Washington, D.C. is known for its government institutions such as the White House and the United States Capitol, as well as monuments honoring historical figures like the Lincoln Memorial. In addition to these landmarks, the city is home to numerous art museums and museums, with the Smithsonian institutions being the most prominent.
While Washington, D.C. has museums of various sizes scattered throughout the city, the cluster of institutions around the National Mall is particularly popular due to their convenient locations.
Therefore, this time, we have created a model course to efficiently explore the art museums and museums located in the National Mall.
Exploring the Major Art Museums and Museums in Washington, D.C. in 72 Hours
Washington, D.C. is a compact city, and generally, you can visit the main tourist spots within three days. For example, on the first day, you can visit government buildings and historical monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, and spend the remaining two days visiting art museums and museums.
However, in this guide, we will propose a luxurious plan that focuses solely on art museums and museums, ideal for those who want to take their time and enjoy them fully, excluding the popular spots in Washington, D.C.
Understanding the Locations of the Institutions in Advance
To efficiently explore the museums within the limited time of three days, it is essential to have a clear understanding of their locations in advance.
The National Mall is vast, and it takes about 20 minutes to walk from Constitution Avenue at the northern end to Independence Avenue at the southern end. Furthermore, if you consider the distance from the eastern end with the United States Capitol to the western end with the Lincoln Memorial, it would take about an hour to walk, making the use of transportation essential.
The museums and museums are scattered across the eastern half of the National Mall, between the Washington Monument and the United States Capitol. However, even then, it is not efficient, both in terms of time and physical stamina, to travel back and forth between the north and south.
Therefore, you need to plan and divide your visits between the institutions located on the north and south sides of the National Mall.
The institutions located on the north side of the National Mall are as follows:
National Gallery of Art
Located to the northeast of the National Archives on the National Ma...
National Archives
The National Archives in Washington D.C. serves as a sanctuary for the...
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
When it comes to tourist attractions in the capital of the United Stat...
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington D....
National Museum of African American History and Culture
In September 2016, a new museum joined the Smithsonian Institution mus...
The institutions located on the south side of the National Mall are as follows:
National Museum of the American Indian
In Washington D.C.'s National Mall, there is a museum called the "Nati...
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. is ...
Hirshhorn Museum
Among the many museums in Washington D.C., one that stands out for its...
Smithsonian Institution Headquarters
Freer Gallery of Art
Washington D.C., known for its historical and political landmarks, offers more than just those attractions. When visitin...
Exploring the Art Museums and Museums in the National Mall in 72 Hours: Day 1
On the first day, choose two or one of the institutions located on the north side of the National Mall and visit them in the morning and afternoon.
Recommended places for this day are the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Natural History.
Exploring the Art Museums and Museums in the National Mall in 72 Hours: Day 2
On the second day, choose one institution from both the north and south sides of the National Mall or focus on one particular place if you prefer a more leisurely visit.
The recommended places for this day are the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
To travel between the north and south, walking is possible, but using bicycles or the subway is more convenient. If you choose to use the subway, you can easily travel between the Yellow and Green lines at the Pentagon and L’Enfant Plaza stations, allowing for comfortable transportation between the north and south of the National Mall.
Exploring the Art Museums and Museums in the National Mall in 72 Hours: Day 3
On the final day, explore the southern side of the National Mall. The recommended places for this day are the National Museum of the American Indian and the Freer Gallery of Art, which houses the Asian art collection.
Make Your Own Travel Plan from a Variety of Choices
The National Mall offers a diverse range of art museums and museums. You can choose to immerse yourself in the popular spots included in package tours, or you can visit your favorite spots and artworks according to your own preferences. Create your own travel plan and enjoy a fulfilling trip to Washington, D.C.
