A trip to the museum can be fun, entertaining, and informative for people of all ages. Living in the greater Washington D.C. area, we’re very fortunate to have a multitude of museums available throughout the year. Whether you’re interested in art, culture, nature, or history, you can create the perfect day exploring the many museums D.C. has to offer. With such a large selection and many free options also available, planning a fun day out at a D.C. museum is more convenient than ever.
Looking to narrow down your options when deciding on the best museums to visit in the D.C., Maryland, Virginia (DMV) area? We’ve got you covered. Members of our dedicated staff here at Koons Toyota of Tysons in Vienna, Virginia have put together this guide detailing five of the top museums in Washington D.C.
National Gallery of Art
Location: 4th St and Constitution Ave, Washington D.C.
Phone: 202-737-4215
The first spot on our list is the National Gallery of Art, which is one of the most well-known museums in the region. It has a permanent collection consisting of over 150,000 pieces by renowned American and European artists. The complex is split into two buildings, with NW 4th St. in between and an underground walkway connecting them. Some of the museum’s most notable pieces include various presidential portraits, including that of George Washington, along with works from renowned artists like Da Vinci, Monet, and Rothko.
The National Gallery of Art, despite having such a large and prestigious collection, is completely free to the public, making this one of the best values in all of the DMV. They’re open every day of the year, except for certain holidays, and offer a variety of guided tours, which are also free.
International Spy Museum
Location: 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington D.C.
Phone: 202-393-7798
The next spot on our list is one that people of all ages can enjoy, thanks to its interactive exhibits and unique theme. The International Spy Museum is one of the hottest-ticket attractions in all of Washington D.C., with a massive collection of nearly 1,000 artifacts related to spies and espionage throughout history. The building consists of two floors where children and adults alike can go on an undercover mission, completing various tasks to test if you’ve got what it takes to be a spy.
Ticket prices range based on demand, but the typical cost for an adult ticket usually lands somewhere at or below $30 while children’s tickets go for about $15 to $20. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with shorter hours Saturday through Monday.
National Archives Museum
Location: 701 Constitution Ave NW, Washington D.C.
Phone: 202-357-5000
The National Archives Museum is another iconic D.C. institution, most famous for housing some of the most important documents in United States history. It’s located just across the street from the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden, which is another must-see D.C. attraction. The National Archives is the only place where you can see all three components of The Charters of Freedom, those being the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and The Constitution. In addition to these main attractions, the museum also has rotating exhibits throughout the year.
If you’re planning a visit to the National Archives, we recommend bringing along a jacket or sweater. This is because the temperature inside the room where they display The Charters of Freedom is especially cold to preserve the documents. This museum is free to the public, although busy seasons may require reserving your spot on the museum’s website in advance.
United States Botanic Garden
Location: 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington D.C.
Phone: 202-225-8333
If you’re looking to take a break from the historical and cultural museums, consider a trip to the United States Botanic Garden. This facility is distinct for being the only living plant museum in the entire country, making this a unique, must-see attraction in Washington D.C. The building consists of a massive greenhouse filled with various species of plants, including ones from the desert, tropical, and subtropical climates. One of the museum’s main attractions is the blooming of the endangered corpse flower, which only occurs every seven to nine years.
The facility also includes two outdoor gardens along with rotating exhibits to inform the public about proper plant care and preservation. Like other museums on this list, the United States Botanic Garden is completely free to visit.
White House Visitor Center
Location: 1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington D.C.
Phone: 202-208-1631
If you’re unable to score a tour at the White House, which is notoriously difficult to do anyway, consider stopping by the White House Visitor Center. This museum features over 100 historical artifacts related to the history of the White House and the United States Presidency. Some popular exhibits include an interactive touchscreen tour of the White House, a collection of authentic artifacts from the White House collection, and a short video titled “White House: Reflections From Within” that offers more information on the iconic home.
You can finish your trip with a trip to the White House Historical Association store, where you can find various souvenirs to commemorate your visit. Admission is free to the public, but it’s important to note that TSA-style airport security protocols are required for all visitors.
So, there you have it. Those are our top five picks for the must-see museums in the Washington D.C. area. With these options, we’re confident people of all ages and interests can find the perfect museum to spend their day, and may even leave with more knowledge than they started with.
Did we leave out one of your all-time favorite museums in the DMV? Have a suggestion for a future article? Looking to learn more about buying a new or used Toyota vehicle? No matter the question, you can contact us today at Koons Toyota and a member of our team would be more than happy to assist you.
Pride month at National Gallery of Art by angela n. is licensed by CC BY 2.0
Connect with us
