Washington D.C., the capital of the United States, is not only famous for its iconic architecture and important government institutions, but also a treasure trove of invaluable culture and history. This city boasts a plethora of world-class museums, each offering unique and captivating stories about America and the world. From art, history, science to spies and even botany, the museums in Washington D.C. are sure to captivate every visitor, regardless of interests and age. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” to explore the most fascinating museums in Washington, where every step is a journey of discovery full of surprises and excitement.
Discover Diverse Art Worlds in Washington
Washington D.C. is an ideal destination for art lovers, with numerous museums showcasing rich collections from around the world and throughout history.
National Portrait Gallery – Admire Portraits of People Who Shaped America
Amy Sherald: The Great American Fact
Address: 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001 Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM daily Admission: Free Website: National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery, part of the Smithsonian Institution, preserves and exhibits portraits of Americans who have made significant contributions to the nation’s history and culture. The museum houses a vast collection including paintings, sculptures, photography, and other art forms, depicting portraits of presidents, social activists, artists, scientists, and many other famous figures.
Featured Exhibitions:
- Amy Sherald: The Great American Fact (through February 22, 2026): Don’t miss the opportunity to admire the work of Amy Sherald, one of the leading contemporary painters of the 21st century. This exhibition is the largest and most comprehensive showcase of Sherald’s work to date, including her iconic portraits of Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor.
- Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour—Frederick Douglass (through February 6, 2026): Sir Isaac Julien’s mesmerizing video art installation explores the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass, the renowned social reformer, orator, and writer. The exhibition combines historical reenactment scenes on multiple screens, offering deep insights into Douglass’s life and contributions.
National Gallery of Art – A Treasure Trove of World Art
National Gallery of Art building exterior
Address: 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW Washington, DC 20565 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily Admission: Free Website: National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art is one of the world’s leading art museums, housing an immense collection of artworks from the Middle Ages to the present day. Here, you can admire masterpieces by European masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso, as well as American art, sculptures, drawings, and photography.
Featured Exhibitions:
- Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955-1985 (April 21 – July 20, 2025): This exhibition celebrates the significant contributions of Black artists to photography and the art movement during the period 1955-1985. Featuring approximately 150 works by over 100 artists, this exhibition showcases the diversity and expressive power of Black photographic art.
Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art – Discover the Beauty of Asian Art
Do Ho Suh: Public Figures sculpture in front of the museum
Address: 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily Admission: Free Website: Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art
The Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art comprises the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, together forming one of the most important collections of Asian art in the world. Here, you will admire artworks from across Asia, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, calligraphy, and decorative arts, spanning thousands of years of history.
Featured Exhibitions:
- Whistler’s White: Creating The Peacock Room (through January 31, 2027): Explore the fascinating story behind the famous Peacock Room, a masterpiece of decorative art created by James McNeill Whistler. The exhibition showcases paintings, works on paper, decorative arts, and documents related to the history and creation of this unique room.
- Do Ho Suh: Public Figures (through September 29, 2029): South Korean artist Do Ho Suh’s sculpture “Public Figures” is displayed in front of the museum, marking a significant milestone in the museum’s history. This work is the first sculpture to be installed outside the Freer Gallery of Art in over 30 years.
Smithsonian American Art Museum – American Art from Colonial to Contemporary
Glenn Kaino: In the Light of a Shadow
Address: 8th & G NW, Washington, DC 20004 Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM daily Admission: Free Website: Smithsonian American Art Museum
The Smithsonian American Art Museum showcases a comprehensive collection of American art from the colonial era to the present day. You will find paintings, sculptures, photography, folk art, and craft art, reflecting the development of American art and culture through the ages.
Featured Exhibitions:
- Glenn Kaino: In the Light of a Shadow (Ongoing): Glen Kaino’s aerial sculpture “In the Light of a Shadow” is an impressive artistic experience. The work comprises 200 golden arms suspended from the ceiling, each arm a replica of the right arm of athlete Tommie Smith, who made an iconic protest at the 1968 Olympic Games.
Journey Back in History at Washington’s History Museums
Washington D.C. is home to many important history museums, helping you explore the rich and diverse history of the United States and the world.
National Museum of American History – American History Through Artifacts
Exterior view of the National Museum of American History
Address: 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily Admission: Free Website: National Museum of American History
The National Museum of American History preserves and exhibits important artifacts reflecting the history and culture of the United States. From national icons like the Star-Spangled Banner flag and Abraham Lincoln’s hat to artifacts of popular culture and technology, the museum offers a comprehensive view of America’s past, present, and future.
Featured Exhibitions:
- Changing the Game (Ongoing): This exhibition explores the intersection of invention, sports, and technology. You will see artifacts such as the prototype Jogbra, advanced football helmets, Hawk-Eye cameras, and prosthetics for disabled athletes, illustrating innovation and progress in the field of sports.
