Take a virtual tour of DC museums to keep the learning going.
May 31, 2021
DC has a plethora of museums, including 17 Smithsonians. If you're looking for creative ways to get out of your house and into a new environment without actually leaving your house, we've compiled a list of virtual museum offerings in DC. You can take a voyage to space, see live animals, discover famous women in history or view the Hirshhorn's Sculpture Garden from a whole new perspective. Read on for more!
01 National Air and Space Museum
The Air and Space Museum takes visitors to the sky, showcasing the amazing technological achievements that have progressed aviation and space exploration throughout the last century. You can explore more virtual exhibits online and below, we've linked to in-depth pages on some of the museum's most famous artifacts and a virtual walk-through. Additionally, students and educators can access STEM resources.
02 Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Flamingos at Smithsonian's National Zoo - Guide to the zoo in Washington, DC
Go wild with online resources from one of the nation’s most popular zoological parks. Explore more virtual exhibits at Smithsonian's National Zoo and check out the panda cam below, which offers a look at Xiao Qi Ji, the newest baby panda! Students and educators can Follow That Bird!
Live Cams
03 Ford's Theatre
A working theater, historical monument, world-class museum and learning center, Ford's Theatre is the premier destination for exploring and celebrating the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln in Washington, DC. You can view their many online exhibits, including one that focuses on Lincoln's assassination, or peruse online teaching resources. If you're missing the Theatre's live performances, settle in for some virtual play readings.
04 National Museum of Women in the Arts
National Museum of Women in the Arts
The National Museum of Women in the Arts is the only museum in the world solely dedicated to celebrating the diverse artistic achievements of women. Check out virtual exhibits for Graciela Iturbide's Mexico and Delita Martin: Calling Down the Spirits. There's also 'RECLAMATION: Recipes, Remedies, and Rituals,' an entirely online experience that serves as an evolving exhibition of the power of food and the kitchen table. You can also search the museum's comprehensive online collection and peruse fascinating artist profiles.
05 Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
The Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden displays some of the most unique artworks in modern and contemporary art, including painting, sculpture and photography. Explore the Sculpture Garden through the museum's virtual view 1 and virtual view 2. The museum is also offering an array of at-home activities for kids and virtual programs for art lovers.
06 National Portrait Gallery
The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery captures America through the imagery of remarkable people who have shaped history. The museum is offering a range of digital programs while its physical doors are closed, including workshops, in-depth chats with artists, storytelling for kids and more.
07 Smithsonian 3D
A small group of technologists working within the Smithsonian Institution Digitization Program Office have brought the Smithsonian museum collections to life with 3D digitization.
08 National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National Museum of African American History and Culture learning lab offers students and teachers digital resources including imagery, essential documents and engaging videos. These materials bring stories to life and inspire readers to become agents of change. You can also browse upcoming virtual events hosted by the museum.
09 United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC - Museums in DC
Fortunately, you don't have to venture to the Unites States Holocaust Memorial Museum to experience their latest exhibit, Americans and the Holocaust, which examines the motives, pressures and fears that shaped the American response to Nazism, war and genocide. Browse through a curated list of frequently searched themes.
10 George Washington's Mount Vernon
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Take a time machine to colonial times when you step into Mount Vernon’s virtual tour of its property. You can step into each building, learn what its use was to the Washington family and discover what day-to-day life was like. Little known fact: You can even see the key to the Bastille prison that the Marquis de Lafayette gave to Washington as a gift, which resides in the main entrance of the mansion! You will feel as if you’re receiving a solo tour of one of the most majestic sites in the DMV area.
11 Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
National Museum of Natural History
You might recognize the necklace pictured above from a little movie that stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet called 'Titanic'. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History has this necklace on virtual exhibit for you to see and learn more about. You can also take a virtual tour of the museum, check out upcoming video programs and dive into the museum's trove of educational resources.
12 International Spy Museum
Peruse the largest collection of international espionage artifacts online, some that have never been seen by the public...until now! If you're an educator or a student, you can also access their free activities and lesson plans.
13 Museum of the Bible
Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC - New state-of-the-art museum near the National Mall
The state-of-the-art museum has launched a video series and podcast while their doors are closed during the crisis. You can also take virtual tours of their galleries.
14 DAR Museum
This historic museum supported by the Daughters of the American Revolution offers online exhibits, a digitized collections database and games, videos, and school lesson plans.
15 The Phillips Collection
America's first museum of modern art, which will celebrate its centennial in 2021, is currently open to the public and offering free admission. Make sure to read the museum's COVID-19 protocols before going. You can also join free online Phillips talks and other online events - check out the calendar - and shop the museum's online gift shop.
16 National Geographic Museum
Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring Becoming Jane exhibit, which has been converted into a virtual tour by the National Geographic Museum. Learn the incredible story of Dr. Jane Goodall and enjoy 360-degree videos. There's also an online showcase of the fascinating 'Women: A Century of Change' exhibit.
17 National Archives
Even though you can’t currently visit the Archives, you can still browse through numerous collections of historical records and access millions of documents through the National Archives’ national network of online resources.
Originally posted on WashingtonDC.org