Local Guides World
Best National museums in United States
Top Rated National museums
Diplomacy Center Foundation
Freedom Hall
National WWI Museum and Memorial
National Portrait Gallery
National Museum of African American History and Culture
National Gallery of Art
The National WWII Museum
National Naval Aviation Museum
The National WWII Museum
National Automobile Museum
National Gallery of Art
The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
Top Reviewed National museums
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
National Museum of African American History and Culture
National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
National Gallery of Art
National Gallery of Art
National Building Museum
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site
National Portrait Gallery
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
National Gallery of Art
National Museum of Asian Art
National Archives Museum
Diplomacy Center Foundation
Reviews
When I visited Washington with my family, we also visited the National Gallery of Art. Of course, only a part, because it is not possible to capture everything that can be seen in a few hours. A few days of intensive sightseeing and study would definitely be necessary. Magnificent.
Excellent exhibit for those that love Ancient Asian Art History (Asian Art History Before the Renesaince).
I especially loved the Neolithic exhibit room. The Jade craftsmanship was amazing. I good exhibit for art during the peak of the Silk Road with a room to my favorite dynasty, which was also one of the few Epoch Dynasties, which is the Song or Tong Dynasty. I only wish they had more Southern Song pieces. The Northern Song Dynasty was the epoch dynasty as it is the dynasty that united China. The Southern Song Dynasty was when enough neighboring Mongolian nations got together and defeated the Song Dynasty, causing them to flee and make a new capital in southern China, thus beginning the Southern Song Dynasty. This reflects in the art of the artist difference between the northern and southern Song or Tong Dynasties.
I especially loved the Neolithic exhibit room. The Jade craftsmanship was amazing. I good exhibit for art during the peak of the Silk Road with a room to my favorite dynasty, which was also one of the few Epoch Dynasties, which is the Song or Tong Dynasty. I only wish they had more Southern Song pieces. The Northern Song Dynasty was the epoch dynasty as it is the dynasty that united China. The Southern Song Dynasty was when enough neighboring Mongolian nations got together and defeated the Song Dynasty, causing them to flee and make a new capital in southern China, thus beginning the Southern Song Dynasty. This reflects in the art of the artist difference between the northern and southern Song or Tong Dynasties.
A lot of great arts to check out. Suggest at least setting aside 3.5 hours to tour the whole thing, though you might not be able to make the whole standing. I work out a lot and took 4 or 5 sits throughout the visit. They have self-guided voice tour on their website which I personally enjoyed a lot. Make sure you bring water bottle - limited water fountain there and it’s easy to get dry.
The National Museum of American History is one of my top five museums to visit in DC. There is a ton of history here with four floors of exhibitions. The American Presidency, Military History, and Virtual Reality exhibitions are my favorite.
I recommend allocating at least four hours or more to fully explore the museum. There is large cafeteria with different cuisines, small cafe, and gift shop located here. I’ll definitely be back again soon.
I recommend allocating at least four hours or more to fully explore the museum. There is large cafeteria with different cuisines, small cafe, and gift shop located here. I’ll definitely be back again soon.
Beautiful museum. My kids enjoyed it very much and didn't complain throughout the whole time. The gift shop had prices not too expensive unlike some museums I've come across. I recommend taking your family with you.
Like all Smithsonians, it is excellent and free. They feature a wide range of traditional and contemporary African art. The collections are a bit smaller than many other Smithsonians, so it may take you only a few hours to go through. The museum shop is excellent. I particularly liked the beadwork. One annoyance was that some of their exhibits asked you to scan a QR code to get the explanation. Fortunately, most of the exhibits still had signs. Hopefully, this isn't where the Smithsonians are headed. I don't want to have to break out my phone while exploring the museum.
This is a great free museum near the Dulles va airport. There are both space and aviation exhibits including a space shuttle. There is also an observation tower to overlook the airport and hear the control tower comma. Parking is $15 but there was plenty of parking.
This museum has some nice exhibit and the interactive kids activities were top notch. My kids loved the Lego room and building with huge foam blocks. It was worth a visit for them. I enjoyed the exhibit in different items found in homes throughout history and animals found in architecture. However, I left wanting a lot more. For the next two days, I just keep thinking of exhibits I would have liked to see in the Building Museum… while I feel it did a high level introduction to some of these things, I would have liked deeper information on architectural styles, building materials, different architects and styles they introduced, buildings styles or techniques through history, unique building elements through history and the story behind it, and on and on.
The building itself was impressive! I wasn’t expecting the entire interior to be open.
The building itself was impressive! I wasn’t expecting the entire interior to be open.
