What Museums Cost Money in DC: A Guide for Tourists

Washington D.C. is known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and of course, its impressive collection of museums. From the National Air and Space Museum to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits and collections in the nation’s capital. However, not all museums in D.C. are free to the public. In this guide, we’ll explore which museums cost money in D.C. and what the admission fees are.

Smithsonian Museums

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and nine research facilities. With the exception of a few special exhibits, all of the Smithsonian museums are free to the public.

Special Exhibitions at Smithsonian Museums

While the Smithsonian museums themselves are free, some of the special exhibitions within them may require an admission fee depending on the exhibition. These exhibits feature extra attractions such as interactive elements, multimedia installations, or rare artifacts that aren’t on display in the free areas of the museums.For example, the National Air and Space Museum regularly offers special exhibits such as “Beyond the Moon: NASA’s Continuing Mission,” which offers a hands-on experience on the future of space exploration for $15 per adult ticket. The National Museum of American History’s “The American Revolution: A World War” exhibition also requires a fare of $8 per adult for those ages 18 and up.It’s recommended to check the museum’s website or call the museum ahead of time to confirm if a special exhibition requires an admission fee.

Non-Smithsonian Museums

While the Smithsonian museums are free to the public, there are several other museums in D.C. that require an admission fee.

The National Building Museum

The National Building Museum is a museum dedicated to architecture, design, and engineering. Its exhibits span from the history of building and construction in the United States to temporary exhibitions exploring contemporary design topics. Admission to the museum is $10 per adult, with discounts available for seniors, youth, and military.

The International Spy Museum

If you’re looking for something more out of the ordinary, check out the International Spy Museum. The museum is dedicated to the history of espionage, with exhibits on the evolution of spy technology, spy gadgets, and famous spy cases throughout history. Admission is $24.95 per adult, with discounts available for seniors, children, and military.

Museum of the Bible

The Museum of the Bible is a multimedia museum that explores the history, narrative, and impact of the Bible. With exhibits ranging from the history of the Bible to its impact on literature and pop culture, the museum offers a unique and interactive experience for visitors. Admission is $24.99 per adult (ages 18-64), with discounts available for seniors, youth, and military.

The Newseum

The Newseum is a museum dedicated to the history and future of journalism. Its exhibits span from the history of news and journalism to the role of the press in daily life. Admission is $26 per adult, with discounts available for seniors, youth, and military.

What Museums Cost Money in DC: Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a trip to Washington, DC? One of the must-see activities in the capital city is visiting its famous museums. Fortunately, some of DC’s museums are free to visitors, but many require an admission fee. To help you plan your visit accordingly, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about museum costs in DC.

1. Which museums in DC are free?

The good news is that many museums in DC are free to visitors. Here are some of our top picks:

• National Museum of American History
• National Museum of Natural History
• National Air and Space Museum (and Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia)
• National Museum of the American Indian
• Smithsonian Institution Building (also known as The Castle)
• National Portrait Gallery
• National Gallery of Art
• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

2. Which museums in DC require an admission fee?

While many free museums in DC offer visitors an opportunity to experience exhibits surrounding American history, art, and wildlife, here are a few museums that charge an admission fee:

• Newseum
• International Spy Museum
• National Building Museum
• National Geographic Museum
• The Phillips Collection

3. What do admission fees in DC museums typically cost?

Admission costs vary by museum and specific exhibits. Here’s a general cost breakdown of some of the museums charging admission fees in DC:

• Newseum – $24.95 for adults, $19.95 for youth (ages 7-18), and free for children 6 and under
• International Spy Museum – $24.95 for adults, $17.95 for youth (ages 7-12), and free for children 6 and under
• National Building Museum – $10 for adults, $7 for youth (ages 3-17), and free for children under three
• National Geographic Museum – $15 for adults, $10 for children (ages 5-12), and free for children under five
• The Phillips Collection – $16 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (62 and over), and free for visitors 18 and under and members

4. How can I save on admission fees?

Many museums in DC offer discounts for various groups, including military personnel, students, seniors, and educators. Additionally, some museums offer free admission on certain days of the week or month. For example, the National Museum of Women in the Arts has free admission on the first Sunday of each month, and the National Museum of American History is open until 7:30 pm on Tuesdays, providing visitors an opportunity to explore the museum’s exhibits after work. Be sure to check each museum’s website for details and current offerings.

