17 Best Museums in Washington DC (By a Local)

I’m a Washington DC local with insights into the absolute best museums in the nation’s capital!

The museums in DC are amongst the city’s top attractions and the best in the whole country. There are more than 80 museums in the city and they cover a range of subjects. Each one delivers its specialty of history, art, or technology in a way that’s intriguing, immersive, and story-driven.

This article overviews what to expect at each museum in Washington DC, from exhibits to important visitor information like hours and cost (most museums are actually free!). I also share transportation tips and local insights to help you make the most of your trip. Let’s jump in!

17 Best DC Museums

National Portrait Gallery

See portraits of the people who have shaped American culture and history within one of the oldest buildings in Washington DC. 

📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | Cost: Free | Hours: 11:30 am – 7 pm daily

The National Portrait Gallery portrays the iconic figures who have achieved remarkable feats and helped shape history, culture, and America as we know it. Public figures are immortalized in paintings by various artists and stored within one of the oldest buildings in Washington DC.

This Smithsonian Museum has the only complete collection of presidential portraits apart from the White House. You’ll also find depictions of activists, writers, artists, politicians, and even villains throughout culture and history. 

Notably, there are portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama, George Washington, Frida Kahlo, Henrietta Lacks, and Edith Wharton. 

The National Portrait Gallery shares a building with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The building that houses both is located outside of the National Mall, just a few blocks away from the White House. 

It’s a five-minute walk from the National Building Museum and the historic Ford’s Theatre. The fastest way to get there is by taking the metro to the Gallery Place-Chinatown stop. 

Smithsonian American Art Museum

This Smithsonian museum houses the country’s first collection of American art and shares a space with the National Portrait Gallery. 

📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | 🎫 Cost: Free | 🕕 Hours: 11:30 am – 7 pm daily 

Walk through the stories and creations of the American people by visiting this Smithsonian art museum. This museum shares a space with the aforementioned National Portrait Gallery and features a diverse collection of American art spanning from the Colonial era to current day. 

Throughout the museum, you’ll discover a mix of artistic styles and mediums from craft and folk art to photography, contemporary, and media art. There is also a diverse mix of diasporic works by Asian, Latin, and African American artists.

When I visited, I found the craft art especially interesting. Works like John La Farge’s Peacocks and Peonies II stained glass windows and the Gilded Age Steinway piano by Thomas Wilmer Dewing (pictured above) really caught my eye. 

The building itself is beautiful, too. The gallery hallways are grandiose yet classic, and the inner courtyard showcases a unique blend of old and new architecture. Top to bottom, this museum is a great experience for all ages and interests and does an impressive job showcasing American heritage and history. 

National Gallery of Art

View timeless works of art from renowned European and American artists.

📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | Cost: Free | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily

The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC is a haven for art lovers. The permanent collection of over 150,000 artworks spans two buildings separated by 4th Street NW. You won’t have to cross the street to get to the other building, though. The East Building and West Building are connected by an illuminated underground walkway. 

The West Building features European and American art. It includes a few presidential portraits, including that of George Washington. You’ll also see works from artists Da Vinci, Chardin, Monet, Rothko, and Kandinsky.

The East Building houses more modern and contemporary art. These galleries feature famed works by Picasso, Matisse, Pollock, and Warhol, among others. The rooftop offers views of Downtown and the Capitol Building, as well as the famous blue rooster statue.

Admission to this museum is free and visitors don’t need passes for entry. It’s open 363 days out of the year and offers hour-long guided tours every day. Each one begins in the West building rotunda. 

The closest metro stops for this gallery are the Archives, Navy Memorial, and Penn Quarter stations.

National Museum of Asian Art

View over 45,000 Asian works of art between two buildings on the National Mall in Washington DC. 

📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | Cost: Free | Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm daily

The National Museum of Asian Art features two galleries: the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur Sackler Gallery. Both art galleries house extensive collections from Japan, Korea, China, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Islamic countries. Some artwork dates as far back as the Neolithic period. 

One of the most prized sections of the Freer Art Museum is the Peacock Room. It’s been on display since 1923 and contains a collection of ceramics lining the walls of the blue and gold room. The room is more than a century old, as it was originally built in 1877 by a British art collector. 

