BY Ankita TripathyJun 7, 2023

What are the best free museums in DC that you and your family can visit while you are in the state? Well, if this is something that you have been searching for, then I have the best thing for you! Washington, D.C., is home to so many amazing museums. The best thing, though? A lot of them provide free admission. You can research history, science, culture, and the arts for free. And if you want a list of them, then you will find this article to be of help! Keep reading this blog till the end to learn more… Which City Has The Highest Number Of Museums? With 85.4 museums per 100,000 people, Washington, D.C. is the US city with the highest number of museums per capita, according to a 2019 report by the American Alliance of Museums. There are numerous explanations for Washington, D.C.'s abundance of museums. First of all, being the nation's capital and the seat of government, it is home to numerous national institutions and museums, including the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the Smithsonian Institution, which is composed of 19 museums and galleries. Moreover, museums are a big draw for tourists to Washington, D.C., another well-liked vacation spot. The city's museums are accessible to all, offering a broad range of topics from science and technology to art and history, and many of them are free to the general public. Ultimately, a great deal of Washington, D.C.'s museums are dedicated to preserving and presenting the city's rich cultural legacy. For instance, the National Museum of the American Indian focuses on the history and culture of Native Americans, while the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened in 2016, is devoted to telling the story of the African American experience in the United States. 15 Best Free Museums In DC That You Need To Check Out! Every day, scholars, researchers, visitors, and locals are drawn to our nation's capital. The diversity and caliber of free museums here attract the crowd. However, with so many choices, selecting an itinerary might be difficult. That is the reason why I have come to your rescue. In this article, I have planned and listed the top 15 free museums in DC that you can visit! So, without further ado, let us get started! Here are the best free museums in Washington DC that you need to visit: 1. National Gallery Of Art Image Source This renowned art gallery spans two significant buildings joined by an illuminated tunnel. It also has an indoor waterfall and a six-acre (2.4 ha) sculpture garden. It features both traveling exhibitions and a changing exhibition of works from the permanent collection. The permanent collection offers a marvelously thorough selection of the best artwork. It spans from ancient to modern times, including masterpieces like da Vinci, Degas, and Calder. The National Gallery of Art is a fantastic family outing. It offers free public programming like art history films, classical performances, and kid-friendly hands-on activities. Check out the ice skating rink in the sculpture garden if you're here in the winter. Every day from 10 am to 5 pm, the National Gallery of Art is open at 6th Constitution Avenue North West, Washington, DC, 20565. 2. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Image Source One of the biggest disasters in human history, the Holocaust of World War II, teaches us some of history's most difficult lessons. Except for the children's-oriented Daniel's Story exhibit, it is intended for visitors 11 and older due to the nature of the issues covered in this museum's exhibitions. The Holocaust is a permanent exhibition that offers an insightful look at this historical tragedy through a wealth of artifacts, videos, and human accounts. James Ingo purposefully evoked architectural characteristics of various historical Holocaust places in the Freed building. He does so in an abstract, open-ended manner without making direct parallels to any of these locations. Four commissioned works of art are also on display within the museum: Consequence, a wall drawing by Sol LeWitt; Gravity, a monolithic sculpture by Richard Serra; Loss and Regeneration, a sculpture by Joel Shapiro; and Memorial, a grouping of four white wall sculptures by Ellsworth Kelly. Due to COVID, timed-entry tickets are required, and they can only be purchased in groups of six or fewer. Additionally, there is a $1 processing fee for online ticket purchases. This museum deserves a place on the list of the best free museums in DC. Everyday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the museum is open. In Washington, DC, 20024, at 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place South West, is the location of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. 3. National Museum Of Natural History Image Source There are 147 million specimens and artifacts on display at the Natural History Museum with the highest visitors in the world. Some of them are The Hope Diamond, meteorites, ancient Egyptian mummies, and live insects, including butterflies. The focus of traveling exhibits on natural history issues is on plant and animal biodiversity as well as human history. To further improve your experience, they also offer do-it-yourself, free, printable exhibitions. Because the museum is so big, it's a good idea to take a break and unwind in one of their two cafes or the Garden Lounge, which has live plants. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In Washington, DC 20560, at 1000 Madison Drive North West, is where you may find the National Museum of Natural History. 