5. Are there any other costs associated with visiting museums in DC?

In addition to admission fees, some museums in DC offer ticketed exhibits and experiences, including IMAX films, workshops, and tours. Additionally, visitors should consider any transportation or parking fees associated with getting to and from the museums. However, many of the museums in DC are located within walking distance or accessible by public transportation, making it easy to get around and save on transportation costs.

In

A Guide to Museum Admission in Washington DC

One of the best aspects of Washington DC is its plethora of museums, which provide visitors with access to endless knowledge and culture. However, not all museums in the city have free admission. In this guide, we will help you navigate museum admission costs and provide tips to save you money during your visit.

Step 1: Determine the Museum Admission Fees

Before planning your museum visits, it is crucial to determine what museums will charge admission fees. Some of the most popular museums in DC will have cost-free admissions, but others may charge for special exhibitions. Here is a breakdown of the museum admission fees in Washington DC:

Smithsonian Museum Admission Fees

Smithsonian museums are a collection of 19 museums and galleries and 1 zoo which offer free admission to all. However, special exhibitions do require tickets or entrance fees. The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) requires timed-entry passes for all visitors, which are free, but can only be acquired online, and they tend to sell out quickly.

Other Museums Admission Fees

The following museums in DC have admission fees that vary based on age, military status, or if you’re a student:

• National Museum of Women in the Arts ($10 for adults)
• National Geographic Museum ($15 for adults)
• The Museum of the Bible ($25 for adults)
• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (free admission)

Step 2: Research Discounts and Special Offers

Museums in DC offer several ways for visitors to save money on admission fees. The Smithsonian Institute offers free admission to all museums, but even these institutions have ways to save more. Here are some examples of different programs offering discounted or free admission:

Memberships and Discounts

Most museums offer a membership program which includes free or discounted admission, exclusive exhibit previews, and discounts on purchases. In addition, most institutions offer discounts to seniors, students, and military personnel.

Free or Reduced Admission Days and Times

Some museums offer free admission for a few hours or specific days of the week. This provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to save money and still experience the different exhibitions. For example, the Museum of the Bible offers free admission on Wednesdays.

Discount Ticket Vendors

Discount ticket sites and vendors like Groupon or LivingSocial offer deals for many museums around the city. Before purchasing tickets, ensure to read the fine print, check the expiration date, and review the cancellation policy.

Step 3: Plan Your Museum Visits Around Free Admission Days

The best way to experience the museums in DC is around the available free admission days. Plan your visit around these days, which will result in significant savings. Here are some free admission days to keep in mind:

• National Archives Museum (Free admission year-round)
• National Museum of American Indian (Free admission year-round)
• National Museum of African American History and Culture (Timed-entry passes only, but free)
• National Portrait Gallery (Free admission year-round)
• Smithsonian American Art Museum (Free admission year-round)

Step 4: Plan Ahead and Buy Tickets in Advance

Museums in DC can get crowded during peak tourist season. To avoid long lines and save time, consider buying tickets in advance. Some admissions are available online, while others require a phone call. Here are some tips to keep in mind for purchasing advance tickets:

• Check the expiration date on tickets
• Read the fine print on transferability and cancellations
• Double-check opening and closing times on the day of your visit
• Be prepared for bag checks and security checks at the entrance

Conclusion

Washington DC is home to some of the best museums in the world, with something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re interested in art, history, culture, or natural sciences, the museum experience in DC is unparalleled. By following the steps above, you can save money and make the most of your time exploring these cultural gems.