Top Rated Attractions in Washington DC

Step inside this art haven with a collection spanning over 141,000 works. You'll encounter masterpieces from renowned European masters like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Vincent van Gogh, as well as groundbreaking pieces by American legends such as Mary Cassatt, Edward Hopper, and Jackson Pollock. Also, escape the hustle and bustle of the city within the serene oasis of the Sculpture Garden. Adorned with over 60 sculptures by renowned artists like Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore, and Alexander Calder,the garden offers a peaceful space for contemplation and reflection.

Established in 1910, the National Museum of Natural History aims to inform people about the natural history of the earth through its exhibits. Nestled within this museum is the famous Hope Diamond, which has gained notoriety for supposedly carrying a curse. Apart from that, some of the museum's popular galleries include The Discovery Room, Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals, Dinosaurs/Hall of Paleobiology, Insect Zoo, Teleology: Hall of Bones, Ocean Hall, Hall of Human Origins, and many more.

Take a trip back in time and explore the much celebrated American history at the National Museum of American History. Opened in 1962 as the Museum of History and Technology, it was renamed the National Museum of American History in 1980. Focusing on collecting, preserving, and honoring history, the Museum displays the American journey through the ages; it resides a beautiful gallery that portrays the emergence of the American national anthem along with other innovative and cherished artifacts. Housed within this multi-floor building are exhibition halls and rooms that illustrate significant events pertaining to the past of America.

Located just down the street from the National Air and Space Museum, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is one of Washington’s most renowned art museum. Here visitors stroll up a rising, circular incline and view works by Calder, Rodin, and contemporary sculptors. The special exhibits here have included the works of globally celebrated artists such as Mircea Cantor, Rivane Neuenschwander and Morris Louis. The museum's collection boasts of thousands of paintings sculptures and murals. The sunken sculpture garden across Jefferson Drive is a must-visit, wherein the Auguste Rodin's Burghers of Calais is a must-see.

Nestled in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, the Phillips Collection is a century-old modern and contemporary art museum. Founded by the avid art collector, Duncan Phillips, the establishment is also America’s first museum of modern art. This former home of Duncan Phillips now houses several thousands of art works. Interestingly, the galleries here are frequently rearranged to make way for the works of newer artists and to facilitate newer experiences for the visitors. In addition to the famous exhibitions held here, the museum also offers award-winning educational programs for people of all ages. An impassioned ode to the power of art, this museum is a must visit for all modern-art lovers.

One of two Smithsonian museums that feature Asian art, the Freer Gallery houses more than 26000 works from all points of the Asian continent, including China, Japan, Korea and India. These works include Asian porcelains, Japanese screens and Islamic art. The works of American artists influenced by Asia are also featured. The most spectacular of these is James McNeill Whistler's Peacock Room, designed for a British shipping magnate and moved to the United States from London in 1904. The Sackler Gallery is interconnected with this gallery via underground exhibition space and houses an impressive collection of Chinese paintings, ceramics and jades.