Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Bull Run

"This gallery was created by Andrew Mellon in 1937 when he offered up his own personal collection and finances to Franklin D. Roosevelt to build this place. There are two different buildings and a sculpture garden filled with some of the world's most treasured pieces of art that donors have given to the museum over the years. It is free to enter and any history buff with an appreciation for creative thinking will jump at the opportunity to visit."

"Kid-friendly exhibits: In the West building, check out Degas's Little Dancer, Cassat's mothers and babies, or the only Da Vinci on display in the Americas. The newly renovated East building has modern art and is more kid-friendly, with large sculptures, Alexander Calder mobiles, and pop art exhibits. In nice weather, head west to check out the Sculpture Garden full of art, a cafe, a huge fountain in summer and ice skating in winter!"

"Visitors can wander the gallery on their own, taking in such pieces as Leonardo da Vinci's "Ginevra de' Benci," or take a free tour with one of the gallery's many docents. Guides can assist young families with games and highlights aimed at children 4 and older."

"The National Portrait Gallery is an art museum that is part of the Smithsonian Institution. It first opened in 1968."

"The great Gordon Bunshaft conceived the landmark cylindrical building for this modern art museum established by collector Joseph H. Hirshhorn. Set halfway between the Washington Monument and the Capitol, the Hirshhorn was ready in 1974 and houses one of America’s best collections of modern and contemporary art. Think Picasso, Matisse, Henry Moore, Francis Bacon, Jackson Pollock, Edward Hopper and Franz Kline, just by way of introduction."

"A modern icon among so many historic buildings on the National Mall, the Hirshhorn Museum building was designed to be a piece of artwork in and of itself. A hollowed-center elevated cylinder, the contemporary building floats above its lovely landscaped grounds and features curved galleries. The drum-shaped structure is eye-catching and stands out among its many Neoclassical neighbors in the area."

"The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is an art museum dedicated to contemporary culture and art. Located near the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the museum offers tours, a cafe, exhibits, monthly events, and a museum shop for people of all ages and all interests. They also have a storytime event for children (ages 6 and younger) that features book readings, arts, and crafts."

"Dupont Circle's The Phillips Collection is not to be missed for art lovers, with pieces by Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Winslow Homer, Georgia O'Keeffe, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent van Gogh. The Rothko Room with four paintings by abstract expressionist Mark Rothko is a particular favorite. Visiting Tips: Tickets run from $8 to $12 per visitor, and visitors age 18 and under are free."

"The Phillips Collection started as a humble gallery to honor a deceased father and brother in 1921, and rapidly transformed into a full-fledged modern art museum—America’s first. Set in a stately Georgian Revival brick house that was..."

"Just a couple blocks from the Dupont Circle Metro station is the nation's first museum of modern art. Some of the roughly 3,000 works in its collection are by well-known artists such as Renoir, Vincent van Gogh, and Matisse."

"The Reynolds Center is one of DC's finest museums. This Smithsonian venue combines the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum into one whopping collection of American art that's unmatched anywhere in the world. Keep an eye out for famed works by Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Winslow Homer and loads more celebrated artists."

"This Smithsonian venue combines the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum into one whopping collection of American art that's unmatched anywhere... Monument in National Mall"

"One of the newest museums in DC is ARTECHOUSE which is loaded with seasonal interactive art. Before heading to ARTECHOUSE I recommend checking their website to see what exhibit is happening and to buy tickets. In addition to the interactive art spaces ARTECHOUSE has a small bar where they make cocktails that you can interact with using AR in their app."

"Duration: 1 hour. ARTECHOUSE, the nation’s first innovative digital art space with locations in Washington, DC, New York, and..."

"The nation's capital has a number of fabulous museums with priceless works of art. However, if you get too close to said art, a friendly but stern docent will tell you to nicely back off."

"Its bright colors can be seen from miles away, especially since most of the surrounding neighborhood was demolished years ago. The Culture House was only spared from the bulldozer because it used to belong to the Friendship Baptist Congregation, an African-American institution that supported low-income families and provided them with fun, creative ways to express themselves. The Culture House has gone through various owners since then, but its mission remains the same."

