Free With A Tourist Pass
Some of our favorite museums have an admission fee.
If you end up finding that many of the things you want to explore have tickets, you may want to look into a tourist discount pass.
There are a few different options on the type of pass you can get and how you can bundle attractions to save, we go over all of them here.
Museums included on a Tourist Discount Pass
SOMETIMES FREE:
- You can visit the Heurich House to attend one of the many events for free. You won’t get a full tour of the house but you can get a sneak peek.
Us Capitol Visitor Center
Similar to the White House, you need tickets to enter the actual Capitol Building – but these are relatively easy to come by and are included on our Capitol Hill Walking Tour.
But you do not need tickets to enter the free Visitor Center which houses an interactive and video filled education center.
If you want to view the House or Senate Gallery, passes are required. These are still free but require contacting your congressperson or the International Visitors Desk to get them.
What’s Open Memorial Day In Washington Dc
Our nations capital is one of those places every American must visit at least once in their lifetime. History abounds on every corner and an abundance of interesting attractions and sights offer something for people of all ages. Here is some of whats open Memorial Day in Washington DC.
Attractions Open Memorial Day Weekend
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National Museum Of Natural History
1000 Madison Drive NW, Washington, D.C. 20560
Hours: Wednesday Sunday, 10:00 AM 5:30 PM
The artifacts contained within the Smithsonians National Museum of Natural History tell the story of our planet and the ways in which humans have interacted with it throughout history. With a collection that includes over 145 million objects, the Natural History Museum provides a one-of kind-adventure which is sure to deepen anyones appreciation for the natural world.
Since the museum opened its doors in 1910, the list of artifacts has done nothing but grow from the original 10 million objects on display. Today you can gaze at the Hope Diamond, view a coral reef, take a photo from inside the jaws of a megalodon, and touch a live tarantula all in just a few hours.
Into The Living Memorial That Is The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – Washington, DC
Dedicated to one of the worst tragedies in world history, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum educates its visitors on the dangers of hatred and the atrocities of genocide, as well as how society can confront challenges to freedom and human dignity. Its in-depth exhibits form some of the most essential viewing that DCs museums have to offer.
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Its Been Almost A Year Since They Have Been Closed Now Many Museums Are Finally Reopening
As DC starts to reopen, as more people get vaccinated, museums are loosening their restrictions and opening their doors to the public once again!
Visitors must still respect safety guidelines: they must wear a facemask in the museum, they must be socially distanced at all times, hand-sanitizing stations will be accessible throughout the museum. Of course, the number of visitors is limited, thus all visitors must reserve a timed-entry pass online, which secures their ability to enter the museum at a reduced capacity.
In May, many of the wonderful Smithsonian museums have re-opened after being closed for over a year. Now a few more are planning to reopen in mid-June and in July. Below is a list of the museums that are currently open:
- The National Museum of African American History and Culture
- The American Art Museum and The National Portrait Gallery
- The Renwick Gallery, open Wednesday
- The National Museum of American History
- The National Museum of the American Indian
- The National Zoo
- The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- The Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden
- The National Museum of Women in the Arts
- Artechouse
Dc Is Reopening: Indoor Attractions You Can Visit Right Now
With COVID-19 transmission rates starting to drop across the region, public indoor spaces are beginning to reopen.
Restrictions have eased across DC, Maryland, and Virginia, allowing some museums and indoor play spaces to reopen. If you and your kids are feeling cabin fever from winter months spent at home, consider a safe visit to one of these museums, historic homes, and indoor attractions.They remain some of our favorite winter break destinations.
Visitors must still wear masks and maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet at all of these locations.
As COVID circumstances unfold, check directly with a venue website for updates before heading out. Keep your family and others safe by wearing masks and maintaining social distancing measures. If an event appears too crowded, try using the nearby search feature on our event calendar to find other exciting options.
Still prefer to stay at home? Browse through for new and exciting classes and workshops for children. Kids will enjoy Brick City building camp and DC and Marvel Superhero camp on the upcoming days off from school. Young ones will enjoy learning Spanish through Music and Movement while the entire family can cuddle up for storytime and crafts.