This is a gem of a museum not far off the mall area, maybe a 10 - 15 minute walk from the Archives building. The National Portrait Gallery is only half the museum. The other half is the American Art Museum. Plan on spending at least 4 hours. Better yet take two days and spend 4 hours each. I always go here when in town. Besides all the great art, I love spending time in the middle courtyard with its large atrium. It is bright, relaxing, has food, and a great place to rest your body before seeing more art. If you stay till they close, walk two blocks and eat in Chinatown. I always do.
My kids and I spent a great afternoon at the @nationalbuildingmuseum. I loved the architectural photography and dwellings exhibits and my kids and I all loved the blocks and Lego play area. We had limited parking time and it was so hard to leave when it was time. I will be back and next time I’ll plan my parking better! Thanks to @shirlingtonpediatricdentistry the tickets!
I would have loved to give this place 5/5 stars. It's been a bucket list museum for an avid aviation lover like myself.
I'm sure it's a spectacular museum, unfortunately during my visit roughly 2/3 of the museum was under construction/renovation.
I'm sure it's a spectacular museum, unfortunately during my visit roughly 2/3 of the museum was under construction/renovation.
The National Archives Museum is an exceptional institution that offers a captivating journey through history. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with an awe-inspiring collection of documents, artifacts, and exhibits that tell the story of our nation's past. The meticulously curated displays provide a deep insight into pivotal moments, personalities, and events that have shaped our country.
Walking through the museum is like traveling through time, as you encounter original copies of the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and other foundational documents. The attention to detail in preserving and presenting these historical treasures is truly commendable.
One of the museum's greatest strengths is its ability to make history come alive. Interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and immersive experiences engage visitors of all ages, making learning about history an enjoyable and enlightening adventure. The knowledgeable staff members are always ready to answer questions and provide context, enhancing the overall educational experience.
The National Archives Museum also stands as a symbol of the importance of transparency, accountability, and the preservation of democratic values. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and struggles that have led to the freedoms we cherish today.
In conclusion, the National Archives Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone with an appreciation for history, culture, and the foundations of our nation. Its meticulous curation, interactive displays, and profound significance make it a truly remarkable and enriching experience for visitors from all walks of life.
Walking through the museum is like traveling through time, as you encounter original copies of the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and other foundational documents. The attention to detail in preserving and presenting these historical treasures is truly commendable.
One of the museum's greatest strengths is its ability to make history come alive. Interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and immersive experiences engage visitors of all ages, making learning about history an enjoyable and enlightening adventure. The knowledgeable staff members are always ready to answer questions and provide context, enhancing the overall educational experience.
The National Archives Museum also stands as a symbol of the importance of transparency, accountability, and the preservation of democratic values. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and struggles that have led to the freedoms we cherish today.
In conclusion, the National Archives Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone with an appreciation for history, culture, and the foundations of our nation. Its meticulous curation, interactive displays, and profound significance make it a truly remarkable and enriching experience for visitors from all walks of life.
This was an amazing family experience! The attention to detail and the design of the museum made this an enjoyable learning opportunity for our sons. It is tastefully done and accurate. We will definitely retirement return to visit.
This was a great experience for my kids. It opened their eyes to a new world. They were able to distinguish between the different styles, eras and artists. I will really recommend this for any parent or anyone interested in art.
The National Archives Museum houses vital documents of American history, like the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Its exhibits illuminate the nation's past, showcasing the evolution of democracy and the preservation of essential records. A must-visit for those seeking insights into the foundation of the United States.
Our timed entry tickets were for 1:30 but with a traffic delay we arrived an hour late. This was not an issue, but honestly if you’re going to take your time and try and really process the information being presented, this was not enough time!
We arrived at 2:30 and went straight to the restaurant. We had missed lunch and the restaurant closes at 3, so our hand was forced. Lots of yummy looking options, my husband and I split the pulled pork, squash, and rice with red beans, plus a bread pudding. The plate of food was around $18, plus dessert and two drinks came to around $30.
Next we went to the lowest level of the museum to begin our museum experience. Honestly, and as it should be, it’s heavy stuff. I can’t say I learned anything new, but having so many pieces of history pulled together and organized in a clear and meaningful way was helpful and really well done. There was a stark, emotionally intense moment for me, with a big brother trying to explain to his sister what the child sized shackles were for.
I think if you’re approaching this right, it’s probably going to hurt and be uncomfortable.
It took my husband and I two hours to explore just the lowest concourse, one sixth of the museum. We kind of rushed through the middle level concourse, but I’ll definitely start there when I go back.
