The Smithsonian American Art Museum takes you on an inspiring journey, chronicling the discovery and evolution of iconic American art and artists. Exhibiting artworks right from the 17th Century to the present day, the museum boasts of an elaborate and expansive collection. Spread across three levels, the noteworthy exhibits here include the works of Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keefe, Gilbert Stuart, Albert Bierstadt, Franz Kline, Andy Warhol and many others. Depictions of various art movements and periods make for compelling exhibits for the visitors. Docent-led tours offer an interactive way to explore the museum. The Renwick Gallery, the sister wing of the main building, is also a must-visit attraction.
This fascinating museum focuses on the history and culture of African Americans. The exhibits explore African American experiences, including the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, as well as individual lives of the people back then. The museum has over 37,000 unique items, including a trumpet owned by Louis Armstrong and many historic outfits.
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.
Abolitionist Frederick Douglass purchased this 21-room home, making him the first African-American to buy a home in that area. Known as Cedar Hill, the home became the nation's first Black National Historic Site. The original furnishings are in large part the ones Douglass himself owned. They include the 1200-volume library of this self-taught man. Also on display are gifts given to Douglass by such contemporaries as Mary Todd Lincoln and Harriet Beecher Stowe.
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.
From beneath the 90-foot (30-meter) portico, lies an expanse of sloping lawn along the Potomac River as it flows past Mount Vernon. This 17th-century plantation house was once home to the first President of the United States, George Washington. The property was originally owned by Washington's father, Augustine, and George replaced a smaller, more modest home with Mount Vernon when he came into the property, beginning in 1758. Today, costumed guides narrate the history of the elegant mansion and of the surrounding buildings, which have been preserved to reflect the days when the first president resided here. The state also features tours around the 500-acre (200-hectare) estate, including its surrounding buildings, and historic exhibits that recreate farming techniques and colonial games. Awash in elegant semblances of Palladian architecture, Mount Vernon is a treasured centerpiece of history and culture.
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.
Ford's Theatre, an iconic theater, is recognized as the place where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14th, 1865. A century later, in January 1968, the theater was reopened again for a performance after being under the management of numerous government organizations, including the United States Department of War and the National Park Service. Also found within Ford's Theatre is a Lincoln Museum that displays artifacts from the assassination, including the gun Lincoln was shot with. Mementos from Lincoln's life are also on display.
President Abraham Lincoln lived at this charming Gothic Revival cottage, located on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, for thirteen months in total during the years of 1862, 1863, and 1864. It was here that he developed the Emancipation Proclamation. The day before his assassination, Lincoln rode out to the cottage before heading back to the White House. Today, the cottage stands as a tribute to the "Great Orator". Guests can visit the cottage by purchasing a ticket for a guided tour of the grounds and building, the entrance is through Eagle Gate of the Armed Forces Retirement Home.
The Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens is the legacy of Marjorie Merriweather Post, a famous socialite and founder of General Foods. Consisting of numerous rooms, this mansion dates back to the 1920s and houses an outstanding collection of art, jewelry and other decorative artifacts that belonged to her. View rare Faberge eggs, historic portraits, exquisite tapestries and priceless ceramics, among others, at this stunning museum. Visitors can also enjoy a leisurely stroll through the landscaped estate, which notably features a French parterre garden, a rose garden, and even a cemetery that inters many of Post's pet dogs.
The former home of Martha Washington's granddaughter, Tudor Place Historic House & Garden offers formal gardens and a house full of artifacts from the Washington family. The mansion was designed by Dr. William Thornton who also engineered the U.S. Capitol. For those with an interest in early American history, but without the time to travel to the more famous Mount Vernon, this museum within the city is ideal. Docents lead the frequent tours for a nominal price and you can also check out the interesting tea tour which was a tradition for around 200 years.