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What are the museums in Washington DC called?

Author

Matthew Cannon

Updated on March 04, 2026

What are the museums in Washington DC called?

Collectively called the Smithsonian Institution, the world-renowned museum and research complex consists of 17 museums and galleries in Washington, DC, including the National Zoo.

Correspondingly, what are the names of the museums in Washington DC?

Museums

NameType
National Gallery of ArtArt
National Geographic MuseumNatural history
National Guard Memorial MuseumMilitary
National Law Enforcement MuseumHistory/ Forensic Science

Likewise, what is the most popular Smithsonian museum? the National Museum of Natural History

Also Know, what famous things are at the Smithsonian?

Here's a one-day, must-see guide to the Smithsonian museums.

  • Natural History Museum.
  • American History Museum.
  • African American Museum.
  • Air and Space Museum.
  • American Indian Museum.

Which DC museums are free?

These DC Museums Are Free Every Day (Seriously)

  • National Archives Museum.
  • National Museum of Natural History.
  • National Art Gallery.
  • United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
  • National Museum of African Art.
  • National Museum of American History.
  • The Freer Gallery of Art / Arthur M.
  • National Museum of the American Indian.

Where do tourists stay in Washington DC?

The best places to stay for sightseeing lie north of the mall, between Capitol Hill and Georgetown, in the downtown, Dupont Circle, and Foggy Bottom neighborhoods.

Can you tour the White House?

Tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Requests can be submitted up to three months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance. You are encouraged to submit your request as early as possible as a limited number of spaces are available. The White House tour is free of charge.

Are any museums open in Washington DC?

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is among the museums that have reopened. As D.C. continues to reopen after coronavirus brought daily life to a halt, museums across the city are slowly welcoming visitors back in person.

How much are tickets to the Smithsonian?

free

What is the newest museum in Washington DC?

The newest Smithsonian Institution museum is the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Situated on the National Mall, this new architectural wonder is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, art, history and culture.

How many museums does Washington DC have?

70

Do you need tickets for the Smithsonian museums?

While the Library of Congress, Supreme Court, National Gallery of Art and Smithsonian museums do not require tickets, you may want to check schedules in advance to take advantage of guided interpretive tours, lectures, IMAX movies and other programs.

What was the first museum?

In 1683, a private collection of natural history curiosities was donated to the University of Oxford, where the collection was opened to the public. The Ashmolean Museum thus became the first permanent public exhibition housed by a corporation.

What is the most expensive thing in the Smithsonian?

Hope Diamond, value: $250 million (£200m)

It now belongs to the Smithsonian Institution and is said to be insured for $250 million (£200m).

How long would it take to see all the exhibits at the Smithsonian?

You can't possibly see everything there is to see. In fact, if you spent 1 minute at each exhibit it would take more than 258 years to see them all, but we're to help make sure you see the highlights.

Are there tunnels under the Smithsonian?

There is not an underground storage facility or archive under the National Mall. However, there are unused tunnels under the National Mall that connect the Smithsonian Castle and the National Museum of Natural History.

What is the oldest artifact in the Smithsonian?

These spears are currently the oldest known wooden artifacts in the world. Wooden thrusting spear, Schöningen, Germany, about 400,000 years old.

What is the Smithsonian known for?

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 19 museums and the National Zoo—shaping the future by preserving our heritage, discovering new knowledge, and sharing our resources with the world.

Where is the Hope Diamond?

the National Museum of Natural History

How many Smithsonians are there in Washington DC?

The Smithsonian offers eleven museums and galleries on the National Mall plus six other museums and the National Zoo in the greater National Capital Area. In New York City, we invite you to tour two museums in historic settings. Not near a Smithsonian museum?

What does Smithsonian mean?

United States National Museum

What are the different Smithsonian museums?

About Our Museums and Zoo
  • Anacostia Community Museum.
  • Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery.
  • Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
  • National Air and Space Museum.
  • National Museum of African American History and Culture.
  • National Museum of African Art.
  • National Museum of American History.
  • National Museum of Natural History.

