Washington, DC, is a paradise for museum lovers. No first trip would be complete without a visit to cultural icons like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. . Free, walkable, and filled with world-famous exhibits, it’s no surprise that these perennial favorites are suitable for all ages.
If you’re planning a second trip to Washington, or you just want a break from the classics, these lesser-known museums are entertaining and educational, but without the crowds — and often overwhelming scale — of the city’s famous museum heavyweights.
International Spy Museum
- Arrive there: The nearest metro station is L’Enfant Plaza, a five-minute walk away.
- Hour: 9 am to 7 pm from Sunday to Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.
- Value: $28.95 for adult tickets (13-64 years old), $18.95 for youth tickets (7-12 years old) and $25.95 for college students and members of the military with proof of ID . Child tickets (ages 6 and under) are free.
- Great for: From 7 years old and up.
Given the high admission price, you might want to skip the International Spy Museum and head to DC’s free facilities, but this family-friendly crowd-pleaser is well worth a visit. The immersive experience reveals what it takes to be a spy — and whether you have what it takes.
Even those who normally find museums claustrophobic will be mesmerized by the world they encounter. After arriving at their specific ticketing time, visitors are taken with their group into a private room to receive their spy identity for the day and receive a badge that will unlock their individual mission when they Scroll through the exhibits. The entire experience takes an average of two to three hours, but visitors are free to roam at their own pace.
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EMILY THOMPSON/THE POINT
Highlights include fascinating exhibits on espionage missions throughout U.S. history, from how George Washington recruited spies to win the Revolutionary War to his use of cyber spies to help eliminate today’s threats.
Fascinating multimedia displays reveal how spies are recruited, how they disguise themselves, and the risks inherent in their work. The diverse artifact collections allow visitors to focus on whatever story piqued their interest. Find out how great government secrets were revealed during wartime and how a Chinese corporation tried to steal the Oreo cookie recipe.
Cultural standards are ubiquitous here. Explore Stasi’s office and immerse yourself in Cold War Berlin, see James Bond’s 1964 Aston Martin and learn how weapons are disguised as everyday objects, such as a lipstick.
And, of course, test your own spying skills by stopping at the museum’s “Secret Missions” stations, where you can scan your secret identification badge to unlock trials. different challenges. In the end, you’ll know if you’re the right fit for the job and how real spies have honed the skills you’ve shown in history. And if you want to bring home your own cryptographic wheel or lipstick tool, be sure to stop by the gift shop before you leave.
Smithsonian National Postal Museum
- Arrive there: The nearest Metro station is Union Station, a five-minute walk away.
- Hour: 10am to 5pm daily.
- Value: Free of charge.
- Great for: Older children and adults.
Don’t let the name fool you – this museum is more than just a large stamp collection. (Although it contains something really impressive, if that’s your thing.) Once in, you can check out the current feature exhibit along with a massive stamp collection on the top floor. You’ll then ride an escalator down an impressive display of airplanes, trains and trucks from years past, such as the fully restored 1931 Ford Model A Parcel Post truck and model entertainment picture of Railway service vehicle.
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On a lower level, you’ll find exhibits detailing the important role the United States Postal Service played in wars and various national threats, as well as its pivotal role in the U.S. Postal Service. keeping citizens connected globally.
This museum has fewer family-friendly exhibits than some of the exhibits you might have on your list, but kids will have a chance to identify fake letters on interactive displays, write postcards and climb into the carriage on display. Plus, this less popular museum is a welcome escape from the crowds of more popular museums you might have been to earlier in the day. And, as part of the Smithsonian museum collection, it’s free.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – Steven F. Udvar-Hazy . Center
- Arrive there: You can find public transport directions on museum website, but you may want to visit on your way to or from Dulles International Airport (IAD) or opt for carpooling if possible. If you are driving, there will be a $15 parking fee before 4pm
- Hour: 10:00 to 17:30 daily.
- Value: Free of charge.
- Great for: All ages.
You’re probably familiar with the much-loved National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall, but AvGeek shouldn’t miss the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center next to Dulles Airport.
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EMILY THOMPSON/THE POINT
It has two large hangars, so there’s plenty of room to stroll around and see the more than 150 aircraft on display, including the Discovery shuttle, SR-71 Blackbird, and Concorde. If you want to learn more about what you’re seeing, you can also check out the many exhibits scattered throughout. Children in particular will enjoy sitting in the cockpit of one of the aircraft on display.
National Art Gallery Art Sculpture Garden
- Arrive there: The nearest metro station is the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter, a three-minute walk away.
- Hour: 10am to 5pm daily.
- Value: Free of charge.
- Great for: All ages.
Located on the National Mall, you could easily overlook the Sculpture Garden, but it’s a great place to stroll between the National Museum of Natural History and the National Gallery of Art. It boasts unique sculptures by renowned artists, including a granite seat circle (Six-Part Seating by Scott Burton) and a giant eraser (Typewriter Eraser, Scale X by Claes Oldenburg) and Coosje van Bruggen), as well as a walking path to follow through the garden.
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KYLE OLSEN/THE POINT
Alternatively, you can stop at Pavilion Cafe for the perfect lunch alternative to the food carts lining the National Mall. If you visit in winter, don’t miss the ice rink in the park. And in the summer, you can catch a Friday night jazz performance in front of the cafe.
US National Arboretum
- Arrive there: You can find public transport directions on museum website, but note that your journey will include both Metro and bus. If you are driving, there is free parking.
- Hour: 8am to 5pm daily.
- Value: Free of charge.
- Great for: Anyone who is comfortable with substantial walking.
The National Arboretum is a (real) breath of fresh air on a busy Washington cruise. You can drive or walk through the nursery grounds to see a variety of trees and other plants. One of the best is the National Bonsai & Bonsai Museum (also free and open daily from 10am to 4pm) where you can admire more than 300 types of plants on display , many of which are hundreds of years old.
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KYLE OLSEN/THE POINT
You can also see the Columns of Parliament House, a set of columns that formed part of the Parliament House in 1828; Unable to bear the weight of the dome, they were demolished and now they live their days in their own gallery at the National Arboretum.
bottom line
Washington, DC, really has a museum for everyone. Whether you’re looking to add some excitement to your educational experience or take a break from some of the busier attractions, these museums are great additions to your next Washington itinerary. You’ll have a great time meeting them, but you’ll likely have an even better time waking up your dinner buddies with fun facts and anecdotes after your trip .
