Which of the Famous Art Museums Should You Visit?
Find your masterpiece match!
By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 30, 2024
There is so much to learn about when it comes to enhancing your knowledge. One of the best ways to do so is by visiting a museum. Whether you want to learn more about Asian art, African American history, folk art, American Indian history, or American art, there are museums that can help you with that. The Smithsonian Institution is a group of museums and educational centers that are dedicated to highlighting different subjects and topics. The Smithsonian museums are national museums that anyone can visit to enrich their learning.
Many of these museums are in Washington, D.C. You can visit the National Museum of Natural History, the National Postal Museum, the National Zoo, and the National Air and Space Museum, to name a few, and all of them are considered Smithsonian museums. Head down to the National Mall and get the most out of your trip by visiting one of the Smithsonian Institution museums. But if you’re not sure which one to visit, we’re here to help. Take this quiz to find out which one you should check out.
Smithsonian Museums
The Smithsonian Institution is in charge of the Smithsonian Museums. This is the largest collection of museums, education, and research centers in the world. Many of them are located in Washington, D.C., but others are located in New York City and Virginia. The Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian's George Gustav Heye Center are located in New York City. The National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is in Virginia. Many are located on the National Mall, including the National Museum of African Art, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Museum of Natural History, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
The origin of the Smithsonian Institution dates back to citizens of Washington back in 1816 who wanted to preserve and tout useful knowledge. The Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Natural History Museum are both perfect examples of ones where visitors can see different exhibitions when they visit. The National Portrait Gallery is another favorite destination for many, as it includes portraits of many presidents. You can find all kinds of interesting collections at a Smithsonian museum.
Which of the Smithsonian Museums Should You Visit?
Deciding which Smithsonian museum to grace with your presence can feel like an art history major trying to pick their favorite Impressionist—it's a tough gallery of candidates, folks. After all, with a roster of 19 museums sprinkled around the National Mall like historical confetti, we have got to be choosy with our time. Do we want to marvel at the Hope Diamond, get up close and personal with a lunar module, or contemplate the modern art world's polka dots and brush strokes? Choices, choices.
But fear not, intrepid museum adventurer, we've got insider tips that'll help make your DC cultural safari as epic as the legends of yesteryear (minus any potential for getting lost in an Egyptian pyramid). Whether you've got a penchant for planes, a fascination with American history, or a yearning for giant prehistoric shark teeth (yeah, we see you), there’s a Smithsonian calling your name. And when choosing becomes as complicated as explaining the plot of Inception to a toddler, remember that the best museum is often the one that makes your inner curious cat purr with excitement.
Decoding the Smithsonian Galaxy: Which Star (Museum) to Hitchhike to?
You've got your space boots on and are all set to explore the cosmic expanse of culture and history, but where to first in this Smithsonian constellation? We're here to be your trusty space guild!
Mission Control: Navigating Smithsonian Institutes
Before we jet off, know that the Smithsonian Institution is our universe of knowledge. With 19 museums and the National Zoo orbiting the heart of Washington D.C., charting your course can be as challenging as finding a black hole! Remember, not all stars shine the same for everyone. Whether you're an aficionado of the arts or you've got your head in the techno-clouds, every museum has its unique gravitational pull.
The Smithsonian Mothership: Must-See Monuments of Culture and History
Now, if culture and history are your cosmic cocktails, cheers to the National Museum of American History! It's the Big Bang of Americana with exhibits that make you go 'Wow, so that's what Abraham Lincoln’s hat looks like!' For the stargazers who are keen on seeing the supernovas of the past—this is your mothership!
The National Museum of Natural History is another celestial body you don't want to miss. Imagine walking through an ocean hall then bam!—you're staring a dinosaur fossil right in the face. It's like a time machine without the risk of paradoxes. The National Museum of African American History and Culture also lands on our list with its powerful testament to resilience and triumph that echoes through eons.
Out of This World Artifacts: A Cosmic Collection
Art lovers, buckle up for the Smithsonian American Art Museum! Your journey through the nebulae of fine arts is about to get colorful. From the classic to the contemporary, there are enough masterpieces to fuel a rocketship of inspiration.
And for those who like their artifacts with a side of zero gravity, the Air and Space Museum can have you moonwalking with the ease of Neil Armstrong. From the Wright brothers’ flyer to lunar modules, you'll touch down on every surface from Earth's stratosphere to the far side of the moon.
So, fellow galactic travelers, which Smithsonian star will you hitchhike to first? Strap in and let's make this intermuseum journey legendary!
Embarking on Your Smithsonian Spacewalk: Tips and Tricks for a Stellar Visit
Get ready, space cadets, because we're about to launch into the cosmic expanse of the Smithsonian Museums! No need for a rocket—we're navigating this interstellar journey on foot with some ground-control guidance.
Beam Me Up, Scotty: Arriving at the Smithsonian Universe
Boarding the starship Metro, we'll jet off at speeds that feel light-years faster than traffic. Remember to touch down at the Smithsonian Institution Building, also known as the Castle, for maps and missions. If you're heading to the further reaches like the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, a shuttlecraft (read: car) might be your best bet!
Galactic Explorer's Gear: What to Bring and What to Leave Home
Now, let's talk astronaut essentials: comfy walking boots and a water container are a must—our orbit will span miles of museum ground. Leave the snacks in orbit though, as foreign contaminants (a.k.a. food) are a no-go in the galleries. Keep your strollers comet-compact and service dogs at the ready. Any goods that beep louder than R2-D2 on a metal detector will have to stay in the mothership.
Surviving in the Smithsonian Space: Health, Safety, and Navigating Crowds
Our health and safety come first, even on this planetary expedition, so keep up to date with the CDC COVID-19 community levels. Face masks crafted from the finest space fabrics may be required. And while we'd love to pack you all in like Martians in a flying saucer, respect personal space to avoid meteor-sized crowds. Remember, your mission is to enjoy the Smithsonian cosmos, not to make first contact with every single Earthling there.
