Best 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 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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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"

"Let’s start building our list with a bakery that has made cookies its main focus. In the center of Adams Morgan, one of D.C.’s most lively neighborhoods for nightlife, Insomnia Cookies does its job to near perfection. Specializing in delivering warm and delicious snacks right to the doors of cookie fans, it is most proud of skillfully feeding its customers’ insatiable hunger, even if it hit at the most inappropriate hour."

"Insomnia Cookie, which also delivers, serves up warm and gooey chocolate chip cookies until 4 a.m. from Thursday to Saturday and 3 a.m. on Sunday to Wednesday."

"We are lucky to live in an area that takes its coffee so seriously!. Whether you like cold brews or cappuccinos, a modern or cozy vibe, there are so fabulous coffee shops in DC to choose from. Did we miss your favorite coffee shops in DC?"

"Jim Morrison has been asking someone to show him the way here since the 1960s. Combining refined elegance with a modern twist, there's no bar like The Next Whisky Bar in Washington, D.C. An undulating copper wall leads guests from the lobby to an illuminated wall of 2,500 whisky bottles awash in a soft amber glow. Guests can sample from a high-end, curated selection of scotch."

"Drinking your way through a new city is a solid way to get the lay of the land, and Dacha is a good place to start. The year-round outdoor beer garden in Shaw serves a rotating mix of local and German beers and snacks. Head here for an afternoon, and you’ll probably end up sticking around until dinner."

"America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee, espresso, breakfast sandwiches and donuts. Order your Dunkin’ faves ahead of time with the Dunkin’ mobile app for a fast grab and go experience."