 10:00 AM-5:30 PM.

Photo: ajay_suresh

The Museum of the Bible takes visitors through the Bible's history, impact, and narrative through exhibits, ancient manuscripts, and interactive displays.

3. Museum of the Bible

Washington, DC’s Museum of the Bible tells the story of the world’s most famous book. Visitors will explore exhibits surrounding the Bible’s history, narrative, and worldwide impact. Fascinating exhibits at this Washington, DC hidden gem include ancient artifacts, rare manuscripts, and interactive displays, bringing the Bible’s stories and history to life.

Insider tip

Head up to the museum’s rooftop for a spectacular view of Washington, DC.

Address and opening hours

400 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States. Open daily 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Photo: U.S. Secretary of Defense

The African American Civil War Memorial and Museum honors the legacy and contributions of the more than 200,000 African American soldiers and sailors who fought in the Civil War.

4. African American Civil War Memorial and Museum

The African American Civil War Memorial and Museum provides a profound and moving look at the contributions and sacrifices of African American soldiers during the Civil War. Exhibits highlight personal stories, historical artifacts, and interactive displays to help shed light on this pivotal period. The memorial itself is a powerful tribute, featuring a bronze statue and a Wall of Honor inscribed with the names of more than 209,000 US Colored Troops.

Insider tip

The unique architecture of the building was inspired by a crown from the West African Bourbon people. It is covered in 3,600 gleaming bronze-colored panels.

Address and opening hours

1925 Vermont Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States. Open Monday-Saturday 11:00 AM-4:00 PM.

Photo: Rex Hammock

The National Museum of African American History and Culture celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans.

5. National African American History and Culture Museum

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a deep look into the complex history of African Americans. Explore the powerful exhibits that span slavery and segregation to the Civil Rights Movement and contemporary contributions to art, culture, and society. The museum’s extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and multimedia helps visitors understand and appreciate the impact of African American history and culture on the nation and the world.

Insider tip

The museum is organized chronologically from the bottom up. The lower levels cover slavery and segregation, while the upper levels cover contemporary culture and achievements.

Address and opening hours

1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, United States. Open daily 10:00 AM-5:30 PM, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Monday.

Photo: YoTuT

The National Museum of the American Indian tells about the stories, cultures, and contemporary lives of Indigenous peoples macros the Americas.

6. National Museum of the American Indian

Washington, DC’s National Museum of the American Indian tells stories about the culture, history, and contribution of Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Visitors can explore the museum’s artifacts, artwork, and exhibits celebrating Native American heritage. Indigenous designs also inspire the museum’s architecture and gardens.

Insider tip

The museum’s on-site Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe serves traditional recipes from indigenous communities.

Address and opening hours

4th St SW, Washington, DC 20560, United States. Open daily 10:00 AM-5:30 PM.

Photo: Caitlin Childs

George Washington's Mount Vernon is a preserved estate that peeks into the life and legacy of America's first president.

7. George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Step into the shoes of America’s first president at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Set against a beautifully preserved 18th-century estate backdrop, visitors can tour the elegant mansion, explore the gardens, and get an up-close look at original artifacts. The estate, one of the most iconic landmarks in Washington DC, is living history, showcasing the first president’s innovative farming methods, his role as a family man, and the region's natural beauty that he adored.

Insider tip

Take time to explore the beautifully landscaped grounds, including the gardens, the tomb of George and Martha Washington, and the Pioneer Farm.

Address and opening hours

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121, United States. Open daily 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Best art museums in Washington, DC

Photo: Allie_Caulfield

The Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC has a collection of American art spanning the centuries.

8. Smithsonian American Art Museum

The Smithsonian American Art Museum is home to one of the world's most comprehensive collections of American art. Its works span centuries of great masters’ work, from Georgia O’Keeffe to Edward Hopper and Nam June Paik. The building, with its classical revival architecture and grand atrium, is a piece of American history. While today it is one of the best art museums in Washington, DC, it was originally constructed in 1836 as the Old Patent Office Building.

Insider tip

Leave time to visit the Renwick Gallery, which focuses on contemporary craft and decorative arts. It’s part of the museum but is located a short walk away.

Address and opening hours

G Street Northwest and 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States. Open daily from 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM.

Photo: Sharon VanderKaay

9. National Portrait Gallery

At the National Portrait Gallery, you can give a wink to George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Barack Obama, and many other significant figures from US history. The gallery’s exhibitions feature official portraits of presidents and other historical figures and take visitors through a who’s who of American history. The National Portrait Gallery building dates back to the 19th century as part of the Smithsonian complex.

Insider tip

Families will want to visit The Explore! Room, which is an entire space dedicated to kids between 18 months and eight years old. It’s designed to introduce kids to the concept of portraits with hands-on exhibits and books for storytime.

Address and opening hours

8th St NW and G St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States. Open daily 11:30 AM-7:00 PM.

Photo: Ted Eytan

The National Portrait Gallery features a collection of portraits that chronically the lives of influential figures in American history.

10. National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art is a world-class museum housed across two architecturally impressive buildings. It is home to an impressive collection of European and American masterpieces. Think Da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Monet. The museum also features an outdoor sculpture garden and regularly hosts temporary exhibits and educational programs. Through its Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts, it’s a leader in art research and conservation. The best part? Admission is free.

