Top 15 Must-Visit Museums in Washington D.C.

The nation’s capital is home to beautiful government buildings, gardens, and more than 70 museums. The Smithsonian, the largest museum complex in the world, includes the National Zoo and 21 museums, all of which are free for visitors, although some require timed reservations. Beyond the Smithsonian, numerous museums covering a wide range of interests are spread throughout Washington, D.C., providing opportunities for enrichment, education, and entertainment.

If your last trip to Washington, D.C. was a class trip, it’s time for a return visit. Plush hotels, new restaurants, and lovely scenery make the nation’s capital a fantastic vacation destination for visitors of all ages. Here are 15 of the best museums in Washington, D.C. to explore on your next journey.

01. National Museum of African American History and Culture

The newest addition to the Smithsonian, this museum tells the story of America through the lens of African American life, history, and culture. The eight-story museum commemorates historical figures and events in African American history, showcasing priceless objects such as Harriet Tubman’s shawl, Nat Turner’s Bible, a cabin where enslaved people lived, and more, encouraging discussion and understanding.

02. National Children’s Museum

This engaging museum encourages children to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) through hands-on experiences. Video programs, experiments, and exhibits entertain and educate, catering to a wide range of ages. For infants and toddlers, there’s a cloud and flight-themed area encouraging movement and connection. “Weather Worlds” is an immersive digital experience allowing visitors to control weather with hand gestures.

03. National Postal Museum

Opened in 1993, the National Postal Museum focuses on preserving and studying postal history from colonial times to the present. It celebrates the beauty of stamp collecting, with the William H. Gross Stamp Gallery being the world’s largest dedicated to philately, featuring stunning displays for collectors of all levels. The museum also provides engaging hands-on activities for kids.

04. International Spy Museum

This independent nonprofit museum houses the largest collection of international espionage artifacts on public display. Established in 2002, its goal is to educate visitors about the shadowy world of espionage and the evolving role of technology in intelligence. The experience begins with a briefing film and stories of secret missions, where visitors can adopt a spy persona and embark on a unique mission.

05. National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery showcases thousands of works, including visual, performance, and new media art, portraying figures from presidents to poets. The Gallery seeks to present a comprehensive narrative, acknowledging historical issues such as slavery and inequality. The collection spans from pre-colonial to modern times, featuring portraits of iconic leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama.

06. President Lincoln’s Cottage

This historic site and museum is situated on 250 acres in the Petworth neighborhood of northwest Washington, D.C. Abraham Lincoln lived in this cottage and developed the Emancipation Proclamation there. The cottage is open daily, and it is advisable to secure advance tickets for guided tours. Self-guided tours of the grounds are also available.

07. Heurich House Museum

The Heurich mansion, built in 1892-94 for German-American immigrant Christian Heurich, exemplifies Richardsonian Romanesque architecture in D.C. This historic residence featured many modern amenities of its time, including electric lighting and burglar alarms. Visitors can learn about the lives of the family, staff, and workers who contributed to this unique home. Tours are offered by reservation from Thursday through Saturday, and a biergarten is on-site.

08. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

The National Museum of Natural History is among Washington’s most visited museums, celebrating the natural world from dinosaurs to rare gems, mammals, sea life, and plants. With over 147 million specimens and artifacts, exhibits include the Butterfly Pavilion, Hall of Fossils, and Ancient Egyptian displays.

09. United States Botanic Garden

Visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of environments at the United States Botanic Garden, which showcases thousands of plants both indoors and outdoors. The Garden Court features plants for fibers, food, beverages, and more. Environments include a tropical forest, desert, and orchid collection, revealing the vast diversity of plant life.

10. The Octagon Museum

Constructed between 1798 and 1800 by enslaved workers, the Octagon was designed by the first architect of the U.S. Capitol, William Thornton. It served as temporary quarters for President Madison during the War of 1812 and was restored by the American Institute of Architects, now serving as a museum showcasing its history.

11. National Air and Space Museum

As one of Washington’s most significant attractions, the National Air and Space Museum features the largest collection of aviation and space artifacts globally. Open daily except Christmas Day, this museum explores the history of flight, space exploration, and significant events like the moon landing, requiring free timed-entry passes for visitors.

12. National Museum of the American Indian

Opened in 2004, the National Museum of the American Indian features over 825,000 photographs, documents, and artifacts that chronicle the stories of Native Americans across history. Noteworthy exhibits include “Nation to Nation,” detailing treaties between the United States and tribal governments.

13. Planet Word Museum

This unique museum, which opened in 2020, celebrates the power of words and language through interactive galleries that bring words to life. Visitors engage with art forms from poetry to songwriting, exploring the creative uses of language.

14. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum emphasizes understanding the events of the Holocaust to ensure they are never repeated. Through testimonials and recordings, the museum shares the harrowing stories of victims and survivors, striving to educate visitors on the importance of preventing genocide.

15. National Bonsai Museum

The Bonsai Museum focuses on nurturing a diverse collection of bonsai, particularly from Japan, China, and North America. The Yee-sun Wy Chinese Pavilion showcases penjing, a unique art form over a millennium old, while the Japanese Pavilion holds masterpiece trees donated in honor of the U.S. Bicentennial.