Unleash your inner sleuth at DC’s International Spy Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum
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Museums Galleries And Zoo Search Results
- New York, NYSee on Map
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Dec. 25
- New York, NYSee on Map
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except TuesdaysClosed Thanksgiving and Dec. 25
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Summer hours through September 15:10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. SaturdayWednesday11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. ThursdayFriday
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10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, except Dec. 25Sculpture Garden 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
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8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily Closed Dec. 25
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Summer hours through September 15:10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. SaturdayWednesday11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. ThursdayFriday
Jazz In The Garden National Gallery Of Art Sculpture Garden
Friends at Jazz in the Garden at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden – Free Outdoor Summer Concert in Washington, DC
Summer Friday nights are easy for locals with the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Gardens Jazz in the Garden series. The free jazz concert series runs from 5-8:30 p.m. all summer. If you can get there early, stake out your spot in the grass, lay out some snacks and bring all your friends to enjoy pitchers of sangria, local beers and other refreshments.
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On Sunday evenings, typically from fall through spring, the National Gallery of Art features concerts that are open to the public, free of charge. Many musicians who appeared at the Gallery in the past have gone on to worldwide fame, including pianists Claudio Arrau, Eugene Istomin, Earl Wild and the Julliard String Quartets. Audience members are admitted on a first-come, first-serve basis and are held in the West Buildings West Garden Court. For more information on the concerts, visit the Gallerys website.
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On specified days throughout the fall and spring seasons, guests at the National Gallery of Arts East Building Gallery can enjoy works of art, live music, dance performances and pop-up talks from educators from 6-9 p.m. Admission is free but registration is required and opens one month prior to each event. Light bites and drinks are available for purchase. For more information on the seasonal dates offered, visit their website.
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United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
Hours: Thursday Tuesday, 10:00 AM 5:30 PM
Note: Due to current restrictions you need to reserve your free ticket in advance for a specific time via Ticketmaster.
Through this living commemoration to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is among the most popular free museums in D.C. It aims to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity through its educational programs and experiences.
The permanent exhibit, for which the museum is most well-known, spans three stories and provides a narrative history of the Holocaust via artifacts, photographs, personal objects, eyewitness testimony, and video footage. Additional exhibitions explore the American response to the Holocaust as well as the experience of Americans who witnessed Nazi atrocities first-hand.
When Did The Air And Space Museum Open
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum/OpenedGroundbreaking took place Nov. 20 1972 and in early 1975 installation of air- and spacecraft began. The goal of opening during Americas bicentennial year was met and the building was inaugurated July 1 1976. The success of the Smithsonians new National Air and Space Museum exceeded expectations.Jun 28 2016
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City Lights: Celebrate The Radical Odes To Radical Bodies In Fat And Queer
Fat and Queer While anyone adjusting to a new body size as we reemerge into
- Shakespeare Theatre is breaking the mold with a musical featuring the songs of Britney Spears, to premiere in November. Were specifically told that some folks might think it is a jukebox musical, but it is not.
- Howards fine arts school will be renamed for alumnus Chadwick Boseman.
- One museum not mentioned above: Berlin, Marylands Mermaid Museum.
- Heres a comprehensive guide on heading back to movie theaters.
By Emma Sarappo
- The 76ers dominated the Wizards, 120-95, to go up 2-0 in their first round series, but much of the attention has been on the incident in which a fan in Philly dumped popcorn on Russell Westbrook as he was leaving the game due to injury. This shit is getting out of hand, Westbrook told reporters after the game. Game 3 will be at Capital One Arena on Saturday at 7 p.m.
- Instead of playing their home opener last night, the Washington Spirit had to fly to Houston to take on the Houston Dash due to the construction delays at Segra Field. The last-minute change gave the players even more reason to focus on the task at hand, and the Spirit came away with a 2-1 victory and its first win of the regular season.
By Kelyn Soong
Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Baltimore
Port Discovery Childrens Museum is all about indoor play and learning for children from babies to age 10. It has modified some exhibits to ensure the safety of visitors and added some new activities, such as a puppet making station and a Shadow Puppet Theater. The museum is open on Saturdays from 10am to 3pm and Sundays from 11am to 4pm. Advance purchase of tickets is required.
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Is The Capitol Building In Dc Open To The Public
U.S. Capitol & U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. The public entrance to the U.S. Capitol is through the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. The U.S. Capitol is open to the public for tours Monday Saturday from 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. It is closed on Sundays Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day New Years Day and Inauguration Day.
Planning A Visit To Washington Dc Here Are Some Must
There are so many incredible museums to visit in Washington, D.C. And the best part? Admission to many of them is complimentary. You can explore art, science, history and culture without paying a dime.
