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Newseum

Washington DC

Photo of Berlin Wall at the Newseum

Museums & Galleries
Museums, Washington DC

The Newseum closed permanently at the end of 2019.

The Newseum wears every dollar of the $450 million it took to create. Opened in its new location in April 2008, moved from its former location across the Potomac in Rosslyn, it makes good use of technology and clever exhibit tricks.

And its location certainly wasn’t cheap. It occupies a fantastic spot right on Pennsylvania Avenue, right next to the Canadian Embassy, with unobstructed views of the US Capitol Building. Despite its relatively steep admission price–at least by Washington standards–it has established itself as one of the city’s most popular attractions.

It’s also a functional space. There’s a lot of room that can be repurposed as event space–it’s a favorite venue for the Washington DC fundraising industry–and it includes a fully functional TV studio that is currently used for ABC’s Sunday morning program “This Week.”

The Newseum is a celebration and defense of one of the five fundamental freedoms included in the First Amendment of the American Constitution: the freedom of the press. Run by a non-profit but mostly funded by mainstream media, it puts heavy emphasis on the press’s mandate for talking truth to power.

As you would expect for a museum focusing on information delivered by the written and spoken word, most of the exhibits in the Newseum are wordy. But there are some big artifacts like a news helicopter and communications satellite dangling high above the main entrance hall, a mobile studio truck, microphones used by Edward Murrow and President Roosevelt, OJ Simpson’s suit, and first generation computers and digital cameras used by reporters and photojournalists. And occupying pride of place on the lower level is a large section of the Berlin Wall, replete with one of the Wall’s guard towers. There’s also a twisted section of one of the Twin Towers felled in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

But it’s not all about words. There’s some great space devoted to photojournalism. A permanent exhibit showcases every photograph awarded the Pulitzer Prize. And there are temporary exhibits on things like sports photography or photographs of the year. So it’s a great place to go to see some superb photography on display.

Photos of the Newseum

Photo of Newseum News Helicopter and Ticket Counter

Photo of Newseum Front Page Newspapers

Photo of Tourists at the Photojournalism Gallery in the Newseum

Photo of Newseum Main Foyer

Photo of First Amendment of the Constitution at Newseum Washington DC

Photo of Newseum Main Hall

Photo of National Gallery of Art as seen from Newseum

Photo of Newseum Photojournalism Exhibit

Photo of Newseum TV Screens

Photo of Berlin Wall Exhibit at Newseum in Washington DC

Photo of Newseum view of the US Capitol

Photo of Photojournalism Gallery at the Newseum in Washington DC

Photo of Pulitzer Price Photographs Gallery at the Newseum in Washington DC

How to Get to the Newseum

  • The Newseum is very central, right on Pennsylvania Avenue and across the street from the National Gallery of Art. It’s right off the National Mall.
  • The nearest Metro stations are Archives/Navy Memorial (Green and Yellow lines) and Judiciary Square (Red line).
  • Aside from the obligatory gift shop, there’s a largish cafe. And for a nicer meal, the building also includes a Wolfgang Puck restaurant, aptly named The Source.

Taking Photos at the Newseum

Not surprisingly for a place built as a shrine to the First Amendment, the Newseum’s photography policies are pretty relaxed. Personal photography is allowed in nearly all the museum, although I’ve gotten mixed information from staff on taking photos in the 5th floor exhibit on newspapers. Some say that it’s fine so long as you don’t use flash; others say photography isn’t allowed at all in there. Given how dark that particular exhibit is, it would be a challenge to take photos in there without a flash anyway.

Flash is allowed, with the exception of the 5th floor exhibit. Tripods are not allowed because of the usual tripping hazard issues.

In terms of viewing photos, the photojournalism exhibits are especially rich and will appeal to photographers.

For a great view down Pennsylvania Avenue of the US Capitol Building, head up to the 6th floor outdoor terrace.

Official Website

www.newseum.org

Common Questions

How much are Newseum tickets?

As of mid-2018, a standard adult entry ticket to the Newseum costs $24.95. Seniors (65+) get a reduced rate ($19.95), as do youths aged 7 to 18 ($14.95). Kids 6 and younger are free. There are various discounts available, including military, college student, and AAA rates (all 10% off). You’ll need the appropriate card/ID to get those rates.

If you buy your tickets in advance online you get a 15% discount; here’s the link.

With the standard tickets, you can tour one day and come back the next day for free. Another option if you plan to go regularly (or just want to support their mission) is to join as a member. The membership fee includes unlimited free entry and various other perks.

And they sometimes have promotional rates such a their Summer Fun Deal where anyone 18 or younger is free.

You can find their current ticket prices, links to buy tickets online, and membership rates on the Newseum’s ticket page.

When did the Newseum open in DC?

The Newseum opened at its Pennsylvania Avenue location in April 2008. Before that, it was just across the river in Rosslyn.

What time does the Newseum open? What time does the Newseum close?

As of mid-2018, the Newseum’s standard hours are:

  • Monday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Where is the Newseum located?

Address: 555 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

The Newseum is located in downtown Washington DC on Pennsylvania Avenue. It’s towards the U.S. Capitol Building end of Pennsylvania Avenue across the street from the National Gallery of Art. Here’s a direct link to Google maps.

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Washington DC Visitor Guides

If you're coming in from out of town, here are some of the most popular guidebooks that can help you make the most of your visit.

Fodor's Washington, D.C.: with Mount Vernon, Alexandria & Annapolis...
Fodor's Washington, D.C.: with Mount Vernon, Alexandria & Annapolis...
  • Fodor's Travel Guides (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
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Fodor's Washington D.C 25 Best 2021 (Full-color Travel Guide)
Fodor's Washington D.C 25 Best 2021 (Full-color Travel Guide)
  • Fodor’s Travel Guides (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
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Frommer's EasyGuide to Washington, D.C. 2020
Frommer's EasyGuide to Washington, D.C. 2020
  • Pratt, Meredith (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon
Lonely Planet Washington, DC (City Guide)
Lonely Planet Washington, DC (City Guide)
  • Lonely Planet (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Check Price on Amazon

And here are some interesting options for less traditional guidesbooks if you'd like an emphasis on exploring DC on foot or diving into some of the region's rich history.

National Geographic Walking Washington, D.C. (National Geographic Walking...
National Geographic Walking Washington, D.C. (National Geographic Walking...
  • NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
  • Kennedy, Barbara Noe (Author)
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A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
A History Lover's Guide to Washington, D.C.: Designed for Democracy...
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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.


Location: Newseum
Coordinates:
      Latitude: 38.893282
      Longitude: -77.019286

      # Museums & Galleries
      # Museums
      # Washington DC



About David Coleman

I take photos. I travel. I write. I do it for a living.

I’m based in Washington, DC.

You can find more of my work at havecamerawilltravel.com.

And if you’re visiting DC in the spring, be sure to check out my DC Cherry Blossom Watch site.

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.

Licensing Images

Looking for travel stock photos or prints? I might be able to help. You can search my collection here:

If you already have a buyer account with Alamy and would prefer to use that, you can search my images directly here.

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