D.C.'s full of museums, and if your visits are limited to your seventh grade field trip to the Smithsonians, you're missing out. Whether you're new to town or have been here your whole life, here’s a guide to some of D.C.’s most interesting museums that you probably haven't been to (yet).
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National Pinball Museum
Located in the Shops at Georgetown Park, the museum features interactive exhibits, a pay-to-play area, and machines from the last two centuries. Admission is $13.50, kids under nine get in free.
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Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens
Thirteen acres of gardens, art collections and exhibits. Suggested donation of $15 for adults (gets you complimentary parking, orientation film, tour, access to mansion, gardens, greenhouse, café and museum shop, and special exhibitions).
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Folger Shakespeare Library
Located on Capitol Hill and attached to the Folger Theatre, the library features a garden and exhibits on the life and times of the world’s most famous playwright. Free.
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National Building Museum
A tribute to building materials and strategies in history, including an exhibit of Lego architecture. Free ($5 donations encouraged).
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National Cryptologic Museum
The first and only public museum sponsored by the “Intelligence Community,” it features artifacts from NSA’s history like a feature on biometrics and intelligence operations during the Cold War. Free.
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National Museum of Health and Medicine
Located on the Walter Reed Army Medical Center campus, this museum features exhibits on battlefield surgery, technical advancements (such as the microscope), health and disease in the human body, and even Abraham Lincoln’s assassination (featuring the bullet that killed him). Free, donations accepted.
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The Udvar-Hazy Center
The National Air and Space Museum’s annex in Dulles, Va. is twice the size of the flagship with twice the collection of aircraft and space objects on display, not to mention an IMAX/Planetarium and Observation Tower. Free.
3 Comments
Steve Anderson
It would be helpful and a reader service if you would publish the locations of museums No. 2, No. 4, and No. 5. Thank you.
Lynda Falkentein
Udvar is also free after 4 pm (no parking fee) you will only have 1:30 before closing and would miss Imax shows.. but this is a good amount of time for parents with younger kids... Check out the website for the National Building.. there is a kids room for playing.. but the best part of it is the open area outside the kids area... building blocks galore and an inside water fountain... my 4 year old twins (boy/girl) had a ball... skip the paid lego area unless you plan on spending a long time in there actually building things..
Lori Baker
Didn't mention about the Udvar-Hazy Center. While there is no admission fee, it does cost at least $12 to park (unless you take the shuttle from D.C. to here, then I think it's free).
Your official 2 cents
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