Washington cultural museums present varied offerings.
Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States and a hotbed of cultural offerings. As a popular tourism destination, D.C. offers visitors a wide variety of locations to explore. School trips, traveling families and locals all pass through the legendary museums located throughout the District of Columbia. Whether you're seeking visual art or historical artifacts, there is a lot to see in the nation's capital.
Smithsonian American Art Museum
The Smithsonian is recognized as the country's first official art collection and is world famous. It displays American works of art dating back to colonial times. Here you will find everything from impressionist art to folk to modern art. The museum is located in northwest D.C. at the intersection of 8th and F streets near Gallery Place-Chinatown, a busy hub of activity. Admission is always free, and the museum is open every day except Christmas.
National Gallery of Art
Opened in 1937, The National Gallery of Art is home to the Western Hemisphere's only original piece by Leonardo da Vinci. The galleries include an extensive collection of European and American works by Monet and Rembrandt, in addition to the achievements of Andy Warhol and other contemporary pop artists. It is centrally located on the National Mall and boasts a large sculpture garden. Admission is free, and the gallery is only closed on Christmas and New Year's Day each year.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
This museum is a favorite attraction for people of all ages. It is located in northwest Washington. Admission and all programs come free of charge. The Museum of Natural History houses ancient specimens from the natural world and large animal displays.
Exhibitions focus on Earth's living creatures in all variations. The research scientists and preservationists who work directly for the museum present their findings to visitors through creative displays. This destination is popular for science class field trips due to its educational value.
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
This special memorial museum is located in the southwest part of Washington and offers a unique insight into the tragedy of the Holocaust. It is a free museum, for which no entry passes are required. The historical facts and personal survival stories of the Holocaust are explored in depth, so a visit to the museum is an educational and often emotional experience. It is highly interactive for all visitors, and students in particular are encouraged to attend to study world history.
