Best History Museum in Bethesda

We've collected top 10 mentioned history museums in Bethesda from other articles such as Big 7 Travel, Elisabeth Caron | Washington DC Newborn Care Specialist | Overnight Care | Night Nanny, Lonely Planet Top Choices.

Best History Museum in Bethesda

National Portrait Gallery
National Portrait Gallery
4.8 (9157 ratings)4.5 (3216 ratings)
Free art museum with works portraying American people (famous, infamous & obscure) through history.
8th and G Streets, Washington, D.C., DC 20001, USA
Art museumMuseumsNational museumHistory Museums
Mentioned by TripHobo
Cultural Attractions in Washington D. C
"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."
Mentioned by IGDC
18 of the Most Instagrammable Places in Washington, DC
"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"
Mentioned by Cheapism
24 Free or Cheap Things to Do in Washington, D.C.
"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."
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
4.7 (17411 ratings)4.5 (4610 ratings)
Vast, venerable museum chronicling American history through displays such as Julia Child's kitchen.
1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
History museumMuseumsNational museum
National Museum of African American History and Culture
National Museum of African American History and Culture
4.8 (20843 ratings)5 (2697 ratings)
Popular Smithsonian museum with unique exhibits on African American history, culture & community.
1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
National museumMuseumsHeritage museumHistory museum
Mentioned by planetware.com
18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Washington, D.C. | PlanetWare
"Focusing on themes of history, culture, and community, the newest of the Smithsonian museums explores changing definitions of American citizenship and equality, at the same time highlighting African American culture and that of the entire African diaspora. Various themes are covered in changing exhibits, which center on themes such as African American food traditions and chefs, the influence of African American sports stars on the breakdown of segregation, and African craftsmanship. Historic artifacts on display include a section of the original Woolworth lunch counter that was the scene of the Greensboro, N.C."
Mentioned by Old Town Trolley Tours
DC Architecture Guide For Your Next Vacation - Must See DC Buildings
"The building of this unique museum is a work of art, enveloped in the very culture and rich heritage of its contents. The architecture, considered classical Greco-Roman, has a base and shaft and is topped with a corona, inspired by Yoruban art from West Africa. The entire building is wrapped in an ornamental bronze-colored lattice that traces its roots to the ironwork of enslaved African-Americans."
Mentioned by Lonely Planet
Must see attractions in Washington, DC, USA
"Located in Washington, DC, the sensational National Museum of African American History & Culture is devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history and culture. Since it opened in 2016,... Top ChoiceMuseum in National Mall"
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
4.8 (13698 ratings)4.5 (10392 ratings)
Preserving the memory of the Holocaust with permanent & traveling exhibits & educational programs.
100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, D.C., DC 20024, USA
MuseumHistory museumMemorialSpecialty Museums
Mentioned by Thrillist
The All-Time Best Museums Worth Visiting in DC
"A powerful and necessary reminder of tragic history The Holocaust is undeniably a heavy subject, but it’s one that begs for remembrance and reflection. This museum’s permanent exhibition walks through the events leading up to and through the horrible Holocaust of the late 1930s and 1940s. There’s also a free section focused on Americans in the Holocaust, including showcases of first-hand accounts and experiences."
Mentioned by via travelers
25 Best Museums for Kids in Washington D.C.
"Rated for ages eight and up accompanied by an adult, this museum is a very important piece of our nation’s history. Daniel’s Story is a permanent exhibit at the museum that tells the Holocaust experience from a child’s point of view. Children can write messages to other visitors at the end of the exhibit to explain what they learned and how it affected them."
Mentioned by StayArlington, VA
Memorials & Museums in Arlington, VA
", such as the Air and Space Museum (moon rocks!), American History Museum (the flag!) and Museum of Natural History (butterflies!)."
National Museum of the American Indian
National Museum of the American Indian
4.5 (6500 ratings)4 (2199 ratings)
Artifact exhibits & modern interactive displays examine the history & culture of Native Americans.
4th St SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
History museumMuseumsArt museumSpecialty Museums
Echoes, the Manassas Museum Store
Echoes, the Manassas Museum Store
4.6 (217 ratings)4.5 (136 ratings)
Store of the Manassas Museum, carrying gifts, Civil War collectibles, local crafts & souvenirs.
9101 Prince William St, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
History museumMuseumsGift shopSpecialty Museums
National Building Museum
National Building Museum
4.3 (2889 ratings)4 (627 ratings)
Museum dedicated to architecture, engineering & design, with exhibits for kids as well as adults.
401 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
MuseumCultural centerHistorical landmarkNational museumHistory Museums
Mentioned by The Crazy Tourist
55 Best Things to Do in Washington DC
"Examining the history and impact of architecture, design, engineering and landscape architecture, the National Building Museum is one of the most awe-inspiring edifices in the city, which is saying something for Washington. This is the former Pension Bureau from 1887, composed of more than 15 million bricks and featuring spectacular 23-metre Corinthian columns inside and a 400-metre terracotta frieze on its facade. Those columns stand in the Great Hall, which is 15 storeys high and laid out like an outsized Italian Renaissance courtyard, framed by tiers of arcaded galleries."
Mentioned by AFAR Media
DC Museums You Must Visit
"Formerly known as the Pension Building, this immense Italian Renaissance–style structure is home to more than 200 exhibits showcasing the construction, architecture, and engineering heritage of the U.S. and Washington, D.C. A favorite is the..."
Mentioned by Museum Hack
Museums in Washington DC: The Complete List (2020
"The National Building Museum is dedicated to educating the public on the impact of architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning. The museum offers exhibitions, educational programs, and special events for all ages."
Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office
Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office
4.8 (36 ratings)4.5 (28 ratings)
437 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA
MuseumSights & LandmarksHistoric SitesHistory MuseumsMilitary Museums
Lee-Fendall House Museum
Lee-Fendall House Museum
4.5 (64 ratings)4 (29 ratings)
Lee family homestead that was built in 1785 but restored to look as it was in the mid-19th century.
614 Oronoco St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
MuseumSights & LandmarksHistoric SitesHistory Museums
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
4.6 (1177 ratings)4.5 (623 ratings)
Neoclassical shrine dedicated to George Washington, with ornate hall, museum & observation deck.
101 Callahan Dr, Alexandria, VA 22301, USA
MuseumSights & LandmarksMonuments & StatuesHistory Museums
Mentioned by American Quartz & Granite
5 Fun Things To Do in Alexandria, Virginia
"Enter the golden age of Masonic architecture when you visit the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. This memorial in Alexandria honors Master Mason George Washington – the first president of the United States. You can also experience the Grand Masonic Hall and their breathtaking museum exhibits that are bound to leave you in awe."
Mentioned by Virginia Travel Tips
15 Best Things to Do in Alexandria for First-Time Visitors
"This memorial building dedicated to George Washington is fashioned after the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria in Egypt. The memorial is 333 feet tall and is located at the top of Shooter’s Hill. The building was dedicated in 1932 but the interior was not completely finished until the 70s."

