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More near
The Fairmont Washington, D.C. |
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10Best History Museums |
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DAR Constitution Hall |
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(Attractions - History Museums) |
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1776 D St NW, Washington 20006 • 202-628-4780 • 202-628-1776
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Distance:
~1.04 mi * |
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Description:
DOWNTOWN. This performance space was designed by John Russell Pope, the same man who designed the Jefferson Memorial. It's operated today by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and seats about 3700. Many popular artists have performed here in the past, including the Maria Callas, U2, the National Symphony Orchestra and Ella Fitzgerald. The building itself is comprised of three distinct sections – the concert hall, a museum, and the DAR national headquarters and library. DAR National Headquarters and METRO: Farragut North |
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User Rating: 3
/ 10 |
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Daughters of the American Revolution Museum |
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(Attractions - History Museums) |
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1776 D St NW, Memorial Continental Hall, Washington 20006 • 202-628-1776
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Distance:
~1.04 mi * |
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Description:
DOWNTOWN. Although the DAR Museum doesn't appear on most travel itineraries, it's well worth a visit, especially for history fans. With more than 33,000 items of Americana, the museum has plenty to see – the antique quilt collection alone is singularly impressive. Antique furniture, housewares, toys, tools, books, and decorative arts are displayed in two large galleries, and 33 individually decorated rooms represent American interiors from the 17th century through the early 1900s. Bedrooms, kitchens, and parlors provide a glimpse of bygone home life, while a tavern and council chambers depict public spaces. METRO: Farragut West |
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National Museum of American History |
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(Attractions - History Museums) |
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14th St & Constitution Ave NW, Washington 20001 • 202-357-2700 • 202-633-1000
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Distance:
~1.40 mi * |
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Description:
DOWNTOWN. Known as "America's attic," this expansive museum is home to over three million treasures that embody the rich history of the nation. Renovated in 2008, the "attic" is in fact a gorgeous, bright space showcasing such awe-inspiring highlights as the original 30-by-34-foot Star Spangled Banner, Dorothy's ruby slippers, Lincoln's top hat, first ladies' gowns, Kermit the Frog and Julia Child's kitchen. Hands-on exhibits also enable younger patrons to delve into the creative world of invention. |
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United States Holocaust Memorial Museum |
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(Attractions - History Museums) |
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100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington 20024 • 202-488-0400
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Distance:
~1.62 mi * |
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Description:
NATIONAL MALL. Among the most-visited sites in Washington, this museum powerfully depicts one of the darkest times in modern history. Four floors of exhibits, survivors' testimonies, video displays and actual film footage document the history of the Holocaust. Visitors can spend two to three hours in the self-guided permanent exhibition, "The Holocaust." The Museum also offers a number of other exhibitions and displays, including the family-friendly "Remember the Children: Daniel's Story" and the high-tech Wexner Learning Center. Timed passes are required for "The Holocaust" and can be obtained for free at the museum on the day of your visit or by calling ahead. Recommended for ages 11 and up. METRO: Smithsonian |
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User Rating: 10
/ 10 |
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International Spy Museum |
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(Attractions - History Museums) |
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800 F St NW, Washington 20004 • 202-393-7798 • 866-779-6873
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Distance:
~1.65 mi * |
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Description:
DOWNTOWN. With James Bond's sleek Aston Martin and the KGB's dangerously diminutive lipstick pistol on display, it's easy to understand why even the most skeptical tweens and teens are captivated by the International Spy Museum. Boasting the world's largest display of espionage artifacts, this massive museum enables kids to adopt a "cover," crawl through ductwork, participate in a high-stakes intelligence mission and explore 50 years of astonishing spy technology, all while absorbing expertly concealed history lessons. |
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National Museum of Natural History |
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(Attractions - History Museums) |
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10th St and Constitution Ave NW, National Mall, Washington 20560 • 202-633-1000
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Distance:
~1.65 mi * |
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Description:
DOWNTOWN. This world-renowned museum offers endless opportunity for exploration and discovery, with an astounding 120 million objects ranging from an eight-ton stuffed African bush elephant to the Hope Diamond – at 45.5 carats, it's the largest blue diamond in the world. Geology, botany, zoology, anthropology and paleontology are just a few of the subjects covered in depth here, and every display is accessible and kid-friendly, especially the insect zoo and the hall of dinosaurs. METRO: Federal Triangle |
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United States Navy Memorial |
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(Attractions - History Museums) |
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701 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington 20004 • 202-380-0726 • 800-821-8892
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Distance:
~1.70 mi * |
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Description:
DOWNTOWN. The United States Navy Memorial offers the public a glimpse of what life is like on a naval carrier. The memorial has several notable attractions, including the world's largest map of the world and Bleifeld's statue of the Lone Sailor. Educational videos and interactive displays make this a fascinating learning experience for the entire family. METRO: National Archives |
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National Museum of Crime and Punishment |
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(Attractions - History Museums) |
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575 7th St NW, Washington 20004 • 202-393-1099
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Distance:
~1.71 mi * |
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Description:
DOWNTOWN. Junior sleuths are spellbound by the National Museum of Crime and Punishment in which "CSI" comes to life. In "Notorious History of Crimes," young visitors are riveted by tales of pilfering pirates, Wild West outlaws and modern-day white-collar criminals. Then, hands-on exhibits enable kids to test their shooting skills, crack a safe, speed through a police chase simulator and take a lie detector test. Younger siblings can even banish big bro to the pillory. |
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National Archives |
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(Attractions - History Museums) |
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700 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington 20408 • 301-837-0482 • 866-272-6272
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Distance:
~1.76 mi * |
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Description:
DOWNTOWN. Some of the most important documents in American and world history are housed here, from the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, to the Louisiana Purchase and the Watergate tapes. The majestic 75-foot rotunda is the site where the most treasured documents are displayed. A selection of maps, movies, texts or photos from the archived millions is occasionally displayed, or you can do your own research. METRO: Archives/Navy Memorial |
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Additional Fairmont Comments:
Reopening on September 18th, 2003 |
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The Smithsonian Institution |
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(Attractions - History Museums) |
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1000 Jefferson Dr, Washington 20560 • 202-633-1000
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Distance:
~1.79 mi * |
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Description:
NATIONAL MALL. The Smithsonian – for many, the image of the 19th-century sandstone "Castle" immediately springs to mind. The Institution itself is larger than most realize (19 museums and the National Zoo in DC alone) and granting only one day to "do the Smithsonian" is a mistake. Always-popular stops are the National Air & Space Museum and the National Museum of American History; however, the beautiful National Museum of the American Indian has emerged as a hot attraction, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington-Dulles serves as a fascinating repository of nearly 80% of the Smithsonian's air and space collection. METRO: Smithsonian |
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* All distances are
approximate "straight-line" distances.
See Directions for actual "travel distances."
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