Lonely PlanetAug 10
The 11 best museums in Washington, DC
With so many museums to visit (for free!), you could spend your entire trip on the National Mall.
Massive two-building art collection.
25 things in this story
- National Gallery of ArtMuseumMassive two-building art collection.
- The National MallHotelEasy to lose a full day to the museums.
- Smithsonian Institution BuildingSightViewed across the Enid A. Haupt Garden on the National Mall.
- Smithsonian InstitutionMuseumMultiple museums, gratis theater and concerts.
- White HouseSightJaunts through the White House.
- CapitolSightJaunts through the Capitol.
- National Museum of African American History & CultureMuseumOnly museum dedicated to African American culture and history.
- Air and Space MuseumMuseumHolds the largest collection of aviation and space artifacts.
- Lincoln MemorialParkMain row of sights.
- Sweet Home CaféFast foodServes regional African American dishes.
- West BuildingMuseumExhibits primarily European works from the Middle Ages.
- East BuildingMuseumHolds modern and contemporary art.
- MultiverseSightTrippy, twinkling, moving sidewalk connecting two buildings.
- Cascade CafeCaféBuzzes with patrons at the walkway's west end.
- National Air and Space MuseumMuseumOne of the most visited museums in the world.
- Steven F Udvar-Hazy CenterMuseumLocation for nighttime stargazing sessions.
- Holocaust museumMuseumGives visitors the identity card of a single Holocaust victim.
- Hall of WitnessSightSkylight in the Hall of Witness.
- Wexner CenterMuseumFeatures exhibits on other genocides around the world.
- Reynolds CenterArts centreHouses the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
- Smithsonian American Art MuseumMuseumExtensive collection of American artwork.
- National Portrait GalleryMuseumPermanent exhibit of portraits of notable Americans.
- Experience America galleryMuseumHangs blockbusters such as Edward Hopper's Cape Cod Morning.
- America's Presidents galleryMuseumGives due to 44 past heads of state.
- US Patent Office buildingSightNeoclassical beauty that hosted Lincoln's second inaugural ball.
