List of museums in Washington, D.C. facts for kids
Washington, D.C. is a super cool city, and it's packed with amazing museums! A museum is a special place where people collect and take care of interesting objects. These objects can be about history, art, science, or different cultures. Museums let you see these collections and learn new things.
This list will help you discover some of the best museums in Washington, D.C. Get ready to explore!
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Awesome Museums to Explore
Washington, D.C. has tons of museums, each with unique things to see. Here are some of the most exciting ones:
History and Culture Museums
These museums help you travel back in time and learn about different people and events.
- African American Civil War Memorial Museum
* This museum tells the important story of African American soldiers and sailors. They fought bravely for the Union during the American Civil War.
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* Part of the famous Smithsonian Institution, this museum focuses on local history and culture. It's a great place to learn about the Anacostia neighborhood.
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* Another Smithsonian museum, this building is a national space. It's used to explore big ideas and questions about the future.
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* This historic school building was one of the first public schools. It was built specifically for the education of Washington's Black community.
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* This new museum shares the rich history and culture of Chinese Americans. You can learn about their amazing accomplishments and contributions.
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- Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum
* Step into the apartment where Clara Barton lived during the American Civil War. She was known as the "angel of the battlefield." After the war, she helped families find missing soldiers from this very office.
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* This is the famous place where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. You can see the theater, a museum about Lincoln, and the Petersen House where he passed away.
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* Visit the home and estate of Frederick Douglass. He was one of the most important African American leaders of the 1800s.
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* Learn about German-American history and culture at this museum. It's located inside a beautiful Victorian townhouse.
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* This museum shows exhibits about the city's own history. It's a great way to learn how Washington, D.C. grew over time.
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- Interior Museum
* Discover the work of different U.S. government agencies here. These include the National Park Service and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
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* This museum is all about the secret world of espionage! See cool spy gadgets and learn about famous spies and their missions.
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* This museum teaches about the sad history of China's Laogai system. This system involved forced labor prisons.
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- Lillian & Albert Small Jewish Museum
* Explore the history of the local Jewish community in Washington, D.C. This museum also protects the oldest synagogue building in the area.
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* While mostly a memorial, it also has displays about its construction. You can also see some of Abraham Lincoln's famous words.
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* Visit the home of Mary McLeod Bethune. She was an important educator and civil rights leader.
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* This museum explores the story, history, and influence of the Bible. It's a fascinating place to learn about this ancient text.
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* See some of America's most important documents here! This includes the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
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* Learn all about how buildings are designed and constructed. This museum has exhibits on architecture, engineering, and city planning.
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- National Deaf Life Museum
* Located at Gallaudet University, this museum shares the history and culture of deaf people.
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* Discover the history of the National Guard of the United States. Their story goes all the way back to the Revolutionary War!
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* This museum tells the story of law enforcement in America. You can experience what it's like to be a police officer through interactive exhibits.
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* This amazing museum is dedicated to African American life, history, and culture. It's a powerful place to learn and reflect.
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* Explore American social, political, cultural, scientific, and military history. You'll see everything from famous inventions to pop culture items.
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* Learn about the lives, languages, and arts of Native Americans from across the Western Hemisphere.
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* This museum honors Jewish Americans who have served in the armed forces.
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* See portraits and learn about famous Americans throughout history. It's a great way to put faces to names you've read about.
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* Discover the history of mail service in the United States and around the world. You'll see old stamps, mail trucks, and more!
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* This late 19th-century townhouse used to be the Korean legation (like an embassy). It's a piece of diplomatic history.
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* This is the oldest unchanged building in Washington, D.C.! It's a mid-18th-century house that shows what life was like long ago.
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- Planet Word
* This unique museum is all about language and words! It's an interactive experience that celebrates the power of communication.
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* Visit the peaceful cottage where President Abraham Lincoln and other presidents found retreat.
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* Learn about the life and leadership of Pope John Paul II and the history of Catholic heritage in North America.
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* This grand building is home to the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. It displays artifacts of American history and Masonic items.
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* This historic house tells the story of the U.S. women's suffrage movement. It also covers the fight for equal rights for women.
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* Take a tour of this famous building where the U.S. Congress meets. It's a symbol of American democracy.
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* Before you tour the Capitol, learn about its history and the history of Congress here.
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* This powerful museum tells the history of the Holocaust in Europe. It's a place for remembrance and learning.
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* Explore the history of the U.S. Navy from the American Revolution to today. See naval artifacts, models, and art.
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* This iconic monument honors George Washington. While it's a monument, it also offers insights into its history.
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* The official home of the president of the United States. You can take tours by making reservations in advance.
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Art and Science Museums
These museums are perfect for creative minds and curious scientists.
- American University Museum
* This museum at American University features contemporary art. You'll see art from local, national, and international artists.
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- Art Museum of the Americas
* This museum focuses on modern and contemporary art from Latin America and the Caribbean.
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* The Daughters of the American Revolution museum has 30 period rooms. They are filled with beautiful decorative arts like furniture, silver, and quilts.
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* This museum has amazing exhibits of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art. It also features European masterpieces.
