National Museum of African American History and Culture is one of The 15 Best History Museums in Washington.

1. National Museum of African American History and Culture

9.4
1400 Constitution Ave NW (btwn 12th & 14th St NW), Washington, D.C.
History Museum · Northwest Washington · 151 tips and reviews

Maura P.Maura Puscheck: The best museum. You'll want to spend at least one whole day there and get there early!

The White HouseThe White House: President Obama delivered remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the future Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Read more.

4sqSU USA4sqSU USA: Officially opened by President Barack Obama on September 24th, 2016.

Visitor Center National Museum Of African American History & Culture is one of The 15 Best History Museums in Washington.

2. Visitor Center National Museum Of African American History & Culture

9.2
1400 Constitution Ave NW (btwn 12th & 14th St NW), Washington, D.C.
History Museum · Northwest Washington · 9 tips and reviews

Pamela W.Pamela Wagner: This place was awesome. Problem is you cannot get through the whole museum in one day. Plan to go at least 2 days. Too much to see and read.

JH H.JH H-D: Big airy space where you can mentally and emotionally prepare yourself for all the exhibits

Shelly S.Shelly Spearing: Wow. I'm blown away by this museum. I'm having a hard time staving off tears.

National Museum of American History is one of The 15 Best History Museums in Washington.

3. National Museum of American History

9.1
1400 Constitution Ave NW (at 14th St NW), Washington, D.C.
History Museum · Northwest Washington · 358 tips and reviews

Shannon H.Shannon Horst: If your near by you must stop in. It's a wonderful way to spend an afternoon and it's free to get in!

The OnionThe Onion: When on a guided tour of a history museum, at every civilization, ask whether the men of that era ever had an overpowering urge to dress as a woman and be caressed by a big, strong man.

TLCTLC: Recently renovated and FREE (like all Smithsonian museums), our favorite stops are the World War II exhibit and Julia Child's kitchen and...

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is one of The 15 Best History Museums in Washington.

4. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

8.8
100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, D.C.
History Museum · Southwest Washington · 258 tips and reviews

Oscar Z.Oscar Zenteno Jr.: The memorial is very emotional and at the end of the visit they have current atrocities

HISTORYHISTORY: Opened in 1993, this museum is devoted to the history of the Holocaust, the state-sponsored murder of 6 million Jews in Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945.

Meredith P.Meredith Peruzzi: Notice how quiet everybody is? It's for a reason. Kindly show your respect by whispering.

Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle) is one of The 15 Best History Museums in Washington.

5. Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle)

8.6
1000 Jefferson Dr SW (btwn 9th & 12th St SW), Washington, D.C.
History Museum · Southwest Washington · 86 tips and reviews

Marc Kevin H.Marc Kevin Hall: The staff is exceptionally friendly. Two points of interest: the tomb of the Institution's founder, and a gallery with sample exhibits.

HISTORYHISTORY: The Smithsonian Institution was founded for the "increase and diffusion" of knowledge from a bequest to the United States by the British scientist James Smithson, who had never visited the US himself.

IWalked Audio ToursIWalked Audio Tours: Originally to be constructed of white marble like similar DC bldgs but too costly. Founder James Smithson's tomb moved here upon being retrieved by Alexander Graham Bell in 1904.Full history via<LINK> Read more.

Heurich Mansion (The Brewmaster's Castle) is one of The 15 Best History Museums in Washington.

6. Heurich Mansion (The Brewmaster's Castle)

8.9
1307 New Hampshire Ave, NW (in Dupont Circle), Washington, D.C.
History Museum · Connecticut Avenue - K Street · 10 tips and reviews

Rachel O.Rachel Orr: AMAZING. Definitely go see. Only $5 for a your. Beautiful Victorian mansion with so much history.

DC Preservation LeagueDC Preservation League: The house built in 1892-94 for successful German-American brewer Christian Heurich. It is the city's best preserved Richardsonian Romanesquea architecture. John Granville Meyers was the architect.

KoriKori: Check out the website, they have several fun events with food, drinks, tours, etc. House is beautifully preserved.

Smithsonian Institution National Postal Museum is one of The 15 Best History Museums in Washington.

7. Smithsonian Institution National Postal Museum

8.5
2 Massachusetts Ave NE (North Capitol St NE), Washington, D.C.
History Museum · NoMa · 62 tips and reviews

Sari G.Sari Gordon: Such a cool and interactive museum! Check out the stamps and learn about how mail used to be delivered. I recommend this one!

Insider PerksInsider Perks: It's safe to say we never realized how important the Postal Service was until we learned of its extensive history here. Great exhibits and tons of knowledge. Read more.

Emily R.Emily Rader: Oddly enough, a disappointing selection of postcards at the giftshop...