There is a special exhibit for Emmett Till. I am admittedly a tender hearted person, and I am very familiar with Emmett’s story. I will go in next time, but after the first floor my mama heart was already aching. I was not prepared and the warning outside about the violent nature his murder, I couldn’t bring myself to go in. Now that I know it exists I’ll be better prepared for that experience.
I’ve heard mixed things about taking children to this museum. I think there is good arguments to be had on either side. For me it was jarring to see kids wandering and maybe less reverent than you might expect in some of the sections. Now that I’ve been there it is something I will save for when my kids are teenagers. I don’t want my kids to be the distraction, and I also want the experience to be powerful and meaningful for them - not just another boring museum. Totally get why people might want to take younger kids, I’d probably stick to more recent history sections and the celebratory sections, not because kids shouldn’t learn the history of slavery in America, but because there are more age appropriate and developmentally sensitive ways of teaching that history.
Overall this was an incredibly experience, and I suspect it will take two-three more visits to explore the whole museum.
The gift shop closes at five on, thirty minutes before the museum closes.
The lowest floor/section did not have any benches. I have spinal nerve damage due to my cancer history and not having a spot to sit down along the way was really unfortunate. The back section and other floors had benches every now and then.
Overall an incredible experience, we will definitely be going back a few times. Those child sized shackles will live in my mind forever. Nothing anyone says will ever justify or fix the injustice of the mere idea, let alone creation and usage of such a thing.
We arrived at 2:30 and went straight to the restaurant. We had missed lunch and the restaurant closes at 3, so our hand was forced. Lots of yummy looking options, my husband and I split the pulled pork, squash, and rice with red beans, plus a bread pudding. The plate of food was around $18, plus dessert and two drinks came to around $30.
Next we went to the lowest level of the museum to begin our museum experience. Honestly, and as it should be, it’s heavy stuff. I can’t say I learned anything new, but having so many pieces of history pulled together and organized in a clear and meaningful way was helpful and really well done. There was a stark, emotionally intense moment for me, with a big brother trying to explain to his sister what the child sized shackles were for.
I think if you’re approaching this right, it’s probably going to hurt and be uncomfortable.
It took my husband and I two hours to explore just the lowest concourse, one sixth of the museum. We kind of rushed through the middle level concourse, but I’ll definitely start there when I go back.
There is a special exhibit for Emmett Till. I am admittedly a tender hearted person, and I am very familiar with Emmett’s story. I will go in next time, but after the first floor my mama heart was already aching. I was not prepared and the warning outside about the violent nature his murder, I couldn’t bring myself to go in. Now that I know it exists I’ll be better prepared for that experience.
I’ve heard mixed things about taking children to this museum. I think there is good arguments to be had on either side. For me it was jarring to see kids wandering and maybe less reverent than you might expect in some of the sections. Now that I’ve been there it is something I will save for when my kids are teenagers. I don’t want my kids to be the distraction, and I also want the experience to be powerful and meaningful for them - not just another boring museum. Totally get why people might want to take younger kids, I’d probably stick to more recent history sections and the celebratory sections, not because kids shouldn’t learn the history of slavery in America, but because there are more age appropriate and developmentally sensitive ways of teaching that history.
Overall this was an incredibly experience, and I suspect it will take two-three more visits to explore the whole museum.
The gift shop closes at five on, thirty minutes before the museum closes.
The lowest floor/section did not have any benches. I have spinal nerve damage due to my cancer history and not having a spot to sit down along the way was really unfortunate. The back section and other floors had benches every now and then.
Overall an incredible experience, we will definitely be going back a few times. Those child sized shackles will live in my mind forever. Nothing anyone says will ever justify or fix the injustice of the mere idea, let alone creation and usage of such a thing.
Wonderful collection of art from Asia and also a neat Egyptian exhibit. There are some pretty old works here, including some from the Neolithic period! The museum is on the smaller side but has plenty of fascinating exhibits ranging from wood-carved sculptures to ink paintings. I recommend checking it out.
This museum is very cool! We wished we had more time because we would have loved to see the entire museum. Lots of cool stuff and make sure you hit up the area with the pop-culture memorabilia. My entire family loved it and we had teenagers with us.
Magnificent museum experience! Haunting of course with the history of humans being terrible to other humans because of skewed biases and atrocious prejudices. However it was extremely informative and the museum is wonderfully put together. The hall of reflection at the end was perfect. Allowed me the time I needed to cope with the vitriolic nature of humans. The wild part was that there was a terrible storm going on outside while I was in the exhibit. It altered my route home but the museum kept us safe before the trip!
