Free Museums in Washington DC
Washington DC, the capital of the United States, is not only a hub of political power but also a treasure trove of cultural and historical artifacts. The city is home to numerous museums, many of which offer free admission, making them accessible to all. These free museums in Washington DC provide a wealth of knowledge and entertainment, covering a wide range of topics from art and history to science and nature. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist, these museums offer an enriching experience without putting a dent in your wallet. This article will guide you through some of the best free museums in Washington DC that you must visit.
National archives museum
4.7
(4061)
Reviews:
Wonderful museum! Housing the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. In addition, displays about those involved in the documents and those affected by them and the roads endured in relation to the purpose of each. Worth visiting in DC for sure by every American and those from abroad to begin to understand what the USA is all about... for the people, all people! Went on a Saturday and waited 40 minutes to get in. No fee, but if you choose to donate, you can skip the line ($60 for two, $110 for four entries).
Joseph Oliva
Great history being able to see the Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights and other rotating exhibitions. But wait there's more! Cool historical cars to see also on display. Unfortunately a portion of the museum was under renovation when I visited but the rotunda was open. Beautiful architecture and easy to get to being just a block off of The Mall.
Chris Parker
This free museum currently has an exhibit dedicated to sports and its impact on culture and civil rights. I highly recommend a visit. It's also home to the precious documents that are the backbone of the United States of America. Well worth a visit!
Justin Kramm
Well worth the visit. You are able to view the original copy of the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights. Very amazing to see these original documents. If there is any downside to your visit here, it is that you aren't able to take photos in any of the displays, including the above listed documents. That makes sense when talking about the Constitution, etc. because of the damage flash photography does, but the other displays? I wondered about that. Well worth the visit, though.
Michael
This is a cool museum in the national mall to look at some old historical documents. While you can't really take pictures while inside, the experience was really cool. We especially loved the chance to see the Declaration of Independence. That document is very faded, by the way. Thank goodness we've made copies!
Anthony R
701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408, USA
National building museum
4.3
(3561)
Museum dedicated to architecture, engineering & design, with exhibits for kids as well as adults.
Reviews:
I came from NY for the Brick exhibit (LEGO) exhibit. The adorable showcase is lovely. Although small, it's obvious that a lot of planning, patience and time was invested in even the simplest building. I enjoyed the LEGO play table. Unfortunately, I didn't come up with anything to build for which I found pieces. The kids were more creative. It was fun watching them. The museum itself doesn't have a ton to see, which can be positive or not, depending on your preference. What it does have is interesting, even for some like me who isn't that interested in this subject. After the LEGO exhibit, I love the spaces for kids to play. I also got a kick out of seeing early generation building toys. I'll remember the museum shop when I need to get fun educational gifts.
Tax Professional
If you have a block builder in the family, or are looking for a stop between more famous DC landmarks, the National Building Museum is worth a stop. The first floor can be visited without a ticket. To go to Brick City, play with some blocks, and see the development of buildings plus some cool models, you'll need a ticket, which you can get from the visitor's center on the first floor. So you can take a look around before deciding. Tickets are $10 for adults ($7 for under 17s, over 60s, or students). It's an impressive building and if you get excited by small plastic bricks and think "everything is awesome" head to Brick City on the second floor.
Mark O'Connor
Really short museum but can’t beat the price it’s 10 bucks for an adult. Takes a little over an hour to walk through if you take your time. I personally like more extensive museums but it was still cool to check out
Cody King
This museum is a nice but a small representation of the countries infrastructure. There are five exhibits open currently, kids building blocks, legos, infrastructure around the country, houses, and housing development solutions (closes mid October). You enter the building from the street and there are towering columns in the main foyer. A three story walk path surrounds the foyer with stairs and elevators that are accessible to all the levels. You check in on the bottom floor and immediately to your left you seen the countries infrastructure exhibit. Lots on material of construction, monuments around the country and history of our buildings. Upstairs includes building block and Lego exhibits for the kids and one on housing development over the years. I found them all interesting, was a little disappointed that there weren’t more exhibits, but hopefully in the future they will expand
Michael Romanelli
Built in 1887 by General Montgomery Meigs (founder of Arlington Cemetery), this building housed the National Pension Bureau; the predecessor of the Veterans Administration. This museum has several different galleries that explain the built environment and touch on various housing concepts and challenges. However, I wish the museum would touch on other aspects to include healthcare & education design, bridges and roadways, construction technology, and other ares that would garner interest in these careers fields. There is definitely space for expansion. For the kids and kids at heart, there is a large Lego Brick City exhibit allowing visitors to design their own structures. Be sure to take time to locate Harry Potter. 🪄
Jœ
401 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
National museum of women in the arts
4.6
(1229)
Museum devoted to female art, with 3,000-plus works by the likes of Frida Kahlo & Mary Cassatt.
