National Museum of Natural History
While art museums may be more popular, D.C.'s history museums offer some serious competition.
Reenact your own version of Night at the Museum at the National Museum of Natural History, or read the Bill of Rights firsthand at the National Archives Museum. Whether you like prehistoric history or enjoy learning about modern cultures, D.C. has something for you. Each place listed below is free—all you need is your curiosity and some comfortable shoes!
See also: 7 of the Best Art Museums in Washington, D.C.
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4th St SW / Website
This museum features one of the world’s largest collections of Native objects in the entire world. The curvilinear architecture and indigenous landscaping make this beautiful building hard to miss. Discover constantly rotating paintings, photographs, artifacts and more throughout the museum's three floors.
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10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW / Website
This 325,000-square-foot museum brought in 4.2 million visitors in 2019, and it’s easy to see why. One of the world’s most-visited museums, it offers the largest collection of natural history in the world. The museum contains 146 million artifacts and specimen, including nearly 300 skeletons in its Bone Hall.
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100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl. SW / Website
This museum has welcomed more than 40 million visitors since its inauguration in 1993. It is a powerful space dedicated to the remembrance of the Holocaust and its millions of victims. Plan to spend at least two to three hours in the permanent exhibit alone. After being assigned a card of a random victim or survivor, visitors guide themselves through a chronological history of the Holocaust.
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1400 Constitution Ave. NW / Website
Recognizable by its distinct exterior, this 420,000-square-foot museum honors the African American experience and the community’s vital roles in shaping the nation. Artifacts include a shawl gifted by Queen Victoria to Harriet Tubman, an invitation to President Obama’s first inauguration, and one of Michael Jackson’s fedoras. Expect to complete the entirety of the museum in multiple visits.
See also: Saint Heron Launches Free Digital Library To Educate, Inspire and Uplift 'Vital Voices'
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1300 Constitution Ave. NW / Website
This museum covers more than just war and politics. It covers every aspect of the country’s history, from the role of food to transportation and even a collection of first ladies’ gowns and other belongings. Each wing of the three floors has a specific theme, so you'll truly take a journey through time and space.
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1925 Vermont Ave NW / Website
Located directly across from the African American Civil War Memorial, this museum tackles historical misinterpretations and highlights the role of African American soldiers in the Civil War. It allows visitors to better understand the stories of the United States Colored Troops, and features replicas and artifacts from that era.
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701 Constitution Ave. NW / Website
This museum is located within the National Archives Building. Visitors can view the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights in the building’s Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom. Many of the exhibits feature interactive exhibits, so check the calendar to see what's coming during your visit.
Photography by: Alejandro Barba / Unsplash
