Museums and galleries in Washington, D.C.
311 museums and galleries in Washington, D.C., from the big collections to small independent spaces.
Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 311.
Museums and galleries in Washington, D.C.
SeeHistory museumNational MallNational Museum of Natural History
The real show stoppers here are the gargantuan, complete dinosaur fossils, and you won't have to search to find them! Further into the museum you'll find displays of world cultures, meteorites, mineral samples, and the evolution of life from beginnings to today. Don't leave without seeing the overawing precious rock collection, including the Hope Diamond, the enormous blue diamond of legend. A dining area is on the first level of this museum. The food is good, but somewhat pricy.
10:30AM-5:30PM daily, 10AM-7:30PM during the summerWi-Fi · Free entry · Built 1910
SeeArt museumNational MallNational Gallery of Art
The staggering depth and breadth of the world-class collections here are a clear testament to U.S. wealth and power. The east building of this museum is devoted to modern art, while the west building showcases traditional, mostly European, paintings and sculptures. The west wing's impressionist gallery is likely the most popular, although it would be a shame to skip the east wing's fauvist and abstract expressionist galleries. Just west of the buildings is the relaxing sculpture garden, with a foot pool for cooling off tired feet. There are dining options within the Gallery. Among popular options are the Garden Café and various dining options in the area connecting the east and west wings of the museum. Also, food is available in the park on the Gallery grounds.
Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM; Sun 11AM-6PMWi-Fi · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeAerospace museumNational MallNational Air and Space Museum
The most-visited museum in the U.S., with over 8 million visitors per year, this impressive repository covers the history of human flight, rocketry and space flight. It contains thousands of impressive artifacts, including the Wright brothers' 1903 Flyer, Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, Apollo 11's command module Columbia, and the simulated bridge of an aircraft carrier. Enthusiasts should try to also make it to the Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum out in Chantilly near Dulles International Airport; the Center houses full aviation and space aircraft (e.g., SR-71 Blackbird, Enola Gay B-29, Concorde, Space Shuttle Discovery, etc.) that would not fit on the Mall.
10AM-5:30PM dailyFree entry · Wi-Fi · Wheelchair accessible
SeeMuseumNational MallNational Museum of the American Indian
This museum displays the cultural traditions of the Native peoples of North, Central, and South America. It focuses on 20th century and present day culture much more than pre-Columbian and colonial periods. The exhibits can be fascinating, but are not as grandiose as those of the other museums. Perhaps the most important attraction is the gorgeous building itself, designed by famous Native Canadian architect Douglas Cardinal of Blackfoot descent, echoing the ancient stone formations of the American Southwest, and surrounded by manifestations both metaphorical and literal of natural North American landscapes.
10AM-5:30PM dailyFree entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeMuseumNational MallUnited States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Both a museum and a memorial, this space is dedicated to the exposition of just what exactly occurred during the Holocaust, its pointless inhumanity and unbelievable suffering. Exhibits include video and audio testimonies as well as more traditional museum exhibits. This is without a doubt the most somber, and even disturbing place for visitors on the Mall, and a good portion of the visitors leave sobbing—make sure your kids are old enough for this material. Entrance is by free timed ticket on a first come, first served basis during the busy months of March-August.
10AM-5:30PM dailyFree entry
SeeMuseumEast EndNational Museum of Women in the Arts
This is the only museum devoted to art made by women. Its special exhibits can be really interesting, often featuring works from a specific part of the world. The big, beautiful building is a historic former Masonic Temple. The gift shop is extraordinary, with a collection of very unique handmade gifts from around the world.
Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun noon-5PM$10 adults; $8 students, ages 65+; free 18 and younger
SeeArt museumNational MallNational Museum of African Art
A much smaller museum of art than the massive National Gallery and Hirshhorn museums, but it is excellently exhibited, and extremely family-friendly, with daily events and programs for kids. The exhibits subvert the name of the museum, showing that creative arts from the African continent, traditional and contemporary, are too diverse to fit neatly under the title of "African Art." The museum hosts frequent performances of storytellers, musicians, films, etc.
10AM-5:30PM dailyFree entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeArt museumNational MallFreer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Asia is a rather large place, and a tour through these Asian Art museums is a bit like a travel from Japan to Turkey. The Asian galleries, along with the connected African Art museum are a lot quieter and more peaceful than the huge museums to the east, which can be quite a relief! Like their companion museum above, the Freer and Sackler galleries host very frequent events.
10AM-5:30PM dailyFree entry · Built 1923
DoTheatreEast EndFord's Theatre
This is where John Wilkes Booth shot President Abraham Lincoln in 1865, and he was taken across the street to the Petersen House where he died. Ford's Theatre is not only a historic site, but remains a working theater, with regular performances. Theater here is usually the most traditional of the downtown venues, offering dramatic work that is "as eloquent, intelligent and respectful of humanity as Mr. Lincoln." The truly coveted tickets are for the annual Christmas Eve performance of A Christmas Carol. The daily tours take you through the theater and the onsite museum, and also spill across the street to the Petersen House, where Lincoln died.
Tours: 9AM-5PM dailyShows: $40-55, tours: free
SeeArt museumNational MallHirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
Home to D.C.'s premier collection of international modern and contemporary art, housed in an intimidating brutalist spaceship of a building. The exhibits are wonderfully stimulating and cutting-edge, albeit often not made accessible to casual viewers (a free docent-led tour available noon-4PM can be helpful), and very often not family-friendly with very graphic content. The museum tries to make it clear when you are about to walk into an "adult exhibit," but do not count on this if you are with children. The sculpture gardens, however, are great fun for kids, and a nice quiet escape from the Mall proper. And this modern sculpture collection of several Rodins, a huge Lichtenstein brushstroke, and other famous works, is world-class!
Mon noon-5:30PM, Tue-Sun 10AM-5:30PMFree entry
SeeArchaeological museumGeorgetownDumbarton Oaks
Most famous for its role in 1944, when world leaders convened here to draw up the United Nations charter. But that's not why you should come. The extensive gardens are the biggest draw; they are extraordinarily beautiful—almost palatial—and peaceful, uncrowded. The best time to come is a Spring weekday, when the gardens are practically empty, and the trees are budding with bright pinks and purples. The mansion, built in 1800 for John Calhoun (one of the most powerful senators in American history), houses an extraordinary collection of pre-Columbian and Byzantine art. And rest assured a stroll around the mansion would be worthwhile even without the exhibits. Don't thank Sen. Calhoun for all this though; he was rather a boor. The second owners, the Blisses, a wealthy couple from the U.S. Foreign Service, are responsible for the magnificent landscaping and collections. If you are up for a little homework, look for Stravinsky's Dumbarton Oaks Concerto, commissioned by Mrs. Bliss for their 30th wedding anniversary.
Museum: Tue-Sun 2PM-5PM, Gardens: Tue-Sun 2PM-6PM (15 Mar-31 Oct), Tue-Sun 2PM-5PM (1 Nov-14 Mar)Museum: free; gardens: $15, Free in the winter - 2PM-5PM
SeeHistory museumCapitol HillNational Postal Museum
The Smithsonian's own philatelist Shangri-La has one of the world's largest collections of rare stamps, as well as exhibitions of how mail has been delivered throughout history, and other ways that the mail shapes culture.
10AM-5:30PM dailyFree · Free entry
SeeArt museumDupont CircleThe Phillips Collection
The Phillips Collection, opened in 1921, is America’s first museum of modern art. Featuring a renowned permanent collection of nearly 2,500 works by American and European impressionist and modern artists, the Phillips is internationally recognized for its incomparable art and for its intimate atmosphere. Housed in founder Duncan Phillips' 1897 Georgian Revival home, The Phillips Collection is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest small museums.
Tue-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun noon-6:30PMSpecial exhibit prices vary; permanent collection: Tu-F free, Sa Su adults $10, seniors and students $8
SeeHistory museumNational MallNational Museum of American History
There is a lot here in one of the city's most informative museums, covering topics ranging from war to technology, social and political history. The biggest draw, though, is the Treasure Room, with an astonishing set of iconic Americana objects, ranging from the original Star-Spangled Banner and Abraham Lincoln's top hat, to Kermit the Frog and Dorothy's ruby slippers!
