What to see in Washington DC?

Smithsonian Museums

The Smithsonian Institution operates 20 separate museums -- 18 of them are located right here in Washington DC, with many of the largest museums located right on the National Mall. Best of all, these museums are always free. 

Generally, Smithsonian opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.  A few of the larger museums have extended hours until 7:30 PM during some weekend days during the spring/summer high season.  The following is a list of the major Smithsonian Museums in Washington DC.

• Smithsonian Natural History Museum
• Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
• Smithsonian American History Museum
• Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
• Smithsonian National African American History and Culture Museum
• Smithsonian Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum
• Smithsonian Renwick Gallery
• Smithsonian National Zoo
• Smithsonian Postal Museum
• Smithsonian Freer Gallery of Art
• Smithsonian Sackler Gallery of Art
• Smithsonian African Art Museum
• Smithsonian Castle
• Smithsonian Hirshhorn Gallery of Art
• Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum

Most of these are right on the National Mall, and all but two of the others are in the downtown area and within walking distance of National Mall.  The Smithsonian Zoo and the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum are both out of the downtown core.  You will have to drive or take public transportation to get to either of them.

Here is what you would expect to see in each of the museums:

Smithsonian Natural History Museum 

Dinosaurs, ice age mammals, modern mammals including an enormous African elephant under the main dome, the oceans, exhibits on primitive man, a gemstone exhibit with the Hope Diamond (largest blue diamond in the world), IMAX theater with films concerning natural history, a live butterfly room you can walk through, etc.  Inside the museum there is a cafeteria style restaurant.  This museum is huge, and you shouldn't expect to see every exhibit in a single visit, even if you spend all day. The Smithsonian Natural History Museum is considered one of the best of its kind in the entire world.  It's a must-see for famiies with children. The museum can get very busy with school groups, especially between April and June.  Check the Smithsonian extended hours calendar to see if they are open late or have any special events.

Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

History of air travel and space exploration.  Hanging from the ceiling are many actual historic planes like the Wright Brothers first plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, and a U-2 spy plane.  There are actual rockets on display.  The capsule that returned from the original Apollo moon mission, along with actual moon rocks that you can touch. There is a Planetarium, an IMAX theater, flight simulators and virtual reality machines.  There is a food court downstairs with several different options for lunch. For families with children, this is a must-see. The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum is one of the most well-known museums in the world, and it is probably the busiest museum in Washington DC.  The museum is huge, and you should not expect to see all the exhibits in a single visit. During the school year, this museum can be very busy with school groups, and in the summer it can become very busy with international tour groups.  Try to go early if you can before all the large groups start showing up. Check the Smithsonian extended hours calendar to see if when the museum is open late or is having special events.  They also have a very large annex outside of Washington DC in Virginia near Dulles Airport, about a 20-30 minute drive away (with no traffic).  The Annex contains the space shuttle Discovery as well as many other planes and rockets. More information can be found at the Steven Udvar-Hazy Center website.

Smithsonian American History Museum

American history and culture, vignettes on all of America's wars, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington memorabilia, the original Star Spangled Banner, old cars, trains buses, boats, a piece of the original Route 66, First Ladies' Inaugural gowns, popular culture memorabilia. They have a cafeteria inside the museum.  The museum is huge, so don't expect to be able to visit the entire museum in a single visit. The American History Museum is one of the busiest museums in Washington DC.  Try to go early to avoid large group tours. Check the Smithsonian extended hours calendar to see if they are open late or have any special events. 

Smithsonian African American History and Culture Museum

A history of the African American experience in America. Entering the museum, the visitor is encouraged to start their tour by taking the elevator three stories below ground. Upon exiting, the visitor is in a dark and claustrophic area symbolizing the hold a slave ship sailing to the Americas. The exhibits start with the experience of slave capture and trading in Africa, transportation to the New World, slavery, then abolition, Jim Crow, and the Civil Rights Movement.  There is a lot to see and read, and just this part of the museum could take you all day to visit if you want to read everything. On the upper floors, the museum has large displays on African American popular culture, sports as well as political achievements by prominent African Americans.  There is an excellent soul food cafeteria, which is worth a visit on its own.  This museum is the most recently opened of the Smithsonians having opened only in 2016.  To avoid overcrowding, pre-arranged free tickets have been necessary in the past. However, the Smithsonian Institution has been experimenting with walk up entry as well. Typically, weekdays have been available for walk-up entry whereas weekends and holidays would require a free online reservation.The Smithsonian provides information on passes to the African American Museum. The African American Museum has a very innovative modern design that evokes both traditional West African architecture and a ship sailing to the New World.  As you go through the museum, you are traveling up from darkness into light.  If you stand at the corner of 15th and Constitution just before sunset, the outer shell of the building grabs onto the dying rays of the sun and turns a bright gold for a few minutes.