Is it safe to walk the National Mall at night?

Re: National Mall at Night? You should be fine. Keep your wits about you as you would in any large city, but overall D.C. is quite safe for tourists. There will be throngs of other tourists visiting the area at night as well.

Which museum is the most visited?

The Louvre

What is the largest museum in the world?

Louvre

Which Smithsonian museums are free?

The best way to do Washington, DC?For free, thanks to these no-admission museums on the National Mall.
  • United States Botanic Garden.
  • National Air & Space Museum.
  • United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
  • National Museum of Natural History.
  • National Museum of American History.
  • Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.

How long does it take to walk through the Smithsonian?

Choosing Museums

A thorough examination of the contents of a single museum would easily fill a month, but two days per museum is enough to satisfy most visitors. If time is short, it is possible to take a cursory walk through one of the museums in less than a day, provided you do not linger.

Who funds the Smithsonian?

The Smithsonian has two sources of funding - federal appropriations and income generated from gifts, revenue-generating activities, and investments (referred to as Smithsonian "trust funds").

How long does it take to go through the Smithsonian American History Museum?

If it looks like it's long and moving slow, try the other entrance! Once inside, the average guest stays for about 2 hours. This museum covers the entire world! You can learn about various ecosystems and animal life from dinosaurs to dogs.

Can you take pictures in the Smithsonian?

The Smithsonian permits still and video photography for noncommercial use only in its museums and exhibitions, unless otherwise posted. For the safety of our visitors and collections, the Smithsonian prohibits the use of tripods, monopods, selfie sticks or similar devices in our museums and gardens.

Where should I stay when visiting the Smithsonian?

Answer:The best place to stay in Washington, D.C. for attractions like the National Mall and Smithsonian Museums is south of the National Mall near the L'Enfant or Federal Center Metro stations.

How much spending money do I need for Washington DC?

How much money will you need for your trip to Washington? You should plan to spend around $155 per day on your vacation in Washington, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $30 on meals for one day and $37 on local transportation.

What is the best way to get around Washington DC?

Metrorail & Metrobus

Washington, DC has one of the safest, cleanest and most efficient transportation systems in the world. Metrorail and Metrobus are the most convenient ways to get around DC, with Metrobus providing connections for locations not serviced by Metrorail.

What can you do in Washington DC for free?

Discover the best free experiences, attractions and things to do in the nation's capital
  • Visit the White House.
  • Take in the Smithsonian museums.
  • Tour DC's premier cultural arts center.
  • Enjoy a guided walking tour with DC by Foot.
  • Check out the largest library in the world.
  • Walk through the U.S. Capitol Building.

Is the Smithsonian free to get in?

Collectively called the Smithsonian Institution, this world-renowned museum and research complex in the District consists of 17 museums, galleries and a zoo. Each one is free to enter, and across the spectrum, you can learn about the origins of man, the wonders of art, the history and future of flight and so much more.

Is National Museum free?

Admission to the National Museum is now permanently free of charge for all visitors, Filipino or foreign, to its museums nationwide.

Is the Bible Museum free?

Admission to the Museum of the Bible is $24.99 for adults, $14.99 for kids and free for children six-years old and under.

Why are Smithsonian museums free?

The Smithsonian Institution has, in fact, kept its museums and the zoo free so that they are not cost-prohibitive for schoolchildren or others -- "so you don't have to have any income level" to enjoy them -- Smithsonian Institution spokesperson Linda St. Thomas told the Hotsheet.

Can you walk to all the monuments in Washington DC?

If you find yourself planning a drive up or down the east coast of the United States and want to spend a few hours in our nation's capital, I have the perfect walking tour of Washington DC that will get you to all of the major monuments.

Are all museums free?

In the US, some important museums and galleries have long been free to enter. The remarkable Smithsonian museums in Washington DC are all free - including the perennially popular Air and Space Museum and the American History Museum. The vast Smithsonian gets federal funds.

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