The museum offers guided tours of its collection from Thursday through Sunday at 1 pm. The tours are offered in six languages and bring awareness to the commonalities between Asian cultures and their artistic portrayals. 

This free, iconic museum is located between the Capitol and the Washington Monument. The closest metro stop is the Smithsonian station.

International Spy Museum

Test your spy skills by taking on a secret mission! Uncover how the practice of espionage and spies have shaped major events in history. 

📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | Cost: $33.87, adults (13-64); $22.21, children (7-12); free under 6; $30.69 seniors (65+), military and law enforcement, and college students with valid ID (ticket prices vary per day) | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm Sun-Fri, 9 am – 8 pm Sat

The International Spy Museum is one of DC’s best museums. However, it’s also one of the few spots on this list with an entry fee. But at around $30, I promise you it’s worth it.

With almost 1,000 artifacts displayed on two floors, you can guide yourself through real espionage stories and several interactive exhibits. On the third floor, there are rotating and temporary exhibits you can check out. 

For an interactive experience, you can choose to go on an “undercover mission” and test whether you’d cut it as a spy. Keep the mission going by picking up some spy gadgets in the museum shop. 

This museum sticks out of the Washington DC cityscape with its new location in L’Enfant Plaza. The museum is super close to the L’Enfant metro stop. The easiest way to get there is by taking the metro, but if you’re driving, the Spy Museum offers discounted parking at a nearby garage. They offer discounts on ticket prices when purchasing in advance.

United States Botanic Garden

See endangered and rare plants at the only certified living plant museum in the nation, found on the National Mall.

📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | Cost: Free | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily

The United States Botanic Garden is the only living plant museum out of all the museums in the United States. It is a gorgeous addition to any museum crawl and a must-see for plant lovers.

This giant greenhouse in the middle of Washington DC opened in 2006 and features species of tropical, desert, and subtropical plants. On a day with good weather, you can also take a stroll through the two outdoor gardens.

The most notable of plants in the garden’s exhibits is the endangered corpse flower, which blooms once every seven to nine years. There are other rare and endangered plants housed here, as well as other plants you know and love. 

In addition to the beautiful plants and flowers, there are also temporary exhibits and educational programs to teach the public how to care for certain plants and their importance to our ecosystems.

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Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Take a detailed walk through America’s history at this extensive museum that covers everything from war to democracy, historical events, and popular culture. 

📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | 🎫 Cost: Free | 🕕 Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm daily

The Smithsonian National Museum of American History is located along the National Mall and sandwiched between the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Not to mention, it’s close to other popular Smithsonian museums. 

The National Museum of American History is huge and covers an insane amount of events and topics throughout our nation’s history. I’m talking about everything from wars and historical inventions to fashion, pop culture, and democracy. It’s truly a walk through America’s history and how our culture has been shaped. 

This museum is fascinating and an educational experience for all ages. However, it’s humongous, so expect to spend at least 2-3 hours here (and wear good shoes). 

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Discover the world’s greatest natural wonders: fossils, diamonds, reptiles, super germs, and the rise of mankind.

📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | Cost: Free | Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm daily

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is one of DC’s best Smithsonian museums, so be sure to add it to your Washington, DC itinerary. You’ll be greeted by an African Bush Elephant upon entering the museum. This is one of many natural wonders of the world contained in its three floors.

The museum boasts dinosaur fossils, mammals, sea monsters, and even live insects. Some of the main attractions here are the Hope Diamond, an Easter Island Moai statue, and the Hall of Fossils.

This place is always crowded since it’s one of the most popular museums on the National Mall. At any given time, it’s filled with school groups and visiting tourists.

Your best bet is to make this free museum your first stop of the day and make a beeline to the exhibits on your list. It’s open seven days a week and the fastest way to get there is by taking the metro to the Federal Triangle station. 

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

See planes, space shuttles, and other aircraft while you uncover the origins of flight and mankind’s ventures into space.

📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | Cost: Free but requires timed entry passes | Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm daily

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is the perfect museum for you if you’re interested in how humankind learned to fly. The museum is located right on the National Mall.

If there’s a vehicle that flies, hovers, or launches, it’s probably at this museum. The collection includes the first powered airplane from Orville Wright, as well as the Apollo 11 Command Module, which was used in the first lunar landing mission. 