"Colourful murals adorn this building, once known as The Blind Whino. Previously a Church, it now houses an art gallery."

"A historic neighborhood church is reborn as a psychedelic arts collective. See All 232 Things to Do in Washington, D.C."

"The National Museum of Women in the Arts is the only museum in the world dedicated solely to celebrating the artistic achievements of women. The permanent collection features more than 3,000 works of art including a wide range of styles and media by women from the 16th century to the present. Special programs and tours are designed to highlight the works of specific artists, composers, writers, musicians, actors, filmmakers, and dancers."

"Since 1987, this museum has celebrated women who have influenced the art world. From Frida Kahlo to Mary Cassatt, the National Museum of Women in the Arts ensures that women artists are never forgotten or under-acknowledged. The museum's collection has more than 4,500 pieces of art."

"Founded in 1981, this museum has an extensive collection showcasing six centuries of female contributions to the arts, from Flemish painter Clara Peeters to Frida Kahlo and Georgia O’Keeffe. 1250 New York Ave., NW; 202-783-5000; $8 to $10."

"Although Saint Patrick’s is the oldest Catholic church in D.C., the largest and most prominent is the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, found in Northeast D.C. near The Catholic University of America. It is not a parish church but a national one, dedicated to the patron saint of the United States: Mary, the mother of Jesus, under her title of the Immaculate Conception."

"The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic church in the United States and is one of the largest churches in the world. The National Shrine is designated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as a National Sanctuary of Prayer and Pilgrimage. It boasts the largest collection of contemporary ecclesiastical art in the world."

"The great basilica in Washington D.C. If you're into church architecture, this place is a must. Beautiful stained glasses, grand chapel, the whole package. Tripod and flash are NOT allowed."

"Equinox prides itself on its commitment to the organic, sustainable food movement that’s currently sweeping the nature. Using ingredients sourced within 100 miles of the restaurant itself, the menu takes its inspiration from regional gastronomic traditions. The Sunday brunch at Equinox is entirely plant-based, or vegan, so you’re in for a unique culinary experience."

"What would you think of a place where Bill Gates, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Al Gore, and Larry David have all eaten?. That place must not be just pretty but pretty, pretty, pretty good restaurant. Equinox is not totally vegan, but the gourmet plant-based menu is long and irresistible."

"Drinking California wines (particularly those from Napa and Sonoma) is de rigueur at this West Coast outpost. Duck in for a glass of chardonnay and a cheese and charcuterie plate ($18 to $22), or settle in for..."

"Many head to Sonoma Cellar for the stellar wine tasting classes. Did you know that they kill it at Brunch too?. With $20 mimosa or Bellini pitchers, the drinks quickly get pouring."

"Ambiance was thrown off by the nightclub dance beats on the speakers at 10:30am and the ac next to our table was..."

"Continuing south along the water, stop at Ford’s Landing Park to learn more about the Alexandria waterfront’s history. A series of historic signs explain the area’s transformation from its earliest inhabitants to recent times."

"Address: 301 South Harrison StreetLength: 1.2 milesDifficulty: Easy to difficultBikeable: Paved trail yes, natural trail noTrail Map:ViewDescription: This beautiful and secluded 95.5 acre park offers a whole host of family activities. Trails throughout this park offer a beautiful setting for bird watching and other outdoor activities. There are sightings of everything from woodpeckers to wood ducks and warblers."

"At the heart of the Iwo Jima Memorial (or the Marine Corps War Memorial) is a massive bronze statue based on an iconic World War II photo of the Marines planting the flag at Iwo Jima. The Memorial is next to Arlington National Cemetery on a hill overlooking the National Mall."

"The Marine Corps War Memorial depicts a Pulitzer-Prize winning photo by Joe Rosenthal of the Associated Press as he witnessed the flag-raising at the end of the World War II battle in 1945."