One of the world's greatest free museum system — 17 Smithsonian Institution museums in Washington, all free, ranging from the National Museum of African American History and Culture (the most significant new museum built in America in the 21st century, timed passes required) to the Air and Space Museum (the most visited museum in America), National Natural History (Hope Diamond), and the National Gallery of Art (among the finest art museums in the country).
Why It’s Worth Your Time
The Smithsonian (founded 1846, bequest from British scientist James Smithson who never visited America) is the world's largest museum complex — 17 museums, a zoo, and 21 libraries containing 155 million objects. Planning: some museums require free timed passes (African American History, Air and Space in peak season, the Zoo); others are walk-in. The National Museum of African American History and Culture (2016, David Adjaye) is the most important new American museum this century — artifacts from slavery through Muhammad Ali, immersive and overwhelming. The National Gallery of Art (technically not Smithsonian, but free and adjacent) holds the finest art collection in America outside the Met and Boston MFA — including the only Leonardo in the Western Hemisphere (Ginevra de' Benci) and Pei's 1978 East Building. The Air and Space Museum (most visited museum in America) has the Wright Flyer and Apollo 11 command module.
What Stands Out
- 17 free Smithsonian museums: the largest free museum system in the world — more art, history, science, and culture without charge than any comparable institution
- National Museum of African American History and Culture (2016): the most important new museum in America — book timed passes well in advance
- National Gallery of Art: the only da Vinci painting in the Western Hemisphere (Ginevra de' Benci), I.M. Pei East Building, free — the finest free art museum in America
- National Air and Space Museum: Wright Brothers' Flyer, Apollo 11 command module, the most visited museum in America
- Hope Diamond at Natural History: the 45.52-carat blue diamond in the most visited gem and mineral hall in the world