An absolutely wonderful museum for families to visit! For the child with an engineer's mind, there are many displays which fascinated my youngest son. My son who loves Star Wars enjoyed the large X Wing hanging from the ceiling. I have a daughter who loves all things space who loved the Moon and Space exhibits. My youngest daughter loved all the hands on displays. I highly recommend a visit to the National Air and Space Museum!
I am totally shocked that this museum, along with the other ones I have visited while staying in DC, is free (with the exception of the planetarium). This place is truly fantastic. It has so much to see, some of which are interactive. The exhibits are well maintained, organized, and clean. My favorite exhibit was that of all the planes. I thought it was so cool to see the very first "flying car" that was ever created. Word to the wise though....even though this museum is free, you do need a timed ticket to enter. Don't be discouraged for the long lines as they move rather quickly, and you can be inside the museum within 10-15 minutes after your timed ticket. They have a cafe and gift shop that is definitely worth checking out. Overall, this place is great for all ages, and it could really bring out the nerd in all of us.
Initially, I wanted to check it out just to see what this museum had to offer. We ended up being there for over two hours. It was extremely interesting with beautiful art. Sam, the curator, gave us a tour about the lower area of the exhibits. I'm glad to see that some exhibits that once contained items are now empty. The pieces were rightfully returned to their people and countries in Africa.
Wonderful exhibit of Asian art. I only saw the Japanese in Chinese exhibits but there are many more to see. If you want to see the whole museum plan on several days.
We've wanted to go to this museum for a long time, but we've only just been able to go. We will go again, especially since we couldn't catch the butterfly section. other chapters human history, diversity of animals, visual effects were very good. skeletons of dinosaurs and models of animals were superb. It is necessary to come early in the morning.
If you like planes or rockets, this is the place to be! First ever built plane is here (and not a replica!), they even have real CCCP astronaut suit. They also have asteroid for you to touch. Such a magical place for space and aviation fans.
After pandemic, you need to reserve a time to enter the museum. So reserve about 2 months before going.
After pandemic, you need to reserve a time to enter the museum. So reserve about 2 months before going.
I have never seen so many artifacts that took my breath away. There are so many items that were iconic to me in my life. Mr. Rogers actual sweater and shoes???? Oscar the Grouch?? Ruby slippers? Amazing dress from Crazy Rich Asians. The fake mosquito in rock that they used to create dinosaurs in Jurassic Park ( or at least the prop.)
The new entertainment now exhibit is phenomenal. I loved it. I could have spent 3 hours there easily.
They had rooms with videos about American experience. We loved the one about comedy combating racial stereotypes.
The videos about family and love were so fun.
Babe Ruth signed baseball. R2D2 and 3CPO. John Phillip Sousa's baton.
It was amazing. I went in August and this exhibit was closed. The other exhibits were interesting but this one stole my heart.
Heads up. It gets busy around noon. The earlier you can go the better. And start with this exhibit.
The new entertainment now exhibit is phenomenal. I loved it. I could have spent 3 hours there easily.
They had rooms with videos about American experience. We loved the one about comedy combating racial stereotypes.
The videos about family and love were so fun.
Babe Ruth signed baseball. R2D2 and 3CPO. John Phillip Sousa's baton.
It was amazing. I went in August and this exhibit was closed. The other exhibits were interesting but this one stole my heart.
Heads up. It gets busy around noon. The earlier you can go the better. And start with this exhibit.
A great attraction with tons of historic artifacts during Theodore Roosevelt's life. The museum provides great insight to the enigma of Theodore Roosevelt, and fully discusses Roosevelt's legacy in America. There are some interesting facts present, such as Roosevelt never allowing himself to be photographed in his tennis uniform to preserve his manly image.
The tour was decent: the recreation feels historic and is a glimpse to how upper class life was in 19th century NYC.
The tour was decent: the recreation feels historic and is a glimpse to how upper class life was in 19th century NYC.
Great museum. It’s not too large so you don’t need too much time to see the whole thing. I came on a Saturday in July and it was not at all busy. Best exhibit here is the display of ancient Chinese jade. And of course it’s free time enter. 5/5.
Did a skip the line tour by Babylon Tours and it was fantastic. Not only did we skip the line, but learned so much. Do a tour if you can, totally makes everything more meaningful! Seeing the Magna Carta, Declaration of Independence and Constitution was very inspiring.