National Museum of African American History and Culture – African American History and Culture
Exhibit on Black women's activism, featuring historical photos, artifacts, and informational displays at the museum.
Address: 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily Admission: Free Website: National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a unique and meaningful museum dedicated to exploring and celebrating the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans to America and the world. The museum showcases artifacts, images, stories, and interactive experiences, helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of the African American journey from slavery to the civil rights movement and achievements in many fields.
Featured Exhibitions:
- Making a Way Out of No Way: Mary McLeod Bethune and the Power of Black Women’s Activism (Ongoing): This exhibition focuses on the life and work of Mary McLeod Bethune, a renowned educator, social activist, and civil rights leader. The exhibition also celebrates the contributions of the National Council of Negro Women and other Black women in the struggle for social change.
National Museum of the American Indian – Culture and History of Native Americans
Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian Martin E. Red Bear
Address: 4th Street & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily Admission: Free Website: National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian celebrates the culture and history of Native Americans. The museum showcases artifacts, artworks, and stories from indigenous cultures across the Americas, from Alaska to South America, helping visitors learn about the diversity and richness of these cultures.
Featured Exhibitions:
- Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains (through January 20, 2026): This exhibition focuses on the narrative art of Native Nations in the Great Plains region. You will admire historical and contemporary works, from battle records, ledgers to popular culture, showcasing the creativity and vitality of Native art.
Other Unique and Interesting Museums in Washington
In addition to the famous art and history museums, Washington D.C. also has many other unique and interesting museums, offering special exploration experiences.
International Spy Museum – The Thrilling World of Espionage
Bond in Motion exhibition featuring James Bond vehicles
Address: 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily Admission: Admission fees vary, please check the website International Spy Museum Website: International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum is a fascinating destination for those who love the world of espionage and mystery stories. The museum showcases artifacts, devices, and true stories about intelligence operations from around the world and throughout history. You will explore espionage techniques, famous spies, and thrilling secret missions.
Featured Exhibitions:
- Bond in Motion (through October 2025): For James Bond fans, this exhibition showcases a collection of iconic vehicles from James Bond films. You will admire 17 items, including cars, motorcycles, submarines, and many other unique vehicles from “Q Branch Garage”.
National Building Museum – Explore Architecture and Design
Building Stories exhibition entrance with large-scale building blocks
Address: 401 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday – Monday (Closed Tuesday & Wednesday) Admission: Admission fees vary, please check the website National Building Museum Website: National Building Museum
The National Building Museum is a unique museum dedicated to architecture, engineering, construction, and urban design. The museum showcases interactive exhibitions, architectural models, images, and stories, helping visitors better understand the role of the built environment in our lives.
Featured Exhibitions:
- Building Stories (Ongoing): This exhibition is a journey of exploring architecture, construction, engineering, and design through children’s books. With interactive elements, this exhibition offers a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
United States Botanic Garden – National Botanic Garden in the Heart of the Capital
Exterior view of the United States Botanic Garden conservatory
Address: 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily Admission: Free Website: United States Botanic Garden
The United States Botanic Garden is not exactly a traditional museum, but it is a wonderful cultural and educational destination. This botanical garden showcases a diverse collection of plants from around the world, including indoor and outdoor gardens. It is an ideal place to relax, learn about the plant world, and enjoy natural beauty in the heart of the city.
Featured Exhibitions:
- Fierce Flora: Plants and Survival and Extinction (Ongoing): This special exhibition explores the “fierce” side of the plant world. You will learn about plant defenses, their adaptations to the environment, and how they can be both beneficial and harmful to humans.
Library of Congress – A Treasure Trove of Human Knowledge
Exterior of the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building
Address: 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday – Saturday (Closed Sunday & Monday) Admission: Free Website: Library of Congress
Although primarily a research library, the Library of Congress also has public exhibitions showcasing treasures from its vast collection. Here, you can admire rare manuscripts, ancient maps, historical photos, books, and many other documents, opening the door to the world of human knowledge and culture.
Featured Exhibitions:
- Collecting Memories (through July 2025): The exhibition inaugurates the Library of Congress’s new David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery, displaying over 120 fascinating items from the library’s collection. You will admire important historical documents such as Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, maps from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, lyrics from “The Sound of Music,” and many other treasures.
Conclusion
Washington D.C. is truly a museum paradise, where you can freely explore and learn about art, history, culture, science, and many other fields. With countless free museums and fascinating exhibitions, this city promises rich and memorable cultural travel experiences. Plan your visit to the most interesting museums in Washington D.C. today to discover the treasures of knowledge and beauty that await you!