As the capital of the United States, Washington, D.C. is a city steeped in history and culture. While it’s famously home to the White House, the city is also renowned for its incredible museums.
The Smithsonian Institution museums are the most well-known, but they’re just the beginning of what Washington, D.C. has to offer for museum enthusiasts.
Our Top 30 Museums in Washington, D.C.
1. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
This striking memorial honors the legacy of George Washington and offers fascinating insights into Masonic history. Its impressive architecture and panoramic views of the city make it a must-visit for history buffs and photographers alike.
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Address: 101 Callahan Dr, Alexandria, VA 22301
Hours: Fri – Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM
Perhaps most famous due to its role in the film National Treasure, The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is an awesome place to visit. Most museums in DC can’t claim to have as huge a statue of the first president!
Meanwhile, the Masonic imagery around the building is intriguing. If you’re a Classics fan, you’ll be delighted. Its design was actually modeled on the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria in Ancient Greece!
2. National Museum of the Marine Corps
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Address: 1775 Semper Fidelis Wy, Triangle, VA 22172
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM
Phone: 703-432-1775
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One of our favorite free museums in DC, the National Museum of the Marine Corps is a real stunner. Your jaw will drop immediately at the glorious grounds and memorial park outside.
And inside, you’ll learn about the day-to-day life of a US marine. It’ll walk you through example of uniforms, how daily drills work, etc., as well as important points in marine history. It’s as educational as it is fun!
3. National Museum of American History
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Address: 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
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The Smithsonian National Museum of American History is one of the best museums in DC. Here, you’ll learn a wide variety of information about so many different aspects of the country’s history.
This ranges from sports (baseball, American football) to LGBTQ+ history and that of indigenous cultures, the flag, and more. Speaking of the flag, they even have the actual first star spangled banner hanging there. Believe it or not!
4. National Building Museum In DC
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Address: 401 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Hours: Thurs – Mon: 11 AM – 4 PM
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Another of the best museums in Washington, DC, the National Building Museum is focused on architecture and design. Its goal is to help show how architecture has both affected and been affected by society. They have many examples on permanent display.
As you might expect, the architecture of the building itself is suitably gorgeous. And we highly recommend their Gun Violence Memorial Project, designed from 700 glass bricks.
5. National Postal Museum In DC
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Address: 2 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
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The next on our list of best museums in DC might be a surprise. Postal history might not seem particularly enthralling, but the Smithsonian National Postal Museum is so fun, it’ll change your mind!
It has the world’s largest stamp collection and an extremely entertaining interactive tour through the history of mail delivery. You’ll learn about the Pony Express, see vintage carriages, and Cliff Clavin’s costume from the sitcom Cheers!
6. White House Visitor Center
Address: 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230
Hours: Tues – Sat: 7:30 AM – 4 PM
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The White House Visitor Center isn’t only the most famous of the museums in DC but also one of the most famous buildings in the world, full stop. It would be difficult for the residence of the President of the United States to not be world-known!
Here you’ll learn about a day in the life of the US President, touring his actual operational base. And best of all, it’s absolutely free!
7. The Phillips Collection
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Address: 1600 21st St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Hours: Tues – Sun: 11 AM – 6 PM
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Duncan Phillips was an extremely prosperous philanthropist and collector of art. And now his home, where The Phillips Collection is located, is one of the best museums in DC. It’s full to the rafters with gorgeous, important pieces, particularly of modern art.
He first established the museum himself in 1921 and since he died in 1966, it’s continued to expand its collection. And if you have kids under 18, they can get in for free!
8. National Museum of African Art
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Address: 950 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
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The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is one of the best museums in Washington, DC focused on international art. Located within its walls is a collection of more 12,000 pieces.
These include African paintings, gorgeous tribal masks, tribal costumes, furniture, and more. Here you’ll learn about the glorious cultures of this vast continent. They also have what’s considered the best African art history library in the world.
9. National Museum of African American History and Culture
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Address: 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560
Hours: Tues – Sun: 10 AM – 5:30 PM; Mon: 12 PM – 5:30 PM
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To learn more about the Black American experience, check out The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. It’s another of the great museums in Washington, DC.
What makes it so powerful is how it confronts the troubling aspects of the history of Black Americans while also revelling in their culture. You learn about slavery but also all of the various contributions Black Americans have made to culture, music, science, and more.
10. American Art Museum In DC
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Address: 8th and G Streets, NW, Washington, DC 20004
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11:30 AM – 7 PM
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One of the best art museums in DC, and the entire country too, the Smithsonian American Art Museum is unmissable. If you’re an art enthusiast, you could spend days exploring the work of over 7,000 American artists here. It’s an absolutely astounding collection.