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- George Washington University Art Galleries
* These two galleries at George Washington University show paintings, sculptures, and photographs. They range from historic pieces to modern art.
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- Georgetown University Art Galleries
* You can find art galleries in the Walsh building and around the Georgetown University campus.
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* This beautiful estate was once the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post. It's filled with 18th and 19th-century French art and treasures from Imperial Russia.
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* Part of the Smithsonian, this museum is all about contemporary and modern art. Don't miss the cool sculptures outside!
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- Howard University Gallery of Art
* Located in Childers Hall, this gallery is part of the Fine Arts Division at Howard University.
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- Kreeger Museum
* This museum features 19th and 20th-century paintings and sculptures by famous artists. It also has works by local Washington artists and African art.
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- Meridian House
* This center hosts exhibitions of paintings, photographs, and sculptures. These shows help people from other countries understand American culture.
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* One of the most popular Smithsonian museums! Learn about the history and science of aviation and spaceflight. See real airplanes and spacecraft!
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* Located at the United States National Arboretum, this museum displays beautiful Bonsai and Penjing trees. These are miniature trees grown as an art form.
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* This museum is designed for kids up to age 12 and their families. It has interactive exhibits that explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM).
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* This huge museum has paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more. It shows the development of Western Art from the Middle Ages to today.
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* Operated by the National Geographic Society, this museum has changing exhibits. They feature amazing photography, natural history, and different cultures.
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* Another Smithsonian museum, this one focuses on African art and culture. You'll see paintings, musical instruments, jewelry, and textiles.
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- National Museum of Asian Art
* This Smithsonian museum features 45,000 works of Asian art. It includes the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery.
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* One of the largest natural history museums in the world! Explore dinosaurs, gems, ocean life, and human origins.
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* This museum celebrates the achievements of women in visual, performing, and literary arts.
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- O Street Museum Foundation
* This unique museum has a collection that changes daily. It includes art, music, architecture, and other items that encourage creativity.
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* This museum is known for its American and European impressionist and modern art. It's a beautiful collection in a cozy setting.
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* Part of the Smithsonian, this gallery showcases American craft and decorative arts. It covers works from the 19th to the 21st century.
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* This museum is a satellite of the Miami-based Rubell Museum. It features exciting Contemporary art.
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- Salve Regina Gallery
* This art gallery is part of the Catholic University of America.
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- S. Dillon Ripley Center
* Another Smithsonian exhibition space, this center hosts various art and photography exhibits.
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- Smithsonian American Art Museum
* This Smithsonian museum covers American art from all regions and art movements. It's a great place to see the diversity of American creativity.
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- Textile Museum
* Located at George Washington University, this museum displays textiles from around the world. You'll see amazing rugs, clothing, and more.
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- The Wilderness Society Gallery
* This gallery features exhibits from its collections, including beautiful photos by Ansel Adams.
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Historic Homes and Unique Collections
Step inside these special houses and see unique collections.
* This grand residence from the early 1900s is filled with period furniture. It also has artifacts from the Society of the Cincinnati, portraits, and Revolutionary War items.
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* An early 19th-century house with exhibits about the White House. It's currently closed for tours.
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* This is another early 19th-century period house. It serves as the headquarters for The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America.
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* You can take tours of this social clubhouse headquarters. It has changing exhibits of art, photos, and artifacts from its collections.
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- Heurich House Museum
* This "Gilded Age" mansion shows off early household innovations. It's like stepping back in time to see how people lived.
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* This was the home of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard from 1955 to 1959.
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* An early 19th-century townhouse with a unique octagonal shape.
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* This mansion is filled with European and American decorative arts. You'll see silver, porcelain, furniture, and beautiful textiles.
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- Woman's National Democratic Club Museum
* Located in the Whittemore House, this museum has political memorabilia, artwork, and photographs.
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* This was the home of President Woodrow Wilson after he left office.
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Museums That Used to Be Here
Sometimes museums close or move. Here are a few that were once in Washington, D.C.:
- Army Medical Museum and Library: This museum became the National Museum of Health and Medicine and moved to Maryland.
- Bead Museum: This museum closed in 2008.
- Black Fashion Museum: Its collection was given to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
- Corcoran Gallery of Art: This art gallery closed in 2014. Its art went to the National Gallery of Art, and its building went to George Washington University.
- Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.: This wax museum closed in 2021. It featured wax figures of famous people like U.S. presidents.
- Marine Corps Museum: Its collections are now part of the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
- National Museum of Crime & Punishment: This museum closed in 2015 and moved to Tennessee.
- Newseum: This museum about news closed in 2019 and is looking for a new home.
- USS Barry (DD-933): This ship was a museum from 1984 to 2015.
See also
- Arboreta in Washington, D.C. (category)
- Aquaria in Washington, D.C. (category)
- Botanical gardens in Washington, D.C. (category)
- Houses in Washington, D.C. (category)
- Museums list
- Nature centers in Washington, D.C.
- Observatories in Washington, D.C. (category)
- Smithsonian museums
- Architecture of Washington, D.C.
