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Best Free Museums in Washington DC

, 17 Options Found

Step inside this art haven with a collection spanning over 150,000 works. You'll encounter works of art from renowned European masters like Matthias Grünewald, Albrecht Dürer, Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, Eugène Delacroix, and many others. In addition to that, the gallery also has a beautiful collection of drawings, photographs, paintings, sculptures, medals and art which take you on a journey to the Middle Ages and back to the present. Once you’ve toured the gallery, explore the serene oasis of the Sculpture Garden. Adorned with beautiful sculptures by renowned artists, the garden offers a peaceful space for contemplation and reflection.

Dating back to 1946, the National Air and Space Museum is home to quite a few aircraft that narrate fascinating stories. Everything from the iconic Wright Brothers' Flyer and Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis to World War II planes and Apollo 11 is displayed here, attracting history aficionados, science buffs, and aviation fans alike. Visitors also have the option of using the audio-visual aid to understand the technical aspects of the marvelous exhibits. Moreover, the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater located here screens aircraft and space films on a huge five-story screen. Apart from that, the National Air and Space Museum also has the original Star Trek model of the USS Enterprise on display, which is one of the popular attractions among the visiting crowds at this world-famous place.

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.

Designed by architect James Renwick, who also designed the Smithsonian Castle, this gallery was the home of the Corcoran Art Collection until it outgrew the building. Currently, the Renwick is among the foremost craft museums in the country. It includes a full array of the art form, from handwoven rugs to Shaker furniture. The museum shop is a treasure trove of art and books honoring fine craftsmanship. The place reopened in 2015 after undergoing 2 years of renovations.

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.

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.

The National Archives is a bombproof and nearly fireproof facility that protects the nation's most treasured documents. The methods used for storing the documents securely are almost as interesting as the documents themselves. Sealed glass vaults are raised into the exhibition areas for viewing each day but sink back into safety each night. Here, you will find the most significant of our national documents--the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Further, the other documents and artifacts housed here are copies of the Magna Carta and the Emancipation Proclamation.

At this lesser-known Smithsonian museum, the spotlight is on African-American culture, community and issues. There is no permanent collection, but the museum provides innovative, special exhibits. They tend to be current and interactive, with many suited to children. Admission is free.

Using portraits, photographs, and other visual media, the National Portrait Gallery honors America’s famous and distinguished personalities. Right from politicians and artists to scientists and social activists, all shine brightly in the spotlight here. For tourists and locals alike, this gallery represents a remarkable testimony to the diverse figures that the United States has produced. While photographs, prints, drawings, and sculptures supplement the paintings, the Hall of Presidents is a noteworthy feature of the gallery. Interestingly, apart from the White House, this gallery is the only other home to the complete collection of presidential portraits.

The Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument is a historic house museum and monument in Washington, D.C. Built in 1800, it is one of the oldest houses on Capitol Hill. It is dedicated to National Woman's Party leaders Alva Belmont and Alice Paul. Since 1929, it was the headquarters of the Party whose sole focus was engaging in the fight for women's suffrage. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a National Historic Landmark, and later designated as a National Monument by President Barack Obama in 2016.

Rare books, paintings and other memorabilia, such as musical instruments, costumes and films, make this library and popular research center a treasure trove of valuables worth perusing. Home to a Conservation Lab, Elizabethan-style theater, and the Grand Hall, several special events take place here, including concerts, plays, literary readings and more. The library also boasts the largest collection of Shakespeare materials.

The American University Museum, which is located in American University's Katzen Arts Center, selects the art that is displayed based on the values of the university. International and political art makes up much of the museum's collection because the university is committed to political engagement and social justice. There is also a good deal of local art on display thanks to the university's involvement in the shaping of the regional contemporary art scene. The museum has several permanent collections, including an extensive sculpture garden, as well as rotating art exhibits that display regional, national, and international contemporary art.

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