The nation’s capital boasts a collection of the world’s best and grandest museums, which promise to beguile visitors belonging to all parts of the world and all age groups. Even though the District is a haven for one-of-a-kind museums, the five museums below top the charts of all the museums in Washington, D.C.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

This incredible repository of 125 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts houses state-of-the-art research facilities which guide you in discovering evolution. With its dinosaur exhibits, the Family Hall of Mammals, the Sant Ocean Hall, the stunning cinematography exhibited in their IMAX films, the Insect Zoo, the live Coral Reef, and much more, the exquisiteness of this museum is simply compelling.

Newseum

Washington, D.C.’s most interactive museum with its 14 galleries and 15 theatres, two cutting edge broadcast studios and a 4-D time-travel experience, regales the origins and history of news from the 16th century till today. Some of the highlights of Newseum that are ‘must-see’ during your Washington, D.C. tour are the historic Berlin Wall Gallery, the Pulitzer Prize Photo Gallery featuring a comprehensive collection of award winning photos since the 1940’s, Today’s Front Pages showcasing 80 newspaper front pages from all around the world that are updated daily, the 9/11 Gallery giving a glimpse of the challenges faced by the media in chronicling the tragic event, and The Interactive Newsroom which gives visitors a chance to play the role of a reporter or a photographer. A fascinating place, where you could spend one full day watching the footage of the most prominent historic events being unraveled in front of your eyes.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

One of the busiest tourist destinations in DC, this phenomenal museum provides an opportunity to enjoy a magnanimous view of air and space travel. It has under its roof, 22 tasteful exhibit galleries displaying hundreds of artifacts which include the original Wright 1903 Flyer, the "Spirit of St. Louis," and the Apollo 11 command module. The impressive planetarium and IMAX films make this museum worth visiting during your Washington DC sightseeing tour.
 

U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum was created as the result of a unanimous decision by the US Congress to build a memorial for the millions of Jews who died during the Nazi regime in Germany during World War II. The museum depicts the events and history of the Nazi rule of Germany from 1933 to 1945. The visit to this significant memorial is an emotional and melancholic experience. The exhibition presented at the museum is not recommended for children under 12. There is a separate exhibit arranged to educate kids on Holocaust.

Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens

The home of George Washington along the shores of the Potomac River is the most scenic tourist attraction in the Washington, D.C. area. This is the place to visit to know more about the life of America’s First President. The museum and education center features 25 state-of-the-art galleries and theaters that depict the story of Washington’s life. This grandeur of this historic mansion and estate should not be missed during your Washington, D.C. tour.

These extraordinary museums of the District add a new dimension to your travel, making it more meaningful. The perspicacity gained while journeying through these noteworthy menageries stays with you forever!