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DC's Museums & Galleries

A photo guide to Washington DC's museums and galleries.

Exhibits in the African American Civil War Memorial in Washington DC

African American Civil War Museum

The African American Civil War Museum is dedicated to preserving and telling the stories of the United States Colored Troops involvement in the American Civil War.

185-150554797 Sackler Gallery Buddha Head.

Sackler Gallery

The Sackler Gallery joins the Freer Gallery of Art to form the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art for the United States of America.

Smithsonian Castle, Washington DC

Smithsonian Castle

The Smithsonian Castle looks like it should housing exotic treasures. But it doesn’t really–at least, not many and not any more. The Smithsonian now sprawls across 19 different facilities, but this is the original building.

185-154133825 Freer Gallery of Art Peacock Room Wide Shot.

Freer Gallery of Art

Originally opened in 1923 to display the collections of Charles Lang Freer, the Freer Gallery has since been merged with the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery to form the National Museum of Asian Art for the United States of America.

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National Museum of African Art

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art, out the back of the Smithsonian Castle, showcases ancient and modern African art.

Photo of Smithsonian American Art and Portraiture Museum Interior Courtyard

Smithsonian American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery

The Reynolds Center, in the heart of downtown Washington DC, combines two museums in one: it houses both the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. It has paintings, sculptures, photos, and drawings ranging from classical oil paintings to folk art to modern art.

Apollo Theater Exhibit

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

The Smithsonian National Museum of American History, on the National Mall in Washington DC, is dedicated to all aspects of American history and culture.

Seal lions at the National Zoo

Smithsonian National Zoological Park (National Zoo)

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo isn’t the biggest zoo in the country. But it is well worth a visit, especially during the warmer months when the outdoor exhibits are at their best.

Photo of Berlin Wall at the Newseum

Newseum

The Newseum is a celebration of Freedom of the Press, featuring exhibits focusing on print, radio, and television media. It also features exhibits of superb photography, a section of the Berlin Wall, and a large collection of historic newspapers.

Photo of National Aquarium Tropical Reef

National Aquarium

While it’s not especially well known even to locals, the original National Aquarium is still in the heart of downtown Washington DC. It’s nowhere near the biggest public aquarium in the United States, but it is the oldest. And it’s in a place you would never expect.

Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington DC

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

If there’s a combination that can draw the museum crowds almost as much as spaceships and airplanes, it’s dinosaurs and whopping huge diamonds. And having a life-size elephant just inside the main entrance doesn’t hurt either.

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National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC houses one of the finest collections of paintings and sculptures in the world. On permanent display are works by Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Raphael, Botticelli, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Goya, Manet, Monet, Rodin, Degas, and many, many more.

Spirit of St Louis

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum National Mall Building

There are only a handful of museums in the world that get more visitors than the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall. It’s a wonderful showcase of all things to do with space exploration and flight.

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Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center is an impressive and large addition to the museum’s exhibit space.

David Coleman Photography

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between. You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com. Or check out what’s in my go-to travel photography kit. Or get in touch here.

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