The recently renovated Smithsonian Air and Space Museum has 23 galleries with immersive exhibits and over 1,400 new objects in its vast collection. Book free timed passes to visit, or opt for a guided tour.

Smithsonian National Museum of African Art

Explore the only national museum of African Art featuring vibrant artwork from numerous African nations and cultures. 

📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | Cost: Free | Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm daily

The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is a gem among DC’s museums. It’s actually the only national museum devoted to African artwork. You can get to the museum by taking a pleasant walk through the Enid Haupt Garden. 

The art collection consists of both modern and contemporary art from multiple African nations. They also hold plenty of educational and cultural events throughout the year. Admission to this museum is free and there’s no need to book a timed entry pass!

It’s located on the National Mall between the Smithsonian Arts & Industries building and the Sackler Gallery of Art. Taking the metro is the easiest way to get there since street parking fills up fast. Stop at the Smithsonian station or the L’enfant station to get there and take a quick walk. 

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture

Delve into African American History, from enslavement, emancipation, and the civil rights movement, up to modern history. 

📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | Cost: Free but requires a timed pass | Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm Tue-Sun, 12 pm – 5:30 pm Mon

The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture is a masterpiece in storytelling. It was a highly anticipated addition to DC’s museums before it opened in 2016. And even now, timed pass tickets go quickly. It’s one of the most visited museums on the National Mall. 

There are over 85,000 feet of exhibition space and more than 40,000 artifacts here. You likely won’t get through the whole thing in one day, so you may want to plan multiple trips.

This museum doesn’t cut any corners when retelling the pained experiences of Black people in this country. It also doesn’t skip over African American achievements, resilience, and power. As such, you should come prepared for a moving experience. As you work your way up the building, you make the journey from oppression to triumph.

Lastly, your time here isn’t complete without visiting The Sweet Home Cafe. It ties African American history to the food culture behind traditional dishes.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Honor the victims of the Holocaust and contribute to the museum’s mission of activism in ending genocides across the world. 

📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | Cost: Free with timed passes required | Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm daily

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a solemn space dedicated to honoring the victims of the Holocaust and preventing genocide worldwide. This museum is only suggested for children ages 11 and older due to the heavy subject matter.

Three floors within the permanent exhibit tell of the events and ideals leading up to the genocide. Then it moves through the horrors that happened, and the aftermath. 

Although this museum is solemn, it’s an important one, as everyone has a duty to avoid repeating humanity’s mistakes by reflecting, confronting, and remembering these victims. 

This National Mall memorial and museum is particularly popular, so getting free timed passes can be difficult, particularly the limited same-day tickets. Spring break, winter break, and summertime are the most crowded. Grab your tickets when they’re first released, and go on a weekday during the off-season for a less crowded experience.

Lastly, note that admission is free, however, there is a $1 transaction fee if you reserve your timed passes online.

National Museum of the American Indian

Learn about Indigenous cultures and history through a vast collection of Native artifacts collected from across the entire Western hemisphere. 

📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | Cost: Free | Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm daily

The National Museum of the American Indian is dedicated to the history and culture of Indigenous peoples spanning the entire Western hemisphere. The museum’s collection includes over 266,000 indigenous artifacts such as clothing, pottery, artwork, and ceremonial pieces.

This Smithsonian institution also houses the highly praised Mitsitam Cafe. In the native language of the Piscataway and Delaware peoples, mitsitam means “let’s eat!” The cafe serves traditional and contemporary Native American cuisine with native and indigenous ingredients. The cafe aims to educate museum-goers on the cooking techniques and ingredients found in Native cuisine.

Overall, you should budget about 3-4 hours to fully explore the museum, but it also makes a great addition to any museum crawl on the National Mall.

You’ll find this museum located down the street from the US Botanic Gardens and the US Capitol building. You won’t even need timed passes to enter. The closest metro stop is L’Enfant Plaza which is about two blocks away. 

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Immerse yourself in modern art exhibits that feature some of the most important artists of this century. 

📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | Cost: Free with timed passes required for exhibits | Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm Tue-Sun, 12 pm – 5:30 pm Mon

The Hirshhorn Museum is a contemporary art showcase in Washington DC that hosts immersive exhibits. These immersive spaces are meant to transport you into the artist’s mind. They’re a wonder to experience, whether you’re an art lover or just want some fantastic pictures.

