The Smithsonian Museums in Washington DC are a treasure trove of knowledge and art. Whether you’re interested in American history, science, and technology, or art, there is something for everyone in this world-class collection of museums. From the iconic Air & Space Museum to the African Art Museum, come explore and discover new wonders every time you visit!
Check out our top 5 DC Smithsonian Museums to visit!
Visit the Air and Space Museum
The National Air and Space Museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, is a great place to immerse yourself in the wonders of aviation. Enjoy stunning exhibits on aeronautical engineering, aerospace exploration, and space science. Learn more about flight and spacecraft while seeing actual airplane components and impressive artifacts from NASA’s Apollo moon mission. There's even an IMAX theater where you can watch movies showcasing incredible cinematic journeys through air and space!
Explore the Natural History Museum
The National Museum of Natural History is another great Smithsonian Museum. This esteemed museum has over 126 million specimens, from dinosaurs to birds, mammals to invertebrates, and minerals to plants. Explore the exhibitions which feature everything from ancient fossils like Homo erectus to stunning gems and diamonds. Take a self-guided tour to explore the extensive collection in an organized manner, giving enough time for each item or interactive exhibit!
See the National Zoo's Animal Collection
The National Zoo is part of the Smithsonian Museums and features a collection of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and more! Get up-close and personal with majestic creatures such as elephant seals, African lions, and Bactrian camels. This education center strives to foster understanding through learning about our planet's amazing animals. Through live animal presentations, video cams, educational activities, programs, and events – visitors can gain a better appreciation for wild animals.
Check Out Art and Sculpture in the Hirshhorn Museum
The Hirshhorn Museum is among the Smithsonian Museums' star attractions. Discover modern and contemporary art through its collections, which include works by renowned artists like Pablo Picasso, Jean Dubuffet, and Marc Chagall. In addition, visitors can browse a variety of outdoor sculpture gardens, as well as galleries holding over 800 paintings, sculptures, and other works of art. Plus, the museum also serves as an international research center devoted to post-war periods of artistic creation.
Take a Journey Through Time at The American History Museum
The American History Museum showcases some of the country's most important artifacts. Walk through the galleries and explore collections that span centuries, with different levels showcasing different time periods. From the original Star-Spangled banner to the ruby red shoes worn by Judy Garland in the classic film ‘The Wizard of Oz’, you can take a journey back in time to explore stories, traditions, and events unique to America's past. Be sure to also check out interactive exhibitions and live performances during your visit.
Want to explore all that Washington DC has to offer? A guided tour of this iconic city is the perfect way to experience its incredible monuments, museums, and historical sites. Whether you've visited before or are seeing it for the first time, a tour of Washington DC will provide you with an unforgettable experience.
