List of museums in Washington, D.C. facts for kids

Washington, D.C. is home to many amazing museums! These special places collect and take care of interesting objects. They show us things about art, science, history, and different cultures. You can find everything from ancient artifacts to modern paintings. This list will help you discover some of the coolest museums in the nation's capital.

Awesome Museums to Explore

History and Culture Museums

• African American Civil War Memorial Museum
  • This museum tells the story of brave African American soldiers and sailors. They fought for the Union during the American Civil War. It's a powerful look at an important part of U.S. history.

• Anacostia Community Museum
  • Part of the famous Smithsonian Institution, this museum focuses on local history and culture. It often highlights the experiences of African Americans in the Washington, D.C. area.

• Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives
  • This historic building was one of the first public schools for Washington's Black community. Today, it shares the story of education and civil rights.

• Chinese American Museum DC
  • Discover the rich history, culture, and contributions of Chinese Americans. This museum celebrates their impact on the United States.

• Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum
  • Step back in time to the Civil War era. This restored building was where Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, helped find missing soldiers.

• Ford's Theatre National Historic Site
  • This is the famous theater where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. You can see the theater, a museum about Lincoln, and the Petersen House where he passed away.

• Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
  • Visit the home of Frederick Douglass, a powerful writer and leader. He was one of the most important African Americans of the 19th century.

• German-American Heritage Museum of the USA
  • Learn about the history and culture of German Americans. The museum is located in a beautiful Victorian townhouse.

• Historical Society of Washington, D.C.
  • This museum explores the history of Washington, D.C. itself. It has exhibits about the city's past, from its early days to modern times.

• International Spy Museum
  • Ever wanted to be a spy? This museum is all about espionage history. It features cool gadgets, secret missions, and famous spies.

• Lillian & Albert Small Jewish Museum
  • This museum tells the story of the local Jewish community. It also preserves the oldest synagogue building in Washington, D.C.

• Lincoln Memorial
  • While a memorial, it also includes displays about its construction. You can learn about the building and some of Lincoln's famous words.

• Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site
  • This was the home of Mary McLeod Bethune. She was an important educator and civil rights leader.

• Museum of the Bible
  • This museum explores the history and impact of the Bible. It documents its story and influence on the world.

• National Archives
  • See some of America's most important documents here! This includes the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

• National Building Museum
  • Are you interested in how things are built? This museum has exhibits about architecture, design, engineering, and city planning.

• National Deaf Life Museum
  • Located at Gallaudet University, this museum shares the history and culture of deaf people. It has exhibits that change regularly.

• National Law Enforcement Museum
  • This museum tells the story of American law enforcement. It offers interactive exhibits to help visitors understand police work.

• National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • This Smithsonian museum is dedicated to African American life, history, and culture. It opened in 2016 and is a very popular place to visit.

• National Museum of American History
  • Explore American social, political, cultural, scientific, and military history. You can see everything from famous inventions to pop culture items.

• National Museum of the American Indian
  • Learn about the life, languages, and arts of Native Americans. This museum covers Indigenous cultures from across the Western Hemisphere.

• National Museum of American Jewish Military History
  • This museum honors Jewish Americans who have served in the armed forces. It tells their stories and contributions to the military.

• National Portrait Gallery
  • See images and learn about the history of famous Americans. This museum celebrates individuals who have shaped the United States.

• National Postal Museum
  • Discover the history of the United States Postal Service. This museum also explores mail service around the world.

• Old Stone House
  • 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.

• Planet Word
  • This unique museum is all about language and words! It offers interactive exhibits that make learning about communication fun.

• President Lincoln's Cottage at the Soldiers' Home
  • This was a quiet retreat for President Abraham Lincoln and other presidents. You can visit the cottage and learn about his time there.

• United States Capitol Visitor Center
  • Learn about the history of the U.S. Capitol building and Congress. It's a great place to start before touring the Capitol itself.

• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
  • This museum teaches about the Holocaust in Europe. It's a powerful and important place to learn about this difficult period in history.

• United States Navy Memorial Visitor Center
  • This center honors and celebrates the men and women of the Sea Services. It tells the stories of those who served in the U.S. Navy.

Art and Science Museums

• American University Museum
  • This museum showcases contemporary art from local, national, and international artists. It's a great place to see modern art.

• Art Museum of the Americas
  • This museum focuses on modern and contemporary art from Latin America and the Caribbean. It's a colorful and vibrant collection.

• DAR Museum
  • The Daughters of the American Revolution museum features decorative arts. You can see furniture, silver, paintings, and textiles from different time periods.

• Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection
  • This place has beautiful exhibits of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art. It also features European masterpieces from its collections.

• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
  • Another Smithsonian museum, the Hirshhorn is known for its contemporary and modern art. Its unique circular building is easy to spot.

