Free Museums in Washington DC

"We have all seen paper copies of fine works of art hanging in homes and businesses. Once, you step inside the National Gallery of Art, you get to see the real pieces for your own eyes. The west building features early European and American works and boasts the only painting by Leonardo Da Vinci in the Americas."

"The free museum and sculpture garden, National Gallery of Art, is home to one of the best fine art collection in the world. The Italian Renaissance collection is widely known as the strongest collection at the National Gallery of Art. The only Leonardo da Vinci painting in the Americas is shown at the museum."

"With two massive buildings filled with contemporary and classical art, what’s not to love about this gallery?. The National Gallery of Art also features a six-acre sculpture garden. In the permanent art collection, you can expect to find artworks from the likes of da Vinci and Calder."

"Most displays and activities are aimed at elementary age children, but younger kids will enjoy climbing in the pilots seat of a plane, and pushing buttons, turning knobs and exploring the many interactives. Kid-friendly exhibits: the open lobbies at the ends of each wing of the building have larger items (planes, rockets, etc) on display and are very kid-friendly. The Pioneers of Flight exhibit on the second floor also is very appealing to children."

"The National Air and Space Museum contains the world’s largest collection of aviation and space artifacts. The museum was first founded in 1876 and welcomes about eight million people annually. The museum features 23 main exhibition galleries and sits in an ideal location with the Capitol Building just a few blocks away."

"The National Air and Space Museum is one of the best museums in Washington D.C. and boasts three galleries of aviation and space exhibits. Wonderful for kids and adults alike, the museum has aircraft, space memorabilia, missiles, and more, all of which chronicle the history of air and space travel."

"The most popular are the Air and Space Museum, Natural History Museum, and American History Museum. Choose the museum that interests you most and spend a few hours exploring. At the National Air and Space Museum, see the original Wright 1903 Flyer, the "Spirit of St. Louis," and the Apollo 11 command module. At the National Museum of Natural History, take a look at the Hope Diamond and other gems and minerals, examine the massive fossil collection, visit the 23,000-square-foot Ocean Hall, see a life-size replica of a North Atlantic whale and a 1,800-gallon-tank display of coral reef."

"The National Museum of Natural History is one of the Smithsonian museums and is one of the most visited museums in the world. There are almost 150 million specimens of plants, animals, rocks, fossils, and much more, making this the largest collection of natural history in the world. Some highlights of the museum are the skeleton of an African Bush Elephant, the Hope Diamond (one of the most famous jewels in the world, worth 200 - 350 million dollars), and the dinosaur skeleton hall."

"National Museum of Natural History | With more than 7 million visitors per year, this museum remains one of the most popular in the world. Perfect for all ages who are interested in learning all about the natural world around us."

"The National Portrait Gallery is located north of the National Mall and shares its home at the Old Patent Office Building with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Like the name suggests, the National Portrait Gallery houses historic and culturally-significant portraits and photographs. Famous exhibits at the National Portrait Gallery include the Hall of Presidents, Time magazine covers, a Frederick Douglass daguerreotype, and more."

"It houses tens of thousands of pieces, seen by over 2 million visitors a year, within a Greek Revival frame. The gallery’s indoor courtyard is also one of D.C.’s most beautiful interiors."

"The African American Civil War Memorial Museum preserves and shares the largely ignored stories of enormous contributions made by the 209,145 members of the United States Colored Troops to the American Civil War. The Museum's collection includes artifacts, documents, primary sources, and technology."

"More than 200,000 African-American soldiers and sailors fought in the Civil War. At the African American Civil War Museum, these individuals are remembered through photography, newspaper articles, replicas of uniforms, and a memorial. The museum is currently being redeveloped."

"The African American Civil War Memorial, along with the African American Civil War Museum across the street, memorializes nearly 220,000 members of the United States Colored Troops involvement in the American Civil War."

"Just behind the National Archives, you will find the Newseum, which is still on our list but I’ve heard it is terrific. Younger kids also love the International Spy Museum. Our personal favorite from this trip was the National Museum of the American Indian."

"The first major monument to honor George Washington, it was completed in 1829 and stands at the center of the Mount Vernon neighborhood (pictured below). And while you're there, visit the Walters Art Museum; admission is free and the art spans the ages, from the third millennium B.C.E. to the early 20th century."

"This plantation and the surrounding lands had been in the Washington family for nearly 70 years by the time the future president inherited…"

"After your time in Inner Harbor, take a short stroll into the town of Mount Vernon and grab a bite."

"A historic estate in Georgetown, Dumbarton Oaks has delightful gardens and a house going back to the early 19th century, enriched with collections of Byzantine, Pre-Columbian and European art. These many works were gathered by former resident, the diplomat Robert Woods Bliss (1875-1962) and his wife Mildred (1879-1969). Most compelling are the Aztec, Mayan, Olmec, Veracruz, Teotihuacan carvings in stone and jade, ceramics from the Wari, Moche and Nasca culture and splendid gold, silverware and textiles from the Inca, Chimú and Lambayeque cultures."

"A post shared by Bojana Andrejevic (@boyannaalexander) on Aug 20, 2017 at 8:02pm PDT. The beautiful, serene and quiet gardens at Dumbarton Oaks are just a few minutes stroll from the hustle and bustle of Georgetown proper. Chart a course through the European designed garden to locate the ornaments and inscriptions."

"This 1801 Federal-style estate in Georgetown serves as a house museum. It boasts Byzantine and pre-Columbian collections, and features a variety of tapestries, furniture, and artwork. It also supports scholarly research."

"America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee, espresso, breakfast sandwiches and donuts. Order your Dunkin’ faves ahead of time with the Dunkin’ mobile app for a fast grab and go experience."

"There’s a lot going on amidst the daily hustle and bustle of the city, which means everyone needs a pick-me-up from time to time. It doesn’t matter if you have a major sweet tooth or you’re looking for something light and low-calorie—there’s something for everyone in the nation’s capital. From ice cream to cake to donuts, here are some of the best desserts across Washington, D.C. Bon appetit!"

"Sprinkles offers freshly baked cakes in a variety of flavors. They also offer special cakes such as vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free ones for those on specific diets."

"As we navigate the evolving impact of coronavirus on our communities, we are temporarily closing our dining room seating to help limit person-to-person contact. Some of our restaurants may only offer service through our drive-thrus, while others may be able to offer takeout, delivery or mobile or..."

"The CFAs in this city never get your order %100 right.And actually come to think of it, out of all the times we have ordered, we have never received the ..."

"As the name would suggest, this small restaurant in Old Town Alexandria specializes in French cuisine—with a modern twist.​ Chefs Christophe and Michelle Poteaux's award-winning Bastille Brasserie and Wine Bar also serves small plates in the bar and offers patio dining seasonally. With weekly specials like "One-Third Off Thursdays" and "Mimosa Brunch Saturdays and Sundays" and daily happy hours, Bastille is a great place for a quick bite and drink or a full meal with all the fixings. Continue to 5 of 9 below."