The best museums in Washington, D.C.

Lilit Marcus
By Lilit Marcus, CNN
Updated 2:42 PM EDT, Mon March 25, 2019
<strong>The best museums in and around Washington, DC: </strong>The DC Metro area includes not just the District of Columbia but parts of Maryland and Virginia, which keeps sites like Arlington National Cemetery (pictured here) in easy reach.
The best museums in and around Washington, DC: The DC Metro area includes not just the District of Columbia but parts of Maryland and Virginia, which keeps sites like Arlington National Cemetery (pictured here) in easy reach.
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<strong>Folger Shakespeare Library:</strong> Sorry England, but the largest collection of Shakespeare manuscripts in the world is right here in The District.
Folger Shakespeare Library: Sorry England, but the largest collection of Shakespeare manuscripts in the world is right here in The District.
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<strong>Glenstone:</strong> In suburban Maryland, this stunning collection of art, architecture and site-specific installations could take you a full day to experience.
Glenstone: In suburban Maryland, this stunning collection of art, architecture and site-specific installations could take you a full day to experience.
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<strong>Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden:</strong> This Smithsonian institution focuses on modern and contemporary art.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden: This Smithsonian institution focuses on modern and contemporary art.
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<strong>The International Spy Museum:</strong> Test out your code-breaking and secret-keeping skills at this interactive museum.
The International Spy Museum: Test out your code-breaking and secret-keeping skills at this interactive museum.
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<strong>Library of Congress: </strong>The main tourist draw of America's oldest cultural institution is the Jefferson Library, named for the country's third president, whose personal library became part of the collection.
Library of Congress: The main tourist draw of America's oldest cultural institution is the Jefferson Library, named for the country's third president, whose personal library became part of the collection.
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<strong>National Air and Space Museum:</strong> Science buffs won't want to miss this museum on the National Mall, which has objects like Sally Ride's flight jacket and the American flag that was placed on the moon in its rich collection.
National Air and Space Museum: Science buffs won't want to miss this museum on the National Mall, which has objects like Sally Ride's flight jacket and the American flag that was placed on the moon in its rich collection.
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<strong>National Building Museum:</strong> Don't skip the gift shop at this museum dedicated to urban planning and architecture.
National Building Museum: Don't skip the gift shop at this museum dedicated to urban planning and architecture.
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<strong>National Museum of African American History and Culture:</strong> This museum of black history and heritage in the US is the latest addition to the Smithsonian's collection.
National Museum of African American History and Culture: This museum of black history and heritage in the US is the latest addition to the Smithsonian's collection.
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<strong>The National Museum of Women in the Arts:</strong> As the only museum in the country exclusively dedicated to work by female artists, this spot is a must-visit.
The National Museum of Women in the Arts: As the only museum in the country exclusively dedicated to work by female artists, this spot is a must-visit.
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<strong>National Portrait Gallery: </strong>One of the museum's most-talked-about additions is the portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama, painted by Amy Sherald.
National Portrait Gallery: One of the museum's most-talked-about additions is the portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama, painted by Amy Sherald.
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<strong>The Phillips Collection:</strong> Originally a private collection, the Phillips bills itself as the USA's first modern art museum.
The Phillips Collection: Originally a private collection, the Phillips bills itself as the USA's first modern art museum.
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<strong>Renwick Gallery:</strong> Never afraid to take a risk, one show at the Renwick brought artwork from Burning Man to Washington for the first time.
Renwick Gallery: Never afraid to take a risk, one show at the Renwick brought artwork from Burning Man to Washington for the first time.
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<strong>United States Holocaust Memorial Museum:</strong> Remembrance is the name of the game at this thoughtful, solemn museum.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: Remembrance is the name of the game at this thoughtful, solemn museum.
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Top museums in Washington, D.C.