4. National Museum Of American History Image Source Explore the over 1.7 million objects that span over 300,000 square feet (27,870 square meters) and tell the narrative of America with the four million visitors who flock here each year. The "Star-Spangled Banner"'s inspiration, the Greensboro lunch counter from the Civil Rights demonstrations, Julia Child's kitchen, the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, and Lincoln's stovepipe hat are just a few of the most well-known and well-liked exhibitions. In addition to exceptional events like guest lecturers and performances, the museum offers regular programming as part of some exhibits like Spark! Lab and Wonderplace. The National Museum of American History is located at 1300 Constitution Avenue North West, Washington, DC, 20560, and is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm. 5. Hirshhorn Museum And Sculpture Garden Image Source Next on the list of the must-visit free museums in DC, we have Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. This museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts because of its enormous collection of contemporary and modern art from throughout the world. Featured and well-known artists include Yayoi Kusama, Henry Moore, and Pablo Picasso. Over 30 sculptures are on display at the sculpture park, including Yoko Ono's well-known Wish Tree. One of the most well-known American modern art museums, the Hirshorn has been open for 50 years and provides a platform for contemporary art and culture on a national scale. For special exhibits, timed passes can be necessary. The museum offers exciting educational opportunities like storytimes, guest speakers, their mobile Art Cart, and film festivals in addition to its permanent and special exhibits. The on-site cafe, Dolcezza, offers pastries, gelato, specialty coffee and tea in a beautifully decorated space. The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is located at Independence Avenue South West & 7th Street South West, Washington, DC, 20560, and is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm. 6. National Museum Of The American Indian Image Source In this relatively recent addition to the National Mall, explore the richness of culture, language, history, tradition, and futures of indigenous peoples of the Americas. Visit the engaging, fun-filled imaginative Activity Centre (Tuesday–Sunday) for children ages 10 and under to learn the traditional cultural and scientific knowledge of many indigenous peoples. The National Native American Veterans Memorial, a stainless steel circle balanced on a carved stone drum with intricate symbolic carving, was inaugurated at the museum in November 2020 to honor and remember the Native American military veterans. Take a mouthful of some traditional food at the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe, which offers Native American foods at five themed food stations. The museum offers a number of special events and programs, including performances, special guest lecturers, film festivals, and concerts, to share indigenous traditions with people of all ages in addition to permanent and temporary exhibitions. The National Museum of the American Indian is located at 4th Street South West, Washington, DC, 20560, and is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm. 7. National Museum Of African American History And Culture Image Source Visit the one and only national museum that was established in the autumn of 2016 and is dedicated to preserving and promoting African American life, art, history, and culture. With an exhibition area of 85,000 square feet (7,897 square km), it will take at least two hours to see everything. Discover African American cuisine at the Sweet Home Cafe with its four themed stations and occasionally offered "Chef's Tables" special meals, such as those for Black History Month. You need a free-timed admission pass. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is located at 1400 Constitution Avenue North West, Washington, DC, 20560, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 8. National Museum Of Asian Art Image Source Visit the Freer Gallery to learn more about Asian art. The Sackler Gallery is home to ornamental and religious items. The Freer Gallery was the first Smithsonian institution designed purely to keep art. They collectively house about 45,000 items with a 6,000-year history. It includes some American artworks in the Freer Gallery. For example, the greatest collection of James McNeill Whistler's paintings in the world. Recent substantial improvements to the galleries have given the museum new energy and technology. Additionally, the museum presents a number of special events and programs, including workshops, performances, films, and guest lecturers. In Washington, DC, 20560, at 1050 Independence Avenue South West, lies the National Museum of Asian Art. 9. National Museum Of African Art Image Source Next on the list of free museums in DC is the National Museum of African Art. It was initially founded in 1964 and was bought by the Smithsonian in 1979. It collects and exhibits traditional as well as modern and contemporary art from Africa. A variety of media and issues are covered in the exhibitions, such as photography, portraiture, sculptures, film, and more on tradition, history, slavery in America, politics, and African cinema. They offer a variety of performances as well as notable speakers as part of their special programming. In Washington, DC, 20560, at 950 Independence Avenue South West, lies the National Museum of African Art. 10. National Archives Museum Image Source The three most significant historical documents in American history are kept there. There is also the museum and the National Archives and Records Administration. Discover more important documents that