All art museums and attractions to visit in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. (United States) has a lot to offer for art lovers. Below we list all 27 art museums that are located in Washington D.C..

Do you like art and are you looking for the best art museums to visit in Washington D.C.? These are the ones:

  1. National Gallery of Art1

    National Gallery of Art

     Washington D.C., DC
    The National Gallery of Art (NGA) is a prominent art museum in Washington, D.C. It is composed of two buildings, the East Building and the West Building. Both of these structures are situated on the National Mall, a significant location in the city. These two buildings are interconnected by an underground tunnel, providing easy access between the two.
  2. Hirshhorn Museum2

    Hirshhorn Museum

     Washington D.C., DC
    The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is a museum located in Washington, D.C. and is part of the Smithsonian Institution. The museum's collection primarily focuses on contemporary and modern art, making it a great destination for art enthusiasts.
  3. Smithsonian American Art Museum3

    Smithsonian American Art Museum

     Washington D.C., DC
    The Smithsonian American Art Museum, located in Washington D.C., is home to an extensive collection of American art. This collection covers all regions and artistic movements in the United States, making it a comprehensive representation of the country's artistic history.
  4. National Portrait Gallery4

    National Portrait Gallery

     Washington D.C., DC
    The National Portrait Gallery, located in Washington D.C., is an art gallery managed by the Smithsonian Institute. It is a significant cultural institution that houses a collection focused on images of famous American figures. The gallery provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the rich history and culture of the United States through the portraits of its notable personalities.
  5. DAR Museum5

    DAR Museum

     Washington D.C., DC
    The DAR Museum is an art and history museum located in Washington, D.C. It is managed by the Daughters of the American Revolution, a lineage-based membership service organization for women who are directly descended from a person involved in the United States' efforts towards independence. The museum is known for its extensive collection of over 30,000 objects that were made or used in America before the Industrial Revolution.
  6. Renwick Gallery6

    Renwick Gallery

     Washington D.C., DC
    The Renwick Gallery, a part of the American Art Museum, is located in Washington D.C., United States. The gallery's focus is on American art and decorative arts, spanning from the 19th to the 21st century. This offers visitors a comprehensive view of the evolution of American art over the centuries.
  7. Bureau of Engraving and Printing7

    Bureau of Engraving and Printing

     Washington D.C., DC
    The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, also known as BEP, is a government agency that falls under the US Department of the Treasury. It is responsible for designing and producing a variety of security products for the US government. This includes the most notable US banknotes issued by the Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States.
  8. National Building Museum8

    National Building Museum

     Washington D.C., DC
    The National Building Museum, situated in Washington, D.C., serves as the national architecture museum of the United States. It is a significant destination for those interested in architecture and building design, offering a unique insight into the architectural history and development of the country.
  9. Freer Gallery of Art9

    Freer Gallery of Art

     Washington D.C., DC
    The Freer Gallery of Art, a part of the Smithsonian Institution, is a significant art museum that houses a diverse collection of art. The collection spans across various regions including East Asia (China, Korea, Japan), South Asia, India, Southeast Asia, Egypt, Greece, and the ancient Near East. It also includes American works, offering a wide range of art for visitors to explore.
  10. National Gallery of Art - East Building10

    National Gallery of Art - East Building

     Washington D.C., DC
  11. National Museum of African Art11

    National Museum of African Art

     Washington D.C., DC
    The National Museum of African Art, a part of the Smithsonian Institution, is situated at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This location is a hub of cultural and historical significance, making it an ideal spot for tourists interested in African art and culture.
  12. Dumbarton Oaks12

    Dumbarton Oaks

     Washington D.C., DC
    Dumbarton Oaks is a historic mansion situated in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington D.C. This 19th-century Federal-style mansion is a significant landmark in the city, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The mansion's architecture and its location in the historic Georgetown neighborhood make it a fascinating destination for those interested in history and architecture.
  13. Kreeger Museum13

    Kreeger Museum

     Washington D.C., DC
    The Kreeger Museum, situated in Washington D.C., is a non-profit institution dedicated to the exhibition of modern and contemporary art. This museum offers a unique experience for art enthusiasts, providing a diverse collection of artworks from various periods and styles.
  14. The Phillips Collection14