Hands down one of the coolest museums I’ve ever been to !! 😍 And it’s ✨FREE✨! I went here when I was in DC for a concert. I was so amazed by the animal displays. They look so realistic!!! It’s so cool. I bought some cute rings in one of their gift shops too. I highly recommend visiting here ! 😊 Take a friend, take the family, take a date, or go alone 🥰
Had some time to spare and happened to be a few blocks away. Wish I realized the last tour was at 3:30 to go upstairs but I still got a chance to browse the memorabilia.
A nice place to visit (after all the major museums) in DC. The tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students. They have a big room full of legos for kids to build something up
This was truly one of the best museums I have ever been - if not the best. It is wonderful to see how agency is placed with the black community itself, and it is such a wonderful and joyful celebration of black existence. The museum tells a story of struggle, survival and thriving. Truly inspiring and, as a non-US citizen, very informative. A personal highlight is the chapel you run into after walking the three floors of the museum.
I'm an aerospace engineer so I'm biased but my non aerospace friends say that this is the best Smithsonian (better than the natural history museum). I definitely agree. Seeing the selection was awesome. It is still under renovation so half of the museum is closed. Would definitely go back when it is fully open. I just have to do the museum in VA
The National Gallery of Art is certainly a must-see on any trip to DC. It took us about 3 - 4 hours or so to see both the east and west buildings. We went on a weekend and it wasn't incredibly busy -- it was comfortable enough to stop and see everything without it being crowded. The pieces of art were absolutely stunning! I specifically enjoyed the Dutch 17th Century paintings -- interesting to see the detail that went into this work, even being several hundreds of years old. It says a lot about humanity and what has been accomplished. Overall, I would absolutely recommend a visit to anyone in the DC area.
A massive structure with great architectural appeal and a LOT of space. Right now there are 2 great exhibits for kids to build stuff with other kids. I saw lots of parents just hanging back and socializing, while the kids had fun.
Visiting the Buddha Room provided a serene and calming experience which alone is worth the visit. For those who appreciate ancient sculptures (dating back to 2000+ BCE), there are abundant beautiful pieces to admire. The whole place exudes a wonderful and positive energy.
Incredible museum with traditional pieces to contemporary vibrant artwork, sculptures, and interactive exhibits. We liked how spacious the facility is, and we can't believe it was not busy, a museum of this caliber would be packed in other major cities. The basement level has an underground connecting tunnel to the Asian museum, we liked the convenience, and it's an easy way to see 2 impressive museums.
An outstanding museum, with an eclectic mixture of everything that makes America. Interesting artefacts from many eras, and sure to have something to please everyone. The museum is well laid out, with two good (and one great) restaurants, with food available for all tastes!
We had need of the use of a wheelchair, and found everything accessible, and access was easy to all areas, which is good.
We have visited the Smithsonian Museum of American History many times over the years, and recent renovations and improvements have given it an interesting new lease of life, with exhibits being changed and moved around.
I would happily go back again, if the Atlantic wasn’t so wet, and so far (visiting from the UK)
We had need of the use of a wheelchair, and found everything accessible, and access was easy to all areas, which is good.
We have visited the Smithsonian Museum of American History many times over the years, and recent renovations and improvements have given it an interesting new lease of life, with exhibits being changed and moved around.
I would happily go back again, if the Atlantic wasn’t so wet, and so far (visiting from the UK)
There is so much to see, and you will want to give yourself time. Getting the 2:15 entry doesn't really give you enough time before closing. There is a really good soul food restaurant inside the museum. One plate can easily feed 2 people.
This is truly one of the must-see museums in all of Washington. I visited this past 4th of July holiday, and I was blown away by all the fantastic exhibits that they have on display. A person would need two visits in order to see everything. This museum, which is under construction, is very large and well maintained. Security can be very strict, which is understandable. This place has a lot of pieces from well-known artists. They also have several cafes and gift shops to check out during your visit. Overall, if you are an art lover, then I recommend checking this place out. It is absolutely spectacular and the price of admission is even better.....free.
Make sure you check out the incredible current exhibit "From The Deep" and the African Movement class happening the first 3 Saturdays of July, August and September - such a great way to start the weekend. A bit of dance, a bit of art and then we headed out for brunch!!
National Archives Museum is great for anyone who loves history and reads! This museum does not allow any photos at all! Security will kindly ask you not to take photos. Reading the Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution was amazing. This particular room is obviously very crowded, so be patient. You could spend as much or as little time in here as you want, depending on how fast of a reader you are. Some exhibits are closed for renovations. If you collect national stamps and have a passport stamp book, they will stamp your book. This was a bit tricky to find, so i will let you in on where to get your stamp. As you enter through security, ask the guard. They will stamp it as you enter. The stamp is unique only to the National Archives Museum
Wow, what an amazing experience! A friend told us that we needed at least 6 hours or multiple days to explore the seven floors (including the basement levels), and they were not exaggerating. We scheduled 4 hours and had to skip a lot of the videos and rush through the upper levels just to get to the main things we wanted to see.
