Free Museums in Gaithersburg

"The National Gallery of Art is a large campus with two buildings and the 6-acre Sculpture Garden. The museum’s West Building is easily recognizable thanks to its Roman-style architecture, while the East Building is more modern in appearance. You’ll find thousands of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and prints inside the museum, including the only original painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the Western Hemisphere."

"National Gallery of Art | The permanent collection compromises of pieces from the Middle Ages to the present day. Highlights include: Rogier van der Weyden, Portrait of a Lady, Leonardo da Vinci, Ginevra de’ Benci, Rembrandt van Rijn, Self-Portrait and Vincent van Gogh, Self-portrait."

"It's easy to spend a full day at the National Gallery of Art, which showcases a whole range of artworks and masterpieces from the 11th century to the... Top ChoiceMonument in National Mall"

"The most popular museum on the mall is packed with exciting exhibits that trace the development of flight from the first Wright Brothers plane to SpaceShipOne, the first private piloted vehicle to reach space. Lots of exhibits are interactive (some even encourage climbing aboard), while sky shows at the Albert Einstein Planetarium and a 5-story high IMAX movie theater add to the attractions. Special family activities are offered regularly, including the chance to look through the museum’s giant telescopes; for young visitors, children’s storytimes and the film, One World One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure, shown free in the Einstein Planetarium on selected days."

"The National Air and Space Museum boasts the world’s largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft, including Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, the Wright brothers’ original 1903 flyer, astronaut space suits and a lunar rock sample. In fact, the collection has grown so large that there's a dedicated annex, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, in Chantilly, Va."

"The National Air and Space Museum contains the world’s largest collection of aviation and space artifacts. The museum was first founded in 1876 and welcomes about eight million people annually. The museum features 23 main exhibition galleries and sits in an ideal location with the Capitol Building just a few blocks away."

"The most popular are the Air and Space Museum, Natural History Museum, and American History Museum. Choose the museum that interests you most and spend a few hours exploring. At the National Air and Space Museum, see the original Wright 1903 Flyer, the "Spirit of St. Louis," and the Apollo 11 command module. At the National Museum of Natural History, take a look at the Hope Diamond and other gems and minerals, examine the massive fossil collection, visit the 23,000-square-foot Ocean Hall, see a life-size replica of a North Atlantic whale and a 1,800-gallon-tank display of coral reef."

"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."

"Address: 10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20560Phone: (202) 633-1000Website. This top-pick among Smithsonian museums has remained a crowd favorite."

"The Smithsonian American Art Museum shares space with the National Portrait Gallery in a historic Greek Revival building that is one of the oldest public buildings in Washington, D.C. The American Art Museum is home to one of the largest and most inclusive collections of American art in the world. More than 7,000 artists are represented in the collection, including major masters such as John Singleton Copley, Gilbert Stuart, Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, Childe Hassam, Mary Cassatt, Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper, Joseph Cornell, Jacob Lawrence, Helen Frankenthaler, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, David Hockney, Jenny Holzer, Lee Friedlander, Roy Lichtenstein, Nam June Paik, Irving Penn, Martin Puryear, Robert Rauschenberg and Bill Viola. Be sure to visit the National Portrait Gallery and see the only complete collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House."

"National Mall Open Wednesday-Sunday, 11:30am-7pm Permanent exhibits at the NPG include America's Presidents, the nation's only complete collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House. You can also check out portraits of creative geniuses, from P.T. Barnum to Elvis; and Champions, a mix of legendary figures from the world of sports."

"It houses tens of thousands of pieces, seen by over 2 million visitors a year, within a Greek Revival frame. The gallery’s indoor courtyard is also one of D.C.’s most beautiful interiors."

"This was the first art museum to open in Washington, D.C. It has a permanent collection of some of the finest works of art from the 20th century from famous artists like Claude Monet, John Sing Sargent and Mary Cassatt. The Corcoran Gallery of Art is only one block away from the White House so you can see both in one morning or afternoon, and it only requires a short walk on your part."

"500 17th St. NW Washington, DC. The historic building was established as a private art gallery to house the extensive collection of Washington banker and philanthropist, William Wilson Corcoran (partner of the bank Corcoran & Riggs)."

"With an astounding collection of over 3,000 artworks, The Phillips Collection was the first museum of modern art to open in the United States. This impressive space is home to works by classic masters such as Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, alongside Modern marvels Paul Klee, Georgia O’Keeffe, Alfred Stieglitz, and Ellsworth Kelly. One of the space’s most renowned features is the ‘Rothko Room’ – a separate space designed in collaboration with the artist himself in which visitors may observe four of Rothko’s hypnotic paintings."

"The first Thursday of the month, the country’s earliest museum of modern art hosts a cocktail party with food and live music. The stunning collection of Impressionist and modern artists features works by Cezanne, Matisse and El Greco as well as Picasso and O’Keefe. Couples have been known to pop the question while viewing the collection’s “Luncheon of the Boating Party” by Renoir."

"The Phillips Collectionis all about contemporary organic furnishings. Not a single tree is cut while preparing the items from their Origins Collection. The pieces are designed by artists and prepared by artisans from all over the word."

"Just behind the National Archives, you will find the Newseum, which is still on our list but I’ve heard it is terrific. Younger kids also love the International Spy Museum. Our personal favorite from this trip was the National Museum of the American Indian."

