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.
Jaunts through the White House.
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.