10 Best Museums in Washington DC

Located on the National Mall and in operation since 1910, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is home to the world’s most extensive collection of natural history specimens and human artefacts. Truly grasp the scale of elephants and the ferocity of sharks as you get up close to Henry the African bush elephant and a mega-toothed shark.

However, not all the exhibits are stationary: you can marvel at the beauty of fluttering butterflies in the butterfly pavilion and see a tarantula having its lunch at the O. Orkin insect zoo. Don’t miss the stunning Hope Diamond, a 45.52-caret diamond that revealed new information about the formation of diamonds.

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum invites visitors to explore air and space in a whole new way. Situated on the National Mall and accessible by Metrorail and Metrobus, this museum is home to a number of iconic aviation and space artefacts.

Trace the history of flight all the way back to the 1903 Wright Flyer, relive the moon landings with the Apollo 11 command module and Neil Armstrong’s pressure suit, moving to present day and the rover, Curiosity, which was sent to explore Mars. Keep your eyes peeled for some legendary but fictional space exhibits such as the Star Trek Enterprise starship.

The National Museum of American History is home to more than 1.8 million historical objects which explore fundamental American ideas, such as democracy, freedom, and opportunity, and builds a picture of America’s history to date. The collection spans from the original Star-Spangled Banner and the first artificial heart to the ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz.

On the National Mall, this museum is best reached by public transport due to limited parking. If you’re visiting with little historians, make sure you visit the Spark!Lab, where visitors become inventors, and Wonderplace, an interactive space with activities designed for 0–6-year-olds. Remember to take as few bags as possible to speed up security checks.

The International Spy Museum can make your dreams of becoming an international person of mystery come true. The Undercover Mission experience will lead you to 8 different stations that test your spy skills as you go around the museum. You’ll have to show you can blend into an environment, create a gadget, and gather secret information to pass the mission.

Located in the heart of L’Enfant Plaza, just south of the National Mall, this museum allows you to explore the history of spies, uncover some of their secrets and see just how much these shadowy figures have shaped the world. It’s recommended that you buy your ticket in advance to guarantee entry.

Now in its fifth decade, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is home to cutting-edge contemporary art and makes it accessible to all. Located on the National Mall, this is a space where people of all ages can encounter modern art in a meaningful and personal way.

Featuring works from artists such as Damien Hirst, Ron Mueck, and Auguste Rodin, Hirshhorn encourages you to see the world from a unique perspective. There are also several temporary collections, so there’s always something new to discover. Make sure you check out the Hishhorn kids programme if you’re looking to inspire little artists.

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum helps us face one of the hardest parts of history head-on so that we never forget the dangers of unchecked hatred and the horror of genocide. The museum provides a narrative history of the Holocaust, telling the events through historical artefacts, video footage, and personal stories.

Located centrally on the National Mall, the museum also features a range of temporary collections that explore various aspects of the Holocaust and other genocides. Please note that due to the nature of the content, the permanent collection is not recommended for children younger than 11.

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 pushing 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.

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 fitness as they climb, slide, and crawl, while the innovative sandpit 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 café, which has a menu specifically curated for kids, no matter how fussy they are.