Smithsonian American Indian Museum

This is one of the newer Smithsonian museums, having only opened in 2006. Rather than a chronological history, the American Indian Museum separates the collections into regional tribal groups, with each area containing hundreds of archeological, cultural, and artistic artefacts. On the fourth floor, they have a wonderful collection of antique firearms dating back to the 1500's. The museum has an excellent cafeteria called Mitsitam specializing in Native American dishes. This is probably the best food available on the National Mall. The exterior design of the building itself makes for a worthwhile visit. Evoking the cliff dwellings of the American Southwest indians, there is an artificial spring that becomes a river which flows down the side of the building ending in a dramatic waterfall. On the grounds of the museum, there is the newly opened Native American Veterans Memorial. During the Spring, Summer and Fall the museum maintains a large outdoor garden of endemic food staples of the new world -- potatoes, corn, tomatoes, squash, chile peppers, and sunflowers are all planted here, and they are harvested each fall and used in the kitchen of the museum cafeteria.

Smithsonian Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum

This is really two museums housed within a very impressive large historic building (the old Patent House). The Portrait Gallery has portraits of all the presidents and many famous Americans, including the original 1796 Landsdowne Painting of George Washington. The American Art Museum has collections dating from the earliest pioneers all the way to contemporary American Art. The a wonderful collection of paintings from the Old West, including the famous George Catlin portraits of American Indian chieftains.  The museum cafe is set under an enormous atrium that is frequently the scene of evening events. Unlike other Smithsonians, the American Art and Portraint Gallery is open from 11:00 AM until 7:00 PM. It is located a few blocks away from the National Mall in Penn Quarter, surrounded by many nearby restaurants, bars and theaters.

Smithsonian Renwick Gallery

The Renwick Gallery is a museum of high level American arts and crafts. In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum is well known for innovative special exhibits that are simply amazing. Set inside a unique mid-19th century mansion, the architecture of the building is impressive. You might consider combinging a visit to the Renwick Gallery with a visit to Lafayette Park and to the north lawn of the White House nearby. Across the street, the Eisenhower Executive Office Building is one of the most magnificent old buildings in Washington DC. There are several restaurants and cafeterias within a block or two radius.

Smithsonian Freer Gallery

The Freer Gallery and the Sackler Gallery are two adjacent buildings, collectively known as the National Museum of Asian Art.  The Freer Gallery also has a large collection of the American artist James Whistler.  They may look like smaller buildings above ground, but both connect together three stories underground along with the African Art Museum.  As a complex, it's quite large. Cafeteria food can be had in the Smithsonian Castle next door.

Smithsonian Sackler Gallery

The Sackler Gallery specializes in Asian art. There are frequent special events here, including free Asian cinema showings. Although it doesn't look large from the outside, the Sackler Gallery connects with the Freer Gallery and the African Art Museum three stories underground to make a large museum complex.

Smithsonian African Art Museum

Not to be confused with the African American History and Culture Museum, the African Art Museum specializes in archeological and anthropological pieces from the African continent. Highlights include beautiful pieces in worked gold from the ancient West African kingdoms and intricate woodwork from acorss the continent.  In addition to their collections of ancient African art, the museum frequently hosts exhibits of modern African artists. Connected with the Freer Gallery and the Sackler Gallery three stories underground, the African Art Museum forms a part of a much larger museum complex. If you get hungry, the Smithsonian Castle next door serves cafeteria food. In early spring, just before the Cherry Blossoms come out, the Haupt Garden between the African Art Museum and the Smithsonian Castle is full of blooming magnolia trees, and one of the most beautiful spots in Washington DC.

Smithsonian Postal Museum

The Smithsonian Postal Museum is a hidden gem. It's so much more than just a boring collection of old stamps. In addition to philately, the museums covers the western expansion of the United States, including a history of travel by horse, train, ship and air.  This museum is a few blocks off the National Mall right across the street from Union Station, which is also an interesting building to visit. There is food to be had at Union Station, as well as a couple of Irish pubs across Massachusetts Avenue.

Smithsonian Castle

The Smithsonian Castle is not a museum per se, although it does have sample exhibits from each of the other Smithsonian 19 Smithsonian museums. The Castle contains the information center for all of the Smithsonian museums as well as cafeteria and a gift shop.  Visitors will be attracted to the magnificent Gothic design of the Castle, which is one of the most iconic buildings in Washington DC. The architeture of the building and the unique photo opportunities are what you will find most interesting here.

