“You could spend a week at the Smithsonian” is a time-honored Washington tourist observation.  It is the world’s largest museum complex.  Thirteen Smithsonian museums and galleries feature hundreds of major exhibitions, and fascinating details of America’s cultural, political, technological, and natural history.  Tours, lectures, films, and concerts are available, including Discovery Theater presentations for children.

600 Independence Avenue, SW

This museum traces the history of American aviation.  Included in this museum are the original Wright Brothers’ plane, Lindbergh’s “Spirit of St. Louis,” and the Apollo 11 Lunar Excursion Module.  The simulated bridge of an aircraft carrier offers a true-to-life look at a sea-and-air military operation.  

Special films are shown on a five-story-high movie screen and planetarium presentations are also scheduled regularly.  

http://www.nasm.si.edu

8th and F Streets, NW  

The gallery offers official portraits of presidents, vice presidents, and other outstanding Americans, by American artists

http://www.npg.si.edu

950 Independence Avenue, SW

The museum exhibits the arts and culture of sub-Saharan Africa.  The permanent collection numbers about 6,000 works in wood, metal, fired clay, ivory, and fiber.

http://www.nmafa.si.edu/index2.html

1901 Fort Place, SE

Located in the historic Anacostia section of southeast Washington, the museum presents exhibitions on the history and culture of African-Americans

http://www.si.edu/anacostia/

7th Street and Independence Avenue, SW

Home of the magnificent Joseph Hirshhorn collection of 19th and 20th-century American and European art.  The museum - a work of art itself - displays important works by Rodin, Picasso, and other noted artists.

The Sculpture Garden features creations by Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, and David Smith.

http://hirshhorn.si.edu

1050 Independence Avenue, SW

Changing exhibits of Asian and Near Eastern art are displayed in this distinctive museum.  This is a part of the underground complex opened in 1987.  

http://www.asia.si.edu

12th Street and Jefferson Drive, SW

The gallery features exquisite examples of Far Eastern and Near Eastern art, jade, ceramics, and manuscripts.  

http://www.asia.si.edu

10th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW

Among the exhibits offered at this museum are the largest taxidermic pachyderm in the world, a 12-ton stuffed elephant, and the 45.5-carat Hope Diamond.  Major presentations on dinosaurs, animals, and American Indian and Eskimo life are here as well.

www.mnh.si.edu

14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW

This great museum features exhibitions ranging from the original 42-foot Star Spangled Banner (the American flag which in 1814 inspired Francis Scott Key’s lyrics for our national anthem) to artifacts from community life and popular cultures in the United States.

Also featured are the Hall of Transportation (with a collection of antique cars) and a great many special exhibitions depicting various aspects of America’s life and times.

http://americanhistory.si.edu

17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Architect James Renwick designed the original Corcoran Gallery of Art, built during the Civil War era.  The Corcoran has since moved down the street, while this building has been restored in the style of the mid-19th century and houses exhibitions of American crafts from 1900 to the present.

8th and G Streets, NW    

This museum was formerly the headquarters of the U.S. Patent Office.  It now houses an extensive collection of outstanding American paintings, sculpture, graphics, folk art, and photography.  

http://www.americanart.si.edu

900 Jefferson Drive, SW   (Exhibit halls closed for renovations)

The Arts and Industries Building is an example of Victorian architecture. The museum offers displays on various topics that depict America's culture and historic milestones.

http://www.si.edu/ai

1000 Jefferson Drive, SW

The original Smithsonian Institution building, known as the “Castle,” is in the Norman style with nine turrets of varying design.  The Castle houses the visitor information and Associates Reception Center and exhibits relating to the history of the Institution.

http://www.si.edu