Reviews:
Was already a must-experience museum before the 2021-2023 renovation and is even moreso now. The permanent collection is vast and the ephemeral shows are always thought provoking and showcase massive talent. Great gift shop is always a plus.
Tim Wright
This museum makes you stand up and cheer! To see art by women of every stripe in every medium is pure bliss. They practically had to throw us out at closing time. This experiece is one women of every age should have—and men! There is much to be gleaned and a library if you want to get into the nuts and bolts!
Christine Bethea
cute little musume with artwork from some of my favorite artists. it is small but the renovation looks splended. i do wish they had more works of very famous woman artists.
behn farahpour
Every museum has its own beauty, the design and layout with beautiful stone staircases makes a statement. Great Board of Trade event on Oct 26th the Museum was buzzing!
Jill McCabe
The NMWA opened in 1987 as the only museum in the world dedicated to women artists. It has now reopened after being closed for major renovations and it's fabulous. Old favorites are joined by works never seen before in a new setting. The current temporary exhibit, The Sky's the Limit, will only be on view until February and is worth a visit. Check for free days and special programs.
Hilda Kroll
1250 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA
Anacostia community museum
4.6
(270)
Small museum with various creative exhibits spotlighting topics facing today's urban communities.
Reviews:
I discovered this museum by chance and thankfully so. It is the first Smithsonian Museum dedicated to African American History. It was certainly a smaller space than I expected yet I was pleasantly surprised at how well designed the exhibits were and how very interactive and engaging the entire museum was. The garden outside really caught my attention, Lavender, mint oregano and rosemary and some other random flowers that attract giant bees and countless moths and butterflies!!!!!! I must say the landscaping is certainly a highlight. I found the exhibit very interesting, focused on women and environmental issues, gentrification and systemic racism enhancing the effects of climate change in low income areas. Very thoughtfully curated and well managed. The staff was welcoming and the front desk informed me of all I needed to feel comfortable in the space as I walked in. There was plenty of security and a lot of people enjoying the space with their children. The outdoors make a great place for a picnic lunch as well.
SANTIAGUE DEPREZ
Lots of interactive activities for the kids. Very swanky and well put together. Not very big, but definitely worth the visit.
Amyr Glover
Their exhibition is great about women in EJ in DC. Come and visit to learn about history that still happens.... you will not regret
Marileidy P
It is a beautiful local informative museum. It is dedicated to the betterment of our lives as a whole. I was amazed to learn a lot of the information and was eager to drive my children around the city and continue our learning journeys. and also remember some incredible roads, murals, outstanding women and their contributions!
Nelle
Such a nicely put together exhibit in a lovely space. Supe informative and inspiring exhibit about women in the environmental justice movement in DC, with good opportunities to interact/engage all ages (elementary and up). A hidden gem!
Deb Olander
1901 Fort Pl SE, Washington, DC 20020, USA
The national museum of american diplomacy
4.5
(14)
Reviews:
A simple museum with facts on diplomacy. Have to go through a security check.
Anayawa Nyambe
The National Museum of American Diplomacy is a tiny museum inside the lobby of one of the oldest buildings on the State Department campus near Foggy Bottom. Tours are offered daily and they last for twenty minutes. When you arrive, you'll need to go through security. Once through, you'll see the small exhibits. They are organized around four principles- security, democracy, prosperity, development. Each principle includes a few items to view and lots of reading. There's a quiz at the end of the exhibit to see what level of diplomat you are (the guide said it was hard, but our group got 7-8 right). There's a bottom floor with a slice of the Berlin Wall and restrooms. The museum itself is tiny, but they are hoping to double in size come 2020.