"Couple in Rock Creek Park - Free Outdoor Activities in Washington, DC. Walk, jog or bike with your love through the rustic expanse of 2,100 acres that comprise Rock Creek Park. The historic park also includes attractions such as Peirce Mill and the Old Stone House, as well as a nature center, riding stables, tennis courts, a golf course, picnic areas and playing fields."

"Take a deep breath in crisp, clear air when you visit Rock Creek Park. It’s one of the most beautiful places to go in Washington, DC, and thanks to careful conservation efforts by the community, it’s also one of the best sites for escaping the smog of the city. Water glides over the rocks in cold, clear streams."

"Rock Creek Park is near the National Zoo, Hillwood Estate Museum and Gardens. If you are interested in visiting any or all of these places, it might be worth renting a room in the area and then either driving into DC or taking the Metro. Rock Creek Park is a national park with 1,754 acres to explore."

"ArlingtonWhen they aren’t showing second-run films or particularly popular sports events (Hello, World Cup!), the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse offers the best comedy shows south of the Potomac. The main room has played host to several SNL and Last Comic Standing veterans, as well as to bigger names such as Trevor Noah and Patton Oswalt. Between Thursday and Saturday, the Green Room off the main entrance is also a hot spot for the best local and regional stand-up comedians..."

"A post shared by Daniel Barrios (@dia2ill) on Feb 14, 2019 at 6:54pm PST. Join the fun in this elating theatre which has a track record of being an entertainment hub for over 70 years. The Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse is now family owned and has a unique combination of a theatre and a full restaurant all in one place."

"Silver SpringThis Silver Spring space’s motto is “Anyone Can Do Theatre.” In addition to being the only theater on this list that hosts workouts-cum-theater techniques (yes, this exists), it provides many performance opportunities for local improv teams. Their long-form comedy competition, Cagematch is on a brief hiatus, but they’re still hosting improv most Fridays."

"What many folks don’t know about George Mason, they can learn while visiting his memorial right next to the Jefferson Memorial. Known for his authorship of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, George Mason’s work and beliefs were a major influence into the writing of the United States Bill of Rights. He earned the nickname, the reluctant statesman, after refusing to sign the United States Constitution because it did not abolish slavery."

"Sitting on the highest point in Georgetown, this idyllic spot feels like a secret sanctuary free from the hustle and bustle of the city. Along with a bed of 900 roses, the gardens feature day lilies and sprawling forsythia as well as apple, peach and cherry trees. The pastoral setting of this romantic DC hideaway stirs the heart to feelings of love and commitment."

"The excellent, peaceful, and calm enclosures at Dumbarton Oaks are only a couple of minutes walk around the rushing about of Georgetown fitting. On a winter date, diagram a course through the European planned enclosure to find the trimmings and engravings. Dumbarton Oaks pic:flickr,sherry"

"Set on the highest point in Georgetown, this park area is filled with hiking and running trails that follow behind many of the local embassies. In late spring, the full bloom of the peonies welcome visitors."

"6 blocks north of the White House with a medium size playground, basketball court and huge soccer field. Unique features: 2 different climbing walls for little and big kids and standard playground. Note some of the equipment is old but good news is that there is a $15 million renovation project which will start Summer 2021 to modernize the facility and bring it up to ADA standards."

"The National Children’s Museum is located in downtown Washington, D.C. near the famous National Mall. The museum moved to a brand-new building in late 2019 and expanded the space for many exhibits, and hands-on learning experiences help kids learn sciences, technology, engineering, arts, and math in a fun way."

"The name may be obvious, but this new museum joining the ranks of top kid-friendly museums is the National Children’s Museum. A massive three-level jungle gym is just the start of this newly built facility. In a virtual field trip, kids can become Climate Action Heroes."

"The National Children’s Museum in Washington, DC, is strictly for families of young children. The museum is set up so that the exhibits are just the right height for those little bodies. The museum is all about movement and interaction, learning by doing."

"The most popular are the Air and Space Museum, Natural History Museum, and American History Museum. Choose the museum that interests you most and spend a few hours exploring. At the National Air and Space Museum, see the original Wright 1903 Flyer, the "Spirit of St. Louis," and the Apollo 11 command module. At the National Museum of Natural History, take a look at the Hope Diamond and other gems and minerals, examine the massive fossil collection, visit the 23,000-square-foot Ocean Hall, see a life-size replica of a North Atlantic whale and a 1,800-gallon-tank display of coral reef."

"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."

"Address: 10th Street & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20560Phone: (202) 633-1000Website. This top-pick among Smithsonian museums has remained a crowd favorite."

"The most popular museum on the mall is packed with exciting exhibits that trace the development of flight from the first Wright Brothers plane to SpaceShipOne, the first private piloted vehicle to reach space. Lots of exhibits are interactive (some even encourage climbing aboard), while sky shows at the Albert Einstein Planetarium and a 5-story high IMAX movie theater add to the attractions. Special family activities are offered regularly, including the chance to look through the museum’s giant telescopes; for young visitors, children’s storytimes and the film, One World One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure, shown free in the Einstein Planetarium on selected days."

"The National Air and Space Museum boasts the world’s largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft, including Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, the Wright brothers’ original 1903 flyer, astronaut space suits and a lunar rock sample. In fact, the collection has grown so large that there's a dedicated annex, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, in Chantilly, Va."

"The National Air and Space Museum contains the world’s largest collection of aviation and space artifacts. The museum was first founded in 1876 and welcomes about eight million people annually. The museum features 23 main exhibition galleries and sits in an ideal location with the Capitol Building just a few blocks away."