The Smithsonian Institution is a national treasure, and new exhibits are perpetually calling visitors back for more. But its museums aren’t the only game in town. For the intellectually curious, D.C.’s vast museumscape extends well beyond the National Mall. Check out these newly opened attractions to ogle Martha Washington’s personal effects, see what holds up the Lincoln Memorial and discover a world of fascinating creatures and cultures through the eyes of National Geographic photographers and explorers.
National Geographic Museum of Exploration
This sparkling, high-tech museum opens its doors June 26 with a smorgasbord of interactive and educational experiences. The Archives celebrates the National Geographic Society’s long history of storytelling, while the Rolex Explorers Landing highlights key figures and milestones in the National Geographic Explorer program, including scientists who have visited the deepest depths of our oceans, atmosphere and jungles. Animal lovers will be captivated by photographer Joel Sartore’s ongoing Photo Ark project, which features thousands of close-up portraits and videos of the Earth’s creatures. If all that brain power makes you hungry, pick up a bite at Explorers Eatery, an international food hall. 1600 M St., N.W., Washington, D.C.
Lincoln Undercroft
Starting June 25, you can go beneath the Lincoln Memorial to learn how the monument to the 16th president was built and about the engineering that keeps it standing. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows reveal the grid of concrete columns that hold up the structure, which is made from multiple types of stone. Tickets are required, but they are free. 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle, N.W., Washington, D.C.
Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience
Starting June 12, explore the cosmos at a new virtual reality experience in D.C.’s Penn Quarter. Developed with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, the experience is a walkable universe made with real astronomical data. Visitors can see the birth and death of stars, explore distant galaxies, and check out a black hole. This experience is best for visitors ages 10 and older. Get tickets here. 926 F St., N.W., Washington, D.C.
Museum of Illusions DC
You won’t believe your eyes at a new immersive installation by artist Marwan Chamaa that’s opening July 4 in honor of America’s 250th birthday. Check out a large-scale mural and suspended artistic elements exploring themes of freedom, unity, identity and the evolving American story. And don’t miss the flag-inspired installation in the Infinity Room. 927 H St., N.W., Washington, D.C. (City Center)
The Playground at the National Building Museum
Known for its family-centered immersive summertime experience, the museum is soon to unveil The Playground. Starting July 3, its Great Hall will be transformed into a sculptural landscape that puts a twist on how we think about playgrounds. “Through nine distinct activation areas, The Playground encourages open-ended exploration and play while also highlighting construction materials essential to our built environment that are often overlooked,” according to the museum’s website. Tickets are $10 for adults or $7 for youth, students and seniors. 401 F St., N.W., Washington, D.C.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
One of D.C.’s most popular museums will open more galleries July 1—its 50th anniversary—as part of a major renovation project. Visitors will be able to explore the Flight and the Arts Center, Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air, U.S. National Science Foundation Discovering Our Universe, RTX Living in the Space Age, and Textron How Things Fly. Two more galleries will round out the revamp when they open in the fall: At Home in Space (Oct. 30) and Modern Military Aviation (Nov. 11). 650 Jefferson Drive, S.W., Washington, D.C.
Smithsonian Castle
Completed in 1855, this building shuttered in 2023 for a complete renovation. Although it’s not done, the museum is open through Sept. 7, 8:30-5:30 a.m., in honor of America’s semiquincentennial. Visitors can see the restored Great Hall and American Aspirations, an exhibit through July 26 that highlights key moments of the nation’s founding, progress and change. Highlights include the desk on which Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, a flight suit worn by Amelia Earhart and a model of the Statue of Liberty by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. 100 Jefferson Drive, S.W., Washington, D.C.
Interwoven: A Tradition of Textiles at Hillwood
For lovers of the cloth, the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is putting Marjorie Merriweather Post’s textile collection on display to explore “the enduring power of textiles, not only as decorative or domestic objects but also as expressions of identity, devotion, innovation, and exquisite craftsmanship.” View handmade lace, liturgical vestments from the Russian Orthodox Church and vintage upholstered furnishings. The exhibit will be on display through Jan. 3, 2027. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors, $10 for college students and $5 for children ages 6-18. Note that the museum is closed on Mondays. 4155 Linnean Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.
Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! at the National Children’s Museum
Museum-goers ages 3-7 will enjoy hands-on STEM activities modeled after Curious George’s adventures in space and on farms. Solve problems and have fun with literature’s favorite monkey. The exhibit runs through Sept. 6. Woodrow Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.
We Make History at the Anacostia Community Museum
Visit this lesser-known Smithsonian museum for a look at civic engagement and local history-keeping. Running through Jan. 2, 2028, the exhibit will display artifacts such as letters, photographs, sports memorabilia and musical instruments to show “how everyday moments, personal records, and cultural traditions all contribute to the community stories that are our nation’s building blocks.” The museum and its exhibits are free and open to the public. 1901 Fort Place, S.W., Washington, D.C.
Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building
In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, this structure will reopen for regular public hours for the first time since 2004. Built in 1881, the Arts and Industries building is the Smithsonian’s second‑oldest property and a cornerstone of its history. Nearly every Smithsonian museum traces its roots to this space, where the public first encountered artifacts ranging from dinosaur fossils to early rockets. Visit through Sept. 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. to see displays such as Voices and Votes: Exploring Democracy Across America, a special edition of the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street traveling exhibition examining civic participation and representation. Other elements of interest include handmade works from past Smithsonian Folklife Festivals, a seasonal Folklife Marketplace and public conversations spotlighting Smithsonian research and expertise. A one-day family celebration on July 25 will include music and dance performances and historical re-enactments. 900 Jefferson Drive, S.W., Washington, D.C.
The Source: Where Curiosity Sparks Discovery at the Library of Congress
Opened in May, this new exhibit at the world’s largest library targets researchers ages 8-15. “At its core, The Source introduces young people to how knowledge is created by engaging directly with the Library’s primary sources,” according to a press release. “Through interactive stations brimming with hundreds of collection items in text, image, sound and film formats, the gallery encourages critical thinking, media literacy, curiosity and creativity.” The Source is open Tuesdays-Fridays, 1-5 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C.
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.
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. Martha Peter, Mrs. Washington’s granddaughter, purchased most of the items, which have remained at Tudor Place for more than 200 years. Several artifacts are on display for the first time. Peter built Tudor Place in 1816; it housed her descendants for 178 years before opening as a museum in 1998. While you’re there, be sure to check out the property’s 5 acres of gardens, too. 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.
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 through July 5. It explores 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.
