The Smithsonian collections are a national treasure, to be sure, but they don’t have a monopoly on the District’s museums. This spring brings plenty of other reasons to cross the Potomac, including new exhibits at a few lesser-known capital-area gems. You can ogle Martha Washington’s personal effects, sit under a dome as digital cherry blossoms float by and explore a newcomer, the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream. Make a day of it…and if you’re looking for other spring break activities to keep the kids engaged, check out our list of spring break road trip ideas.
International Spy Museum
Two new exhibits shed light on the inner workings of American spycraft. The “United States of Espionage” tour, debuted in honor of our nation’s 250th birthday, takes visitors through the history of U.S. intelligence gathering. Lasting roughly one hour, the tour is available for a $10 upcharge and is only for guests 16 and older. Another option for visitors of all ages is “Camouflage: Designed to Deceive,” which chronicles the origins of what’s become a fashionable look. 700 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W., Washington, D.C.
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Museum of Illusions DC
You won’t believe your eyes at the reality-bending exhibits inside this fun museum at CityCenterDC. Its newest exhibit, “Illusions in Bloom,” is a limited-time cherry blossom takeover featuring immersive installations by local artist Hiba Alyawer, running through May 11. The exhibit blends floral-inspired art with the museum’s signature sensory, visual and perspective-shifting experience. 927 H St., N.W., Washington, D.C.
Horizon of Khufu: Journey to Ancient EgyptÂ
Step back in time to ancient Egypt through the power of virtual reality. Through this tech-based, immersive experience, participants can go inside the Great Pyramid, witness a pharaoh’s funeral and fly above Giza for a bird’s-eye view of the pyramids. The 45-minute experience was created by VR company Excurio in partnership with Harvard Egyptologist Peter Der Manuelian, Harvard’s Giza Project, and the team behind the now-closed Van Gogh Immersive Experience. 926 F St., N.W., Washington, D.C.
Tudor PlaceÂ
Pay a visit to this historic 5.5-acre Georgetown estate to see “Founding Fortunes: The Estate Sale of Martha Washington.” The new exhibit looks at the 1802 public sale of the first First Lady’s belongings—and the people who wanted them. Most of the items were purchased by Martha Peter, Mrs. Washington’s granddaughter, and have remained at Tudor Place for more than 200 years. Several artifacts will be displayed for the first time. Peter built Tudor Place in 1816; it housed her descendants for 178 years before opening as a museum in 1998. 1644 31st St., N.W., Washington, D.C.
Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream
Part of the Milken Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank, this free museum is tucked inside five historic buildings. The interactive “American Dream Experience” invites visitors to explore the four pillars of education, health, entrepreneurship and financial empowerment. A new exhibit called “Celebrating 250 Years: A Journey Through America with Robert Freimark” features 50 color screen prints by the abstract expressionist representing each of the 50 states. Another new exhibit, “The Spirit of 1776,” contemplates what the next 50 years will look like in the United States. Pro tip: Don’t miss the museum’s hologram of tennis phenom Serena Williams. 1503 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.
Artechouse and the Dome at Hi-Lawn
Artechouse has partnered with Dome at Hi-Lawn to present “Peak Bloom: Dome Experience,” a cherry blossom-inspired digital experience that invites visitors to lounge beneath a 50-foot dome featuring dazzling images of colorful blossoms. Located on The Rooftop at Union Market, the 45-minute immersive experience is showing through April 26. Adults can enjoy cocktail specials such as saketinis garnished with edible flowers. There are non-alcoholic options, too. Tickets run from $12-$25. 1309 5th St., N.E., Washington, D.C.
National Children’s Museum
Kids between the ages of 2 and 10 can tell their own stories with the beloved characters from Mo Willems‘ children’s books at the “The Pigeon comes to Washington, DC!” an exhibit running now through May 10. Test a phone booth that makes you sound like Piggie and launch hot dogs at The Pigeon with a catapult. Tickets are $18.95. 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.
The Phillips Collection
Art enthusiasts won’t want to miss “Miró and the United States,” a temporary exhibit at America’s first museum of modern art, now through July 5, exploring the Catalan artist’s relationship with America’s mid-20th-century American art scene. Miró traveled to the United States seven times between 1947 and 1968, connecting with fellow artists such as Jackson Pollock and Louise Bourgeois. This exhibit features 75 works by 30 of the artists Miró interacted with over that time period. See the website for ticket prices. 1600 21st St., N.W., Washington, D.C.