10AM-5:30PM dailyWi-Fi · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeMuseumEast EndSmithsonian American Art Museum
The collection here is a walk through encyclopedia of American Art—Gilbert Stuart's stern presidential portraits through Nam June Paik's house-sized America sculpture of neon and televisions.
11:30AM-7PM dailyFree · Wi-Fi · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeAttractionCapitol HillCapitol Building
The center of the legislative branch of America is home to the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as numerous impressive paintings, statues, historical exhibits, and one magnificent dome. The visitor center features an exhibition of the history of the Capitol and of Congress. Tours of the Capitol building are free and can be arranged online or by same-day walk-in and start from the visitor center. You may not bring food or drinks inside. Only the smallest and thinnest bags will be allowed. If lines for security are long, an alternative is to use the tunnel from the Library of Congress. When you are looking at this beautiful structure, remember that it was built during the era when slavery was legal in D.C., and enslaved laborers were used in the original construction that was completed in 1800 and the expansion that took place in the 1850s. The impressive rotunda is where deceased former presidents and other distinguished individuals granted the privilege by the U.S. government lay in state.
Mon-Sat 8:30AM-4:30PMFree · Built 1800 · Wheelchair accessible
SeeHistory museumWaterfrontMuseum of the Bible
A privately-owned museum founded by David Green, founder of Hobby Lobby, that displays the history and impact of the Bible.
Closed · opens 10 am tomorrow$25 adults; $20 seniors/military/first responders/students; $15 children 7-17; free for children under 6 · Wheelchair accessible
- SeeMuseumEast End
National Portrait Gallery
Its most popular exhibit is the Hall of Presidents. The enclosed Kogod Courtyard has received several architectural accolades. It has a small cafe and is a peaceful, quiet place to escape for a break. Free WiFi.
11:30AM-7PM dailyFree · Wi-Fi · Free entry
SeeMuseumNear NortheastGallaudet University
Gallaudet is the world's only university where all classes and services are tailored to the needs of the hearing-impaired. Aside from being the principal institution for teaching and learning American Sign Language, the campus includes several buildings of fanciful North American High Gothic architecture and is a National Historic Landmark District. The most famous building is the campus' centerpiece, Chapel Hall. Guided tours are available, but unless you give three days notice, the tours are given in ASL. Self guided tours are also available.
Closed · opens 10 am tomorrowParking $3/day. Enter at 8th St. Front Gate and stop at kiosk
SeeHistory museumEast EndNational Archives
For history buffs, a visit is a must, as it has a display containing declassified top secret documents related to the Cold War. The original copies of the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights are also on display, though the writing is so faded on the latter two that you will not be able to make it out. No photography of the documents is allowed.
Rotunda and exhibit hall, open daily except 25 December; day after Labor Day through March 14: 10AM-5:30PM, March 15 through Labor Day: 10AM-7PM; last admission 30 minutes before closingFree · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeViewpointEast EndOld Post Office Tower
At the top of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel Washington DC. One of the best views of the city.
9AM-4PM. Closed on one day during the first week of each monthFree · Free entry · Wi-Fi · Wheelchair accessible
SeeHistory museumWaterfrontInternational Spy Museum
Exhibits are interesting to anyone even marginally interested in espionage and Cold War history, and it also has a great exhibit tailored specifically to kids.
9AM-5PM or 9AM-6PM daily, last admission one hour before closeAdults: $21.95; Seniors: $15.95; Youth (7-11): $14.95; Children aged 6 and under: Free
SeeMuseumEast EndNational Building Museum
In the Pension Building, the building itself is highly recommended for its architecture, with an expansive open interior space with massive columns. The space is used on occasion for special events, including 10 Presidential inaugural balls. There is a small cafe inside, to the right of the entrance, and places to sit and relax, as well as a gift shop. The museum features long-term exhibits on the planning and building of Washington, D.C., and on green building and communities, along with various short-term exhibits and special events.
Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 11AM-5PMFree to enter main hall and shop. Exhibits: $10 for adults, $7 for ages 3-17 and those 60+
SeeArt museumWest EndRenwick Gallery
The building that now houses the Renwick Gallery was originally the home of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. It was designed by James Renwick, Jr., and construction began before the Civil War. Near completion, it was used during the Civil War as a government warehouse, and construction was finally completed in 1874. By 1897, the Corcoran Gallery collection outgrew the space and relocated to a new building on 17th St. The building was transferred in 1965 to the Smithsonian Institution for use as an art gallery. The Renwick focuses on contemporary craft and decorative art.
10AM-5:30PMFree
SeeMuseumNational MallNational Museum of African American History and Culture
The newest museum on the Mall, with a collection of remarkable artifacts illustrating the history of African American culture, from the years of slavery to the Civil Rights Movement to pop culture figures. Given the interest in the museum, admission is refused without a timed entry pass. A few walk-up passes are released on weekdays (not weekends) at 1PM, but otherwise passes must be booked online. A limited number of same-day passes are available online every morning starting at 6:30AM, but they go quickly; the only other option are advanced passes, booked 3 months in advance.
10AM-5:30PMFree entry
SeeMuseumEast EndHouse Where Lincoln Died
Petersen House
1865 was perhaps the most consequential year in presidential history, when, on the 14th of April, John Wilkes Booth, a prominent actor at Ford's Theatre and Confederate sympathizer shot President Lincoln in his balcony seat. Attendants carried Lincoln across the street to a small bedroom in the small row-house across the street, but the doctors were unable to save the president. He died early morning the next day. This isn't so much a museum—it's just a small room with a few plaques, recreated to look as it did on that day. The house is operated by the National Park Service, and visited via tours from Ford's Theatre.
9AM-5PM dailyFree
- SeeMonumentShaw
African-American Civil War Memorial
The nation's only monument to African American Civil War soldiers. More than 209,000 names of the United States Colored Troops who fought in the Union Army are inscribed on 157 burnished stainless steel plaques. Arranged according to regiment, the names include those of the 7,000 white officers who served with the African American troops. At the center of the plaza encircled by the inscribed names is a sculpture, The Spirit of Freedom, by artist Ed Hamilton.
DoCapitol HillFolger Shakespeare Library
A library, performance venue, and a museum all rolled into one. The library is the single most impressive feature—it houses the largest collection of the Bard's works in the world—although the library itself is geared towards researchers, not travelers. The Shakespearean performances here are top-notch, and occasionally outshine the bigger Shakespeare Theatre Company in the East End (although the performances here can be more uneven). There are also frequent lectures, musical performances, etc., which can be a good excuse to visit. The small museum has a replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, and an Elizabethan garden in the back, and is nice to visit combined with a performance.
Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun noon-5PMPlays: $20-50 (occasional student discounts) · Wi-Fi
- SeeEast End
Ford's Theatre Museum
A great museum detailing the life of Abraham Lincoln and the place where he was assassinated.
Free
SeeHistory museumNational MallArts and Industries Building
This beautiful building was the first major museum on the mall, built as the National Museum in 1881 to house the Smithsonian's earliest collections. The collections have since been moved to the Natural History and American History museums, but the building still does host occasional exhibits (and serves as office space for the Smithsonian).
SeeMemorialEast EndNational Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum
The monument bears the names of nearly 20,000 officials who lost their lives on the job. The museum has many interactive experiences such as dispatching a simulated 911 call, although it has been accused of peddling "copaganda".
10AM to 6PM daily (last entry at 5PM)Adults: $20; students: $18 if purchased online, otherwise add $2
SeeMuseumWest EndOctagon Museum
Designed by William C. Thornton, and completed in 1800, the Octagon was owned by Colonel John Tayloe, a Virginia plantation owner. A few years later, the Tayloes offered the house for use as the French Embassy, where the Treaty of Ghent was signed by President James Madison to end the War of 1812 (he was working there temporarily following the 1814 burning of the White House). The house was sold in 1855, and since used as a military hospital during the Civil War, an apartment building, a girl's school, and has been owned by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) since 1902. The house is now used as a museum.
