National Museum of the American Indian
http://nmai.si.edu/home/ The National Museum of the American Indian is the first national museum dedicated to the preservation, study, and exhibition of the life, languages, literature, history, and arts of Native Americans. Free and open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Location: 4th St. and Independence Ave SW Closest Metrorail Stop: L’Enfant Plaza (Blue/Green/Orange/Yellow Line). Take the Maryland Ave. exit.
National Museum of American History
http://americanhistory.si.edu/ The National Museum of American History is devoted to the scientific, cultural, social, technological, and political development of the United States. The most famous items on display are the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired the national anthem; Washington’s uniform; Jefferson’s lap desk; and Dorothy’s ruby slippers. Free and open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Location: 1400 Constitution Ave NW Closest Metrorail Stop: Federal Triangle (Blue/Orange Line) and Smithsonian (Blue/Orange Line). Take the Mall exit.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
http://www.hirshhorn.si.edu/collection/home/#collection=home
Often a favorite of those who visit it, the Hirshhorn displays the art of our time in a cylindrical building and adjoining plaza and sunken sculpture garden. It has an in-depth collection of modern masters and works by emerging artists; cutting-edge films; sculptures by Rodin, Matisse, and Moore on the plaza and in the garden. Free and open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Location: Independence Ave. at 7th St SW Closest Metrorail Stop: L’Enfant Plaza (Blue/Green/Orange/Yellow Line). Take the Smithsonian Museums exit.
National Museum of Natural History
http://www.mnh.si.edu/ National Museum of Natural History contains exhibitions on earliest human origins, development of world cultures, ancient and modern mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and sea creatures. Free and open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Location: 10th St. and Constitution Ave NW Closest Metrorail Stop: Federal Triangle (Blue/Orange Line) and Smithsonian (Blue/Orange Line). Take the Mall exit.
National Zoological Park
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ The National Zoological Park is a part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex. The Zoo is a one of Washington's and the Smithsonian's most popular tourist destinations. The newest exhibition is the Asia Trail, highlighting Asia’s animals and foliage. Free and open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Location: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW Closest Metrorail Stop: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan (Red Line)
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