With a variety of rotating exhibits, the Hirshhorn shows off up-and-coming and famous contemporary artists. Current exhibits include Basquiat x Banksy, Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen, and Big Things for Big Rooms. Check the museum’s website for current and upcoming exhibits.

Most of the temporary exhibits offered by the Hirshhorn require timed same-day passes. These can only be claimed in person beginning at 9:30 AM. The passes are free, but you’ll need to get in line early for the most popular exhibits.

There’s also a sunken sculpture garden within a short walk from this museum. It features several works of art, including Wish Tree for Washington DC by Yoko Ono, and Are Years What? by Mark Di Suvero. You won’t need any timed passes for the sculpture garden, so feel free to visit at your leisure.

Artechouse DC

Immerse yourself in the hybrid experience of art, science, and technology with this interactive digital art exhibit.

📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | Cost: $25-$31, adults, $17-$23, children (ages 4-15) | Hours: 10 am – 10 pm Thu-Mon, Closed Tue-Wed

⚠️ Closure Note: Artechouse DC is temporarily closed for renovations through 2026. They are hosting interactive experiences throughout the city during the closure.

Artechouse DC isn’t your typical museum. Artechouse marries art, science, and technology for a wildly interactive exhibit. Digital images are projected onto the walls of the expansive main space while the back rooms delve deeper into the theme of the showcase. 

Previous interactive exhibits have included Renewal: 2121 which imagines Tokyo in one hundred years. The Life of a Neuron exhibit told the story of how brain cells relate to the human experience.

Since the Artechouse space is smaller than other museums around Washington DC, you can spend 1-2 hours here to experience everything. It’s perfect for a day of museum hopping.

The tickets for an Artechouse event cost about $25 for adults and $17 for children. While you can purchase tickets in person at the venue, it’s suggested to get tickets online for guaranteed entry. If you’re taking the metro, it’s a short walk from the Smithsonian Metro stop. 

National Archives Museum

See the founding documents of the United States up close and in person. 

📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | Cost: Free; $1 timed entry tickets | Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm daily

History buffs and National Treasure fans are sure to have a great time at the National Archives. This is where the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are stored. It’s right across from the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden on Constitution Ave. NW. 

The Charters of Freedom are found in the rotunda overlooked by two large murals depicting the Continental Congress of 1776. This area of the museum is kept cold to preserve the historical documents, so bring a sweater with you.

In addition to the Charters of Freedom, there are temporary and permanent exhibits including the Record of Rights, Public Vaults, and hands-on activities. 

The National Archives Museum is free, but you can purchase timed-entry tickets for $1 online. Their busy season is usually March through Labor Day. That’s when you’ll want to reserve tickets online in advance, which will help you avoid the long lines. All in all, the galleries and exhibits should take about 90 minutes to get through.

National Building Museum

Stand in awe of the giant corinthian columns that stretch to the ceiling of the Great Hall. 

📍 Google Maps | Museum Website | Cost: $10, adults, $7, children, students with ID, and seniors (60+) | Hours: 10 am to 5 pm Thu-Mon, Closed Tue & Wed

The National Building Museum is the place for you if you love observing the architecture of old and new buildings in Washington DC. After all, DC is a paradise for architectural enthusiasts. This museum is sure to provide a fun and interesting look at architecture and culture all around. 

This museum aims to educate its patrons about the architecture, construction, and engineering that goes into creating the structures that fill our environment. The permanent collection displays architectural prints, drawings, and over 20,000 objects.

Rotating exhibitions have featured works of Frank Llyod Wright and on sustainable architecture and Brutalism in DC. See unique current exhibitions on homes, contemporary American South architecture, and world architecture recreated with LEGOs.

While this isn’t one of the free museums on the list, the cost of tickets isn’t excessive. And just four blocks from the National Mall, this museum is a great addition to a day exploring DC’s museums. To get there, you can take the metro to the Judiciary Square metro stop.

👉 Read Next: Best Areas to Stay in Washington DC

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Have fun exploring Washington DC! Next up, check out Alexandria’s guide to the best DC neighborhoods.

(Featured Image Credit: Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock)

– Lea Rose Allbaugh and Alexandria Taylor contributed to this article.