Tickets for the dates we wanted were all taken when we tried to book a few weeks out, but we got on the site at 8:15 am the same day we wanted to go and was able to grab six tickets for 10 am.
It's highly recommended that you book a whole day or multiple visits if you want to really take it all in.
Tickets for the dates we wanted were all taken when we tried to book a few weeks out, but we got on the site at 8:15 am the same day we wanted to go and was able to grab six tickets for 10 am.
It's highly recommended that you book a whole day or multiple visits if you want to really take it all in.
Some of the greatest national treasures, including the original Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and Constitution, in a viewing rotunda under highly protective displays and viewing conditions. No pictures allowed around these sensitive documents. The viewing situation is a little different as there are single in and out lines per every page, instead of the typical clockwise rotation, this seems to confuse the crowd. A hybrid line would work better with a line for each group of documents, so that you can continously go page by page in the set, without starting at the back of the line to see the next page. Overall, it's a good setup and worth the visit. It's so nice that the public has free access to view these momentous documents.
Mr Nick the guide gave us an enchanting glimpse to a life well lived - Teddy Roosevelt. A must visit for history buffs. It’s a well maintained brownstone house. Keep an eye out for the collectibles around the house.
One of my son’s favorite museums! We had timed tickets for 2 and arrived at 215. It was only a 10 min casual walk from the Hilton at L’Enfant Plaza. About half of the museum is closed for renovations so I didn’t expect to need much time. I was so wrong. We saw two 25 min films in the planetarium (arrive early and sit in the back, you’ll be looking straight up) and for 2 adults and a jr ticket with military discount it was a little over $40. That ended at 325, leaving us with 2 hours and we were rushing to try to get glimpses of each room and the biggest attractions. The cafe closed at 5 so I didn’t see that, but we went to the gift shop 15 min before closing and lemme tell you, and 530- they are pushing you out the door. Politely, but no exceptions. I definitely feel like we left with no regrets. But I’d probably skip the movie, or plan for at least 4 hours.
Great experience. You'll need 3 days, at least, to see everything. Lots to read and look at. There's a place to eat that smelled really good and theres a peaceful place to sit and think. Closes at 5pm I believe so keep an eye on your time. I parked at a hotel and it was only a 3 to 4 block walk from there to get to the museum. 35$ for 3 to 4 hrs. Enjoy!
If you visit three things while in DC… this is the first place you should visit. To see the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and Bill of rights was so great. Words can’t truly express my feelings how powerful they are.
Consider being a member and make a donation to the National Archives. That’s what we did. You skip the normal waits in line and have a separate entrance. Arrive about 30 minutes before it opens.
Consider being a member and make a donation to the National Archives. That’s what we did. You skip the normal waits in line and have a separate entrance. Arrive about 30 minutes before it opens.
One of the best art museums in the nation- with so many beautiful pieces of art from statues, to drawings, and paintings. The entire day was spent here admiring the beautiful pieces of art and there was such a wonderful variety of styles. Would 100% recommend if you are in the DC area.
Checked out the new Entertainment exhibit hall. Very comprehensive and thought-provoking. The approach of connecting the history of American movies, TV, music and sports with broader questions about the evolution of our country and society is brilliant and impactful. Yes, checkout Dorothy's ruby slippers and Archie's & Edith's living room chairs, but also step into the "What's Your Anthem" music exhibit and compilation of TV Comedy throughout the years. The entire museum could take a full day to explore completely and it's worth it!
Amazing architecture with monumental columns. There is a very captivating exhibit with mirror like structures that are hanging from the ceiling, and huge kaleidoscopes. Kids love it.
Fantastic art museum. I didn’t expect it, but they a wonderful exhibit on northern renaissance painters. The highlight of the museum is easily Thomas Cole’s The Voyage of Life set. I came on a Saturday before the Fourth of July and it had some people inside, but to my surprise it was not overly busy. 5/5.
Really nice free tour offered by the National Park service. The only way to get up into the house is via a tour otherwise you can pop in and look at the museum off the lobby. The museum talks moreso about Theodore Roosevelt's childhood and doesn't focus much on his adult life. A large portion of the tour talks about the evolution of the house and its demolition. With that being said this home is a replica that was built in the 1920s shortly after Theodore Roosevelt's death by his family. It is really quite the place and our tour guide was very informative. If you have mobility restrictions it is important to note that the tour consists of many stairs and I am unsure of any elevator access being available. There is however a small chair lift in front of the building that would at least allow you to visit the museum portion of the home.