• Kreeger Museum
  • This museum displays 19th and 20th-century paintings and sculptures. It includes works by famous international artists and local Washington artists.

• National Air and Space Museum
  • One of the most popular Smithsonian museums! It explores the history and science of aviation and spaceflight. You can see real airplanes and spacecraft.

• National Gallery of Art
  • This museum has an incredible collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures. It traces the development of Western Art from the Middle Ages to today.

• National Museum of African Art
  • This Smithsonian museum celebrates African art and culture. It features paintings, musical instruments, sculptures, and textiles.

• National Museum of Asian Art
  • This museum features over 45,000 works of Asian art. It includes the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery.

• National Museum of Natural History
  • Explore paleontology, geology, mammals, and ocean life at this Smithsonian museum. Don't miss the famous dinosaur exhibits and the gem collection!

• National Museum of Women in the Arts
  • This museum highlights the achievements of women in visual, performing, and literary arts. It's a unique place to see art by women artists.

• The Phillips Collection
  • This was America's first museum of modern art. It features American and European impressionist and modern art.

• Renwick Gallery
  • Part of the Smithsonian, the Renwick Gallery focuses on American craft and decorative arts. It showcases beautiful pieces from the 19th to the 21st century.

• Rubell Museum DC
  • This museum is a satellite of the Miami-based Rubell Museum. It features exciting contemporary art.

• Smithsonian American Art Museum
  • This museum covers American art from all regions and art movements. It's a great place to see the diversity of American creativity.

• Textile Museum
  • Located at George Washington University, this museum displays textiles from around the world. You can see rugs, clothing, and other fabric arts.

Historic Homes and Estates

• Anderson House
  • This grand residence from the early 1900s is now a historic house museum. It has period furnishings and artifacts from the Revolutionary War.

• Decatur House
  • This early 19th-century house has exhibits about the White House. It's currently closed for tours, but it's an important historical building.

• Dumbarton House
  • Another early 19th-century period house, this museum shows what life was like in that era. It also serves as a headquarters for a historical society.

• General Federation of Women's Clubs Headquarters
  • You can take tours of this social clubhouse. It also has changing exhibits of art, photographs, and artifacts.

• Heurich House Museum
  • This "Gilded Age" mansion shows off early household innovations. It's a fascinating look at how people lived in the late 1800s.

• Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
  • This beautiful estate was once the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post. It features 18th and 19th-century French art and treasures from Imperial Russia.

• L. Ron Hubbard House
  • This was the residence of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard from 1955 to 1959.

• The Octagon House
  • This early 19th-century townhouse has a unique eight-sided shape. It's a cool example of historic architecture.

• Old Korean Legation Museum
  • This late 19th-century townhouse served as the Korean legation (like an embassy) from 1889 to 1905.

• Tudor Place
  • This mansion features European and American decorative arts. You can see silver, porcelain, furniture, and portraits.

• White House
  • The official home of the President of the United States! Tours are available by advance reservation.

• Woodrow Wilson House
  • This was the home of President Woodrow Wilson after he left office. You can explore his life and times here.

Other Interesting Museums

• Arts and Industries Building
  • This historic Smithsonian building is a national space for exploring new ideas. It often hosts exhibits about the future.

• National Bonsai and Penjing Museum
  • Located at the U.S. National Arboretum, this museum displays beautiful bonsai and penjing plants. These are miniature trees grown in pots.

• National Children's Museum
  • This museum is designed for children up to age 12 and their families. It has interactive exhibits about science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM).

• National Geographic Museum
  • Operated by the National Geographic Society, this museum has changing exhibits. They cover photography, natural history, culture, and history from around the world.

• National Guard Memorial Museum
  • Learn about the history of the National Guard of the United States. This museum covers their role from the Revolutionary War to today.

• National Museum of the United States Navy
  • Discover the history of the U.S. Navy from the American Revolution to the present. It features naval artifacts, models, and art.

• O Street Museum Foundation
  • This museum's collection changes daily. It includes art, music, architecture, and other items that encourage creativity.

• S. Dillon Ripley Center
  • This Smithsonian center hosts various exhibits. You can find displays of art and photography here.

• The Wilderness Society Gallery
  • This gallery features exhibits from its collections, including photos by famous photographer Ansel Adams.

Images for kids

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  Georgetown University Art Galleries

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  German-American Heritage Museum of the USA

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  Interior Museum

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  Laogai Museum

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  Saint John Paul II National Shrine

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  House of the Temple

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  Belmont–Paul Women's Equality National Monument

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  Woman's National Democratic Club Museum

See also

• Museums list
• Smithsonian museums
• Architecture of Washington, D.C.