Few cities in the United States host as many world-class museums as Washington, DC. From captivating exhibits highlighting prehistoric fossils and masterworks of art to moving exhibits at the Holocaust Memorial Museum and Museum of African American History and Culture, the best museums in Washington, DC probe their topic with impressive intention and attention to detail.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a powerful tribute to African American history and achievements. Over 40,000 artifacts across dozens of exhibits explore slavery, civil rights, arts and contemporary issues. Highlights include Harriet Tubman’s shawl and Emmett Till’s casket.
“The National Museum of African American History and Culture is simply not to be missed,” Fora Advisor Courtney Carter said. “You could spend a few days and still not see the entire museum. I recommend devoting most of the day and having lunch at the café on site.”
The Phillips Collection
The Phillips Collection is America’s first museum of modern art. It has an intimate setting — a departure from the grandeur of many of DC’s best museums — and an impressive collection, including Renoir’s “Luncheon of the Boating Party.” The museum is located in Dupont Circle, near many of the best hotels in Washington, DC.
National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art is a treasure trove of masterpieces, and features works by famous painters including Van Gogh, Monet and Leonardo da Vinci. Its East Building showcases modern art, while the West Building highlights classics. There’s also an outdoor sculpture garden and greenspace that hosts an ice-skating rink in winter.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum offers a profound exploration of the Holocaust, using artifacts, survivor testimonials and interactive exhibits. The Tower of Faces and the Hall of Remembrance provide poignant moments of reflection. Another notable feature: the museum’s industrial architecture and interior's fragmented and oppressive design (all done by architect James Ingo Freed). Narrow corridors, uneven floors and angular walls intentionally create a disorienting and somber atmosphere.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
A family favorite, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History captivates visitors — especially young visitors — with the Hope Diamond, dinosaur fossils and an immersive Butterfly Pavilion. Hands-on exhibits and an IMAX theater make it a fun, educational outing. (If you’re also looking for the best hotels in Washington, DC for families, check out our article.)
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is dedicated to the history of aviation and space exploration. Check out the Wright brothers’ plane, the Apollo 11 command module and interactive simulators.
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History showcases America’s diverse and rich history, with iconic artifacts like the original Star-Spangled Banner, Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz and President Abraham Lincoln’s hat. Exhibits highlight the nation’s cultural and political evolution, from the 13 Colonies to global superpower.
United States Botanic Garden
The United States Botanic Garden is a living museum of plants. Consider it a peaceful escape with themed gardens and exotic plants from all over the world, organized by location. The conservatory and outdoor spaces are perfect for families and nature lovers, and a Children’s Garden opens in warmer months. During the holiday season, the Capitol Christmas tree is only a short walk away.
Related guide: Gardens and Culture in Washington, DC
Smithsonian National Zoo
The Smithsonian National Zoo is one of the oldest and most beloved zoos in the United States. It spans 163 acres and is home to nearly 400 animal species — including giant pandas, in a rare appearance outside China. You’ll also see elephants, lions, tigers and a vast array of birds, amphibians and reptiles. This family-friendly destination, which prioritizes conservation and research, also hosts interactive exhibits, like a “Kids' Farm” where children can get hands-on with domestic animals, and seasonal events like the ZooLights festival during the holidays.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
The Hirshhorn Museum is known for its bold, contemporary art, with thought-provoking exhibits and an outdoor sculpture garden. It’s a favorite for modern-art enthusiasts seeking a dynamic cultural experience. The round building is also hard to miss on the National Mall, and sometimes adorned with massive, eye-catching banners.
National Museum of African Art and National Museum of Asian Art
The National Museum of African Art highlights African art created over the centuries. Exhibits provide a deeper understanding of African cultures and history. Next door, you’ll find the National Museum of Asian Art, which dives into cultures and art from Japan, China, Korea and more over millennia.
Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian is dedicated to the history, heritage and contemporary life of Indigenous peoples throughout North and South America. Striking curved architecture, designed by Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal, is intentionally oriented to the cardinal directions, reflecting a connection to the earth and environment. Highlights include the Nation to Nation exhibit, which explores the dark history of treaties between Native Nations and the United States, and the Infinity of Nations exhibit, which displays artifacts such as headdresses, masks and textiles. Indigenous voices are emphasized through storytelling, traditional performances and film screenings. A visit isn’t complete without a stop at the Mitsitam Native Foods Café, where the menu features Indigenous-inspired dishes from across the Americas.
Fora Advisor Liz Laird added that the museum has great sections for children, including free-play areas and Native American-inspired crafts. (She also noted that the children's area has one of the best views of the Capitol from its windows.)
National Arboretum
The National Arboretum is a sprawling greenspace in northeast DC ideal for nature lovers. It’s not exactly a museum itself, but there are small museums — like the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum — throughout its many acres. More highlights include the National Capitol Columns and seasonal blooms like azaleas and cherry blossoms.
National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery brings American history to life through paintings and photos of famous figures from American history. Housed in the historic Old Patent Office Building, its neoclassical architecture adds grandeur to the experience. The museum’s collection includes portraits of influential figures from all sorts of disciplines. There’s a gallery on America’s Presidents and rotating exhibits that explore contemporary themes and overlooked voices in American history. Interactive elements, like "Explore! With the Portrait Gallery," engage younger visitors, in particular.
Smithsonian American Art Museum
The Smithsonian American Art Museum showcases one of the largest and most diverse collections of American art, spanning the country’s entire history. Its collection features artists like Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe and Nam June Paik. Highlights include the Luce Foundation Center, a visible storage area where visitors can see hundreds of artworks up close, and the Renwick Gallery, a satellite location dedicated to craft and decorative arts. The museum is also known for its commitment to inclusivity, with exhibitions highlighting underrepresented artists, including Indigenous, African American and LGBTQ+ creators.
International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum offers a fun and interactive dive into the world of espionage. The museum’s exhibits feature a mix of historical artifacts, like real spy gadgets and declassified documents, as well as immersive displays that bring to life famous espionage missions. A standout feature is the interactive Undercover Mission, where you can assume the role of a spy, complete with a secret identity and challenges to solve throughout the museum. Topics range from World War II and Cold War operations to contemporary cyber-espionage. Special sections highlight the role of women in espionage and how spycraft has influenced pop culture, including movie franchises like 007 and Mission Impossible.
Plan your Washington, DC trip with a Fora Advisor
Connect with a Fora Advisor for more recommendations on things to do in Washington, DC or to book accommodations for your stay. Your Fora Advisor can identify properties that best fit your itinerary — such as finding a hotel within your budget near the National Mall — and unlock complimentary hotel perks.
The best museums in Washington, DC and related travel FAQs
Read on for more travel information on the best museums in Washington, DC.
Is the National Mall walkable? What about the rest of DC?
The National Mall is certainly walkable, with wide pedestrian-friendly corridors and well-maintained paths. It’s also quite scenic, with large greenspaces and grand buildings. The rest of DC is largely walkable, especially within its individual neighborhoods. The city has an efficient metro system that connects all of DC, plus NoVa and southern Maryland.
What are the “Big Three” Smithsonian museums?
The National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of American History are the Smithsonian’s “Big Three.” All are on the same section of the National Mall, east of the Washington Monument.
Do you need to buy tickets in advance for the Smithsonian museums?
The Smithsonian museums are all free to visit. However, advance tickets are offered to ensure entry. Again, these museums are incredibly popular and often reach capacity during peak travel seasons: spring, during the Cherry Blossom Festival, summer and around the holidays. We recommend reserving tickets if you’re visiting during these times.
How many Smithsonian museums can you visit in one day?
There are 19 Smithsonian museums in DC, most of which are open from 10 am to 5 pm. The exact number of museums you can visit will depend on your pace. But you can reasonably expect to be able to walk through two to four museums per day. This grants you at least a couple hours for each stop. However, it’s worth noting that many of the best museums in Washington, DC may warrant more time to fully enjoy them.
More US cities with excellent museums
Many cities across the United States host world-class museums. Check out related articles: