Washington DC Museums and Culture

The mission of the International Spy Museum is to educate the public about espionage in an engaging manner and to provide a dynamic 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.

Learn about the authentic tradecraft that has been used throughout time and around the world. Hear spies, in their own words, describe the challenges and the "game" of spying.

The evening of April 14, 1865, has forever been marked with tragedy. On that night, our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, was assassinated in Ford’s Theatre by actor John Wilkes Booth. Just days after General Lee’s Confederate troops surrendered at Appomattox, VA, a time of hope and peace in Washington and around the country turned to a period of mourning that America had never seen before.

Created by an act of Congress in 1980, the National Building Museum is America's premier cultural institution dedicated to exploring and celebrating architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning.

The Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington and its Lillian & Albert Small Jewish Museum preserve, chronicle and present the story of the local Jewish community through archival collections, exhibits, educational programs, publications, and the restoration and preservation of the oldest synagogue building in the nation’s capital. The Museum is located in the historic 1876 Adas Israel Synagogue—the oldest in the Washington, DC area. The synagogue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the DC Inventory of Historic Sites (PDF download), and the Historic American Buildings Survey. It is an Official Project of the Save America’s Treasures program.

Opened to the public in April 2004, the new Marian Koshland Science Museum uses engaging, interactive exhibits to bring to life the numerous reports conducted by the prestigious National Academies every year.

Find out for yourself why everyone is calling the Newseum the best experience Washington, D.C. has to offer. Each of the seven levels in this magnificent building is packed with interactive exhibits that explore how news affects our shared experience of historic moments. Whether you have just a few hours or want to spend all day, you’ll find something for everyone in the family in the Newseum's 15 theaters and 15 galleries.

The Textile Museum expands public knowledge and appreciation – locally, nationally and internationally – of the artistic merits and cultural importance of the world’s textiles.

Directions by Metrorail - Hillwood is a 20-minute walk from the Van Ness/UDC Metro station on the Red Line. From the Metro exit on the east side of Connecticut Avenue, walk south on Connecticut toward Van Ness Auto Care and turn left onto Upton Street. Turn right onto Linnean Avenue. The entrance to the estate will be on the left. <br> Directions by Metrobus - Take the L1 or L2 bus to the corner of Connecticut Avenue and Tilden Street. Walk east toward Rock Creek Park on Tilden. Turn left onto Linnean Avenue. The entrance to the estate will be on the right.

This Federal-era townhouse witnessed decades of American power brokers making decisions that shaped the nation's course. Built in 1818 by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, it became home to Commodore Stephen Decatur and later housed influential political figures whose conversations echoed through its rooms. Walking these halls during winter's quiet months feels like stepping into a preserved snapshot of Washington's most consequential era, when the city's movers and shakers gathered within these walls to chart the country's future. The residence holds stories spanning from the early republic through the early 1900s, each corner reflecting a pivotal chapter in American history that continues to intrigue visitors today.

The Corcoran Gallery of Art stands as a major center of American art, both historic and contemporary. Founded “for the purpose of encouraging American Genius,” the Corcoran’s extensive collection of 18th, 19th, and 20th century American art represents most significant American artists. The Corcoran possesses a fine collection of European art as well. While continuing its efforts to represent historic American works, the gallery also encourages modern European and American artists by showing and purchasing their work, paying particular attention to artists in the Washington area.

The Kreeger Museum is a private, non-profit art museum located in the former residence of David and Carmen Kreeger. Designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson, it showcases the Kreeger's permanent collection of 19th and 20th century paintings and sculptures.