Lots of museums but little time, this review will help identify which Smithsonian museums are an absolute must and which can be saved until next time.
The DC Area, combined with all the neighboring states is a massive place that takes multiple days to get through. While some museums are just a block away, that is not the case for all of them. The Institute makes up 19 museums and one zoo, all ranging from fossils to art to history. Not only do the themes of each museum vary, but the size varies as well. I am in no way claiming to be a master curator of the museums or know all niche details of every piece, but I believe I represent the average observer. Someone who enjoys a little bit of everything in a vast variety of interests.
Best of the Smithsonian Institutes:
- Smithsonian National Zoological Park – A short metro ride away from the National Mall, it is a fun, family friendly activity. Bring your walking shoes because it is very hilly! The zoos host a wide variety of animals from around the globe including panda bears, elephants, and red pandas. They also opened a new Migratory Bird exhibit that is worth the visit.
- National Air and Space Museum’s Steven f. Udvar-Hazy Center – Located in Virginia, about an hour metro ride from DC, the hanger-turned-museum houses an amazing variety of planes, helicopters, and gliders. Notable pieces include the Discovery rocket, the Enola Gay, and the Air France Concorde, and a plane from the Blue Angels. It has a good mix of readable material mixed with tons of planes to see. The only reason it’s not top of the list is the time and distance commitment to visiting it.
- National Postal Museum – Across the street from Union Station, it is a wonderful museum with lots of history and interactive activities for the whole family to enjoy. The museum covers stamps, baseball, and the evolution of the postal service in a two-level building full of charm. It was not crowded and had very helpful and knowledgeable staff to top off an amazing trip.
Save Until a Later Date:
- National Museum of Asian Art – The museum is not very big but it does have a lot artifacts. It ranked lower for me because it has a lot more statues, pottery, and physical pieces than painted/image art compared to other art museums in the area. If you have time to stop in, the shrine area is worth the visit.
- National Air and Space Museum (DC Location) – While it is a good museum, it doesn’t compare to the scope of pure planes and space of the Udvar-Hazy Center (Virginia) museum. The lines are long because it’s currently under renovation and the museum is much more focused on space and the planets instead of just aviation. The main attraction is the Wright Brother’s first plane, but if you only have time for one of the two Air & Space Museums, the Virginia one is more bang for your buck.
Honorable Mentions:
While neither of these museums are under the Smithsonian, thus they do have an admission fee, they are well worth the visit.
- National Building Museum – a two story building with a host of rotating exhibits. It houses a lot of unique topics related to architecture and buildings that help foster a new appreciation for the small details.
- Spy Museum – fully interactive museum experience unique to each visitor. Not only is it full of cool spy gear, but it is a huge museum that covers under cover spy wear, the history of spies and current spy networks in effect today. It’s a great museum for the whole family or a solo trip
Kasey Andrews
Office of Congressman Nathaniel Moran
Washington, D.C. | summer 2023
