30 Museums in Washington, D.C. You Can Visit For Free
Washington, D.C. isn't just the political epicenter of the United States; it's the heartbeat of a nation's story, a living testament to its past, and a beacon for its future. When you stroll down its avenues, you're not just walking on concrete – you're treading on the very pages of history. But here's the best part: D.C. doesn't just let you witness history from a distance; it invites you in, lets you touch it, feel it, and immerse yourself in it. How, you ask? Through its world-class museums.
Imagine stepping into a place where you can trace the evolution of flight, from the Wright brothers' first plane to the space shuttles that touched the stars. Or a place where you can stand face-to-face with a T-Rex, feeling both its grandeur and the eons of time that separate you. Picture a hall where the vibrant tapestry of American culture, from jazz to modern art, unfolds before your eyes. These aren't just figments of imagination; they're real, tangible experiences that D.C.'s museums offer. And guess what? Many of them won't cost you a dime.
So, if you're planning a trip to D.C., or if you're a local who's yet to explore the wonders of your own backyard, here's a piece of advice: don't just stop at the monuments. Dive deeper. Venture into the museums that beckon with open doors and no entry fees.
01 Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
If you're ready for a change of pace from the memorials and monuments, take a stroll down the Smithsonian National Mall to the National Air and Space Museum. This museum houses the largest collection of aviation memorabilia in the world, including the 1903 Wright Flyer and Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis. Spaceflight enthusiasts can check out historical objects like astronaut spacesuits as well as a piece of genuine moon rock brought back during the Apollo 17 mission.
This free museum is located on Independence Avenue at 6th Street SW and is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except during the spring and summer when it stays open until 7:30 p.m.
02 United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Though this site can be difficult to visit, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum helps to educate travelers about this tragic period in history. The museum serves to memorialize those who suffered and to help ensure that the events of the holocaust will never happen again. These stories are told through film, photography, artifacts, personal stories, and special exhibitions. This free museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but note that timed passes are required from March through August in order to view the museum's permanent collection.
03 National Gallery of Art
Inspire your budding artist without spending a dime at Washington D.C.'s National Gallery of Art. This free museum boasts a broad-ranging collection with examples from everything from ancient to modern art, including masterworks by Picasso, Gaugin, Monet, and da Vinci, as well as the world-famous sculpture garden. The museum, located on Constitution Avenue NW between 3rd and 9th Streets NW, is open every day of the year except Christmas and New Year's Day. It is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
04 Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Let your imagination run wild at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the most popular natural history museum in the world. This huge museum is home to more than 140 million items representing every aspect of the natural world. Marvel at gems like the famed Hope Diamond, ponder ancient fossils and even get hands-on in the museum's education center. This free museum, conveniently located on the National Mall, is open every day except for December 25 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with extended hours to 7:30 p.m. in the spring and summer.
05 Smithsonian Institution Information Center in the Castle
Even though your visit to Washington, D.C. takes you to the heart of the country who rejected rule by the monarchy, you can still include a visit to a castle on your itinerary. The Smithsonian Institution Information Center in the Castle, also simply called the Smithsonian Castle, is a beautiful landmark that also serves as the perfect first stop to help you organize your trip to other free Smithsonian institutions in the city. Visitors will find a coffee bar, comfortable seating, and interactive maps with information about the city's 17 Smithsonian Institution locations.
06 U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Instead of spending money, learn about how it's made at the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. View millions of dollars being printed at this location that also produces treasury securities, military commissions, award certificates, ID cards, and even invitations. To get the most out of your visit, try a guided tour of the Bureau. Tours are offered daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are free, but you will need a ticket if you visit from March through November. Tickets are distributed on a first-come, first serve basis from a booth at Raoul Wallenberg Place SW, which opens at 8 a.m. each weekday.
07 National Archives Museum
No visit to Washington D.C. is complete without a stop at the National Archives Museum. Why is this free museum such an important place to visit? It houses three of the most important documents in U.S. history: the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. It is even home to one of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta, one of the documents that greatly influenced America's founding fathers. Located at Constitution Avenue NW, between 7th and 9th Streets, the museum is open every day of the year (except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day) from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
08 The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Pay a visit to one of the Smithsonian's newest locations at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This free museum is unique, the only one of its kind exclusively meant to document and display various aspects of African American art, culture, and life. This large facility hosts more than 3,500 artifacts as well as exhibits including Musical Crossroads, Slavery and Freedom, and A Changing America. and Located on the National Mall, this free museum is open every day but Christmas from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
09 U.S. Botanic Garden
Need a break from the fast pace of your Washington, D.C. trip? Take time to smell the roses - and thousands of other plants - at the U.S. Botanic Garden. Visitors to this free, kid-friendly "living plant" museum can enjoy a paradise of plant life including an entire room dedicated to orchids, a gorgeous Conservatory, and the breathtaking Bartholdi Park. Visit the Conservatory and National Garden daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Bartholdi Park every day from dawn to dusk.
10 Smithsonian National Museum of American History
What makes America unique? Come up with your own answer after visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, the home of over three million artifacts that try to tell the story of what our country is all about. Visitors will see historical objects, including the Star-Spangled Banner, a hat worn by Abraham Lincoln on the night of his assassination, and other national artifacts. However, this free museum also includes treasures like Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, a collection of American cars, and sheet music written by Duke Ellington. You can visit every day of the year except Christmas Day from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
11 National Portrait Gallery: a glimpse into the faces of history
The National Portrait Gallery, part of the Smithsonian Institution, is a treasure trove of famous American faces. From presidents to pop culture icons, the gallery's exhibitions offer a fascinating journey through American history. The Hall of Presidents is a key exhibit, but don't miss the building's architectural charm, including an entrance porch reminiscent of the Athenian Parthenon and a wavy glass roof.
