The museum component is an integral part of any capital. Washington is no exception. Among the attractions of the city, these tourist sites occupy a special place, there are more than 60 of them here. The bulk of Washington's museums are located in the center of the capital and form the Smithsonian complex. A description of any historical object and photo sights can be found in the guidebook. Entrance to many museums is free.
In one day, to see everything, of course, will not work. Therefore, you need to choose more interesting objects. To do this, it is better to have an idea of the popular museums in Washington. Where to go when traveling through the museum sights of America?
Historical museums
First of all, guests of the capital are recommended to visit the Museum of Natural History, which is managed by the Smithsonian Institution. This is a favorite place not only for tourists, but also for residents of the capital. The museum has collected more than one hundred million exhibits. These are collections of rare minerals and precious stones, minerals and archaeological finds.
Children and teenagers will be interested in a collection of skeletons of dinosaurs and reptiles, as well as the jaw of the oldest giant shark. Visitors to the complex will be able to see fossil artifacts, meteorites, sculptures of idols of Ancient India, a large sapphire Star of Asia, the famous diamond "Hope" and many other rare and valuable exhibits. The museum guests will be greeted by a giant stuffed elephant, and under the ceiling you can see a stuffed sperm whale.
Entrance to the Museum of Natural History is free, it works seven days a week, closing the doors only at Christmas.
The most visited place on the National Mall is the Museum of American History in Washington. Every year it passes millions of tourists through its halls. Here are collected exhibits that allow you to trace the amazing and diverse history of America. Museum guests can get acquainted with historical and government documents and see collections of objects:
- Agriculture;
- Food Industry;
- mechanical engineering;
- clothes.
Museum of Astronautics
The largest collection of airplanes, spaceships and other aircraft is stored in this museum. Some models can even be explored from the inside. For their assembly, specially attracted prominent designers from different countries. In the museum you can see planes from different wars, naval aviation, as well as the "Rocket Row" located in the open. Those who wish can imagine themselves as a pilot and take the helm in a specially recreated Boeing cockpit, or take control of a space shuttle.
Art gallery
Here are the artworks of the best masters of Europe and the USA. These are paintings, sculptures, prints from the Middle Ages to the Present. The gallery exhibits exhibits from private collections of famous American, French and Italian patrons.
Holocaust Memorial
One of Washington's most famous places to visit is the Holocaust Memorial Museum. This is a monument to the millions of victims of the terrible genocide. Here you can see a lot of objects from concentration camps, get acquainted with real documents, audio files, video materials and look at photographs testifying to the terrible times for the Jewish people. This museum is called the "place of conscience", which not only talks about terrible events, but also calls for morality and tolerance.
Usually a visit to this complex causes difficult emotional experiences, so it is better to make sure of your strengths and the availability of free time. Some exposures are not recommended for children under the age of eleven.
Museum of espionage
Among the popular museums in Washington, you can not fail to name the International Museum of Spying. This is a fairly young institution and very popular, it reveals all the secrets of espionage activities. An atmosphere has been specially created for visitors that makes you feel like an 007 agent: the halls present collections of real spyware items and devices. On the territory of the complex there is a small shop where anyone can purchase espionage attributes. There is also a hall dedicated to the history of intelligence of the USSR and Russia.
Native American Museum
Among Washington's national museums, the Museum of the American Indian is of particular interest. Expositions are presented here that allow you to get acquainted with the history, culture and life of the Native American population. Guests can also watch a performance at the theater located on site. Its actors - Indians - are stunning shows with dancing and playing national musical instruments.
These are the most popular museums in Washington, which can be visited during a trip to the capital of America. The main thing is to focus on your tastes and preferences.