Free Museums in Bethesda

"National Gallery of Art is home to one of the finest (and most vast!) collections of art in the world with a collection of paintings spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day. After taking in the museum's breathtaking originals, head to the gift shop and take home a print of one of your favorites. Many of the greats are here—Monet, Rothko, Hopper and you can order many of them online, too, if you can't make it to museum."

"Head to the National Gallery of Art where there is always an amazing showcase of artists from around the world. Online interactive apps have been created for NGA in order to keep children learning throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They can visit the gallery through an interactive experience and explore a variety of works from over 300 years."

"The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC houses one of the finest collections of paintings and sculptures in the world. On permanent display are works by Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Raphael, Botticelli, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Goya, Manet, Monet, Rodin, Degas, and many, many more."

"Home to the world's largest collection of aviation and space artifacts, the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is a world-renowned institution that provides information encompassing all aspects of human flight. The museum is located in two historic buildings that house a vast collection of items and artifacts relating to the space and aviation industry. It features a range of exhibitions on aviation, planetary science, and space exploration."

"If you’re interested in learning about aviation history, then this is your spot. The National Air and Space Museum boasts the world’s most extensive collection of historic air and spacecraft. You can expect to find actual astronaut suits and moon rocks."

"The most hands-on of the Smithsonian museums, the Air and Space Museum is a must-see for adults and kids. Admission is free to the enormous collection of historical planes and rockets, and all kinds of educational activities and events."

"The most visited museum of its kind in the world, the Museum of Natural History features a collection of exhibits and galleries that explore our natural surroundings. Learn about dinosaurs, discover the story of man, the importance of the world’s oceans and view the famous Hope Diamond through the museum’s interactive displays."

"First on the list is the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Located on the National Mall at 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, it is the most popular museum in Washington, boasting 4.5 stars out of 1,036 reviews on Yelp."

"Hours are limited and seasonal, so check in advance of your visit. Kid-friendly exhibits: all. The Oceans Hall, Hall of Mammals, Insect Zoo, and dinosaurs are classics."

"National portrait gallery is a picturesque gallery in the destination that is known for its scintillating art and ambience. If you are someone who loves art then visiting the destination is a must. Give the destination a friendly visit and get to see some of the best art in the city that will leave you mesmerised."

"Right next to the Capital One Arena in Chinatown is the National Portrait Gallery. Full of impressive hallways and courtyards the Portrait Gallery has plenty of unique art exhibits to photograph. 8th St NW & F St NW, Washington, DC 20001"

"The National Portrait Gallery holds paintings of all the U.S. presidents, as well as famous poets, activists, athletes, and a long list of others who have influenced American history. At no cost, visitors can explore at their own pace."

"Unbeatable for mind-bending, immersive art Since opening in June 2017, Artechouse has become a favorite for its blend of digital imagery, art, music, film, theater, and technology. The current exhibit, "Sakura Yume Cherry Blossom Dream," runs through May 6, 2018. Features of the exhibit include an interactive 3D koi pond sculpture and a lantern-lit street."

"One of the newest museums in DC is ARTECHOUSE which is loaded with seasonal interactive art. Before heading to ARTECHOUSE I recommend checking their website to see what exhibit is happening and to buy tickets. In addition to the interactive art spaces ARTECHOUSE has a small bar where they make cocktails that you can interact with using AR in their app."

"Duration: 1 hour. ARTECHOUSE, the nation’s first innovative digital art space with locations in Washington, DC, New York, and..."

"The Reynolds Center is one of DC's finest museums. This Smithsonian venue combines the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum into one whopping collection of American art that's unmatched anywhere in the world. Keep an eye out for famed works by Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Winslow Homer and loads more celebrated artists."

"This Smithsonian venue combines the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum into one whopping collection of American art that's unmatched anywhere... Monument in National Mall"

"American University Museum (AU) is located on American University’s main campus at the Katzen Arts Center. It consists of a three-story, 30,000 square-foot museum and sculpture garden. It hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary art from around the globe."

"Rock Creek Park was one of the first national parks developed by the federal government. Dating back to 1890, the park is a DC treasure that affords visitors a scenic getaway from the hectic pace of the day-to-day in the nation’s capital. Boasting 32 hiking trails, landmarks such as Civil War strongholds, colonial houses, and activities like horseback riding, picnicking, and the opportunity to play tennis or golf, among others, a trip to the Rock Creek Park can quickly fill up your day with immersion in nature."

"Since becoming one of the first federally managed parks in the United States in 1890, Rock Creek Park has been a green oasis in the heart of Washington DC. Covering an astounding 1,700 acres, Rock Creek is larger even than New York’s Central Park. Nature lovers exploring its grounds may catch a glimpse of some of its residents: the white-tailed deer; red foxes, or even coyote. Hikers enjoy more than 32 miles of trails, while cyclists can follow a paved path all the way to the Lincoln Memorial."

"Venture away from the city by exploring the hiking trails of Rock Creek Park. This park isn't very well known, so you won't find too many tourists there."

"Prospective chain Badaro opened its first Lebanese restaurant in Arlington and plans to grow from there. Featured offerings include traditional shawarma, grilled kebabs, kefta, and falafel. Fill out an order with a side of spicy hummus or baba ganoush with pita or a fresh-squeezed juice."

"5 out of 5 stars Restaurants H Street Corridor. Hip twentysomethings squeeze into this tiny spot to slurp big bowls of ramen in rich, house-made broth. The dumplings are great, too—we especially like the grilled pork ones—and there are more than 20 kinds of saké available."

"Public House National Harbor is an American-style restaurant in the area. Public House offers a wide variety of food that is sure to please every guest. No matter the occasion, this restaurant can do it all."

"Fans of tennis, basketball, and volleyball will know Towers Park well, but they may not realize that this easy-to-reach location also includes a separate park for dogs!. You can’t let your friend run around on any of the athletic courts, but with a designated closed-off area that’s open and well lit until 10 P.M., we don’t think you’ll be tempted."

"Located in Washington DC's Georgetown neighborhood, Dumbarton House is a Federal-style house from around 1800. The museum's collection includes 1,000+ pieces of furniture, paintings, textiles, silver, and ceramics primarily from the Federal period, 1789 to 1825, as well as, a manuscript and document collection including journals, account books, and letters that together document nearly 300 years of Nourse family life."

"2715 Q St. NW Washington, DC. The historic house in Georgetown was originally the home to Joseph Nourse, first Register of the U.S."