It’s no secret that Washington, DC is home to some of the best museums in the world, many of which are accessible for free. Art lovers rejoice, we’ve rounded up all of the noteworthy art museums in the District, ready for you to explore. Get out there and embrace culture and art from around the world, from the comfort of DC.
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1703 32nd Street NW / Website
Visit this gorgeous Georgetown museum and garden to explore truly stunning grounds and an impressive collection of pre-Columbian and Byzantine-era artworks. Dive into Latin American art from the Aztecs and Mayans, then explore a vast collection of jewelry and mosaics from the Byzantine era. The grounds were gifted to Harvard University in 1940 by accomplished art patrons Robert and Mildred Bliss. Admission to the museum is free while the garden requires tickets.
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4155 Linnean Avenue NW / Website
Step into the fanciful world of Marjorie Merriweather Post, daughter of Post cereal brand founder C.W. Post. She inherited the cereal empire in the 1910s, and in 1955, purchased the Hillwood Estate with the plan of showcasing her collections, including a massive collection of Russian imperial art. Explore Post’s personal jewelry, accessories, and fine clothing, as well as French 18th-century decorative art. Closed on Mondays. A donation is suggested in place of tickets.
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Independence Avenue & 7th Street SW / Website
Explore the world of contemporary art at this popular, circular museum. It has a large collection of postwar-era art and prides itself on its unique, encompassing, and often immersive, exhibits. Admission is free but some special exhibits require timed passes.
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2401 Foxhall Road NW / Website
Gaze upon modern works from Picasso, Monet, and Frankenthaler, among other famous artists at the Kreeger Museum. The impressive space is filled with art that husband and wife duo, David and Carmen Kreeger both loved and purchased. The bi-level museum has stunning, architectural terraces that feature sculptures, while the property sits on five acres of land, and features some gorgeous gardens. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Advanced registration is recommended. Donations are suggested in lieu of tickets.
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6th Street & Constitution Avenue NW / Website
This massive museum is easy to spend a full day at. It’s split into two buildings. The West Building is home to famous Renaissance-era art from around the world, like Leonardo DaVinci’s Portrait of Ginevra Benci, while the East Building is home to more modern, contemporary works, like that of Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock. Open every day. Admission is free.
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950 Independence Avenue SW / Website
Explore modern and contemporary African art at this fabulous museum. It started as a small private institution housed in a townhouse on Capitol Hill. The museum became a Smithsonian in 1979 and was rehomed to a new facility in 1987. There’s a rotating lineup of exhibitions, currently, there’s a photography exhibition on display that dives into Nollywood and its most famous actors, as well as art exploring heroes of Africa and its art scene. Open every day. Admission is free.
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1050 Independence Avenue SW / Website
Explore over 45,000 objects from China, Japan, Korea, South and Southeast Asia, among other Eastern locales, ranging from the Neolithic period to the current day, at this gorgeous museum. “It houses the world’s largest collection of diverse works by James McNeill Whistler, including the famed Peacock Room,” according to its website. With thoughtful curation and stunning architectural details, there’s a lot to see. Open every day. Admission is free.
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1250 New York Avenue NW / Website
Set to reopen after extensive renovations in fall 2023, immerse yourself in the fabulous artworks made exclusively by women. Known as “ the first museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts,” according to its website, this museum is working to increase the public’s awareness of women-made artwork. Tickets range from free to $10, check their website for details. Tickets can be purchased here.
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8th Street NW & G Street NW / Website
Admire portraits of presidents and American heroes on one side and dive into American-made art on the other. In the middle, enjoy a stunning courtyard complete with a full-service cafe, live plants and an architectural glass ceiling. Open every day. Admission is free.
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1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW / Website
A separate part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, this gallery is located across the street from the White House and features large installations and Insta-worthy exhibits. It’s dedicated to decorative arts and contemporary crafts. Fair warning: It’s a petite museum compared to some of the Smithsonian’s other behemoths, so don’t plan for it to fill your entire day. Open every day. Admission is free
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65 I Street SW / Website
Visit this brand-new modern art museum from celebrated Miami art collectors, the Rubell family. It is located in a former predominantly Black public school, Randall Junior High School where Marvin Gaye is an alumnus. The museum showcases fine, current artwork from influential artists like Kehinde Wiley, Keith Haring and Sylvia Snowden. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Tickets are free to DC residents and range from $10 to $15 for other guests.
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1600 21st Street NW / Website
Explore over 5,000 modern works at this private Dupont Circle gallery. The collection has been open to the public for over 100 years, first opening in the fall of 1921. With an ever-changing lineup and arrangement of exhibitions, this modern spot showcases impressionism, mixed media works and live music. Closed on Mondays. Timed passes are required and can be reserved here.
Looking for more luxe stops in the city? Check out our picks for The Best Shopping In Georgetown.
Photography by: SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images