Insider tip

The museum has a six-acre sculpture garden, the perfect place to rest after exploring all the exhibits. You can even pack a picnic and enjoy the popular Jazz in the Garden concert series, held every Friday in the summer.

Address and opening hours

Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565, United States. Open daily 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Photo: goddard studio 13

ARTECHOUSE is an innovative art space that blends art, technology, and immersive exhibits in digital and experiential art.

11. ARTECHOUSE

Art and technology meld together at Washington, DC’s ARTECHOUSE, an immersive experience known for its digital installations, augmented reality, projection mapping, and multi-sensory exhibits. The space frequently collaborates with international artists to showcase works pushing traditional art's boundaries. Unlike conventional galleries, ARTECHOUSE is all about interaction and encouraging visitors to become part of the experience, which makes it one of the most fun things to do in Washington, DC.

Insider tip

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing so you can fully participate in the interactive exhibits.

Address and opening hours

1238 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States. Open daily 10:00 AM-10:00 PM.

Photo: Elvert Barnes

The Phillips Collection is America's first museum of modern art, with a collection of works by artists like Renoir, Rothko, and O'Keeffe.

12. The Phillips Collection

The United States has some of the most iconic modern art museums in the world, and it all started with The Phillips Collection. Founded in 1921 by Duncan Phillips, the collection lives within a former residence, which makes the experience much more personal and intimate than in typical museums. Masterpieces include works by Renoir, Rothko, and Van Gogh, focusing on American and European modernists.

Insider tip

Don’t miss the “Rothko Room,” a chapel-like space designed for a fully immersive experience into Mark Rothko’s famous pieces.

Address and opening hours

1600 21st St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States. Open Tuesday-Sunday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History has a vast collection of impressive wonders, from the Hope Diamond to ancient fossils.

13. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is one of the most visited natural history museums in the world — and for good reason. It houses more than 145 million specimens, including the spectacular 45.52-carat blue Hope Diamond. The museum’s exhibits span a wide range of topics, from dinosaurs and ancient civilizations to ocean life and human evolution. Most visitors to the museum will recognize the towering African elephant that stands majestically in the main rotunda.

Insider tip

The museum’s “Q?rius” exhibit is an educational center for teens and pre-teens, where they can be hands-on by simulating working in a lab and making scientific discoveries of their own.

Address and opening hours

10th St. and Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, United States. Open daily 10:00 AM-5:30 PM.

Alternative museums in Washington, DC

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum showcases the history and science of aviation and space exploration.

14. Smithsonian National Museum of Air and Space

One of the world’s most comprehensive collections of aviation and space artifacts awaits at the Smithsonian National Museum of Air and Space. Trace the history of flight through famous items like the Wright brothers’ 1903 Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 11 command module. The museum is also a great family-friendly activity in Washington, DC, as it features immersive exhibits, including full-size spacecraft and flight simulators. Its IMAX theater and planetarium blast visitors off of Planet Earth and into faraway galaxies. Admission to the museum is free, so this treasure trove of human achievement is accessible to all. However, visitors will have to pay for IMAX tickets.

Insider tip

If you have extra time and want to see more aircraft and spacecraft, consider visiting the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. It’s part of the museum and free to enter. It houses the Space Shuttle Discovery and other large aircraft.

Address and opening hours

600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560, United States. Open daily 10:00 AM-5:30 PM.

Washington, DC's National Mall is a large, open park that stretches between the US Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial.

15. National Mall

Not your typical museum, the National Mall is a stretch of land in the heart of the US capital. It’s home to some of the country’s most iconic monuments and memorials, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The Mall is also flanked by many of the Smithsonian museums, and it serves as a gathering place for national events, celebrations, and protests. It is the quintessential symbol of democracy and civic engagement.

Insider tip

Wandering the National Mall when the sun goes down is one of the best things to do in Washington, DC, at night for the views of all the monuments lit up under the stars.

Address and opening hours

Between Constitution and Independence Ave. SW Washington, DC 20050, United States.

FAQs

1. What are the most famous museums in Washington, DC?

The must-visit museums in Washington, DC, include the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of Air and Space, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the National African American History Museum.

2. Are there any free museums in Washington, DC?

Many Smithsonian Institution museums in Washington, DC, like the National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of Air and Space, are free.

3. What’s the most interesting museum in Washington, DC if I only have time for one?

If you only have time to visit one museum in Washington, DC, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History is often considered the most interesting due to its diverse exhibits and iconic artifacts that cover all areas of US history.

4. Are there any fun museums in Washington, DC for families and children?

Museums like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of Air and Space, and the International Spy Museum offer interactive exhibits for families.

5. For which museums in Washington, DC are guided tours recommended?

Guided tours are recommended for the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the National African American History Museum to enable visitors to gain deeper insights into the collections.

6. Are there any museum passes or discount cards available for visiting multiple museums in Washington, DC?

While many museums are free, the Washington DC Explorer Pass offers discounts for multiple attractions, including some museums.

Read more about Washington, DC