affected American history at the Rotunda's interactive Public Vaults permanent exhibit. It features the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. The David M. Rubenstein Gallery houses one of the four remaining original copies of the 1297 Magna Carta. It is the ongoing exhibition of the Record of Rights. There is also a 17-foot (nearly 5-m) touch screen on the national discussions surrounding subjects like citizenship and free speech. Additionally, the museum hosts a variety of passing exhibits. It includes a featured document display and the Boeing Learning Centre. Here visitors can check out white gloves and a magnifying glass to examine replica documents like an actual archivist. The National Archives Museum is located at 701 Constitution Avenue North West, Washington, DC, 20408. It is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm. 11. National Air And Space Museum Image Source Visit the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, for a fun-filled free museum. Visit the renowned National Air and Space Museum to learn more about the power of flying and how it propelled humans off the planet. The Air and Space Museum, like many other museums, is undergoing renovations that will last until 2025, although eight new exhibits are already open. The Wright Brothers & the Invention of the Aerial Age explores the history and force of flight with a special emphasis on its creators. Discover how we reached the moon in 1969 and why and how we are returning in the new blockbuster-level exhibit Destination Moon. You must have a free timed admission pass, otherwise you can skip the queue. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Centre, their secondary location, is located in Chantilly, Virginia, about 40 minutes from Washington, D.C. Here, you may learn about human spaceflight and World War II aviation while also seeing planes and a space shuttle. The National Air and Space Museum is located at 600 Independence Avenue, Washington, DC, 20560, and is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm. 12. National Zoo Image Source Bears, lions, and tigers, and so much more! Discover a variety of animal species from all over the world, as well as daily animal demonstrations and habitat displays. There are entrance passes that must be purchased in addition to paid parking passes in advance (if you decide to drive and park there). A few same-day passes will be available on-site, although it is advised to make a reservation in advance. Visit the Kids' Farm, the unusual Me and the Bee playground, and the seasonally open Squirt Zone if you're traveling with children. Kids will enjoy the Speedwell Conservation Carousel, but keep in mind that each ride costs $4. Two to three hours are suggested or anticipated for a trip to the zoo; be sure to wear shoes that are suitable for walking around in. You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks (no glass bottles), though they do have some food options on-site. The National Zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Avenue North West, Washington, DC 20008, and is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm. 13. National Portrait Gallery Image Source Discover portraits of some of America's most prominent people in the visual, performing, and new media arts, including artists, politicians, scientists, innovators, activists, as well as entertainers. The museum is home to the only comprehensive collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House, which includes works by renowned artist Gilbert Stuart. For a customized visit with your group, schedule a tour five weeks in advance for ten or more people, or try your luck with the walk-up tours on Saturdays as well as Sundays at 12 and 2.30. The National Portrait Gallery is located at 8th Street North West & G Street North West, Washington, DC, 20001, and is open daily from 11.30 am to 7 pm. 14. American Art Museum Image Source Discover the country's first collection of American art. It is one of the most significant and comprehensive collections of American art in the world. It is also a unique world-class chronicle of the American experience. The museum has taken the lead in seeking out, gathering, and displaying exceptional as well as outstanding representations of American visual art culture. In addition to the conventional, expected kinds of art in a museum, there is photography, current folk and self-taught work. There are also frequently unsung cultural arts, such as African American and Latino, and even computer games. The museum has two locations. However, they are only a 25-minute walk apart. The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) is in the downtown cultural center. The Renwick Gallery, which specializes in craft and decorative art, is close to the White House. Check out the Experience America exhibition, which captures American culture in a variety of artistic mediums. There is also Janet Echelman's 1.8 Renwick, a commissioned colorful fiber and lighting piece dangling from the ceiling. Moreover, it highlights the relationships between people and the natural world across time. The SAAM site is open from 11:30 am to 7 pm, as well as the Renwick Gallery is open from 10 am to 5.30 pm. Both locations are open every day. While the Renwick Gallery is located at 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue North West #1 in Washington, DC, the SAAM is housed in the same building as the National Portrait Gallery at G Street North West & 8th Street North West. Read More: Understand More About The Vatican’s Museums 15. National Postal Museum Image Source Last but not least, on this list of the free museums in DC that you must visit is the National Postal Museum. Who knew using the mail could be so much fun? Learn about the practicalities of how your letter gets from your mailbox to its destination as well as what it's like to work for the postal service. You can also learn about the transportation used by the postal system. In this amazing stamp collection, you may engage with stamps in ways you never thought possible. Along with regular special programming including story times, art programmes, reading groups, talks, and even multilingual options like Hello, Museo for kids, daily tours are also offered. The National Postal Museum is located at 2 Massachusetts Avenue North East, Washington, DC 20002, and is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm. Bonus: Phillip's Musuem Nestled amidst the exquisite row houses of Dupont Circle, this modern art museum was founded in 1921 within a Georgian Revival mansion that had previously served as Duncan Phillips' family home. The location is a favorite among Washingtonians because it is both sophisticated and intimate. Impressionist and modern art are the main foci of the modern art museum, and it excels in both areas. Renoir's well-known "Luncheon of the Boating Party" and pieces by Georgia O'Keefe, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Richard Diebenkorn are among the highlights of the permanent collection. A single bench is surrounded by four of the abstract expressionist artist's paintings in a small but cozy Rothko Room. In celebration of the centennial of The Phillips Collection, visual artist Daniel Canogar created a digital piece that melds 550 pieces from the museum's collection into a captivating, swirling projection using an algorithm. Wrapping It Up! I hope that this guide has been of help to you in finding the best free museums in DC. Is there more that you want to know? Feel free to scroll down and leave your queries at the bottom of the page. And I will be there to answer them all for you! Read Also: Top 10 National Parks In Oregon That You Need To Explore Tips To Make Your Vacation In Gatlinburg More Enjoyable 6 Things To Know Before You Visit St. George

BY Ariana SmithOct 21, 2021

There are few parts of the world as diverse as Europe. From the waterways of Venice to the 100 spires of Prague, there are so many places for you and your other half to explore. There are couples city breaks ideal for every couple; including the party couples and the history buff couples. That being said, there are five cities that we think are particularly worth a visit for romantic couples, so if you and your significant other are looking for an amorous break in Europe, keep reading. Here Are The Top 5 Romantic European City Breaks: 1. Verona: When it comes to romantic couples, Romeo and Juliet take the top spot, and naturally, that makes the city of fair Verona a romantic must-see, but there’s more to it than just that balcony. There are countless lover’s lanes, an abundance of piazza’s, plenty of architectural bridges, and, the star of the show, the amphitheater. There’s so much to see and do away from the huge crowds at Juliet’s balcony, including plenty of independent cafés dotting the many piazza’s, lots of which supply the regional wine. 2. Paris: This wouldn’t be a list of romantic European city breaks without featuring Paris. The city of love certainly lives up to its reputation, but it’s not all just about the Eiffel Tower. A huge part of the romance comes from the beautiful architecture which is limited to just six stories. This means the views of the Eiffel Tower are never obscured, but also that you’re never overshadowed by a huge skyscraper, adding to the comforting sunrise and sunset glows. Away from the architecture, Parisians are known for being very flirtatious and passionate lovers, and this is exuded in the way they conduct themselves. This could be why when in Paris, you can’t help but fall even more in love with your partner. 3. London: The River Thames at night is a sight to behold, especially when you consider it was the backdrop to a Bridget Jones’s Diary scene. London is slightly different from other cities in Europe in the sense that it’s not traditionally associated with romance, but there’s something about the variety of things to do in London that makes it a lover’s paradise. Whether it’s a trip to the West End for the theatre-loving couple, or if it’s a Jack the Ripper tour for the true-crime fanatics, London has something for everyone. 4. Krakow: Christmas is a magical time of the year, especially for those who are lucky enough to be in love, so what better time to cement your devotion to each other than with a trip to the cozy Christmas markets of Krakow? You’ll need to wrap up warm and stick together to preserve heat as the temperature drops, but what could be more poignant than sharing a cup of mulled wine whilst huddling against the person you love the most at the best time of the year? 5. Stockholm: The jewel in the Baltic Sea archipelago, Stockholm is one of the most stunning locations in the world. The 14 islands are connected via over 50 bridges, each one leading to a different activity that you can enjoy with your love. Whether your partner is an ABBA superfan or a 17th-century ship enthusiast, there’s an activity to bring every couple closer together. If you visit during a particularly clear time of the year, you might even be able to share a kiss under the northern lights provided the conditions are just right! These are just five of the most romantic city breaks in Europe, but there are many more places of interest waiting to be discovered. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Where should couples go in Europe? The top 4 places that a couple can visit for a romantic vacation are Venice- Italy Paris- France  Sintra- Portugal Santorini- Greece   Which is the most romantic place in Europe? Dubrovnik- Croatia, ideal for island hopping. Madrid- Spain, ideal for rooftop drinking  Viena- Austria, ideal for a wintery break Dublin- Ireland, ideal for revelry What is the cheapest city break in Europe? Sofia- Bulgaria  Funchal- Portugal Riga- Latvia Bucharest- Romania  Read Also: 5 European Destinations Negatively Impacted By ‘Over-Tourism 5 Backpacking Tips For An Unforgettable Euro-Trip Unmissable Attractions In Surabaya Pripyat Visit Or The Soviet Union Through Our Eyes

