Museum component is an integral part of any capital. Washington is no exception. Among the attractions of the city, these tourist sites occupy a special place, there are more than 60 of them. The main part of Washington's museums is located in the center of the capital and forms the Smithsonian complex. A description of any historical object and a photo of the attraction can be found in the guide. Many of the complex's museums are free to enter.
Of course, it will not work to see everything in one day. Therefore, you need to choose more interesting objects. To do this, it is better to already have an idea about the popular museums of Washington. Where to go when traveling through the museum attractions of America?
History Museums
First of all, guests of the capital are recommended to visit the Museum of Natural History, which is managed by the Smithsonian Institution. This is a favorite place not only for tourists, but also for the residents of the capital. The museum has collected more than a hundred million exhibits. These are collections of rare minerals and precious stones, minerals and archaeologicalfinds.
Children and teenagers will be interested in the collection of skeletons of dinosaurs and reptiles, as well as the jaws of the most ancient giant shark. Visitors to the complex will be able to see fossil artifacts, meteorites, sculptures of idols of Ancient India, a large sapphire Star of Asia, the famous Hope diamond and many other rare and valuable exhibits. A giant stuffed elephant will meet the guests of the museum, and under the very ceiling you can see a stuffed sperm whale.
Entrance to the Museum of Natural History is free, open seven days a week, closing only on Christmas Day.
The most visited place on the National Mall is the Museum of American History in Washington. Every year it passes through its halls millions of tourists. Here are exhibits that allow you to trace the amazing and diverse history of America. Museum guests can get acquainted with historical and government documents and see collections of objects:
- agriculture;
- food industry;
- mechanical engineering;
- clothes.
Astronautics Museum
The largest collection of aircraft, spacecraft and other aircraft is stored in this museum. Some models can even be studied from the inside. Outstanding designers from different countries were specially attracted for their assembly. In the museum you can see aircraft from the times of different wars, naval aviation, as well as the “Rocket Row”, located in the open air. Those who wish can imagine themselves as a pilot and sit at the helm in a speciallya recreated Boeing cockpit, or take control of a space shuttle.
Art Gallery
Here are the artworks of the best masters of Europe and the USA. These are paintings, sculptures, engravings from the Middle Ages to the present. The gallery exhibits exhibits from private collections of famous American, French and Italian patrons.
Holocaust Memorial Complex
One of Washington's most famous places to visit is the Holocaust Memorial Museum. This is a monument to the millions of victims of the terrible genocide. Here you can see a lot of objects from concentration camps, get acquainted with real documents, audio files, video materials and look at photographs that testify to the terrible times for the Jewish people. This museum is called the "place of conscience", which not only tells about terrible events, but also calls for morality and tolerance.
Usually a visit to this complex causes severe emotional experiences, so it is better to make sure of your abilities and the availability of free time. Some exhibits are not recommended for children under the age of eleven.
Spy Museum
One of the most popular museums in Washington DC is the International Spy Museum. This is a fairly young institution and very popular, it reveals all the secrets of espionage activities. For visitors, an atmosphere has been specially created that allows you to feel like an agent 007: the halls presentcollections of real spy items and devices. There is a shop on the territory of the complex where those who wish can purchase spy paraphernalia. There is also a hall dedicated to the history of intelligence of the USSR and Russia.
Native American Museum
Among the national museums in Washington, the Museum of the American Indian is of particular interest. Here are expositions that allow you to get acquainted with the history, culture and life of the indigenous American population. Guests can also watch a performance at the on-site theater. Its Indian actors put on amazing shows with dancing and playing national musical instruments.
These are Washington's most popular museums to visit during your trip to America's capital. The main thing is to focus on your tastes and preferences.