The presidential portraits were really cool to see, especially the early ones when they painted huge portraits with fancy gold frames. Each picture also has a short description about what the president accomplished and is known for, and about the painting itself. I really liked the one of Kennedy standing at his desk in the dark.
They have a nice detailed history of his presidency and a great collection of political cartoons that I'm a fan of. I learned a lot well here it's definitely worth a visit
Wonderful and magical place where you can enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful paintings and pieces of art, by the biggest artists throughout the history. So worth visiting. They also have nice museum shop and restaurant. Free admission, which is really nice. You don’t have an excuse not to visit! Enjoy :-)
As an Asian going to this museum, not impressed and disappointed… underrepresentation of Asian culture. Most of the exhibits here are Chinese art and I only saw a very small section for other countries as Japan and Thailand. I would like to see more diverse countries such as Indian, Vietnamese, Mongolian, and others’ art and artifacts here in the future. Not worth visiting and a waste of time. The item in the gift shop aren’t very unique either. You should see the African Art Museum instead and let me tell you it is way better.
This museum is filled with tons of colourful and unique art involving recycling old items. The free admission here is very nice. There are three different sublevels with each one having a different theme you can check out. Personally, my favourite art piece here was the ring made out of gasoline cans. The gift shop also had a huge variety of souvenirs made in Africa at a good price. I am glad I checked this place out and you definitely should too! Highly recommend!
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this museum. It does cost $10 for an adult, but it is worth it. They have rotating displays about architecture, city design, house building, etc. The displays I saw on the border wall and architectural photography were particularly interesting. The museum has several interactive areas that seemed popular with children. The museum store was one of the best museum gift stores I've seen, with nice puzzles and toys for children and a wonderful selection of urbanism, architecture, and gardening books for adults. All in a beautiful historic building easily accessible from the judiciary square metro.
The atrium in the middle is such a great place to eat lunch. They have a cafe but I brought a lunch this time. The plants are maintained by the National Botanical Garden and are beautiful. There are permanent exhibits but also rotating ones, so it’s worth a repeat visit. A large gift shop with a nice selection. Everyone that works there is always kind and welcoming.
Very neat place. Was a great, but humbling experience. Would recommend. Way too much to see in two hours. We plan to come back when we can spend more time at the exhibits. There was a grind floor section of Black History that we were not able to get to.
We were here for the Juneteenth Celebration and there was a live band inside and out and events for children.
We were here for the Juneteenth Celebration and there was a live band inside and out and events for children.
Beautiful museum. The tapestry to share memories was a nice touch and the black and white photos…nostalgic. The gift store is a must visit.
I visited this museum 8 years ago. It's a very cool place and free to visit. Just works a few days per week.
Beautiful museum with classic but also modern art. We enjoyed the most beautiful paintings, sculptures and photos. The explanations of the art are extensive and interesting. We had lunch in the brightl atrium on the ground floor. There are 4 floors, and multiple elevators or stairs to easily reach them.
This museum is just stunning. Sadly only half of it was open. The museum was extremely interactive. Weather your exploring the space capsules from the 20th century, taking photos of military jets, and feeling the vibration from a 1950s airliner the museum has something fun to offer for everyone. Seeing the cockpit of the 747 and all the planes on the wall made my jaw certainly drop. I loved seeing all of the planes from the early 1900s and seeing how we got to the modern aviation we have today. Great experience for everyone.
Visited for the third time in the last few years to see the Brick City Exhibit and really enjoyed it. It is adult big kid and regular kid friendly. The building itself is cool to look around and has an interesting history (they do a few tours a day and I recommend going or reading the Wikipedia article on the building if you can't make the tour). The exhibit about the US-Mexico border was very informative and thought provoking.
For those that enjoy US history, I can’t recommend this location enough. To visit the birthplace of such an important and iconic figure is really inspiring and a unique experience for New York.
I suggest signing up for a tour which shows you various parts of the house.
The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about all things Theodore Roosevelt.
If you’re lucky, you can also go into the library room if a curator is available!
I suggest signing up for a tour which shows you various parts of the house.
The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about all things Theodore Roosevelt.
If you’re lucky, you can also go into the library room if a curator is available!
This museum was a delightful surprise. The architecture was inspiring, and the mixture of portraits and other American paintings was tastefully done. There were portraits of every president. I loved the giant portrait of the Queen of Hawai’i and the landscape of Yosemite.