BY Mony ShahDec 1, 2023

Imagine a world where your travel companion can fly with you for almost nothing—an aviation enthusiast's dream come true. The Southwest Companion Pass opens the door to such a realm, revolutionizing the way frequent travelers experience air travel. What Is The Southwest Companion Pass? In essence, the Southwest Companion Pass is a golden ticket that allows a chosen companion to fly for free whenever you purchase a ticket. Unlike traditional airline loyalty programs, this pass extends beyond the individual, making it a game-changer for those who love to explore the skies in pairs. How To Earn The Southwest Companion Pass Earning this coveted pass requires accumulating a set number of points within a calendar year. We'll delve into the strategies for meeting these requirements and explore how you can swiftly amass the necessary points to unlock this incredible benefit. Benefits Of The Southwest Companion Pass The perks are not limited to just free flights for your companion. We'll uncover the full spectrum of advantages, including unlimited use for a designated companion and the extension of pass validity, ensuring you get the most out of your travel experiences. Unlocking The Perplexities: Understanding Points System To truly appreciate the Companion Pass, one must first comprehend the Southwest Rapid Rewards program and how points play a pivotal role. We'll break down the intricacies of the points system, providing you with a roadmap to maximize your rewards. Burstiness Of Savings: Real-life Scenarios Let's bring theory into practice with real-life scenarios showcasing the burstiness of savings. Through illustrative examples, we'll demonstrate how the Companion Pass can turn your travel dreams into budget-friendly realities. Strategic Planning For Maximum Value To extract the maximum value from your Companion Pass, strategic planning is key. We'll guide you in planning your travels around the pass's validity and offer insights on combining its benefits with other travel perks. Common Misconceptions And Clarifications In the journey to understanding the Companion Pass, there are common misconceptions that need clarification. We'll debunk myths and clear up any confusion surrounding the pass's features and limitations. Southwest Companion Pass Vs. Competing Programs Is the Southwest Companion Pass truly unique, or are there comparable programs? We'll conduct a comparative analysis, highlighting the distinctive advantages that set the Companion Pass apart in the competitive landscape. Tips And Tricks For Companion Pass Optimization For those seeking to make the most out of their Companion Pass, we've compiled a list of tips and tricks. From earning points faster to optimizing the pass's perks, these insights will elevate your Companion Pass experience. Keeping Up With Changes: Southwest's Policies Updates Airline policies evolve, and so does the Companion Pass program. Stay informed about any modifications that may impact current and potential pass holders. We'll guide you on staying ahead of the curve. User Testimonials: A Closer Look At Satisfaction Nothing speaks louder than the experiences of those who have embraced the Companion Pass. We'll gather user testimonials, providing you with firsthand insights into overall satisfaction and potential pain points. Future Prospects Of The Southwest Companion Pass As the travel landscape evolves, what does the future hold for the Companion Pass? We'll explore predictions, potential enhancements, and adjustments that could shape the future of this sought-after travel benefit. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. Can I change my designated companion for the Southwest Companion Pass? No, you can only change your designated companion three times per calendar year. 2. Are there blackout dates for using the Companion Pass? No, there are no blackout dates, providing flexibility for travel plans. 3. Can I earn Southwest Companion Pass points through credit card spending? Yes, credit card spending is a significant avenue for earning Rapid Rewards points towards the Companion Pass. 4. How long is the Southwest Companion Pass valid once earned? The pass is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which you earn it, plus the entire following calendar year. 5. What happens if I don't earn enough points for the Companion Pass in a calendar year? Any unused points from the previous year do not carry over, and you must start accumulating points anew for the pass. Final Thoughts In conclusion, the Southwest Companion Pass is more than just a travel perk; it's a gateway to unforgettable experiences. The benefits, coupled with the ease of earning and using the pass, make it a must-have for avid travelers. Consider unlocking the benefits of the Companion Pass and elevate your travel adventures. Read Also: Are Priority Pass Lounges Usually Crowded? Here Is My Experience With The Priority Pass Lounges! Vietnam’s International Tourist Influx Surpasses Expectation, Reaches 8.9 Million What Is Universal Pass? – Registration, Application, And Login