Keep reading to learn about seven of D.C.âs must-see, free museums. Youâll find out when theyâre open, whether you need passes to get in and more.1
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Gather Fellow Art Lovers And Head To Glenstone
Located just outside of DC in Potomac, Md., Glenstone Museum combines art, architecture and landscape to create a seamless, open museum-going experience that you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Post-World War II art fills marvelously designed indoor and outdoor spaces on a 100-plus acre plot that also features paths, trails, streams and meadows. The museum’s exciting expansion opened to the public on on Oct. 4, 2018 with an all-new building and new outdoor sculptures. Glenstone is open from Thursday Sunday from 10 a.m. 5 p.m., with visits scheduled on the hour. Make sure to book yours before you go.
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Museum Hours And Information
- National Museum of African American History and Culture: open Wednesday to Sunday 11 a.m.4 p.m.
- Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, both located at Eighth and G streets N.W.: open Wednesday to Sunday 11:30 a.m.7 p.m. Visitors will use the G Street entrance.
- Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, near the White House: open Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m.5:30 p.m.
- National Museum of the American Indian: open Wednesday to Sunday 11 a.m.4 p.m.
- National Zoo: open daily 8 a.m.4 p.m.
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United States Botanical Garden
If you love plants, this is the place for you! The U.S. Botanical Garden is an incredible place to browse and learn about all sorts of plants and flowers. There are themed rooms, like desert plants and medicinal plants. It’s even home to three corpse flower plants, the largest flower on the planet, which is known for its awful smell when it blooms.
The U.S. Botanical Garden is open daily from 10am-5pm, including all weekends and holidays. Admission is free and does not require a ticket and is located right next to the United States Capitol, making it a perfect stop after your Capitol Hill tour.
National Law Enforcement Officer’s Museum
The National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, D.C., is offering free general admission to all active and retired law enforcement officers every Saturday for the rest of 2022, courtesy of FirstNet®, Built with AT& T. The Museum houses 300 years of American law enforcement history, including several immersive and interactive experiences. The latest temporary exhibit, Post-9/11: The Evolution of American Law Enforcement, allows visitors to learn more about the significant changes to U.S. law enforcement in the aftermath of 9/11, including coming together with other agencies, the private sector, and the general public to help make us all safer.
Torpedo Factory Art Center
Alexandria
Founded in 1974 in an old munitions plant, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is home to the nations largest collection of working artists open studios under one roof. You and your kids can observe artists at work in a variety of mediums and purchase unique pieces for your own collection. The Torpedo Factory is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10am to 6pm.
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List Of Museums In Washington Dc
This list of museums in Washington, D.C. encompasses museums defined for this context as institutions that collect and care for objects of cultural, artistic, scientific, or historical interest and make their collections or related exhibits available for public viewing. Also included are university and non-profit art galleries. Museums that exist only in cyberspace are not included.
Art Museums & Galleries
DC has a number of art museums to cover an array of tastes. We have a guide to the art museums of DC here.
- American Art Museum– This is the nation’s first collection of American art and is home to one of the largest and most inclusive collections of American art in the world. here
- African Art– This is the only national museum in the United States dedicated to the collection, exhibition, conservation, and study of the arts of Africa and the exhibits expand all of Africa in its examples of traditional and contemporary art.
- Portrait Gallery– This museum balances both traditional and contemporary art exhibits, and is best known for housing the largest collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House.
- Archives of American Art– With over 16 million items and growing, this is the world’s largest and most widely used resource dedicated to collecting and preserving the papers and primary records of the visual arts in America.
- Freer Gallery of Art & Sackler Gallery– These are the Smithsonian’s two Asian art museums.
- Hirshhorn– If you love contemporary art, this one’s for you. The unique cylindrical building is impossible to miss and houses unique contemporary art and includes a sunken sculpture garden.
- Renwick Gallery– This museum is located right across from the White House and houses contemporary art. It is also the first building in the United States built specifically to be an art museum.
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Are Attractions In Washington Dc Open On Sundays
In addition to the National Zoo, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, National Portrait Gallery, National Museum of African Art, National Museum of American Indian, National Museum of Asian Art, and reopened Arts and Industries Building, National Museum of Asian Art
Are The Smithsonian Museums Open
Unless otherwise mentioned below, all Smithsonian museums in Washington DC have reopened. Only the Smithsonian African American History and Culture Museum requires advance tickets. The National Gallery of Art is also now open with no tickets needed.
These Smithsonian museums in Washington DC have restricted opening hours:
All museums except three are open to full capacity and do not require any advance tickets to enter. Most museums are closed on certain days of the week now, so check the Smithsonian website to see which museums are closed on any given day. The three that still require tickets to avoid overcrowding are:
All outdoor gardens and areas on the National Mall belonging to the Smithsonian remain open, including the Haupt Garden, the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden, and the Butterfly Walk.
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