Smithsonian Hirshhorn Gallery

If your taste in art runs to the contemporary, you will find the Hirshhorn Gallery to be fascinating. If you prefer more traditional art, then you might be better off at the West Building of the National Gallery of Art across the National Mall. In addition to permanent exhibits, the Hirshhorn frequently hosts magnicently creative large special exhibits which sometimes become so popular that you might have to reserve an advance ticket. Just outside the Hirshhorn is a sunken outdoor sculpture garden. One of the most iconic sculptures of the city, "The Burghers of Calais" by Rodin is featured here. Dolcezza is a gourmet coffee and gelato shop located at the museum.

Smithsonian National Zoo

Although, not technically a museum, the National Zoo is run by the Smithsonian Instiution and is free to the public. The National Zoo is one of the foremost zoological gardens in the world, and is well worth a visit whether you are traveling with children or not. For the most part, anmials have very large enclosures, and the zoo attempts to maintain a resemblance of the natural habitat. One of the highlights is the panda enclosure. The National Zoo has two adult pandas and a panda cub with both outdoor and indoor enclosures. Several activities take place during the day to keep the pandas active including feeding and play time. Other major attractions are the innovative elephant enclosure, the cheetahs and the polar bears.There are many endangenered species at the National Zoo, and there are constant activities with the more popular animals. The Zoo spans 163 acres, so you could easily spend the entire day here.  While not directly downtown, the National Zoo is not too far away.  Without traffic, the Zoo is about 10 minutes drive or an inexpensive taxi/Uber ride from the National Mall. There is also a Metro station nearby.

Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum

Anacostia Community Museum is dedicated to displaying a range of exhibitions on urban communities in Washington DC and around the nation. There is a focus, of course, on the urban community of Anacostia, a predominantly African-American community in Washington DC. At the museum, you will see exhibits on the diversity of urban communities and the challenges facing them. The Anacostia Community Museum is not located directly downtown. However, without traffic, it's only about a 10 minute drive or taxi/Uber ride away from the National Mall in the neighborhood of Anacostia. Free parking is available. The museum does not have a cafeteria, but several restaurants are located in the community.

Other Major Museums in Washington DC

Washington DC hosts numerous other major museums in addition to the Smithsonian. Here are the major ones.  They are all free to the public unless noted:

National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art is undoubtedly one of the top art museums in the world. It's exhibits are not quite as wide-ranging as the Metrolopolitan Museum of Art in New York or the Louvre in Paris -- there are no exhibitions of ancient Egyptian, Assyrian, or Persian art -- but for Rennaissance, 19th Century and American art, and medieval religious art, the National Gallery cannot be beat. You don't need to consider yourself an art connoisseur to thoroughly enjoy this museum. Many first time art museum visitors find this to be the favorite museum in the city. If you are a first time art museum visitor, I highly recommend you enter by climbing the steps from the National Mall entrance. Upon entering the main hall, turn right for the best of the Rennaissance masters, 19th Century impressionists and American artists. The museum is divided into two buildings. In the West Wing, you will find more traditional art by the great masters. In the East Wing, you will find large pieces of sculpture and contemporary art. A tunnel of gleaming lights connects the two underground. The National Gallery has an excellent restaurant and cafeteria on the lower level. Kids will greatly enjoy the tunnel between the two museums, which evokes a space ship entering into hyperspace. Kids will also enjoy playing among the pyramidical structures  in the ground-level plaza between the two museums, which has numerous mirrors. If you are here with kids, go across the street to the Canadian Embassy and go into the circular area bounded by columns -- it's an echo chamber and one of the favorite places for kids to visit in DC.

Thomas Cole - The Course of Empire: Destruction

Holocaust Memorial Museum

The Holocaust Memorial Museum provides a detailed history of the Nazi genocide against the Jewish people and others during World War II.  The Museum showcases the rise of the Nazi Party, the subsequent period of legal restrictions against and concentration of Jews in Nazi Germany, and finally the coldly calculated mass murder of millions of people due to a perverse political ideology. There are numerous Holocaust museums around the world.  The one in Washington DC is probably the 2nd most important after Yad V'shem in Jerusalem  This is a very somber museum and may not be appropriate for young children. Entrance is free, but during the high season between March and August you should definitely get your tickets online in advance.  Click for Holocaust Museum online tickets. The Holocaust Museum has a cafeteria on the premises that does not require a ticket to enter.

