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The 6 Best History Museums in Downtown / Chinatown, District of Columbia (DC)
Washington DC is a hub for American politics and history. Attracting as many school field trips as it does travelers the district offers a peek into the country’s democratic origin. There are plenty of free museums to take advantage of but the real draw here is the memorials and monuments dedicated to great American leaders. Spend some contemplative time at the Reflecting Pool within the National Mall, among the most patriotic places in the country.
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1. Smithsonian American Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,543 reviews
The Smithsonian American Art Museum shares its collections, programs, and exhibitions in two locations in Washington, DC. SAAM’s main building is located at the heart of a vibrant downtown cultural district.
Reviewed By oliviayoung99 - Columbus, United States
I absolutely LOVED this museum, and could have stayed here for an entire day! The art they have on display is absolutely amazing and truly unique! The best piece in my opinion is the Electronic Superhighway: Continental USA-- completely amazing and different, I could have stayed and stared at it for hours! The portrait museum that's attached is equally outstanding-- between the two one could easily spend a solid day or two looking at everything. This is probably my favorite Smithsonian, and I guarantee that there is something here for everybody to enjoy!
2. Ford's Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,278 reviews
The site of the April 14, 1865, assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, Ford's Theatre is a working theatre, historical monument, world-class museum and learning center. The theatre produces musicals and plays reflecting the unique, diverse character of American life. With its inspiring theatrical productions, live historic interpretation, and rich collection of artifacts, Ford’s is the premier destination in the nation’s capital to explore and celebrate the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. A daytime visit can include the museum, theatre, Petersen House (the house where Lincoln died) and Aftermath Exhibits at the Center for Education and Leadership. Advance tickets are required (convenience fee). From September to May, Ford’s presents evening and matinee productions of renowned plays, vibrant musicals, and newly commissioned works that captivate and entertain while examining political and social issues related to Lincoln’s life and legacy.
Reviewed By V3583ELjennifers
I have been to DC many times but not taken the opportunity to visit Ford's Theater before now. The museum and park sevice tours are open to the public, tickets based on donations (at the visitors choice), and provide a combination of self guided museum tour and a ranger talk about the last day of Lincoln's life. The tour includes a visit to the house where Lincoln died, and a center for education exhibit on Lincoln's legacy. Take the time to see this site.
3. National Portrait Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,498 reviews
Visitors can view the portraits of all the U.S. presidents.
Reviewed By rossf976 - Fargo, United States
You intended to visit the much-hyped International Spy Museum, only to discover the entrance mobbed with tourists and the $22.95/adult a bit above budget. So you glance across the street to a hulking Greek Revival style building apparently ignored by the mobs. Better take a closer look. You’ve stumbled onto the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum, unencumbered by the multitudes and…free. These two art galleries in the sprawling ex-U.S. patent office tend to be missed perhaps because the building is several blocks off Smithsonian central on the National Mall. Some people who have visited Washington over the years also may remember its location in a once-dubious neighborhood surrounded by pimps and addicts. Well, that was then. Now the area between F and G streets has been cleaned up and this museum ought to move to everyone’s A list. It’s become one of the city’s top art museums. The portrait gallery features American history as told through the presidents, George Washington to Barack Obama. That newest portrait is so popular staff had to set up ropes to control the line. The American art gallery side houses a vast collection of just about any kind of work you want to see, from Renaissance art (European but with a connection to the New World) to contemporary abstracts. Pottery, sculpture, folk art, glass-walled conservation demo room, charming covered courtyard—well, it’s clearly too much for the limited space. In fact, some of the art has been squeezed together top to bottom hanging from back-to-back boards on the nearly-ignored third level. Don’t miss that. The building itself features grand staircases, marble floors and dramatic skylights, architecture alone is worth a look. That it barely survived a tear-down plan during the philistine ‘50s makes it all the more amazing. To see everything requires several hours. But what the heck—come back again later. After all, it’s free. And mob-less. One possible concern: it doesn’t open until almost lunch time, 11:30 a.m. But it stays open until 7 p.m.
4. National Building Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 653 reviews
The National Building Museum tells the stories of the world we design and build. We’re one of the most family-friendly, awe-inspiring spots in Washington, D.C. The Museum offers something for everyone, from children to design buffs to building professionals. Learn about the Museum’s historic home during a free docent-led tour, offered daily. Docents also lead tours of exhibitions. Our 75-foot Corinthian columns are the country’s tallest.
Reviewed By css1983 - Silver Spring, United States
Great place to visit on any day, in any weather. The beautiful atrium is a sight to behold, and fun for an indoor picnic, and place for kids to run around and play. The exhibitions range from hands-on play areas (fun for everyone), to the history of Washington D.C. architecture, to rotating exhibits that are sure the fascinate the artist, historian and architect inside you.
5. Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
Built in 1876 and restored and rededicated in 1970, the historic synagogue is now stewarded by the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington. It is open for educational tours, programs, and life-cycle events. Our exhibitions are displayed in venues throughout the region to preserve the authentic feel of the historic space. Contact us to book a tour or rent the sanctuary! The historic synagogue, the oldest in the Washington area, is home to the Lillian & Albert Small Jewish Museum. Built by Adas Israel Congregation, President Ulysses S. Grant attended the synagogue's dedication in 1876. The congregation outgrew the building in a few decades and sold the building.It stood at Sixth & G Streets, NW, for more than 90 years before being slated for demolition. The Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington helped save the building from the wrecking ball, and in 1969, it was moved three blocks to its present site. Community contributions and a gift from Lillian and Albert Small helped restore the synagogue.
6. DC History Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10 reviews
The DC History Center is owned and operated by the Historical Society of Washington, D.C., which collects, interprets, and shares the history of our nation's capital. Founded in 1894, the Historical Society presents exhibitions, programs, and events in the DC History Center to celebrate the city's heritage and maintains thousands of historical materials accessible to the public through the Kiplinger Research Library. The DC History Center is located in the historic Carnegie Library, Washington's former public library. The Beaux Arts building is open to the public Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday, 12:00 - 5:00 pm, closed on Mondays. Guided group tours are available on request.
Reviewed By carolyne406 - Norwalk, United States
This museum had a lot of photos and a mural showing dates that events took place in Washington, D. C. from when it was first settled to present. There is no admission and no guided tours, but it is worth checking out.
