Top museums in Washington for student trips
As the capital of the United States of America, Washington has many famous landmarks and sites, from the stately White House and impressive Lincoln Memorial to the solemn Arlington National Cemetery.
But, if you’re planning a school trip to the USA, you won’t want to miss the incredible variety of museums in Washington. With collections covering everything from space exploration and civil rights to fine art and Cold War espionage, these museums offer unforgettable experiences that bring classroom lessons to life for students.
In this guide, we round up the top museums in Washington for school groups, providing up-to-date, practical details to help you plan a seamless itinerary.
A brief history of Washington, D.C.
First, it’s helpful to understand the story behind the city itself, not just as a seat of government, but as a symbol of national identity.
Washington, D.C., short for the District of Columbia, was founded on July 17th, 1790, as the capital of the United States. The Founding Fathers (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton), seeking a neutral location separate from existing states, selected a site along the Potomac River, situated between Maryland and Virginia.
The French-American architect Pierre Charles L’Enfant was tasked with designing the city. His bold plan featured wide avenues, open spaces, and symbolic landmarks—elements still visible in the capital’s layout today.
Named in honour of George Washington, the first President of the United States, the city has grown from a modest administrative centre into a global hub of political, cultural and educational significance. It has witnessed pivotal moments in American history: from Abraham Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War (1861 to 1865) to the civil rights marches of the 1960s, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
Fun fact: Unlike other major American cities, D.C. is not part of any state. Instead, it operates as a federal district governed by Congress that continues to shape debates over representation and democracy.
How many museums are in Washington, D.C.?
Washington is regularly described as a “city of museums”—and with good reason. There are over 80 museums within the District’s 68 square miles, ranging from the 21 Smithsonian venues on (or near) the National Mall to highly specialised collections such as the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum.
Add in memorials, research centres, and the National Zoo, and you quickly see why. The best part? Most Smithsonian museums offer free admission, making them incredibly accessible and budget-friendly for school groups!
Top 6 Museums in Washington
Below you’ll find six top museums that are perfect for secondary students on school trips to Washington. Each one offers a unique perspective on key themes in history, politics, science, and culture, with curriculum-linked content and exhibits that support GCSE and A-level learning.
1. National Air and Space Museum
Location: 601 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560 (National Mall)
Opening times: Open daily except December 25th (10:00 AM - 5:30 PM)
How to get there: The closest Metro station is L'Enfant Plaza (5-minute walk), which serves the Blue, Green, Orange, Silver, and Yellow lines. Metrobus stops are also available on Independence Avenue SW and along 7th Street SW.
What to see and do:
A dream destination for aviation enthusiasts, the National Air and Space Museum showcases the awe-inspiring history of flight. Students can marvel at iconic objects such as the Wright Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, the Apollo 11 Command Module, and lunar rock samples. The museum also features a newly renovated planetarium with daily shows and IMAX films (for an additional fee).
Overall, it’s an excellent place to explore scientific principles such as aerodynamics and propulsion, while also gaining insight into the ingenuity and determination of aviation and space pioneers. On-site group programmes (available by reservation), learning resources, and monthly educational themes are also offered to help teachers tailor the experience to their students’ curriculum—check the site for more details.
2. National Museum of American History
Location: 1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560
Opening times: Daily from 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
How to get there: It is recommended to use the Smithsonian or Federal Triangle Metro stations (both 7 minutes away from the museum). Several Metrobus routes also stop along the National Mall.
What to see and do:
Delve into the story of America, from its founding to the present day, at the National Museum of American History. On history trips to Washington D.C., groups can view the original Star-Spangled Banner, Dorothy's ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz," and other vital artefacts related to American innovation, politics, culture, and society.
For more hands-on experiences, the museum features several interactive exhibits designed to engage students in creative, exploratory learning. This includes the Draper Spark!Lab, which invites students to become inventors themselves. Using real tools and open-ended challenges, they can tinker, test, and prototype their own solutions to practical problems.
3. Ford’s Theatre
Location: 511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Opening times: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (times may vary for seasonal changes)
How to get there: The theatre is very accessible by Metrorail. The closest Metro station is Metro Centre (serving the Red, Orange, Blue, and Silver lines). The Gallery Place-Chinatown station (Red, Green, and Yellow lines) is also a short walk away.
What to see and do:
Step back in time and explore Ford’s Theatre, famously known as the site of Abraham Lincoln's assassination in 1865. View the Presidential box (interior closed to the public), learn about Abraham Lincoln's legacy and the complexities of the Civil War era through various artefacts at the Museum, including John Wilkes Booth’s derringer pistol.
Across the street is the Petersen House (open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), the boarding house where Lincoln was carried and died, which is also part of the National Park Service site. Today, Ford's Theatre remains a thriving theatrical venue, offering a diverse range of performances, including plays that are relevant to American history.
4. National Gallery of Art
Location: Situated on the National Mall between 3rd and 9th Streets at Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
Opening times: Daily from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
How to get there: Take the Archives–Navy Memorial‑Penn Quarter (Green/Yellow lines). Judiciary Square (Red Line) and Smithsonian (Blue/Orange/Silver lines) are also within walking distance.
What to see and do:
Art aficionados will find endless inspiration at the National Gallery of Art. In the West Building, students can admire iconic works by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Monet, and Van Gogh. Across the way, the East Building houses bold pieces by artists like Picasso, Pollock, and Warhol, set within a striking modernist structure.
Outside, the Sculpture Garden provides a refreshing space to explore large-scale installations in a beautifully landscaped setting. With its vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, it’s easy to see why it ranks among the top museums in Washington.
5. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Location: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024
Opening times: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM. It is closed on Yom Kippur and December 25th.
How to get there:The closest Metro station is Smithsonian (Orange, Blue, and Silver lines), which is just 4 minutes away from the museum. Parking is not available at the museum.
What to see and do:
A poignant reminder of one of history's darkest chapters, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum honours the memory of the 6 million who lost their lives from 1933 to 1945. Through artefacts, historical documents, and survivor testimonies, including "Daniel's Story" for younger visitors, it teaches critical lessons about the dangers of hatred, antisemitism, and indifference.
What’s more, the museum sponsors travelling exhibitions and centres dedicated to education, genocide prevention, and the ongoing study of human rights abuses, including cases in Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur. No doubt it’s an impactful place that can inspire students to become upstanders against injustice and discrimination in their own communities and the world.
6. International Spy Museum
Location: 700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024
Opening times: Daily from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (extending to 8:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)
How to get there: From L’Enfant Plaza (Blue/Orange/Silver/Green/Yellow lines), take exit C (9th St and L'Enfant Plaza exit), which is the closest access to the museum.
What to see and do:
For those intrigued by espionage and covert operations, the International Spy Museum offers an immersive and action-packed experience. Students can engage in an "Undercover Mission" with an RFID-enabled lanyard, testing their spy skills and intelligence gathering through various challenges.
They will also discover real-life figures who shaped history, like Virginia Hall, the American spy behind enemy lines in Nazi-occupied France. James Bond fans will love the impressive collection of spy gadgets, from hidden cameras to poison-tipped umbrellas, drawn from both real operations and pop culture.
Visit the best museums in Washington, D.C. with European Study Tours!
European Study Tours will make organising school trips to Washington easy.
With years of experience in organising educational trips, we are dedicated to creating tailored itineraries that provide enriching and memorable experiences for you and your students. With European Study Tours, you’ll get:
- Tailored educational resources
- Comfortable accommodation and safe travel options
- Expert local guides with in-depth knowledge
- 24/7 support and risk assessment documentation for peace of mind
For more information, get in touch with our friendly and experienced team to request a quote today.