Austin Graff
This is not a museum that is completely open to the public, but you can visit the center if someone that works there can meet you at the check-in. The guards were very nice and the building was very clean and organized from what I saw.
Jack P
A really great start to what I know will be a wonderful museum/center. I had the opportunity to do one of their simulations and it was a tremendous experience.
Sarah Schwab
It's a historical and great place to understand Diplomacy.
Victoria Tabifor
330 21st St NW, Washington, DC 20006, USA
Smithsonian national museum of african art
4.7
(624)
Vibrant museum gift shop featuring unique African artwork, home decorations, clothing & jewelry.
Reviews:
This museum is filled with tons of colourful and unique art involving recycling old items. The free admission here is very nice. There are three different sublevels with each one having a different theme you can check out. Personally, my favourite art piece here was the ring made out of gasoline cans. The gift shop also had a huge variety of souvenirs made in Africa at a good price. I am glad I checked this place out and you definitely should too! Highly recommend!
Kiet TT
Incredible museum with traditional pieces to contemporary vibrant artwork, sculptures, and interactive exhibits. We liked how spacious the facility is, and we can't believe it was not busy, a museum of this caliber would be packed in other major cities. The basement level has an underground connecting tunnel to the Asian museum, we liked the convenience, and it's an easy way to see 2 impressive museums.
Fred Hintenberger
Initially, I wanted to check it out just to see what this museum had to offer. We ended up being there for over two hours. It was extremely interesting with beautiful art. Sam, the curator, gave us a tour about the lower area of the exhibits. I'm glad to see that some exhibits that once contained items are now empty. The pieces were rightfully returned to their people and countries in Africa.
Sam P.
This museum is one of my favorites. The 3 subterranean levels of sculpture, costume and artifacts is fantastic. I wish there was twice as much to see! African art is full of color, imagination, playfulness and an earthy and respectful relationship with the finite resources of the planet. I go back whenever I can.
Shelley Crain
Make sure you check out the incredible current exhibit "From The Deep" and the African Movement class happening the first 3 Saturdays of July, August and September - such a great way to start the weekend. A bit of dance, a bit of art and then we headed out for brunch!!
Morgan Fykes
950 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Museum of the bible
4.7
(10461)
Immersive exhibits, including a recreation of Jesus's Nazareth, plus ancient scrolls & rare Bibles.
Reviews:
Amazing place to visit. Me and wife spent over three hours here, and we easily could have spent more time. There are exhibits spread across 6 floors, so there is plenty to see. I especially enjoyed their large collection of historical bibles that they had. You also cannot miss the walkthrough experience, which tells the story of the old testament. Would absolutely recommend if you are in DC.
Dominic
Absolutely a wonderful place to visit. Don’t miss this when you were in DC . I get up there with touring the capital 15 the Lincoln Memorial. So much to see how much history. The guided tour is really cool. I would return just to see the amazing exhibits in the magical place.
Juan S
SOoo cool!! 😍 LOVE this museum!! Virtual Reality tour of Israel is totally worth it - I really felt like I was there!! Really enjoyed the Hebrew Experience tour and even just watching the Chosen scenes in the theater was so enjoyable - especially on the big screen!! Was so into the experiences I didn't take any pics inside, but outside building and grounds were beautiful as well! A little piece of history or legacy around everywhere you explore! And both the cafe and restaurant have tasty selections and the friendliest staff! What a blessing to have a museum like this and so much we didn't get to, so can't wait to go back!! 😊🙏💗🎉
TonyLaura Vespa
This was a site to behold! Who knew there was a museum about the Bible? I can honestly say . . . Washington DC has everything!!! The entire museum is so very peaceful and filled with tranquility. They have everything you could ever want to know about the Bible. The best thing to me was the peaceful room that had scripture recordings playing continually. It was so wholesome. This is an awesome and incredible place. I absolutely loved it!!!
GinaG1234
Very enjoyable! The museum took us around four hours to walk through, but could take a bit longer, especially if you attend any theatre performances. Our group went top to bottom, and really enjoyed the skylight deck, cultural history of the bible, translation history, and all of floor four (walk through the old testament, life of Jesus, etc). The museum is very accessible, has food and a small outdoor terrace on the top floor, and restrooms on every floor. Our group thought the online ticket price of $20 was well spent here.
Megan Brubaker
400 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA