In a city as synonymous with museums as DC, there are so many to decipher from. Surely your visit will have limited time, so which are the ones you have to visit? Well, here are some of my favorites!
Planet Word
This museum chronicles the history of language. Located adjacent to Franklin Park in an 1800’s-era building, the multi-story museum has a ton of interactive exhibits. While the thesis is a little loose, I can promise you won’t care when you’re learning about rhetoric while singing Taylor Swift karaoke. One of my favorite parts was the introductory show that shows the origin for different English words. Another cool part has an interactive display where you can learn about languages from around the world. The museum is donation-based with a suggested donation of $15.
Natural History Museum
The National Museum of Natural History is one of the United States’ most visited museums, and for good reason! It’s free museum with a little bit of everything natural: live animals, diamonds, meteorites, dinosaur bones and so so much more. There are three floors full of natural wonders, so go early. This museum can get packed!
National Museum of American History
For a museum that seems to perpetually be under construction, the exhibits you can actually see are pretty cool! Some of my favorites include the evolution of transportation in the country and some of the pop culture-focused exhibits, such as Julia Child’s kitchen and Dorothy’s red slippers from the Wizard of Oz. Saying this museum has everything is an understatement. Where else can you see a gallery of First Lady’s dresses, the flag that flew over Fort McHenry when the Star Spangled Banner was written and an original ride vehicle from Disneyland?
Air and Space Museum
Another one of the most visited museums in the United States is currently under renovation. The cavernous space holds many artifacts chronicling the history of flight and the expansiveness of space. Some of my favorite things to see are the Wright Brothers original airplane and a space suit worn on the moon. Another cool exhibit dives into detail on the other planets in our solar system. They also have a gallery dedicated to the history of commercial flight!
Udvar Hazy Center
The Udvar Hazy Center is outside of the city next to Washington Dulles International Airport. Unlike its D.C. counterpart, this giant hangar holds a ton of planes that wouldn’t fit in the mall location. These include an Air France Concorde, the airplane that dropped an atomic bomb (:/) and a literal SPACE SHUTTLE! Another highlight is the observation tower that lets you watch arrivals and departures from IAD. Like every other Smithsonian Museum, entry is free!
National Portrait Gallery
Holding some of the country’s most iconic paintings, this free museum is huge. Some of my favorite galleries are the American Landscapes and Impressionalism galleries. The latter has some Van Gough pieces, like his self portrait and Sunflowers. There are a few Monet, take some time to appreciate the brush strokes, and an entire gallery dedicated to sculptures.
United States Holocaust Museum
Taking a different tone from the others on this list, the Holocaust Museum is a somber reminder of the horrors of humanity. Heartbreakingly recounting the Holocaust, the museum is filled with emotion. Even with the heavy subject matter, it’s very well done and worth a visit. Their exhibit geared toward kids, Daniel’s Story is a, relatively, lighter journey following a Jewish child through the Holocaust.
United States Botanical Gardens
I love the Botanical Gardens so much. From the outdoor gardens to the indoor conservatory, there are so many plants to explore. Some of my favorites include the multi-level tropical oasis, the Primeval Garden and the Desert Gardens. Couple in a few exhibits about the natural world and agriculture, and an insane Christmas Display and you’ve got the perfect museum.
Turquoise Skies 