ACCIS 2016 Summer Institute
The George Washington University | Washington, D.C.
12 Can’t Miss Museums on the National Mall
To go with its monuments and memorials, the National Mall boasts an impressive lineup of free
museums. Visitors should take advantage of the wide range of experiences on hand, from
immersing themselves in classic art to marveling at the wonders of aviation and our natural
world. Let your wallet breathe and explore these free museums during your next trip to the
nation’s capital.
1 National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art’s collection spans two major buildings – one classical, the other
modern – and encompasses a six-acre sculpture garden containing a rotating display of
permanent works and traveling exhibitions. The permanent collection spans ancient to
contemporary art, including the likes of da Vinci, Degas and Calder, while the museum offers
public programming (think art history movies and classical concerts) and hands-on activities for
kids. And if you’re visiting during the winter, be sure to hit the outdoor ice-skating rink located
in the center of the sculpture garden!
2 U.S. Botanic Gardens
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison shared a dream of a national botanic
garden in the late 18th century, and the three were successful in establishing one on the
southwest corner of the National Mall by 1820. Today, visitors can enjoy this living, indooroutdoor museum and its impressive collection of plant life. Fan favorites include the charming
19th century hothouse conservatory and the butterfly garden.
3 National Air & Space Museum
The National Air and Space Museum boasts the world’s largest collection of historic aircraft and
spacecraft, including Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, the Wright brothers’ original 1903
flyer, astronaut space suits and a lunar rock sample. In fact, the collection has grown so large that
a dedicated annex, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, was opened in 2003 in Centreville, VA.
4 National Museum of Natural History
The most visited natural history museum in the world, the National Museum of Natural
History boasts an incredible rotating collection of 127 million items including dinosaur bones,
ancient Egyptian mummies and the storied Hope Diamond, which has limited availability until
July 1, 2016
5 National Museum of the American Indian
One of the more recent permanent additions to the National Mall, the National Museum of the
American Indian (NMAI) expresses the diversity of culture, language, history, tradition and
futures of indigenous peoples of North and South America, from the Arctic Circle to the tip of
Patagonia. NMAI hosts engaging public programming year-round, but the most exciting time to
visit is during Native American History Month in November.
6 Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
The Hirshhorn Museum is known for its extensive collection of modern and contemporary art
from around the world, including significant works by Pablo Picasso and Henry Moore. The
sculpture garden is a must-see, as it includes the famous Wish Tree by Yoko Ono.
7 Smithsonian Institution Information Center in the Castle
An iconic landmark along the DC skyline, the Smithsonian Castle is the perfect place to begin
your day of exploration. You can find important information on each Smithsonian museum and
marvel at the structure’s striking architecture.
8 Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
One half of the National Museum of Asian Art - the Freer Gallery is the other half – the
Sackler houses decorative and devotional objects from across Asia. Together, the collections
hold more than 25,000 objects spanning 6,000 years. While the Sackler will remain open, the
Freer is closed for renovation until 2017.
9 Freer Gallery of Art
However, the Freer promises to be worth the wait when it reopens. One of DC’s most beautiful
buildings, the Freer was the first Smithsonian museum devoted solely to art when it was first
built. Keep up to date on its extensive renovation so you can mark the calendar for a visit when
the doors open again.
10 National Museum of African Art
The Washington Post called the National Museum of African Art the most “important research
facility for African art in America.” The museum boasts a broad collection of 9,000 pieces,
including sacred objects, textiles, ancient Egyptian carvings and musical instruments.
11 National Museum of American History
Over four million people make their way to the vast National Museum of American History each
year. No surprise, since the museum’s collection boasts more than three million objects that tell
the American story. Among these, a few crowd favorites include the flag that inspired the “StarSpangled Banner,” the Greensboro lunch counter, Julia Child’s kitchen, Dorothy’s ruby slippers
from The Wizard of Oz and Abraham Lincoln’s stovepipe hat.
12 National Museum of African American History and Culture
On Sept. 24, the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African
American life, art, history and culture will open on the National Mall. Sporting a sleek design
and a wealth of new exhibits, the National Museum of African American History and Culture
promises to be an inspiring and welcome new addition to the Mall.