It’s so large, in fact, that it stretches out into part of the Old Patent Building as well, sharing space with the National Portrait Gallery.
11. Heurich House Museum
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Address: 1307 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
Hours: Mon – Wed: 10 AM – 5 PM; Thurs – Fri: 10 AM – 8 PM; Sat: 1 PM – 8 PM
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Heurich House Museum isn’t only one of our favorite museums in DC but it’s a historic building in its own right. It was DC’s first fireproof home, having been built from metal and concrete.
It also had electricity from the time it was built, before it was even available widely! Today, when you visit the museum, you’ll learn about the life of its owner, Christian Heurich, a famous German-American brewer, and his family.
12. National Archives Museum In DC
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Address: 701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
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One of the most significant museums in Washington, DC, the National Archives Museum holds thousands of important historical documents. Visiting here, you can see the actual original US Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence.
And, yes, all of the Founders’ original signatures are indeed on them in full display! Just be aware that photography isn’t allowed. The fragile historic ink has to be protected from fading away!
13. Freer Gallery of Art
Address: 1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560,
Hours: Sat – Wed: 10 AM – 5:30 PM; Thurs – Fri: 11:30 AM – 7 PM
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The next of the fantastic Smithsonian museums in DC on our list, the Freer Gallery is devoted to Asian Art. Here you’ll discover more than 45,000 works of art from China, Korea, Japan, and around the Islamic World.
A number of the pieces even date all the way back to the Neolithic Era! The facilities also include the Freer and Sackler Library. This institution collects rare volumes on Asian art and culture.
14. United States Botanic Garden
Address: 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 5 PM
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People don’t always think of botanic gardens this way, but the United States Botanic Garden calls itself a museum of living plants. And at this, it’s one of the most unique museums in Washington, DC!
The garden collects flora from practically everywhere on the planet and is quite a sight to behold! It’s a perfect place for you to take some selfies, or just enjoy the flowers/relax with a good book.
15. U.S. Navy Museum In DC
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Address: 736 Sicard St SE, Washington, DC 20374
Hours: Mon – Sat: 9 AM – 4 PM
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If naval history is your bag, the U.S. Navy Museum will be one of your favorite museums in DC. Even outside are a great assortment of cannons from various US war ships! Inside, you’ll find real submarine batteries, memorials to various war heroes, and more.
Also, make sure you don’t miss their Cold War Gallery. This includes a comprehensive assortment of history and artifacts on cover sub operations during this period.
16. Library of Congress
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Address: 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540
Hours: Tues – Sat: 10 AM – 5 PM
When listing great museums in Washington, DC, it’s impossible to ignore the Library of Congress. It’s easily one of the greatest libraries in the entire world. It also has 6,487 books from Thomas Jefferson’s personal library in addition to countless other historic artifacts.
The Library also contains city plans, war maps, recordings of iconic music and speches, and much more. And the architecture is absolutely glorious. You will never forget a trip here!
17. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
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Address: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
The Holocaust Memorial is overwhelming but one of the most important museums in DC. This museum is devoted to teaching its visitors of how and why the Holocaust occurred, and how to prevent it happening again.
It’s also a memorial for the millions of people who were brutally murdered by the Nazis. And it tells its story in a way that is accessible, captivating, and devastating. It’s certainly not a fun day, but it’s a vital one, and we can’t recommend it to you highly enough.
18. National Museum of Health and Medicine
Address: 2500 Linden Ln, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Hours: Wed – Sun: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
If you’re fascinated by the development of medicine, the National Museum of Health and Medicine is the place for you! With that said, you do need a strong constitution to enjoy this of all the museums in DC. So be prepared.
Displays here include both animal and human remains along with all sorts of historic medical utensils. And let’s just say that many of them are a bit scary compared to what we have today!
19. National Air and Space Museum In DC
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Address: 600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is probably our favorite of all the museums in Washington DC! From airplanes to rockets and everything in between, it’s a celebration of every sort of travel through air and space.
Here, you’ll see historic planes, actual modules that have been to space, Neil Armstrong’s real spacesuit, and so much more! It genuinely is a space nerd’s wildest dream come true, and housed in a gorgeous space.
20. National Museum of the American Indian
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Address: 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20560
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian is one of the more unique museums in DC. That’s because it’s actually split between two locations: one here, one in New York. However, this one alone is a treasure trove of Native American art and history.
Another real treat here is that you can sample Native American cuisine from various tribes at the café. And you can pick up some gorgeous authentic art and jewelry in the gift shop.
21. National Portrait Gallery
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Address: 8th St NW & G St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Hours: Tues – Sun: 11:30 AM – 5 PM
Another of the best free museums in DC, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery contains portraits of countless famous people. This includes every President of the United States, most famously.
