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Art Museums in Washington DC

THE 10 BEST Washington DC Art Museums

Art Museums in Washington DC

Types of Attractions
Museums
Awards
Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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25 results sorted by traveler favorites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.



What travelers are saying

  • Norbert R
    15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Perfect italiano espresso Lavazza.Bar with perfect service,Also very interesting presentation,entry free od charge
    Written November 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • F1LoverAnn
    Louth, UK287 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Some great paintings, really loved the Presidents pictures. The cafe was a great stop to get a drink, and recharge the batteries.
    Written December 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AJP57
    Washington DC, DC405 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I’ve been interested in visiting this jewel of a museum for 24 years, and I finally made it a point to go. It’s off the beaten path in a beautiful and quiet neighborhood that transports you out of DC. The estate covers acres. Walking through the mansion and grounds that belong to this American Businesswoman, Philanthropist, Collector and Fashion Icon (Marjorie Merriweather Post) is amazing. The expansive grounds and facilities are amazing. Viewing her collections from around the world is breathtaking including Faberge Eggs. Make it a point to visit this wonderful museum and even the cafe is great. Her family owns General Foods.
    Written October 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • badgerken2019
    Waukegan, IL37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a wonderful museum with a great collection of all periods of art. The art is displayed in the Phillips mansion located on the corner of 21st and Q not far from DuPont Circle. It was only a 15 minute walk from the Park Hyatt where we were staying. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about the collection and the history of the Phillips family. The cafe also has very good food.
    Written December 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MeganMunro
    Toronto, Canada1,408 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An astounding collection of American art. We loved this museum - probably one of my favourites in the world. We are avid museum visitors and found this one simply fabulous. The variance in the collection really tells a story of America's past, present and future.
    The building is incredible - so many interesting architectural features and areas. You really need at least three hours to appreciate it all.
    We loved the ceramics, Glenn Kaino: Bridge, all the portraits...it's wonderful. And free!
    Written November 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • elysec2018
    New Orleans, LA87 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Renwick is the perfect stop in DC. The "rainbow room" as my class of preschoolers called it, is amazing -- the light and shadow opportunities are endless. They bring in interesting and important exhibits. A must see in DC.
    Written August 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Princess
    Washington DC, DC291 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    One room in particular stands out here, which is the stunning and gorgeous Peacock room. The rest of the museum was smaller than I thought but what they had on display here was interesting. The outside of this building was also quite pretty.
    Written September 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Footloosewomen
    California Bay Area140 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I only visited the Sculpture Garden and had lunch outside in the Pavilion Cafe. It’s a small sculpture garden, but a perfect place to stop for lunch between visits to the major museums. I thoroughly enjoyed the curated pieces in the gardens, and my lunch was incredible! Prices were reasonable, and service was quick. The weather was gorgeous, so I was able to dine outside. A terrific experience overall!
    Written November 24, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JJacobs2015
    Washington DC, DC64 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Both the permanent collection and special exhibitions were excellent, helping us learn about artists that we hadn't previously known, although we were surprised by some of the absences of artists we do know (e.g., no Mary Cassatt?). The renovated building feels extra-luxe with ample restrooms, good signage, etc. The library has a terrific collection of artist monographs. We were, however, let down by the gift shop, which seems to lack both distinctive NWWA items and a meaningful collection of books about specific women artists, including those actually featured in the exhibitions.
    Written August 12, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Janet G
    Gaithersburg, MD15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Kreeger Museum was built to be a home, then a museum. Imagine engaging the mid-century modern architect Philip Johnson to design your house, where you can live surrounded by your art collection of Monet, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Picasso, African masks, sculpture, and more, with walls of glass and views of trees, in a location that's close to DC.

    Then later your house becomes a museum, but visitors who remember that it was originally a home can see the spaces that were the bedroom, study, dining room, and living room. You can imagine the musical evenings, when the Kreegers invited world-class performers, and even played with them. The kitchen is not on display (a staff area now) but it must have been a super-modern place, too.
    Written August 2, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alexis F
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I enjoyed my experience here at the Artechouse! My family and I went on vacation to DC and made this a stop. However, I have two issues that are not a huge deal but figured I'd share. We got there a few minutes early and had to wait. Thinking we'd be allowed in early, did not happen. Also, the cost of the exhibit was a bit pricey. I know DC is expensive as is but the exhibit was very cool and intriguing of other people's art however, I would not pay the price I did.
    Written August 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Felisa P
    17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great museum to visit while in DC.

    Free if cost across the street from the MLK library great for young and older ppl

    Kids may not enjoy it but great for 11 on up
    Written September 22, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cycle2eat
    Baltimore, MD136 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited this musuem during the January 2019 government shutdown-when the Smithsonians were closed and we didn't visit our usual haunts in DC. We were lucky-under other circumstances we would have missed this smaller, lovely museum. There was a wonderful special exhibit "Amazonagramas" by Roberto Huarcaya on the first floor and several permanent collections by 20th century artists on the upper level. We were able to leisurely and thoroughly enjoy the artists and architecture.
    Written February 13, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MeganMunro
    Toronto, Canada1,408 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We adored this museum! What a fantastic collection of interesting and unique art. From the outside we knew we'd love it - there's a giant Yayoi Kusama gourd in the garden and other interesting sculptures.
    We loved seeing artists work that we've never heard of before. The space is also really great - a sphere with a hollow core, so there is a nice flow to your exploration. Hard to get lost ;)
    Written November 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Adventure Diva
    Manchester, CT2,789 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This repurposed abandoned street car station hosts live events and art exhibits. Easily accessible from the Dupont Circle metro station. You can see street art to photography to light shows to paintings. A great find.
    Written November 16, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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