A trip to Washington, DC would not be complete without a visit to some of the city’s fantastic museums. In Washington, there are many museums that provide fantastic exhibits and information for all members of the family. The costs to visit a world renowned museum will vary but it is always money well spent.

Some of the more popular museums in Washington, DC include the National Gallery of Art, George Washington’s Mount Vernon Museum, the National Geographic Museum, the National Building Museum, Newseum, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of Natural History. These are just a few of the many fine museums located in and around Washington, DC.

If you are a DC history buff then you should definitely attend the National Museum of Natural History. This museum is the largest natural history museum in the entire world. Some of the museum’s highlights include Ocean Hall, Mammals Hall, the Hope Diamond exhibit, Hall of Human Origins, the Butterfly Pavilion, and the Johnson IMAX Theater, just to name a few.

Regular hours for visiting the museum are 10 AM – 5:30 PM and during the summer months (May 29 – September 5) the hours are 10 AM – 7:30 PM. There is an excellent café on site that provides delicious food court dining. To attend the theater you will need to call a toll-free number to book theater reservations. This fantastic museum always has a variety of upcoming events such as Objects of Wonder and Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend.

If you prefer a museum of art then you should set aside some time to visit the National Gallery of Art. This museum is well-known throughout the world. The collection of art in the gallery includes some 141,000 drawings, paintings, photographs, sculptures, prints and decorative arts. There are always new and exciting exhibitions being displayed from around the world. The museum has plenty of free programs including concerts, lectures, tours, and family activities.

Another must-see Museum is the National Geographic Museum. Everyone in the world is familiar with the popular National Geographic Magazine and television series. This outstanding museum is a great place to bring the entire family. It has interactive experiences, stunning photography, and a variety of changing exhibitions. For over 125 years the National Geographic organization has continually educated people about our world.

Do you like space and air travel? If so, the National Air and Space Museum is a great place to visit. The National Air and Space Museum houses famous aeronautical icons including the Spirit of St. Louis, Apollo 11, the original Wright Flyer, and a touchable lunar rock. There are many free interactive activities for the children. You can also spent some time on a free flight simulator, at a planetarium show, or at an IMAX movie.

Washington, DC is a city that has an abundance of attractions, entertainments, and museums. If you are planning a visit to the city you may want to stay a couple of extra days to visit some of your favorite museums.