5 Under-the-Radar Museums in Washington, D.C.

The free admission Smithsonian museums that line the National Mall in Washington, D.C., are must-dos for many visitors. Think popular attractions like the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the National Gallery of Art. However, when lines get long or if you're looking for something new, there are plenty of other noteworthy museums to visit around the capital. Here are five under-the-radar museums for your next trip to the District.

National Museum of the American Indian

Not only is the National Museum of the American Indian part of the Smithsonian collection, it's also one of the most beautifully designed museums on the National Mall. The striking, curvilinear building takes its inspiration from a wind-sculpted rock formation and features an outdoor native landscape of more than 33,000 plants of nearly 150 species native to North America.

Inside is a collection of over 800,000 artifacts and 500,000 images, with exhibits ranging from the history of treaties between the U.S. and American Indian Nations to Indigenous cosmologies and philosophy. The museum also offers the imagiNATIONS Activity Center, an interactive space with puzzles, experiments, and computer simulations geared to kids ages 5 through 12.

International Spy Museum

Did you know that more than 10,000 spies operate in the Washington, D.C., area? As one of the undisputed espionage capitals of the world, there's no better place for the International Spy Museum, which documents the history, tradecraft, and global role of espionage.

The visit starts with a spy assignment, as guests can opt to snag a Spy Badge with a secret cover and mission to complete while exploring the exhibits. Interactive kiosks let you swipe your badge to answer questions based on what you learned at the exhibits. Try your hand at cracking codes, analyzing information, and tinkering with gadgets that are nothing like they appear.

Tip: The museum is open until 7 p.m., two hours later than most Smithsonian museums. Consider a late-afternoon visit to avoid crowds.

International Spy Museum

National Museum of African Art

The National Museum of African Art was founded in 1964 by Warren M. Robbins, a former U.S. foreign service officer, and housed in a Capitol Hill townhouse that was formerly the home of abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Now located on the National Mall and part of the Smithsonian, the museum offers a robust collection of 12,000 works of modern and contemporary art from sub-Saharan and North Africa, 300,000 photographs and 50,000 library volumes. You can see everything from intricately woven baskets by Tswana artists from southern Africa to carved Ogoni masks from Nigeria and asymmetrical gold necklaces from Senegal.

The Phillips Collection

Take a break from the National Mall and head to the Dupont Circle neighborhood to visit what's considered the first museum of modern art in America. The Phillips Collection has been collecting modern and contemporary art for more than 100 years, amassing more than 5,000 works. Located in the former home of collector, philanthropist, and museum founder, Duncan Phillips, the museum features an entire room dedicated to works by painter Mark Rothko, as well as pieces by Henri Matisse, Georgia O'Keeffe, Milton Avery, and Claude Monet.

The Phillips Collection

ARTECHOUSE

ARTECHOUSE is an Instagram-favorite space occupying the crossroads of art, science, and technology through virtual exhibits filled with music and colorful, immersive lights and pixelated design. The Pixelbloom: Timeless Butterflies exhibit, for example, celebrated the start of cherry blossom season with a beautiful virtual world filled with dynamic floral visuals and a depiction of the monarch butterfly migration cycle across LED screens.

Want To Go?

Marriott Vacation Club^® at The Mayflower, Washington, D.C.

Stay in the heart of America’s capital and witness history firsthand. Nestled on the seventh floor of the historic Mayflower hotel, you’re located close to Dupont Circle and adjacent to world-class museums and more. Your well-adorned accommodations provide the backdrop for your adventures in the big city. Visit historical sites like the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Get a dose of modern history being made at the Capitol Building, Pentagon, and the front gate of the White House.

After a day of exploring, return to The Mayflower Hotel and dine in Edgar Bar & Kitchen. This modern American brasserie serves delicious steaks and salads as well as craft cocktails and beer. Finally, end your night in comfort as you take a hot shower in updated bathrooms and relax in bed.

©2023 Marriott Vacation Club International. All Rights Reserved. Marriott Vacation Club International and the programs and products provided under the Marriott Vacation Club, Sheraton Vacation Club, Westin Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott, and The Ritz-Carlton Club brands are not owned, developed, or sold by Marriott International, Inc. Marriott Vacation Club International uses the Marriott marks under license from Marriott International, Inc. and its affiliates.

Marriott Vacation Club International and their respective affiliates and subsidiaries make no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance, or any other aspect of the activities, events, or service providers listed herein. No inquiry has been made into the activities or events, or the qualifications or the quality of services offered by the providers. Do not consider this an endorsement of or recommendation for any of the activities, events, or providers. Hours of operation and offerings of any service providers are subject to change.