12 DAR Museum: a journey back in time
The DAR Museum is a unique institution housing a vast collection of historical relics and items used before the Industrial Revolution. Visitors can travel back in time and explore captivating exhibits, including the New Hampshire Toy Attic, a favorite among children where they can play with replicas of historical toys.
13 National Museum of American History: understanding what it means to be American
Perfect for history lovers and curious individuals alike, the National Museum of American History offers an engaging and fun way to learn about America's past. Built in 1964, the museum uses various exhibits to convey the message of "what it means to be an American."
14 White House: The seat of power
The White House, the official residence of the President of the United States, is a symbol of power and governance. The first President to occupy it was John Adams in 1800. Known by various names in the past, such as "President’s Palace" and "President’s House," it's a must-visit for anyone interested in American political history.
15 National Museum of Natural History: Exploring the Natural World
As the world's most visited natural history museum, the National Museum of Natural History offers a comprehensive look at the natural world. Managed by the Smithsonian Institute, the museum features exhibits related to everything from human evolution to exotic wildlife.
16 National Gallery of Art: A celebration of artistic mastery
Established in 1937, the National Gallery of Art houses a grand collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other works of art from all eras. From Gothic masters to contemporary art, the museum includes works by van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet, and Cézanne, among others.
17 Smithsonian Institution Building: The castle of knowledge
Built-in 1855, the Smithsonian Institution Building, also known as "The Castle," serves as the headquarters for the Smithsonian Institution. Its stunning Gothic and Romanesque architecture is reminiscent of historic European castles and churches.
18 House of the Temple: a peek into Freemasonry
Opened in 1915, the House of the Temple is a must-see for fans of Dan Brown's books. Housing a library, archives, and museums, this Masonic temple offers guided tours that provide insights into the building and the Freemasonry order.
19 Hirshhorn Museum: celebrating modern and contemporary art
Part of the Smithsonian Institution, the Hirshhorn Museum is home to a grand collection of contemporary and modern art, focusing primarily on the post-WWII period. Visitors can see works by Picasso, Pollock, and Francis Bacon, among others.
20 Smithsonian American Art Museum: a panorama of American art
The Smithsonian American Art Museum, also known as SAAM, holds one of the world's largest and most inclusive collections of American art. From traditional to contemporary, the museum showcases the diverse artistic expressions of the American people.
21 National Museum of Women in the arts: honoring women's contributions to art
The National Museum of Women in the Arts is the only major museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts. With its collections, exhibitions, programs, and online content, the museum inspires dynamic exchanges about art and ideas.
22 National Museum of American Jewish History: a tribute to Jewish Americans
The National Museum of American Jewish Military History was founded to document and preserve the contributions of Jewish Americans to the peace and freedom of the United States. The museum educates the public about the courage, heroism, and sacrifices made by Jewish Americans.
23 National Museum of crime & punishment: exploring the dark side of history
The National Museum of Crime & Punishment provides a glimpse into the history of crime and its consequences, law enforcement, forensic science, and crime scene investigation. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in criminology and the justice system.
24 National Museum of the Marine Corps: honoring the U.S. Marines
The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a lasting tribute to U.S. Marines--past, present, and future. The museum's interactive exhibits, immersive multimedia experiences, and an impressive collection of artifacts provide visitors with a unique perspective on Marine Corps history.
25 National Museum of health and medicine: The intersection of medicine and history
The National Museum of Health and Medicine inspires interest in and promotes the understanding of medicine - past, present, and future - with a special emphasis on tri-service American military medicine. As a National Historic Landmark recognized for its ongoing value to the health of the military and to the nation since 1862, the museum identifies, collects, and preserves important and unique resources to support a broad agenda of innovative exhibits, educational programs, and scientific, historical, and medical research.
26 National Museum of the United States Navy: a salute to naval history
The National Museum of the United States Navy offers a comprehensive overview of naval history. From exhibits in the old boathouse to the ship outside, there is a lot to see in this often-missed museum. Permanent exhibitions include exhibits on American submarines and artifacts from various wars and even polar explorations.
27 National Postal Museum: a stamp on history
The National Postal Museum, a Smithsonian Institution museum, is dedicated to the preservation, study, and presentation of postal history and philately. The museum uses exhibits, educational public programs, and research to make this rich history available to scholars, philatelists, collectors, and visitors from around the world.
28 National Museum of the American Indian: celebrating Native cultures
Located on the National Mall, the National Museum of the American Indian is dedicated to spreading knowledge about native people. Visitors can learn more about the history, culture, and art of Native Americans. The museum houses artifacts from the entire Western Hemisphere and also provides a space for contemporary Native performances.
29 National Museum of African Art: a window into African creativity
Part of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of African Art is devoted to showcasing African art and culture. Housing the largest collection of African art in the US, visitors have a chance to see more than 9000 works of both traditional and contemporary African artists.
30 National Air and Space Museum: soaring through history
The National Air and Space Museum is home to the world's largest and most significant collection of aviation and space artifacts. The museum encompasses all aspects of human flight, from the Wright brothers' first successful flights to the exploration of space.
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