The Society of the Cincinnati is one of The 15 Best History Museums in Washington.

8. The Society of the Cincinnati

8.4
2118 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
History Museum · Northwest Washington · 7 tips and reviews

kathleen w.kathleen watson: Great tour docents! Caren Pauley is fabulously knowledgeable about the antiques and furnishings. Great space to celebrate!

DC Preservation LeagueDC Preservation League: Built 1902-05 and was one of the largest and costliest private homes in the city. Built for diplomat Larz Anderson and his wife Isabel. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996.

Ebrahim B.Ebrahim Bandookwala: Buddha statues all over! Gorgeous ballroom! :)

Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument is one of The 15 Best History Museums in Washington.

9. Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument

8.3
144 Constitution Ave NE (at 2nd St NE), Washington, D.C.
History Museum · Northeast Washington · 3 tips and reviews

Michelin Travel & LifestyleMichelin Travel & Lifestyle: This is where Susan B. Anthony wrote the 19th Amendment! There are also collections of political drawings by prominent cartoonists including Nina Allender. -- Green Guide Editor

Sewall-Belmont H.Sewall-Belmont House & Museum: Susan B. Anthony did not write the 19th Amendment here, but the National Woman's Party was headquartered here from 1929 on.

DC Preservation LeagueDC Preservation League: Built in 1800, incorporating a 2-story 1750 house. It was burned in 1814 and rebuilt in 1820.

National Museum of the United States Navy is one of The 15 Best History Museums in Washington.

10. National Museum of the United States Navy

8.1
Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C.
History Museum · Navy Yard · 11 tips and reviews

Brian S.Brian Soper: Great museum that is never crowded, with exhibits spanning from the revolution.

Jonathan A.Jonathan Allen: Make sure to bring passport or suitable ID as you need to fill in big form for background check at the visitor desk.

Jenn M.Jenn M: In the event of a Federal Government closure this museum is closed.

The First Ladies Exhibition is one of The 15 Best History Museums in Washington.

11. The First Ladies Exhibition

8.2
1400 Constitution Ave NW (at National Museum of American History), Washington, D.C.
History Museum · Northwest Washington · 12 tips and reviews

Johnika D.Johnika D: Unique exhibit. I learned some amazing things about First Ladies.

Paul S.Paul Steinbrueck: Did u know 8 First Ladies were not the wife of the president?

Todd G.Todd Gerber: Noisy children should stay home...

National Archives Rotunda is one of The 15 Best History Museums in Washington.

12. National Archives Rotunda

8.4
Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C.
History Museum · Federal Triangle · 25 tips and reviews

William S.William Studart: Very nice museum, with some of the most important archives in history. Any history buff will enjoy. Even the Magna Carta is here!

US National ArchivesUS National Archives: The Charters of Freedom were formally delivered into the custody of the Archivist of the United States and enshrined in the Rotunda at a ceremony on December 15, 1952.

JH H.JH H-D: Look for the misspelling of Pennsylvania on the Constitution, it's a fun secret

Woodrow Wilson House is one of The 15 Best History Museums in Washington.

13. Woodrow Wilson House

8.2
2340 S St NW, Washington, D.C.
History Museum · Kalorama · 11 tips and reviews

Dave L.Dave Lepkowski: The tour guides are very friendly and helpful as well as awesome

Jennifer B.Jennifer Beety: Very unwelcoming man and was told about the fee almost before the door shut. He acted very put upon when I said I was on a list to get in free . I left and will never send our guests there again

David F.David Ford: Very interesting history and information. It's a beautiful "off the beaten path" gem. If you're visiting DC, put this one on your list!

National Museum of the American Indian is one of The 15 Best History Museums in Washington.

14. National Museum of the American Indian

8.2
950 Independence Ave SW (4th St. SW), Washington, D.C.
History Museum · Southwest Washington · 179 tips and reviews

FamilyFunFamilyFun: DC is packed with amazing things to do with kids. One of our favorite places was this museum. -Brand Development Director

HISTORYHISTORY: Opened in 2004, this museum is devoted to the history and culture of Native people in the Western Hemisphere.

Lauren F.Lauren Fasceski: The cafeteria here is the best of the museum eateries in DC. Still pricey, but worth it.

Ford's Theater Center for Education & Leadership is one of The 15 Best History Museums in Washington.

15. Ford's Theater Center for Education & Leadership

8.0
511 10th St NW, Washington, D.C.
History Museum · Downtown-Penn Quarter-Chinatown · 3 tips and reviews

AnamarieAnamarie: Research, education and lots of Lincoln!

Timothy S.Timothy South: You can learn about the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

Manuel L.Manuel Lopez-Leon: Lincoln’s theater box, Petersen House.