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What Museums Are In Dc

Smithsonian Natural History Museum

8 Tips for the Smithsonian and FREE museums in DC

Located in the DCs National Mall alongside quite a few other notable museums and attractions, youll definitely want to check out the Smithsonian Natural History Museum if youre interested in evolutionary science.

There are a vast amount of exhibits on display at this museum and trying to see them all in one day would be absolutely impossible, but no matter which exhibits you make it to, youre guaranteed to have an awesome experience, and come away from it a little bit smarter.

On the museums first floor, youll be treated to vast displays of ancient life from beneath the ocean as well as the huge animals that used to walk the surface of the earth. See real dinosaur fossils and witness human evolution first hand from Australopithecus all the way to our current Cro-Magnon selves.

The second floor is dedicated to natural history of a much smaller variety insects, viruses, the human genome, minerals, plants, and more are the focus of these large rooms.

Just as free as any other Smithsonian Institution outlet, the National Museum of Natural History is open all year long, with the exception of Christmas Day.

Best Museums In Washington Dc

Some people might consider a museum trip to be boring, but they probably havent visited the ones in Washington DC. The museums in DC are on a different level. Each one delivers its specialty of history, art, or technology in a way thats intriguing, immersive, and story-driven.

You can easily hit multiple museums in one day if you plan it right. Or find one you love and immerse yourself for a few hours. No matter what your preference is, there are museums in Washington DC on this list that are sure to spark your interests.

Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. Thank you!

Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens

Philanthropist, socialite, and businesswoman Marjorie Merriweather Post wanted above all to share her wealth and knowledge with as many people as possible.

By the time she was finished renovating the Hillwood Estate, it had 36 full rooms, and, along with all of her Earthly possessions, she decided that this would be her contribution to future generations a museum that would forever showcase her life along with the lives of all those who lived in the early 20th century.

As if the mansion and all of its contents werent impressive enough, the Hillwood Gardens contain plant collections from Japan, France, and other places around the world, donated exclusively. Theres also a vintage 9-hole putting green to check out.

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Tudor Place Historic House & Garden

Martha Custis Peter, Martha Washingtons granddaughter, had this historic house built in 1816 by Dr. William Thornton, the architect who also built the U.S. Capitol. In addition to its gardens and home walking tours, Tudor Place has a vast array of artifacts from Martha and George Washingtons personal items, including one of only three surviving letters between George and Martha. Admission is $10 for adults $8 for seniors, military and students $3 for kids ages 6 to 17 and free for children 5 and under.

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This impressive mansion built in the early 1800s was purchased in 1920 by an avid art-collecting couple, Mildred and Robert Woods Bliss. It features well-appointed galleries of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art, European works in the Bliss-commissioned Music Room and regular programming. The exquisite on-site gardens, open mid-March through October, have been showered in praise . Admission to the museum is free.

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Free Museums To Visit In Washington Dc

60+ Things to Do This December in Washington, DC

December 13, 2021by The HUMD Team

The variety and quality of free Museums in Washington D.C. attracts academics, researchers, tourists, and locals to our Nations Capital every day. But with so many options, planning an itinerary can be daunting! To make your decision a little easier, weve compiled a list of the 12 best free museums you should visit during your trip to Washington D.C.

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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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Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

Sure, you could go to a regular old museum, look at the visionary works of Van Gogh on display for a few moments, and then move on with your day. But you could also take part in a fully immersive 10-minute storytelling experience that take you through the life and struggles of the artist himself, with gorgeous videos and state-of-the-art lights and sounds.

Live inside Van Goghs art in a 20,000 square foot light and sound extravaganza showcasing incredible paintings like Vincents Bedroom at Arles and Starry Night Over The Rhone River.

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Smithsonians National Museum Of African Art

Explore the only national museum of African Art. Take in vibrant artwork from numerous African nations and cultures.

Ouroboros sculpture in the National Museum of African Art

| Museum Website | Cost: Free | Hours: Daily 10 AM to 5:30 PM

The National Museum of African Art is a gem in Washington DCs collection of museums. Its actually the only national museum devoted to African artwork. You can get to the museum by taking a pleasant walk through the Enid Haupt Garden.

The art collection consists of both modern and contemporary art from multiple African nations. They also hold plenty of educational and cultural events throughout the year. Admission to this Washington DC museum is free and theres no need to book a timed entry pass!

Its located on the National Mall between the Smithsonian Arts & Industries building and the Sackler Gallery of Art. Metro is the easiest way to get there since street parking fills up fast. Stop at the Smithsonian station or the Lenfant station to get there and take a quick walk.

