Laken Brooks

There’s one thing nearly every visitor and resident of Washington, D.C. can agree on: We are a museum town. History buffs, art enthusiasts and people simply interested in America’s past need look no further than the nation’s capital, which is chock-full of cultural institutions worth visiting whether you’re here for a day or have been for years—many of which are free to enjoy, we might add. The sheer number of worth-it museums in the District can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry, because we’re here to guide you through the spaces and galleries you simply can’t miss. If you like learning—or at least looking at some seriously cool and beautiful objects—I promise there is a museum for you on this list, which encompasses art, history, interior design, pop culture, literature and even old nuclear missiles. Read on for the 20 best museums in Washington, D.C. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Washington, D.C.🏛️ The best Washington, D.C. attractions🍴 The best restaurants in D.C. right now🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Washington, D.C.💰 The best cheap hotels in Washington, D.C. This guide was written by Washington, D.C. locals. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.