Best History Museum in Washington DC

"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 National Museum of African American History and Culture is a newer attraction in D.C., having opened only in September 2016, and is a wonderful addition to the city. The exterior of the building is striking and stands out in bronze amidst a sea of limestone and marble on the National Mall. Designed by British-Ghanaian architect David Adjaye, it succeeds in its aim to be a building that has its own significant identity."

"More than 2.5 million visitors have passed through the doors of the Smithsonian Institution's newest museum since it opened in September 2016. This is the hottest ticket in town, with passes snapped up months in advance — but it's free, and same-day passes are available."

"Next up is the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, situated on the National Mall at 1400 Constitution Ave. NW. With 4.5 stars out of 8332 reviews on Yelp, it has proven to be a local favorite."

"A powerful and necessary reminder of tragic history The Holocaust is undeniably a heavy subject, but it’s one that begs for remembrance and reflection. This museum’s permanent exhibition walks through the events leading up to and through the horrible Holocaust of the late 1930s and 1940s. There’s also a free section focused on Americans in the Holocaust, including showcases of first-hand accounts and experiences."

"One of history’s most important events, and one of its greatest tragedies, is the focus of this expansive museum. Learn the narrative of the Holocaust through artifacts, videos and personal stories in the Permanent Exhibition. For information regarding timed passes and health precautions, visit the museum's website."

"This museum is dedicated to the ongoing preservation of Holocaust history. At the start of the main exhibit, victors are given a card with the story of a person from the Holocaust, and are able to walk through a chronological history of the events that unfolded. Georgetown shopping district along M Street."

"The Alexandria Black History Museum is the perfect setting for patrons interested in an intimate, historic setting with ethnic flair. Originally the segregated library for Alexandria's African-American residents, the museum documents the local and national history, culture and contributions of Alexandria's African-Americans."

"Alexandria Black History Museum enriches the lives of Alexandria's residents and visitors, fosters tolerance and understanding among all cultures, and stimulates appreciation of the diversity of the African American experience. The Museum also manages the Watson Reading Room and the Alexandria African American Heritage Park."

"Paintings, photographs, books and other memorabilia documenting the African American experience in Alexandria, one of the nation’s major slave ports, are on display at this small resource center (enter from Wythe..."

"The National Museum of African Art, located on the National Mall, is a Smithsonian Institution. The Museum currently has 11,861 objects from both Sub-Saharan and Arab North Africa in its collection, of which 10,746 are traditional and 1,115 contemporary. Its objects range from 15th-century sculptures and masks to multi-media contemporary art, and the photographs from photojournalists Eliot Elisofon and Constance Stuart Larrabee."

"Touted as one of the most important research facilities for African art in America, at this museum, you can expect to find over 9,000 pieces of ancient African art. There are exhibits dedicated to Egyptian carvings, sacred objects, and musical instruments. The National Museum of African Art reopened in July 2021, following renovations."

"The National Museum of African Art houses an extensive collection of traditional and contemporary African art. The collection includes over 300,000 photographs and 50,000 volumes of library. It is considered as the main venue for African art on an international platform."

"American University Museum (AU) is located on American University’s main campus at the Katzen Arts Center. It consists of a three-story, 30,000 square-foot museum and sculpture garden. It hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary art from around the globe."

"The German-American Heritage Museum of the USA (GAHM) is located in the Penn Quarter's Hockemeyer Hall in Washington DC. The museum's collection and rotating exhibitions explore the 400-year long history of Germans in America from 1600 to now."

"The restaurant has been able to get accreditation from Michelin Guide and that in itself should be a proof to the great food available at the location. The prices are affordable enough and the ambience is quite posh looking enough. The down to earth approach in a posh appearance should provide you with a contrasting experience in its own right."

"Kyirisan only serves brunch on Sunday, but boy is it an awesome brunch with some amazing dishes. Try dishes like the Truffled Kimchi Congee, Scallion Pancake or the Panko Chicken Sandwich for some slightly different, but awesome, breakfast flavors. They also serve blueberry pancakes, a lump crab cake benedict and gravlax croissant sandwich."

"3 out of 5 stars Restaurants Foggy Bottom. Sushi king Kazuhiro Okochi made his mark at Sushi-Ko, successfully melding Asian and Western ingredients, before bringing the winning formula here. The sushi itself is top-notch, featuring fish that is gorgeous and glistening, while the rice has a touch of sweetness unlike any you’ll find elsewhere."

"Born and raised in the land of the rising sun, Chef Kaz (Kazuhiro) Okochi has brought his own version of freestyle Japanese cuisine to the nation's capital. Opened in 1999, this delightful destination serves up lunch, dinner, drink, dessert and tea offerings. Take your pick of sushi-bar specialties, Bento boxes, salads, small dishes, and rolls."

"Kaz Sushi Bistro is a stone's throw from the White House, making it an ideal choice for tourists spending the day sightseeing, as well as locals who live or work downtown."