    The Phillips Collection

     Washington D.C., DC
    The Phillips Collection, located in Washington D.C., is an art museum that was established in 1921 by Duncan Phillips. This museum was born out of Phillips' private collection and has since grown to become a significant cultural institution in the city.
  15. National Museum of Women In the Arts15

    National Museum of Women In the Arts

     Washington D.C., DC
    The National Museum of Women in the Arts, located in Washington, is recognized as one of the larger art museums in the United States. It holds the unique distinction of being the largest museum in the world that is dedicated solely to collecting and showcasing artworks created by women.
  16. Art Museum of the Americas16

    Art Museum of the Americas

     Washington D.C., DC
    The Art Museum of the Americas (AMA), situated in Washington, D.C., holds the distinction of being the first art museum in the United States that primarily focuses on showcasing modern and contemporary art from Latin America and the Caribbean. This unique focus makes it a significant cultural destination for those interested in these specific art genres and regions.
  17. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens17

    Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

     Washington D.C., DC
    Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, located in Washington, DC, USA, is a decorative arts museum that was once the residence of Marjorie Merriweather Post, a renowned businesswoman, socialite, philanthropist, and collector. The estate offers a unique glimpse into the life and interests of its former owner, showcasing her passion for decorative arts and her exquisite taste.
  18. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery18

    Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

     Washington D.C., DC
    The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, along with the Freer Gallery of Art, forms the national museums of Asian art of the Smithsonian Institution. These galleries are a part of the Smithsonian Institution, which is a group of museums and research centers administered by the United States government. The Sackler Gallery, founded in 1987, is named after Arthur M. Sackler who donated about 1,000 objects and $4 million for the construction of the museum.
  19. National Bonsai Foundation19

    National Bonsai Foundation

     Washington D.C., DC
    The National Bonsai and Penjing Museum is situated within the boundaries of the National Arboretum, located in the northern part of Washington. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore not only the museum but also the surrounding arboretum, which is home to a wide variety of plant species.
  20. Arts and Industries Building20

    Arts and Industries Building

     Washington D.C., DC
    The Arts and Industries Building, located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., holds the distinction of being the second oldest museum of the Smithsonian. Originally known as the National Museum, it was constructed with the purpose of providing the Smithsonian with its first opportunity to showcase its expanding collections to the public.
  21. Anderson House - Society of the Cincinatti21

    Anderson House - Society of the Cincinatti

     Washington D.C., DC
    Anderson House, also known as Larz Anderson House, is a historic mansion from the Gilded Age. It is located at 2118 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, on Embassy Row in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C. This location is easily accessible and is surrounded by other points of interest, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.
  22. 22

    Artechouse DC

     Washington D.C., DC
  23. O Street Museum23

    O Street Museum

     Washington D.C., DC
    The O Street Museum Foundation, located in Washington, D.C., is a unique museum that emphasizes the exploration of the creative process. The museum is situated within five interconnected townhouses, featuring over 100 rooms and 32 secret doors. This unique layout provides a fascinating and immersive experience for visitors.
  24. Textile Museum - The George Washington University24

    Textile Museum - The George Washington University

     Washington D.C., DC
    The George Washington University Museum and Textile Museum is a unique institution located in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The museum is dedicated to the history of George Washington University and the art of textiles. It offers a unique blend of academic history and artistic exploration, making it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in both history and art.
  25. American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center25

    American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center

     Washington D.C., DC
    The American University Museum is situated within the Katzen Arts Center at the American University in Washington, DC. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique blend of art and culture for visitors. The museum is a part of the university's commitment to promoting art and culture, making it a significant destination for art enthusiasts.
  26. Diplomatic Reception Rooms Museum26

    Diplomatic Reception Rooms Museum

     Washington D.C., DC
  27. Charles Sumner School27

    Charles Sumner School

     Washington D.C., DC
    Today, the Charles Sumner School is home to a small museum, a research room, art exhibits, and the archives of the District of Columbia Public Schools. These facilities provide a glimpse into the history of education in the city and the role of the school in shaping it.