Museums In Washington DC
The capital city of the United States attracts many visitors for its elegant architecture, culture and history. There are numerous buildings and memorials and it would be difficult to fit them all in one trip. The city is also blessed with the finest museums and galleries and museums in Washington DC have an international reputation.
The National Gallery of Art is a collection of paintings, sculpture, porcelain and decorative art, established in 1938. A sculpture garden, containing modern pieces, was added in 1999. There is something to please everyone here as the exhibits date from different eras and represent many art movements. Featured artists include Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh, da Vinci, Picasso and Andy Warhol.
Many museum collections come under the umbrella of the famous Smithsonian Institution. These are free of charge museums in Washington DC and they offer a diverse experience. The following Smithsonian museums include the National Air and Space Museum. This is the most visited and houses the largest aircraft and spacecraft collection in the world. The exhibits are original and include the Spirit of St.Louis, the airplane that took Charles Lindberg on the first solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Breaking the sound barrier was another landmark in aviation and the Bell X-1, which Chuck Yeagar piloted, is also here. The most famous space mission is that of the Apollo 11 and the command module is on display. In addition, there is a German World War II V-2 rocket and a collection of moon rocks.
The National Museum of American History opened in 1964 and is closed temporarily for refurbishment until the fall, 2008. The collection is varied and includes the inaugural gowns of several First Ladies, props from TV shows and movies, a display on US Presidents and an exhibition on American military history. There is also a section on the history of transportation in the country from 1876 to the present day, which includes various vehicles and a steam locomotive. This museum in Washington DC is great fun for all the family.
The National Museum of Natural History houses an impressive collection of animals, plants, gems and minerals, meteorites and fossils. The gems department contains two of the most famous gemstones in the world, the Hope Diamond and the Star of Asia Sapphire, making this one of the most famous museums in Washington DC. Other highlights include the Hall of Dinosaurs and the Hall of Mammals.
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