But it also features movie and music stars, athletes…why, even notorious criminals! Basically every notable person is represented here. It provides a fascinating look at celebrity and fame.
As previously mentioned, it also shares space in the Old Patent Building with the American Art Museum.
22. The Kreeger Museum In DC
Address: 2401 Foxhall Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007
Hours: Tues – Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM
The Kreeger Museum is yet another of the museums in DC that started as a wealthy philanthropist’s house. This one, however, is from the 1960s, so it’s from a bit later in DC history!
The former home of David Lloyd Kreeger, it’s full of contemporary art. If you’re a fan of Pablo Picasso, this is definitely the place for you. Many of his greatest works are on permanent display here!
23. Art Museum of the Americas
Address: 201 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20006,
Hours: Tues – Sun: 10 AM – 5 PM
Although it’s one of the lesser-known museums in DC, people really need to discover the Art Museum of the Americas! If you want something different for the area, it’s a beautiful celebration of Caribbean and Latin American art.
It has more than 2000 paintings, photos, and prints. If you think that America is the United States alone, discover a whole other world, and so many other fascinating cultures here!
24. International Spy Museum In DC
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Address: 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024
Hours: Mon – Fri: 10 AM – 6 PM; Sat: 9 PM – 7 PM; Sun: 9 PM – 6 PM
The most fun of all the museums in DC, the International Spy Museum is a museum that’s also an adventure! The museum fully immerses you in the life of being a spy. You’re even given a cover identity at the door.
Through the various exhibits, you’ll solve puzzles, crawl through vents, and even spy on other guests! All of this while finding a jawdropping assortment of spy memorabilia and gadgets. This includes both reality and pop culture, such as James Bond!
25. Renwick Gallery
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Address: 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW #1, Washington, DC 20006
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Although we already brought up the Smithsonian Art Museum, the Renwick Gallery within it deserves its own entry. Its entire purpose is to cover decorative art. This covers a wide range of things encompassing not only photos but even video games!
From a historic perspective, the Renwick is also fascinating. In 1861, it was actually the first art museum in the city! And in the Civil War years, Union soldiers stored their uniforms inside.
26. Natural History Museum In DC
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Address: 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
The Smithsonian Natural History Museum is one of the largest museums in DC with one of the most expansive collections. There’s so much, it would be impossible for you to cover it all in one trip!
In this fantastic museum, you’ll see fossils of actual dinosaurs, and trace the evolution of humanity. You’ll see fossilized minerals, plants, and more. Experience the biological history of our planet and marvel at its many wonders!
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27. National Gallery of Art & Sculpture Garden
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Address: Constitution Ave NW &, 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20408
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 5 PM
The National Gallery of Art & Sculpture Garden is one of the greatest museums in Washington, DC. Its goal is to examine the identity of the United States as a nation through artwork.
But the art there isn’t just American art. The galleries include paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, Jan van Eyck, Judith Leyster, and Rogier van der Weyden. And ever since 1999, the galleries were supplemented by a breathtaking sculpture garden as well.
28. National Children’s Museum In DC
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Address: 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Closed Tuesdays
While basically all of the museums in DC welcome children, there aren’t many specifically focused on kids. One significant exception is the National Children’s Museum, which is a veritable wonderland for kids.
The museum is big on educating children through games, multimedia displays, and even toy installations. They use them to teach big concepts such as data science, engineering, aviation, and more! And it’s even fun for adults as well!
29. National Geographic Museum
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Address: 1145 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 5 PM
Our penultimate choice on our list of best museums in DC is the National Geographic Museum. It’s run by the National Geographic Society, which is famous for presenting the Western World with glimpses into other cultures.
This is an amazing place for experiencing first-hand accounts of scientists exploring forests, climbing Everest, etc. It’s full of artifacts, photographs, and stories, and is absolutely fascinating. And your ticket helps support the great educational work the Society does!
30. Dumbarton Oaks Museum In DC
Dumbarton Oaks Museum
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Address: 1703 32nd St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 5 PM
Once a sprawling historic estate, the Dumbarton Oaks Museum was originally owned by Robert Woods Bliss, a U.S. diplomat who filled it with his extensive art collection. After his passing, the estate was transformed into a museum.
Today, it’s one of Washington, D.C.’s lesser-known gems, featuring an exceptional collection of Byzantine and Mesoamerican artifacts. Art and history enthusiasts alike will find it fascinating.
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Conclusion on Museums in DC
There you have it—30 of our top museum picks in Washington, D.C.. From art and culture to history and science, the city offers an incredible range of museums to explore. We hope this guide helps you start your journey of discovery in the nation’s iconic capital.