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

Explore the Best of Smithsonian Museums | Washington DC

Born enslaved in 1818, abolitionist, author, and statesman Frederick Douglass lived in this Anacostia house from 1877 until he died in 1895. He called it Cedar Hill for its tree-shaded hilltop perch offering a vista of the U.S. Capitol hovering above the D.C. skyline. One of the first black national historic sites designated by Congress, the house has been meticulously restored. Its filled with Douglasss belongings, including books, Limoges china, and photographs, down to his spectacles perched on his roll-top desk, painting an image of his public and private life. The tour starts with a film at the nearby visitor center, and visits are by guided tour only.

General Admission: Free. Reservations are strongly encouraged get them here. The museum is temporarily closed for renovations.

INSIDER TIPDouglass was also an accomplished violin player. Look for his violin on the house tour.

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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

Smithsonian National Museum Of African American History & Culture

Delve into African American History with over 40,000 artifacts ranging from enslavement, emancipation, and the civil rights movement, up to modern history.

African American History Museum at Sunrise

| Museum Website | Cost: Free but requires a timed pass | Hours: Daily 10 AM to 5:30 PM

This Smithsonian museum was a highly anticipated addition to Chocolate Citys collection of museums even before it opened in 2016. Their free timed passes were almost impossible to get for the first year. Even now, you risk not getting a timed pass if you wait too long. Its quickly become one of the most visited museums on the National Mall.

There are over 85,000 feet of exhibition space, so you likely wont get through the whole thing in one day. This museum doesnt cut any cards when retelling the pained experiences of Black people in this country. It also doesnt skip over their achievements, resilience, and power. As such, you should come prepared for a moving experience.

As you work your way up the building, you make the journey from oppression to triumph. Its a masterpiece in storytelling told through a collection of over 40,000 artifacts. Your time here isnt complete without visiting The Sweet Home Cafe. It ties African American history to the food culture behind traditional dishes.

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National Gallery Of Art

View timeless works of art from renowned European and American artists.

| Museum Website | Cost: Free | Hours: Daily 10 AM- 5 PM

The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC is a haven for art lovers. Their permanent collection of over 150,000 artworks spans two buildings separated by 4th street NW. You wont have to cross the street to get to the other building. The East building and West building are connected by an illuminated underground walkway.

The fine collection in this art museum is comprised of European and American art. It includes a few presidential portraits of George Washington and others. There are also works from Da Vinci, Chardin, Monet, Rothko, and Kandinsky. Despite the expensive art, admission to this museum is free and no passes are needed to attend.

The National Gallery of Art is open 363 days out of the year and offers free hour-long guided tours each day. A full list of the guided tours is available on the gallerys website and each one begins in the West building rotunda.

The closest metro stops for this gallery are the Archives, Navy Memorial, and Penn Quarter stations.

Hidden Gems In Washington Dc

The All

While we all know of the popular monuments, museums and memorials that make Washington DC so famous, there are many less famous points of interest worth discovering. When youre getting ready to visit our nations capital, here are a few of the citys hidden gems you should consider including on your itinerary.

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National Museum Of The United States Army

Every Soldier Has A Story.

Thats both the title of a biography about World War II veteran Clarence R. Hobbs and a quote from National Museum of the United States Army director Tammy E. Call. It also seems to function as the museums primary mission statement, which should give you a pretty good idea of the types of subjects the museums exhibits cover.

Stories from every major American military operation are told here, including those that arent often discussed in popular media, like the experience of Japanese American Nisei soldiers during the second world war.

The museums Army Theater goes a step further by showing exclusive film presentations on a specialized 360-degree screen. The museum is also surrounded by a gorgeous memorial garden, Warriors Plaza, and Warriors Field.

New Legislation Would Establish A National Museum Of American Lgbtq+ History And Culture As Part Of The Smithsonian Institution But There’s A Long Road Ahead Of It

A member of Congress officially introduced legislation last week to establish a National Museum of American LGBTQ+ History and Culture. US Representative Mark Pocan said that as the LGBTQ community faces unprecedented attacks, we must preserve and protect our stories for future generations.

Pocan, a Wisconsin Democrat, and all eight other openly gay members of Congress signed on as sponsors, as did 50 other representatives. There are actually two bills: one would commission a study of the creation of the museum another would establish an LGBTQ+ museum within the Smithsonian Institution. Both must pass to create a new Smithsonian museum.

Theres long process ahead. The commission in Pocans bill it would comprise experts in museum curation and LGBTQ+ history and culture. The group would have 18 months to complete its study, which it would then send to Congress. If the legislation does pass, it will likely take multiple Congressional sessions to do so.

It is vital to remember our collective past particularly when certain states seek to constrain and repeal existing rights by passing bills that harm LGBTQ+ youth and our community at large, Pocan said in a statement. Lets tell these stories, and honor the many contributions the LGBTQ+ community has made to this nation with a museum in Washington, D.C.

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The George Washington Masonic National Memorial

Conspiracy theorists may or may not be disappointed when they visit the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.

Theres definitely lots to see in the little cubby holes around the installation, and the large statue of George Washington himself is particularly impressive. And while there certainly is a fair amount of masonic imagery hidden around the place , snoopers arent likely to find many earth-shattering secrets.

Still, if you like a little bit of mystery and intrigue with your art history, this is one memorial youll definitely want to check out.

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is located in Alexandria, just outside of DC. The design is actually based on the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. Theres a fact to impress your friends with!

Freer And Sackler Galleries Of Art Smithsonian Castle

Top 5 Free Museums in Washington DC

Located near the National Mall, the Smithsonian Institution Building was completed in 1855. Designed by James Renwick, Jr., the red Seneca sandstone edifice features a faux Norman architectural style that incorporates late-Romanesque and early-Gothic details. Although slaves were not used in the construction, they were used to quarry the stone. Colloquially known as the Smithsonian Castle, the building initially held the institutions entire collection of art and other objects. Designated a National Landmark in 1965, its Victorian arched windows, dark woodwork and terrazzo floor evokes the serene ambiance of a house of worship. The 4.2-acre Enid Haupt Garden is situated adjacent to the Castle.

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Best 14 Washington Dc Museums

Washington, D.C. has dozens of wonderful museums that will appeal to virtually any traveler’s interests. From large publicly funded institutions to small historic homes, get ready to learn a great deal and find some welcome surprises when you visit many of DCs museumsand bonus, all of the Smithsonian Institution museums are blissfully free to the public.

There is something for everyone at this world-renowned museum. Natural history appeals to all ages and there are so many artifacts that you cant possibly see them all in one visit. The dinosaur exhibits are fascinating and great for kids. The Family Hall of Mammals is especially fun to explore as well as the Sant Ocean Hall. Then there’s the cinematography and scenery in the IMAX films that’s so stunning you’ll wish you had time to see them all.

Visiting Tips: This is the most popular Washington, D.C. museum for families. Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds. Purchase IMAX tickets in advance or as soon as you arrive. If you are visiting with kids, be sure to see the Discovery Room where there are lots of hands-on activities. Allow at least 2-3 hours.

Visiting Tips: Free Timed Passes are required for the permanent exhibit. Timed passes are distributed for the same day on a first come, first served basis. Allow 2-3 hours.

Thomas Jefferson Building Library Of Congress

Where are the books? Thats the first question everyone asks when entering the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress on Capitol Hill, the worlds largest library. Indeed, the Grand Hall resembles a veritable Italian-Renaissance palazzo rather than a library, with marble statues, mural mosaics, and architectural flourishes. You can peer down on the octagonal Main Reading Room, with 250 desks beneath a towering dome, while side galleries contain permanent and temporary exhibits pulling from the librarys vast collection. More than 39 million books are tucked away on approximately 838 miles of shelves.

General Admission: Free

INSIDER TIPThe Library of Congress, perched across the street from the Capitol, is surrounded by many noble marble buildings and flowery townhouses. Take a Capitol Hill Walk, best on a sunny spring day. General Admission: Free. Timed entry passes are required sign up here.

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National Museum Of American History

1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., D.C. 20560

Fall & Winter Hours: Monday Sunday 10:00 AM 5:30 PM Spring & Summer Hours: Monday Sunday 10:00 AM 7:30 PM

The National Museum of American History is home to more than 1.8 million objects and three miles worth of archival collections, all preserved to explore the fundamental ideals and major themes in American history and culture. Within the museum walls youll find a range of artifacts from the original star-spangled banner, to the first artificial heart, to Dorothys ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz.

Major exhibits revolving around innovation, money, and business provide a rage of perspectives and challenge visitors to consider what makes them distinctly American. This may be one of the very best free museums in Washington, D.C. There truly is too much to capture in a few sentences, so we recommend putting it at the top of your list, as you could easily spend an entire day browsing the collections and connecting with history.

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