Museums & galleries in Washington
The world's largest scientific research and educational complex, founded in 1846. It brings together 21 museums, a zoo, and 9 research centers, housing over 150 million exhibits, which earned it the nickname 'the nation's attic.' Most of the museums are located on the National Mall.
The former estate of American businesswoman Marjorie Merriweather Post in Washington, turned into a decorative arts museum. It's famous for having the largest collection of Russian imperial art outside Russia, 18th-century French furniture, and beautiful gardens covering 25 acres..
A unique private exhibition dedicated to the history and methods of intelligence. Visitors can see the largest collection of spy artifacts (over 600), including KGB and CIA equipment, participate in interactive games and workshops, and try on the role of a secret agent.
A branch of the Smithsonian American Art Museum dedicated to contemporary craft, decorative arts, and design from the 19th to 21st centuries. Located near the White House, it's known as the 'American Louvre' and was the first building in the U.S. built specifically for an art museum.
A leading museum dedicated to American art from colonial times to the present day. Located in the historic Old Patent Office building, it houses the largest collection of American art, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and contemporary folk art.
The Smithsonian Institution Museum, founded in 1962 and located in the historic Old Patent Office Building, has an exhibition dedicated to the people who shaped American culture — from presidents to artists.
The museum is famous for its rich collection of Western European and American art (painting, sculpture, graphics) from the Middle Ages to the modern era, including a unique collection of Italian Renaissance and French Impressionism.
A large, high-tech private museum covering about 40,000 sq. m, dedicated to the history, storytelling, and influence of the Bible. Spread across eight floors, it features over 1,500 exhibits, including rare manuscripts, immersive displays, a panorama of life in Nazareth, and the book's impact on culture, making a visit take 3–5 hours.
One of the main Smithsonian museums on the National Mall, dedicated to the history of the USA. It houses over 3 million exhibits, including the Star-Spangled Banner, presidents' personal items, and pop culture artifacts.
Part of the Smithsonian Institution on the National Mall, bringing together the Freer Gallery and the Sackler Gallery. The museum holds a large collection of Asian art, including works by James Whistler ('The Peacock Room').
