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The museum's world class collections help tell the complex history of our nation. We are located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Open today 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Plan Your Visit.
- Visit
The National Museum of American History is open every day,...
- Exhibitions
We would like to show you a description here but the site...
- Search The Collections
The National Museum of American History collects artifacts...
- Archives Center
The Archives Center supports the mission of the National...
- African American History
Explore the digital resources on this page to learn more...
- Asian Pacific American History
This guide from the museum's Food History Team assembles a...
- Infectious Disease History
The museum’s collections document the technologies and...
- Latino History
This guide from the museum's Food History Team assembles a...
- LGBTQ History
LGBTQ+ history is a part of American history that the museum...
- American History Museum
The American History Museum’s collection contains more than...
- Visit
- National Museum of African American History and Culture. Things to do. The most iconic museum in DC, the National Museum of African American History and Culture is eight floors of fascinating historical exhibits.
- National Museum of Asian Art. The National Museum of Asian Art is an incredibly thoughtfully put together group of exhibits to help visitors learn about Asian history in the US and beyond.
- National Museum of the American Indian. Museums. History. Dedicated to America’s colonized and historically abused Indigenous people, the National Museum of the American Indian joined the Mall in 2004, bringing with it significant Native American artifacts and a renowned cafeteria.
- Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden. Museums. Art and design. This spectacular, aggressively modern cylindrical building enlivens the predominantly neoclassical architecture lining the Mall.
People also ask
What are the best museums in Washington DC?
What is in the American History Museum?
Where is the Smithsonian National Museum of African American history?
What's on display at the best museums in DC?
- Top 20 Historic Sites in Washington D.C.
- Top 15 Historic Sites in Washington D.C.
- Top 10 Historic Sites in Washington D.C.
- The Top 5 Historic Sites in Washington D.C.
- List of Historic Sites in Washington D.C.
- We Hope You’Ll Follow Our Journey
20. International Spy Museum
If you’re planning a trip anywhere to see historic sites, but have a limited budget there’s probably no city in America that can give you a bigger bang for your buck than Washington D.C. When it comes to historic sites, the nation’s capitol has more of them than anywhere else. More Than Just Parks kicks off its list of the Best Historic Sites In Washington D.C. with an unconventional pick at #20. It’s the International Spy Museum. If you love the world of espionage then this is a must-see pla...
19. Korean War Veterans Memorial
We move from the world of espionage to the forgotten war. At #19 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Washington D.C. is the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Why is it called the “Forgotten War” you might ask? The Korean War was fought from 1950 until 1953 and pitted the United States, South Korea, and their UN allies against North Korea and the Chinese Communists. The Korean War is often called the “Forgotten War” because it was largely overshadowed by WWII and Vietnam. The Memorial is loc...
18. Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
We move from a memorial honoring veterans of a long ago war to place which celebrates one of the earliest opponents of slavery. At #18 on our list is the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site which is located in Anacostia. Douglass was born into slavery in Maryland in 1818, but he escaped to freedom in 1838. He went on to become a leading voice in the abolitionist movement, advocating for the end of slavery and the full rights of African Americans. He also served as a diplomat, a newspape...
15. Supreme Court of the United States
We’re on to the Top 15 Historic Sites In Washington D.C. At #15 is a place which is considered to be one of the most important in the world. It’s the Supreme Court of the United States. Why is the Supreme Court so important? First, as the highest court in the land, it is the court of last resort for those looking for justice. Second, due to its power of judicial review, it plays an essential role in ensuring that each branch of government recognizes the limits of its own power. The Supreme Co...
14. World War I Memorial
From the highest court in the land to the “War To End All Wars,” our next historic site honors the Americans who served in World War One. At #14 is the World War One Memorial. Why was it called the “War To End All Wars,” you might ask? World War I was known as the “war to end all wars” because of the great slaughter and destruction it caused. Unfortunately, the peace treaty that officially ended the conflict—the Treaty of Versailles of 1919—forced punitive terms on Germany that destabilized E...
13. National Mall & Memorial Parks
At #13 is a place which has had more visitors than it’s possible to calculate. It’s the National Mall & Memorial Parks. The National Mall & Memorial Parksencompasses some of the most iconic and historically significant landmarks and monuments in the United States. The park is home to many of the city’s most famous attractions, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, as well as many other monuments and memorials....
10. African American Civil War Museum
We’re on to our Top 10 Historic Sites In Washington D.C. At #10 is a place dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of African Americans who served in the Civil War. It’s the African American Civil War Museum. This museum is housed in the historic Grimke Building, which was built in 1871 and served as a school for African American children. The idea for the museum began in the 1980s, when a group of local historians and community activists formed the African American Civil War Memorial...
9. Theodore Roosevelt Island
We’re moving on from a place which celebrates the achievements of African Americans during the Civil War to one which honors one of America’s greatest presidents. At #9 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Washington D.C. is Theodore Roosevelt Island. It’s a 88.5-acre island located in the Potomac River in Washington D.C., United States. The island is a national memorial dedicated to the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. The island is located within the Potomac Riv...
8. World War Two Memorial
The “War To End All Wars” didn’t as you are well aware. At #8 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Washington D.C. is a memorial to the most destructive war in the history of the world. It’s the World War Two Memorial. The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million Americans who served in the armed forces during World War II, and the more than 400,000 who died. The memorial was dedicated on April 29, 2004, and is located on the National Mall, between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washing...
President’s Park
We’re on to the Top 5 Historic Sites In Washington D.C. At #5 we have what many consider to be the most famous address in the world – 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. It’s the White House. The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States and is located in Washington, D.C. The building has a rich history that dates back to the early years of the United States. The White House was designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban and was completed in 1800. The building was co...
4. Thomas Jefferson Memorial
We’re on to the “Final Four.” At #4 is an iconic site which honors the life and legacy of America’s third President of the United States. It’s the Jefferson Memorial. The Jefferson Memorial in Washington D.C. was built to honor one of the most influential Founding Fathers and third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. The idea for the memorial was first proposed in 1934, on the 200th anniversary of Jefferson’s birth, and construction began in 1939. The design for the memorial was...
3. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
At #3 on our list of the Best Historic Sites In Washington D.C. is a memorial which honors the man who many consider to be the “Conscience of the Civil Rights Movement in America.” It’s the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial. The Martin Luther King Jr. honors the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist minister and civil rights leader who played a key role in the American civil rights movement. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and civil rights activist who is best kno...
Lincoln MemorialVietnam Veterans MemorialMartin Luther King, Jr. MemorialThomas Jefferson MemorialOur goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of America’s national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation. We hope you’ll follow our journey through the parks and help us to keep them the incredible places that they are. If you’re int...
Aug 30, 2023 · Visit DC history museums to learn more about the nation's complex past. The opportunity to view American history through a different lens presents itself at each of these establishments. Consider world views, international perspectives and personal life experiences when interpreting and observing displays at the following museums.
Browse the Museum's unique collection of papier-mâché models, learn how these objects were used to teach anatomy, then play the "Body Parts" game to see if you can correctly identify the parts of a human model.
Guide to discovering rich and essential African American history and culture at this free Smithsonian Institution museum on the National Mall in Washington, DC.
