8 DC Museums And Attractions To Check Out

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1. International Spy Museum

spy

800 F St NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20004
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The International Spy Museum opened in Washington, DC on July 19, 2002. It is the only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to espionage and the only one in the world to provide a global perspective on an all-but-invisible profession that has shaped history and continues to have a significant impact on world events. The Museum features the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display. Many of these objects are being seen by the public for the first time. These artifacts illuminate the work of famous spies and pivotal espionage actions as well as help bring to life the strategies and techniques of the men and women behind some of the most secretive espionage missions in world history.

The mission of the International Spy Museum is to educate the public about espionage in an engaging way and to provide a context that fosters understanding of its important role in and impact on current and historic events. The Museum focuses on human intelligence and reveals the role spies have played in world events throughout history. It is committed to the apolitical presentation of the history of espionage in order to provide visitors with nonbiased, accurate information.

2. The National Museum of Crime & Punishment

crime

575 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
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The Crime Museum in Washington, DC is described by Good Morning America as a “must see for CSI fans.” This museum provides America’s most thorough and comprehensive study of the development and evolution of crime and punishment in a museum environment. Five distinct galleries burrow deep into the studies of criminal intent, criminal profiles, issues associated with crime, the prison system, victims, crime prevention, forensic science, law enforcement, and the Judiciary Branch of government. It also includes a crime lab, the filming studios for America’s Most Wanted and 3-floor, 25,000 sq ft, 100+ interactives on America’s favorite subject.

3. Smithsonian’s National Zoo

zoo

3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
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The National Zoological Park, commonly known as the National Zoo, is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. Founded in 1889, its mission is to provide leadership in animal care, science, education, sustainability and visitor experience.

4. National Gallery of Art

art

6th and Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565
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The National Gallery of Art preserves, collects, exhibits, and fosters understanding of works of art at the highest possible museum and scholarly standards. Masterworks by the most renowned European and American artists, including the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the Americas and the largest mobile ever created by Alexander Calder, await visitors to the National Gallery of Art, one of the world’s preeminent art museums. The Gallery’s collection of paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, sculpture, medals, and decorative arts traces the development of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present.

5. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

holocaust

100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024
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A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum inspires citizens and leaders worldwide to confront hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity. What can the Holocaust teach us about society and ourselves today? The Museum’s National Conversation is designed to provoke discussion about the Holocaust and its lessons.

6. Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History

natural

10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560
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The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s preeminent museum and research complex. The Museum is dedicated to inspiring curiosity, discovery, and learning about the natural world through its unparalleled research, collections, exhibitions, and education outreach programs. Opened in 1910, the green-domed museum on the National Mall was among the first Smithsonian building constructed exclusively to house the national collections and research facilities.

7. National Portrait Gallery

portrait

8th and F Sts. NW, Washington, DC 20001
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The National Portrait Gallery is an historic art museum located at 8th and F Streets NW in Washington, D.C., in the United States. Founded in 1962 and opened to the public in 1968, it is part of the Smithsonian Institution. Its collections focus on images of famous Americans. The museum is housed in the historic Old Patent Office Building.

8. National Air and Space Museum

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600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560
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The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum maintains the world’s largest and most significant collection of aviation and space artifacts, encompassing all aspects of human flight, as well as related works of art and archival materials. It operates two landmark facilities that, together, welcome more than eight million visitors a year, making it the most visited museum in the country. It also is home to the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies.

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