The Smithsonian Institute oversees plenty of the Washington, D.C. Museums. In all, there are nineteen. In addition, there are many smaller important, government and personal museums in the larger Washington, D.C. Area. The Smithsonian Institute oversees 19 of the finest museums in the country and they're free to the public. Whether fascinating in digging up the past, studying how to fly or observing systematic discovery in the making, there is something for everybody. Washington DC museums offer something for everybody from science to art to history.
National Air and Space Museum
One of the most well liked museums in Washington DC is the National Air and Space Museum. It houses the biggest space and air collection in the world with over 50,000 objects including spacecrafts, aircrafts, rockets, spacesuits, balloons and art. Additionally, it houses countless photographs, documents, films and manuscripts. With its many and varied displays, it appeals to old and young alike. For those that love space and flight this museum is amazing. Some of the exhibits include the Wright Siblings, Lunar exploration cars the history of space flight and WWII aviation. Visitors can also experience flight in the Flight Simulator Sector.
National Museum of American History
The National Museum of American History is the ideal place for those who love history. Among Washington DC museums, the Nat has a massive collection of artifacts that span history, culture, the humanities, science, medicine and technology. Though it may appeal more to the older crowd, it has something for everybody. Some of the most engaging exhibits include lasers, inventions, boarding, the history of money, the history of the presidents and the 1st women, America at war through the ages and 19th century America.
National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History has a collection of over 126 million specimens and artifacts. Many of those artifacts and specimens are placed on loan to other museums across the land. This museum is one of the most visited museums in Washington DC It is attractive to young and old alike. There are many hand-on experiences for the very young including one or two Discover stations, a Forensic Lab, and the Discovery Room. Other interactive programs for all ages include the Butterfly Pavilion and the IMAX Theater. The museum also has many exhibits including birds, mammals, dinosaurs, insects, the sea, traditional Egypt, bones and the universe.
Smithsonian American Art Museum
The North American Art museum displays artwork from over 7 thousand artists around the country. There are many art medias represented including images, prints, sculptures, paintings and drawings. There are many stunning designs displayed across the museum. One is Georgia O’Keefe’s Manhattan. One awfully enlightening sculpture is For SAMM, which was created by Jenny Holzer. This sculpture is made of lights. Another interesting sculpture is the Game Fish, which was created by Larry Fuente. The Game Fish sculpture was made of small gewgaws, beads and toys. The Smithsonian Museum appeals to art fanatics and the older crowd.
Helen Gerogette has been interested in Washington DC fine arts for many years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For more information about Washington DC museums please visit her site.