Note: Last updated December 2015 - will update soon, just reposting now with the Smithsonian museums closed with the Government Shutdown
Did you know? Free in DC has it's own CultureCapital Inside-Out page on CultureCapital listing free events and exhibitions on view!
If you've never been to or heard of the Pepco Gallery in Chinatown, Joan Hisaoko Healing Arts Gallery on U St, Honfleur Gallery in Anacostia and the Meditation Museum in Silver Spring, you might want to check them out as well.
Museums and other places "Off The Mall"
The National Building Museum
Free if you just want to hang out in the space, $8 - $5 if you want to see any of the exhibits on view. The building itself is a beautiful space, huge ceilings, cafe, and one of DC's best gift shops.
Free if you just want to hang out in the space, $8 - $5 if you want to see any of the exhibits on view. The building itself is a beautiful space, huge ceilings, cafe, and one of DC's best gift shops.
401 F St NW
Metro: Judiciary Sq
National Geographic Museum
Admission to this museum varies, lots of the exhibits are free in general
those with kids might enjoy the Meerkats 3-D film currently screening, $7
1145 17th St NW - two buildings, other one has an entrance on M St
1145 17th St NW - two buildings, other one has an entrance on M St
Metro: Dupont Circle, south or Farragut North, L St exit, easiest access is by bus, take any of the S line buses along 16th St to M St or the 42 bus to M St
The Wilderness Society - Ansel Adams Gallery
On view Monday - Friday during the day, Free
Photographer Ansel Adams was a Wilderness Society council member and supported the organization for more than four decades. Throughout his career, he photographed dozens of iconic portraits of wildlands, such as Alaska’s Denali and California’s Yosemite. Before his death in 1984, Adams gave 75 signed, original images to The Wilderness Society. Since that time the collection has grown to a total of 88 landscape photographs and one portrait of Adams by photographer Arnold Newman. Hours: Monday - Thursday 10:00am - 4:00pm, Friday 10:00am - 2:00pm. Closed, weekends and federal holidays.
On view Monday - Friday during the day, Free
Photographer Ansel Adams was a Wilderness Society council member and supported the organization for more than four decades. Throughout his career, he photographed dozens of iconic portraits of wildlands, such as Alaska’s Denali and California’s Yosemite. Before his death in 1984, Adams gave 75 signed, original images to The Wilderness Society. Since that time the collection has grown to a total of 88 landscape photographs and one portrait of Adams by photographer Arnold Newman. Hours: Monday - Thursday 10:00am - 4:00pm, Friday 10:00am - 2:00pm. Closed, weekends and federal holidays.
1615 M St NW, in the Sumner School building
Metro: Dupont Circle, south or Farragut North, L St exit, easiest access is by bus, take any of the S line buses along 16th St to M St or the 42 bus to M St
The Phillips Collection
Did you know that they Phillips is by donation during the week? Permanent collection only. Click link above for detailed post on Free in DC.
1600 21st St NW
Metro: Dupont Circle, Q St north exit
National Museum of Women in the Arts
General Admission $10, Members/Students/65+ $8, Free for those 18 and under
1250 New York Ave NW
Metro: Metro Center or take any of the S buses along 16th St that run to 13th & NY Ave.
DC's most unusual and quirky museum if you ask me! Great for all ages.
The basic "Self-Guided/Gift Shopping/Book Tour"
$8 donation/person
Create your own adventure when you explore the museum and its collection of more than 20,000 books and other donated items on your own. Search through 100 rooms and 32 secret doors for new titles, rare volumes, or your all time favorites! Get 2 free books of similar value for every 10 you purchase. Most titles are priced $5 or less. 10% discount off other items (antiques excluded).
2020 O St NW
Metro: Dupont Circle, south exit, walk down O Street, between 20th and 21st
Metro: Dupont Circle, south exit, walk down O Street, between 20th and 21st
The Corcoran Gallery of Art
$10, Seniors 62+ Students with valid ID $8, Free for12 and under, Members and Military Active Duty. They also have a side gallery called Gallery 31 that is free during museum hours
500 17th St NW
Metro: Farragut North or Farragut West and walk down 17th St toward E St about ten minutes or so
Museums listed below are part of the Dupont - Kalorama Museums Consortium
P.S. Looking to get out of the house? Here is a list of Coffee Shops and Cafes with Free Wi-Fi!
Metro: Farragut North or Farragut West and walk down 17th St toward E St about ten minutes or so
Museums listed below are part of the Dupont - Kalorama Museums Consortium
click through for hours and admission details - see map
- Anderson House – Society of the Cincinnati
- Dumbarton House
- Heurich House Museum
- Mary McLeod Bethune Council House
- The National Museum of American Jewish Military History
- The Phillips Collection, see note above
- Woodrow Wilson House
Also, Great list of Free, donation-based and low-cost Yoga and Meditation Classes! If you know of others, or if anything on this post is out of date, email me to let me know