Best Diners in Bethesda

Van Dorn Diner
Van Dorn Diner
4.3 (423 ratings)
281 S Van Dorn St, Alexandria, VA 22304, USA
Diner
Kaldis Social House Arlington
Kaldis Social House Arlington
4.8 (135 ratings)
Trendy coffee shop serving health-conscious breakfasts, sandwiches & waffles, plus wine & beer.
3100 10th St N, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
Coffee shopBrunch restaurantDinerLunch restaurant
City Diner
City Diner
4.4 (887 ratings)
Classic diner chow & Greek bites, including breakfast, in an old-school dinerlike setting.
5616 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041, USA
Diner

Best Lunch Restaurants in Bethesda

Bon Vivant Cafe + Farm Market
Bon Vivant Cafe + Farm Market
4.2 (295 ratings)
Relaxed cafe & grocery offering made-to-order & take-home foods with products from local farms.
2016 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301, USA
CafeBreakfast restaurantBrunch restaurantCoffee shopLunch restaurantSandwich shop
Patisserie Poupon
Patisserie Poupon
4.2 (284 ratings)
Croissants, macarons, cakes & sandwiches in a cozy, French-inspired cafe with a coffee bar & patio.
1645 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
BakeryBreakfast restaurantCafeFrench restaurantLunch restaurantPastry shopWedding bakery
Mentioned by Eater DC
Where to Find Next-Level Croissants Around D.C.
"The Georgetown outpost of the Baltimore-based bakery offers a savory ham and cheese croissant and a sweet variety stuffed with almond paste and topped with an almond glaze."
Clyde's of Gallery Place
Clyde's of Gallery Place
4.3 (2193 ratings)
Long-running local chain serving classic American dishes & cocktails in a traditional setting.
707 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
American restaurantBarBrunch restaurantCocktail barLunch restaurantOyster bar restaurantSandwich shopSeafood restaurantSports barSteak house

Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Bethesda

National Museum of the American Indian
National Museum of the American Indian
4.5 (6500 ratings)4 (2199 ratings)
Artifact exhibits & modern interactive displays examine the history & culture of Native Americans.
4th St SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
History museumMuseumsArt museumSpecialty Museums
George Washington University Art
George Washington University Art
5 (2 ratings)
701 21st St NW, Washington, DC 20052, USA
University departmentArt museum
Mentioned by Museum Hack
Museums in Washington DC: The Complete List (2020
"The Luther W. Brady Art Gallery and the Dimock Gallery make up the George Washington University Art Galleries. They display the University's permanent art collections, as well as visiting exhibitions. The collections include painting, sculpture, and photographs, ranging from rare historic pieces to Washington and Americana to modern art."
Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture
Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture
4.8 (145 ratings)4.5 (30 ratings)
Washington, DC 20001, USA
Art museumMuseums
Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in Washington, DC, USA
"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."
Mentioned by Lonely Planet
Must see attractions in Washington, DC, USA
"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"

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Bethesda

3.0 (309 reviews)
DC International Hostel 2
Hostel
$22.18 /night
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The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner
Hotel
$324 /night
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West End Washington DC, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Hotel
$207 /night
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