The plethora of museums in Washington, D.C., can be challenging to navigate, especially as they cover quite a spectrum of historical moments and themes. In my couple visits to DC, I have managed to visit a good amount of the museums the city has to offer, and I am now at the point of identifying which museums I would return to in the future. These five museums I am about to list are DC must-sees. I, for one, would return to them in a heartbeat.
1. Newseum
Hands down my favorite DC museum. During my most recent visit to DC, I decided to visit this museum on a whim. It was 3:30 p.m. on a Saturday, and although the museum closed at 5 p.m., my boyfriend and I decided to give it a shot. When we got there, we were happy to learn that our ticket enabled us to come back the next day if we so desired, which was very relieving to us as we knew we wouldn’t be able to cover the entire museum in an hour. As a journalism major, this museum was absolutely fascinating to me because it displays history through the frame of media coverage. Aside from this unique perspective, what sets this museum apart from other DC museums is the orderly fashion in which one is recommended to traverse the exhibits. Although I do not remember the exact order, I do recall starting on the first floor, then being sent up to the 6th and gradually working our way back down. Some of my favorite exhibits were the Berlin Wall Gallery, the 9/11 Gallery, the Pulitzer Prize Photographs, along with the powerful Journalists Memorial honoring the lives of journalists who have died covering dangerous assignments. The exhibit I enjoyed the most, however, was the News Corporation News History exhibit, which displays front page covers of monumental moments in history. This museum is most definitely a must see in DC.
2. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Since my 91-year-old great-grandmother is Jewish, this museum in particular holds a very special place in my heart. Upon entry one is handed an identification card of a person who lived through the Holocaust, allowing one to passionately dlve into the time period. The exhibits are very well done, so much so that one feels that they are there, living the moment. I am warning you though, it is very heart-wrenching; I’ve gone twice and each time I’ve walked out with tear marks on my face. Yet, it's something you cannot skip out on when visiting DC for the first time or so.
3. Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
I have also visited this museum twice, and it honestly ceases to amaze me. I have always been fascinated by space travel and aeronautics, and this museum really brings these experiences to life. The sheer size of the exhibited planes are astounding, and one can sometimes sneak a glance into their interior makeup! My favorite exhibits are the Apollo Lunar model, the Wright Brother’s exhibit, and the Amelia Earhart exhibit! I actually happened to be in the midst of a 4,000 word paper on Amelia Earhart the last time I visited, and I actually found information at the museum to support my argument!
4. Smithsonian National Museum of American History
A truly patriotic stop, the American History museum is also one of my favorites. The exhibits and items you would probably want to look out for are Dorothy’s Ruby red slippers and The First Ladies exhibit, displaying some of the gowns worn by American first ladies in the past 200 years. My favorite part of the museum are the skits that are held every couple hours. When I was there, I was lucky enough to run into a little reenactment of a Civil Rights event. It was incredible to see the museum come to life through music and dance.
5. National Portrait Gallery
Although not as popular, the National Portrait Gallery is truly a hidden gem. A part of the Smithsonian museums, the National Portrait Gallery displays portraits of all subjects and time periods. My favorite displays were the American Cool and American Presidents exhibits, along with some other ones related to famous dancers and musicians. The museum also has a really nice patio with a huge sunroof that you can’t leave without seeing!