Museum of the Bible

The Museum of the Bible is the most recent large museum to open in Washington DC. They have innumerable ancient and medieval bibles in many languages and actual fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls, a recreation of the area around Nazareth from 2000 years ago, along with museum staff playing the role of villagers to teach you about the way of life during that time. erhaps the highlight of your visit is a 30 minute audio visual experience about the Old Testament -- the Creation, the Great Flood, the Parting of the Red Sea, and David and Goliath are all part of this experience. The museum has attached restaurant called Manna, which has delicious Mediterranean food.  The Museum of the Bible is a few blocks off the National Mall, but within easy walking distance. Entry to the museum is by donation.

US Botanic Garden

The US Botanic Garden is on the western grounds of the US Capitol. Although there are outdoor gardens, the highlight is the large glass-roofed building that operates as a giant greenhouse. Within, you will find an enormous tropical jungle room, as well as rooms dedicated to desert cacti, ferns, Hawaiian plants. Throughout the building, there are fantastic orchids, trees, flowers and colorful plants of all descriptions. Even if you don't think you are particularly interested in plants, you are likely to find the Botanic Garden fascinating. Admission is free. Truly fantastic. The Botanic Garden is near the US Capitol and the Ulysses S Grant Memorial. If you come in the evening, the Bartholdi Fountain in a small park across Independence Avenue is a truly beautiful and romantic location.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is the actual factory where money is printed. It's next door to the Holocaust Museum, and less than a block away from the National Mall. The Bureau offers free 40 minute tours every 15 minutes where the visitor can watch the entire process of printing money from the design of the plates to the actual printing presses humming along with sheet after sheet of $100 bills rolling off fresh. During the high season from March through September, you will need a free ticket to enjoy the tour. Same-day tickets are given out first-come first-serve weekday mornings from a kiosk on 15th Street. During off-season, you can walk up to the entry gate on 14th Street and either pick up a ticket for later in the day or else potentially get to enter on the very next tour. If you want to book a tour, you must do so through your Congressperson's office. All Congressional members have staff that can book tours for you at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the US Capitol. They can also help with White House tours. You can also skip the tour and just go and visit the Visitors Center and gift shop without a ticket. The Visitors Center has an exhibition area of old currency, which is fascinating.   Find more information on tickets for Bureau of Engraving and Printing Tours. Don't forget to ask your tour guide to show you the owl on the $1 bill.

International Spy Museum

The International Spy Museum is a private museum located in L'Enfant Plaza a few blocks from the National Mall behind the Smithsonian Castle. Note that entry to this museum costs $25 for adults, and $17 for kids (small children enter free). This museum is often one of the favorites for kids of all ages. Upon entry, receive your cover identity and prepare to test your spy skills on your undercover mission throughout the Musuem. In addition, the museum is chock full of gadgets, with hands-on exhibits on code-breaking, thinking like an analyst, and other spy skills. There are exhibits on successful and unsuccessful missions around the world and the history of spying. They sell drinks and some snacks at the Spy Museum, but they don't have a full restaurant or cafe. 

Phillips Collection

The Phillips Collection is a private art museum near Embassy Row. The collection of Duncan Philips contains the works of many well known artists, and the curators are continually adding contemporary artworks to the collection. The Phillips is about 1.5 miles from the National Mall just off Massachusetts Avenue on Embassy Row. Until recently, general admission was free, but it is now $16 per adult.Some free entries are still available via the Phillips Collection website.

Luncheon at the Boating Party - Renoir

National Museum of Women in the Arts

Located off the Naitonal Mall, but just a few blocks away from the White House, the National Museum of Women in the Arts brings recognition to the achievements of women artists from all periods and nationalities. this is a private museum, and adult general admission is $10.

National Arboretum

The National Arboretum is a large and very beautiful botanic garden known for its many flowering trees and plants. It is a short drive or taxi/Uber ride from downtown Washington DC. Spreading over 446 acres, the Arboretum has 9.5 miles of winding walkways. The highlights include the azaleas and dogwoods in full bloom and the magnificent bonzai collection. If you are here at the right time of year, the azaleas are a site to behold. Admission is free. 

Newseum

This was an extraordinary museum of the media and the news. Unfortunately, it has now closed permanently. You could once have seen the original front pages from major historical events, Pulitzer Prize photos from the last 75 years, and excellent special exhibits.  There was a wonderful balcony overlooking the city.  This museum was not free, and perhaps that was its downfall.  They used to have an exhibit called Today's Front Pages out front on the sidewalk -- one front page from every state in America that was changed daily, along with several front pages from international newspapers. Unfortunately, the museums is gone for good.