aWashington, DC, while home to a number of monuments and embassies, and of course the seat of the leaders of our nation, is home to some of the most interesting and important museums in the world. The Smithsonian museums boast everything from ancient artifacts to modern art, reminding the world of the history of the United States of America. All the Smithsonian museums are also free, which makes them an easy adventure in the nation's capital. Below are six of the most notable free museums in Washington, DC.
1. National Museum of Natural History
The Museum of Natural History is perhaps the most well known of the DC museums, and is certainly the most visited. It covers the history of evolution, home to ancient plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites and human cultural artifacts dating back to the beginning of history. Don't forget to see the Hope Diamond.
2. National Archives
You may remember the National Archives from National Treasure. It is an inspiring collection of many of the original documents involved in the birth of the United States as a nation, including the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Declaration of Independence.
3. The Renwick Gallery
The newest museum on this list, the Renwick Gallery was recently renovated after being out of use for years. It is home to a fantastic variety of eclectic contemporary art displays, ones that invite you to lie on the floor or walk in and out of. It is also in close proximity to the White House, offering two tourist opportunities in one.
4. National Air and Space Museum
For aviation buffs, there is not one place more suitable than the Air and Space Museum. It holds the largest collection of aircraft and space craft in the world, documenting man's history in flight. The annex outside of the city is an enormous hangar filled with historical planes and spaceships.
5. National Gallery of Art
While the Renwick is the best of modern art, the National Gallery of Art holds some of the world's most famous traditional art masterpieces, including a permanent collection from the Middle Ages, work from the Italian Renaissance, and works of Gogin, Monet and Picasso.
