Best Museums in Ashburn

"The National Gallery of Art is a national art museum in Washington that holds collections on American and European art. The National Gallery holds pieces from the Middle Ages to the present day including the only Leonardo Da Vinci painting in North America. As one of the largest museums in the United States, the National Gallery is a focal point in the art history community in the District of Columbia."

"The National Gallery of Art, located in close proximity to the National Mall, is another cultural experience chock-full of only-in-D.C. art you don’t want to miss. The gallery features an East and West Building that hosts various forms of art from different time periods all over the world."

"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 legendary exhibits at this hugely popular museum include the Wright brothers' flyer, Chuck Yeager's Bell X-1, Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St Louis, Howard Huges' H-1 Racer and Amelia Earhart's natty red plane. Children and adults alike love walking through the Skylab Orbital Workshop and viewing the 'Apollo to the Moon' exhibit upstairs. Immersive experiences include an Imax theater (adult/child 2-12 yr $9/7.50), planetarium (adult/child 2-12 yr $9/7.50) and flight simulators ($8–12 each)."

"With a mission to make people laugh, enhance the local community and advance the careers of comedians, LYGO DC succeeded. LYGO is an acronym for Laugh Your Grits Off because the group started in 2012 with a brunch and comedy show – now named Wake & Bacon that continues today. Catch their shows at Bier Baron Tavern on Wednesdays and Thursdays and their brunch show at Shaw's Tavern on Saturdays."

"In 2018, it was the fifth most visited museum in the world and the second most visited museum in the United States. It is a research center and museum focused on the history and science of aviation and spaceflight, as well as planetary science and terrestrial geology and geophysics."

"The traveling exhibit, The Bearded Lady Project, is comprised of 38 black-and-white portraits taken by Kelsey Vance, showcasing female paleontologists in the field, laboratories, offices, and museums. All these female scientists posed with false beards and mustaches to challenge the general concept of what a scientist might look like.Dates: Now through September 26How to visit: The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5:30 pm"

"The National Museum of Natural History is one of the most popular and entertaining museums in Washington, DC. Kids love the dinosaur exhibit and the Orkin Insect Zoo, among many other interactive displays. The museum also contains an IMAX theater featuring engaging films on an enormous IMAX screen."

"One thing we can say for sure about this museum is that you won’t run out of exciting pieces to see. With more than 127 million natural history artifacts, there is something for everyone here. You will find a vast collection of ancient dinosaur bones and even the Hope Diamond."

"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."

"Up close with Barack, Michelle, and presidential families past The National Portrait Gallery made headlines recently when it unveiled the colorful official portraits for former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. The walls are lined with paintings of all the presidents, along with images of American history from sports figures to revolutionaries. Beginning in May, the National Portrait Gallery will celebrate its 50th anniversary with photos of 50-year-old celebrities."

"The National Archives Museum houses the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and The Bill of Rights. Other exhibits include topics such as Women’s rights, National Park Documents, and public vaults with even more interesting documents to peruse. The National Archives Museum is one of the most overlooked attractions in Washington, DC."

"Do you love pouring over handwritten papers and sepia-toned scrolls in the pursuit of historical knowledge?. Maybe you just enjoy the smell of old books. No matter why you’re considering a visit to the National Archives Museum, you should know that it’s worth the trip."

"The National Archives Building was built in 1933 and finished in 1935. Its Classical Revival style was designed by John Russell Pope."

"The Woodrow Wilson House was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964. It was the home of the 28th President of the United States, Woodrow Wilson after he left office until 1924 when he passed away in an upstairs bedroom. The House is shown by guided tour of the hour; tours take approximately one hour."

"open Mar–Dec | Wed–Sun: 10am-4pm Jan–Feb | Fri–Sun: 10am-4pm$. Step inside the final home of Woodrow Wilson and feel the inspiration of one of our country’s greatest leaders. In this historic home, personal artifacts, memorabilia, photographs and items are on display for all to see and enjoy."

"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."

"Montrose Park, while not strictly a dog park, is a beautiful park that’s favored heavily by locals. Many strive to keep this great Washington, DC dog spot a well-kept secret. A variety of regions, including a children’s play place, tennis courts, picnic areas, and short trails, are tucked away so thoroughly that a simple stroll can remove you entirely from the sights and sounds of the city."

"You will wander into Montrose Park from Georgetown by walking along R street between 28th and 32nd. This one has a large playground area for children, two sets of tennis courts, and a series of trails that eventually take you over to Rock Creek Park. Check here to find a map of nearby parking and here to find a complete history and set of maps."

"Montrose Park in Georgetown is located between two sites worth visiting on their own, Dumbarton Oaks and Oak Hill Cemetery. The small park has beautiful gardens, trees, and a playground. It’s great for dogs and families, or for a nice quiet stroll on a Sunday afternoon."

"The legendary exhibits at this hugely popular museum include the Wright brothers' flyer, Chuck Yeager's Bell X-1, Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St Louis, Howard Huges' H-1 Racer and Amelia Earhart's natty red plane. Children and adults alike love walking through the Skylab Orbital Workshop and viewing the 'Apollo to the Moon' exhibit upstairs. Immersive experiences include an Imax theater (adult/child 2-12 yr $9/7.50), planetarium (adult/child 2-12 yr $9/7.50) and flight simulators ($8–12 each)."

"With a mission to make people laugh, enhance the local community and advance the careers of comedians, LYGO DC succeeded. LYGO is an acronym for Laugh Your Grits Off because the group started in 2012 with a brunch and comedy show – now named Wake & Bacon that continues today. Catch their shows at Bier Baron Tavern on Wednesdays and Thursdays and their brunch show at Shaw's Tavern on Saturdays."

"In 2018, it was the fifth most visited museum in the world and the second most visited museum in the United States. It is a research center and museum focused on the history and science of aviation and spaceflight, as well as planetary science and terrestrial geology and geophysics."

"Washington’s hottest destination since it opened in 2016, this exhilarating blend of history and entertainment is an almost overwhelming experience that can easily take an entire day. The museum and its crowds may be too much for young children, but will surely interest those age 10 and older. A visit begins with three underground levels that tell the dramatic story of American slavery and show how much of our country’s growth was fueled by African American labor."

"The National Museum of African American History & Culture is the newest addition to Smithsonian’s lineup. Its exhibitions tell the history of African Americans, from hardships in slavery to current culture and political issues. It’s a beautifully-curated museum, and definitely worth the visit for anyone interested in what’s on display."

"The German-American Heritage Museum of the USA (GAHM) is located in the Penn Quarter's Hockemeyer Hall in Washington DC. The museum's collection and rotating exhibitions explore the 400-year long history of Germans in America from 1600 to now."