The From the Deep: In the Wake of Drexciya with Ayana V. Jackson exhibit is so interactive and amazing. The Iké Udé: Nollywood Portraits are so vibrant and beautiful. This museum is a must from the top to the bottom. The gift ship has lots if made in Africa products. I went on a Friday around 1pm. Was not too busy. Was easily enjoyed.
950 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20560
Open every day 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Admission is free.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the nation's largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history.
The Washington DC-based Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art (NMAfA) removed 18 Benin Bronzes from display because they were looted by the British colonialists from the now lost Kingdom of Benin.
Washington, D.C. 20560
Open every day 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Admission is free.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the nation's largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history.
The Washington DC-based Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art (NMAfA) removed 18 Benin Bronzes from display because they were looted by the British colonialists from the now lost Kingdom of Benin.
This is another museum in Washington I keep returning to after the National gallery of art and being free is an added bonus:
1. Plan in advance, check their website or maps here of what you want to see
2. The map is not as detailed of National Gallery of art museum for example but there are some great sections: the American artists of the early 20th century have some great paintings here with amazing details for example
3. The presidents section is also great and Clinton has a very interesting painting
4. Relax in their green area surrounded by plants and hopefully not having kids splashing water while parents only watched and filmed!!!!!
Most surely we will return here.
1. Plan in advance, check their website or maps here of what you want to see
2. The map is not as detailed of National Gallery of art museum for example but there are some great sections: the American artists of the early 20th century have some great paintings here with amazing details for example
3. The presidents section is also great and Clinton has a very interesting painting
4. Relax in their green area surrounded by plants and hopefully not having kids splashing water while parents only watched and filmed!!!!!
Most surely we will return here.
This is truly an amazing place. If you can I would recommend a whole day here, so you can take it all in. From collections of currency, to the dresses of the First Ladies. From modern and influential celebrities to the faces of yesteryear. Important documents that make up America with information we shall never forget. For sure make this one of your stops in Washington DC.
Great museum in 2 buildings. Was thankfully not overly crowded and very spacious. We spent a good 2 hours seeing the exhibits including the Peacock Room. It's got a lovely formal Moon Gate garden behind it as well. Go through the bushes or you'll miss it
A hidden gem that’s not talked about in blog posts or YouTube videos about visiting NYC (at least the ones I’ve seen). We got there totally by accident and it turned out we got a guided tour. To make it even better - all of it was free.
Really worth visiting - the guides (rangers) know a lot about T. Roosevelt. Plus, the house itself is a nice museum. You can feel the atmosphere of the 19th century.
Really worth visiting - the guides (rangers) know a lot about T. Roosevelt. Plus, the house itself is a nice museum. You can feel the atmosphere of the 19th century.
The rotunda stores the original Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. The rest of the archives and exhibits are great. A few sections was closed when we visited so I feel like we had an incomplete visit.
I loved the place! The only thing is there is no line controll. I think there should be seeing how somepeople stay hovering over artifacts for over 20 minutes. Some people just walk right past the line and cut in to look over your shoulder, which to me is a little to close for comfort. All in all a beautiful place. Very clean and the staff was nice. I'd definitely go back on a weekday. You can NOT take pictures once you get inside. It is free to get in down a side entrance.
One of the “Big Three” Smithsonian museums. What a fantastic collection of American history. Plan to spend at very minimum a half day in this museum. There are of course so many exhibits to see that will delight both young and old. I do suggest eating before going because the cafeteria is very expensive for non-special typical cafeteria food.
The Portrait Gallery is amazing!! Please make time to visit this free museum in between all the other great things to see in DC. Visually stunning exhibits of American Landscape Art and portraits of all the Presidents. The rotunda is stunning, with beautiful orchids displayed.
The historic building is a great setting for an special affair. The building is located close the Verizon Center and has plenty of parking around the building as well as various restaurants and bars close to it. Many celebrities and politicians have been inside the building so we consider it an iconic part of DC. the National Building Museum hosts exhibitions, educational programs, and special events. They welcome visitors of all ages to experience stories about the building world and its power to shape our lives and communities. The Museum resides in the historic Pension Building, which contains one of the most awe-inspiring spaces in the nation’s capital
I had a wonderful experience working with many of the ladies and gentlemen here. I continue to be impressed by their level of professionalism and intelligence. Namely, Amb. T.M. If you will forgive the other reviewer, I peeked at her reviews, and 20 of them are represented with a single star, only 9 of them favorable. Perhaps a reassessment of fault may be in order. This is a brilliant team. Just as its proper to call a spade a spade, so is a heart a heart.