Along and near the beautiful National Mall, you’ll find more than a dozen Smithsonian facilities, filled with more artifacts and memorabilia than you’ll find anywhere else in the world. The exhibits thrill Smithsonian visitors with art, history, world civilizations, pop culture, geology, space exploration, and so much more. Admission is free, so there’s no reason not to include at least some of these amazing museums in any DC tour. If you’re looking for customized group travel tours, you might need the help of a travel coordinator. Educational tours require specific considerations as well, and the Smithsonian is certainly the perfect choice for those. But if you’re traveling alone or planning the itinerary yourself, this highlight will help you prepare for all the Smithsonian has to offer. The only thing left is a world-class guide to lead the way.
The Smithsonian Institution began in 1846 thanks to a generous US inheritance from James Smithson, a British scientist, who requested the money be used to spread and increase knowledge. Now the Smithsonian has nineteen museums and galleries, nine research facilities, and a zoo. Here are several you’ll want to consider for your tour.
The Castle
The Smithsonian castle is its visitors center. Inside you’ll find a 10-minute video to help you understand the Smithsonian and its many parts. The Center offers interactive touch screens as well. If you haven’t decided before, the Castle could help you choose the other Smithsonian facilities you most want to visit.
In this spacious facility, you can see the Hubble Space Telescope test vehicle up close. You’ll find an entire exhibit devoted to the Wright Brothers with some of their aircraft available to view. Other highlights include the Spirit of St. Louis and the Apollo 11 command module. There’s more air and spacecraft in this museum than anywhere else in the world. You can even walk inside some of the acquisitions here, all showcasing our innovation in flight and space exploration.
American HistoryThe pop culture exhibit is a favorite in this museum, with artifacts from Disney memorabilia to Dorothy’s ruby slippers and Carol Burnett’s drapes-to-costume ensemble from the famous spoof of Gone with the Wind. But other American History artifacts are just as thrilling. You’ll find here the flag that flew during the writing of The Star Spangled Banner. Abe Lincoln’s hat and Thomas Jefferson’s writing desk greet you from our country’s past, as well as artifacts for American trends in fashion, tools, interior design, and innovation.
American Art
Viewing the art from a given era can give you a whole new perspective on it. This museum celebrates the creative efforts of Americans through the centuries. The pieces tell the story of our nation just as historical artifacts do. They teach us not just what happened, but how it felt.
African Art
Celebrate one of the most artistic and spiritual cultures in the world with the many items on display in the Museum of African Art. From beautiful works of art to functional pieces, this museum highlights African culture from the past and the present.
Natural History
The butterfly exhibit is a must in the Natural History Museum. The Hope Diamond draws crowds every day. Children of every age are fascinated by the large mammals and the dinosaurs. Every inch of the green-domed structure showcases all we’ve learned about the earth, its creatures, and its resources – from bugs to elephants to bright-colored gemstones, and everything in between.
American Indian
This fascinating museum will interest you from the moment you see its unique, beautiful exterior. Inside, the fascination continues as exhibits, artifacts – sometimes even live performances describe the life of the American Indian. Many tribes, many histories – all showcased in one exciting place.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Speaking of unique buildings, this one certainly is. It’s almost a tradition in our country to showcase modern art in a building that’s as modern and magnificent as the pieces inside. This museum offers films, works of art, a variety of exhibits, and many beautiful sculptures in the garden and beyond.