Gallery: Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5PM; tours Thu-Fri 1-4PMFree; 45-minute tour: $10 · Built 1799
SeeNational MallSmithsonian Castle
This distinctive brick-red structure was the original Smithsonian museum. The building now presents an overview of the Smithsonian system as well as occasional exhibitions. Just south of the castle, the beautiful Haupt Garden features an ornate parterre as well as some quieter enclaves; it is a great place to stop to rest or eat.
8:30AM-5:30PM daily
SeeHistory museumGeorgetownOld Stone House
Built in 1765, this is the oldest original structure in Washington, D.C. For a while it was a used car dealership, but since the 1950s it has been operated by the National Park Service as a house museum showcasing pre-revolutionary colonial life in Georgetown, as well as a small English garden in the back.
House: Wed-Sun noon-5PM, garden: dawn-dusk dailyFree · Free entry
- SeeMuseumEast End
Planet Word Museum
A museum of language, linguistics, and literature, with 3 floors of interactive exhibits and displays. Fun for kids. The museum includes a separately-booked room of puzzle boxes, at varying levels of difficulty, that have the general flavor of an escape room.
Wed-Sun 10AM-5PMFree, with a $15 suggested donation · Free entry
DoTheatreWest EndD.A.R. Constitution Hall
D.A.R. Constitution Hall is a smaller venue which hosts theatrical and musical performances, although the acoustics are known to be subpar. It is also home to the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, which displays fine arts, ceramics, quilts, and other items, and period rooms. Special events held at Constitution Hall have included filming of the popular game shows, Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. Architect John Russell Pope designed the building, which was completed in 1929 and is designated a National Historic Site. It was built to house the annual D.A.R. convention, and was home to the National Symphony Orchestra prior to the opening of the Kennedy Center.
Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM, Sat 9AM-5PMFree
SeeMuseumWaterfrontU.S. Navy Museum
This is a great museum; however, unless you are a member of the military, you must fill out forms and be vetted prior to entering. See the website for more information. The museum displays, in chronological order, exhibits of each major point in Naval History—the Revolutionary War, battles with the Barbary Pirates, the Civil War, polar exploration, WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and through the present day. There is also an interactive submarine exhibit, and a host of real big guns out in the courtyard. The gift shop is as good a place as you'll find to purchase various Navy-related souvenirs.
Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM, Sat-Sun 10AM-5PMFree · Heritage listed
SeeLibraryDupont CircleAnderson House
Society of the Cincinnati headquarters and museum
The 55,764-square-foot Anderson House, which is perhaps better described as a castle, was built in 1902-1905, as the home of Larz Anderson and his wife. Upon Anderson's death, the house was given as a gift to the Society of the Cincinnati which was something of an American noble order dedicated to preserving the legacy of the American Revolution founded in 1783 after the Revolutionary War. The house serves as the organization's headquarters, and houses a museum and library with information relating to the Revolutionary War.
Tours: Tue-Sat 1-4PMFree
DoTheatreNear NortheastAtlas Performing Arts Center
First opened in 1938, the Atlas Theatre was an old movie palace that was transformed into an arts center and performance venue in 2004 via an extensive $22 million renovation. Performances run throughout the whole year, and vary from drama to musical to cabaret to dance. The building also houses a public art gallery.
Art gallery: Tue-Sun noon-6PM
SeeMuseumDupont CircleLaogai Museum
Small, offbeat museum showcasing human rights abuses in China, particularly the Láogǎi, the Chinese prison system of "Reform through Labor". Includes artifacts from prisoners and panels with explanations and statistics. The museum was founded by Harry Wu, a well-known Chinese dissident who served 19 years in laogai prisons, but who left behind a troubled legacy after mismanaging funds for the museum. You may have to knock loudly for the curator to realize you're there.
VariableFree
Browse all 5,593 places in Washington, D.C.
Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Washington, D.C. (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps.