10 Best Museums in Washington DC
Where to Discover Washington DC’s History, Art, and Culture?
The best museums in Washington DC will inspire, challenge, entertain, and encourage you to look at life from a different perspective. Far from elitist, museums in Washington DC are designed to be accessible with several being free of charge and including interactive exhibitions to help visitors learn in new ways.
In Washington DC, you’ll find a museum for every interest whether you’re a history buff, budding scientist, art enthusiast, or secretly a spy. Many of the collections are extremely large and also feature temporary or touring exhibits so there’s always something new to discover. So where should you start? What are the best museums in Washington DC?
1. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
From dinosaurs to diamonds
Categoría: Económico, Historia
Located on the National Mall, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History has welcomed visitors since 1910 and is home to one of the world’s largest natural history collections. Step inside and come face-to-face with Henry, the museum’s iconic African bush elephant, before exploring everything from ancient fossils and ocean life to precious gems and human origins.
On the second floor, the Bones Hall showcases an extraordinary collection of skeletons, including a giraffe, snakes, and a massive sea turtle. Don’t miss the legendary Hope Diamond, a 45.52-carat blue diamond displayed in the Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals, then head to the David H. Koch Hall of Fossils to admire towering dinosaurs and other prehistoric giants. Más información
Ubicación: 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Horarios: Daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm
Teléfono: +1 202-633-1000
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
2. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
The world’s largest collection of aviation and space artifacts
Categoría: De aventura, Historia
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum invites you to explore air and space in a whole new way. Located on the National Mall, the museum is home to some of the most iconic aviation and space artifacts ever created, including the 1903 Wright Flyer and the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia.
Trace the history of flight back to the 1903 Wright Flyer, relive the first Moon landing through the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia and Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit, then look to the future with Mars exploration exhibits. Science fiction fans should also keep an eye out for the original Starship Enterprise studio model from Star Trek, one of the museum’s most popular displays. Más información
Ubicación: 650 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
Horarios: Daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm
Teléfono: +1 202-633-2214
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
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3. Smithsonian National Museum of American History
The place to learn America’s inspiring story
Categoría: Económico, Historia
The National Museum of American History is home to more than 1.8 million objects that tell the story of the United States through innovation, culture, politics, and everyday life. Highlights include the original Star-Spangled Banner and the ruby slippers worn by Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.
Located on the National Mall, the museum is best reached by public transport due to limited parking. If you’re visiting with children, don’t miss Draper Spark!Lab, where young visitors can become inventors, or Wegmans Wonderplace, an interactive space designed for children aged up to six. Be sure to seek out the first artificial heart, one of the museum’s most remarkable examples of American innovation. Más información
Ubicación: 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Horarios: Daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm
Teléfono: +1 202-633-1000
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
4. International Spy Museum
An adventure into the world of espionage
Categoría: De aventura, Familias
The International Spy Museum can make your dreams of becoming an international person of mystery come true. The museum’s Undercover Mission experience leads visitors through eight interactive stations that test their spy skills, from blending into a new environment and creating gadgets to gathering intelligence and uncovering hidden dead drops.
Located in the heart of L’Enfant Plaza, just south of the National Mall, the museum explores the history of espionage through real artifacts, personal stories, and hands-on exhibits. Before you leave, put your observation skills to the test and see how many disguises, hidden cameras, and covert gadgets you can spot throughout the galleries.
Ubicación: 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Horarios: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm
Teléfono: +1 202-393-7798
International Spy Museum
5. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Where contemporary art starts conversations
Categoría: Historia, Foto
The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is home to cutting-edge contemporary and modern art, accessible to visitors of all ages. Located on the National Mall, it’s a place to encounter thought-provoking works that challenge perceptions and encourage new ways of seeing the world.
Featuring works by artists such as Damien Hirst, Ron Mueck, and Auguste Rodin, the Hirshhorn also hosts rotating exhibitions, ensuring there’s always something new to see. Sign the kids up to one of the family programs and help inspire the next generation of artists. Take a stroll through the sculpture garden, where some of the museum’s most striking works can be experienced in the open air.
Ubicación: Independence Ave SW &, 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Horarios: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 5.30 pm, Monday from noon to 5.30 pm
Teléfono: +1 202-633-1000
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
6. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
A powerful reminder of the consequences of hate
Categoría: Económico, Historia
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum helps visitors confront one of history’s darkest chapters so that its lessons are never forgotten. Through historical artifacts, photographs, film footage, and personal accounts, the museum’s exhibitions document the events of the Holocaust and the millions of lives affected by genocide.
Located just off the National Mall, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions exploring different aspects of the Holocaust and other genocides. Be sure to spend time with the survivor testimonies featured throughout the exhibits, which provide some of the museum’s most moving and personal insights into this period of history. Please note that the permanent exhibition is recommended for visitors aged 11 and older. Más información
Ubicación: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Horarios: Daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm
Teléfono: +1 202-488-0400
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The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
7. National Museum of African American History and Culture
The African American experience at the heart of the American story
Categoría: Gastronomía en , Historia
The National Museum of African American History and Culture traces the journey of Black Americans from slavery and emancipation to the civil rights movement and their lasting influence on the nation’s culture, politics, and arts. Across multiple floors, you can explore everything from community history and social movements to music, sport, and cultural achievements.
Located on the National Mall alongside other Smithsonian museums, it features interactive exhibits, special exhibitions, and public programs. Make time for a meal at the Sweet Home Café, where the fried chicken with mac and cheese offers a delicious introduction to African American culinary traditions.
Ubicación: 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Horarios: Daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm
Teléfono: +1 844-750-3012
National Museum of African American History and Culture
8. National Museum of the American Indian
The first home of the history of America’s Indigenous people
Categoría: Familias, Gastronomía en , Historia
The National Museum of the American Indian was the first museum in the country dedicated exclusively to Native Americans. Its collection of more than 800,000 objects explores the histories, cultures, and traditions of Indigenous peoples across the Americas. The acclaimed Americans exhibition is particularly thought-provoking, revealing how Native Americans have shaped the nation’s identity in ways many visitors may not expect.
Located opposite the US Capitol Building, the museum is also an excellent choice for families thanks to the imagiNATIONS Activity Center. Through hands-on activities, kids can discover Indigenous innovations and inventions that continue to influence everyday life. Afterwards, head to the Mitsitam Café and try the posole, a traditional hominy stew inspired by Indigenous culinary traditions from the Americas.
Ubicación: 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Horarios: Daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm
Teléfono: +1 202-633-1000
Ver hoteles cerca de Museo Nacional de los Indios Americanos
National Museum of the American Indian
9. Artechouse
Where creative innovation has no limits
Categoría: Familias, Historia, Exótico
Artechouse, which is an amalgamation of art, tech, and house, is at the forefront of digital and experimental art and allows you to fully immerse yourself in artwork that pushes the limits of creativity. To get the most out of your visit, make sure you download the Artechouse XP app to bring hidden, virtual art to life.
Located on Maryland Avenue, Artechouse is just a 5 to 10-minute walk from the Smithsonian and L’Enfant Plaza metro stops. One of the most unique art destinations in Washington DC, you can also visit the XR bar and discover an original XR activation with each drink.
Ubicación: 1238 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Horarios: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm
Artechouse
10. National Children’s Museum
A museum designed for young minds
Categoría: De aventura, Familias, Historia
The National Children’s Museum engages young minds and encourages them to dream of the impossible through interactive exhibits. The dream machine will encourage little ones to use problem-solving and motor skills as they climb, slide, and crawl, while the innovative sandbox is a digital and immersive experience that teaches children about the weather and climate.
Located on Pennsylvania Avenue and steps away from the Federal Triangle, this museum is designed to spark creativity and encourage curiosity in little ones aged 0 to 12. Be sure to grab a bite to eat at the Bluestone Lane cafe, which has a menu specifically curated for kids, no matter how fussy they are.
Ubicación: Woodrow Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
Horarios: Wednesday–Monday from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Teléfono: +1 202-844-2486
National Children's Museum
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