Top 5: Museums in Washington, D.C.

International Spy Museum, Washington D.C. © Mira Agron | Dreamstime

Any visitor to D.C. knows the Smithsonian network of museums is a must-see. But D.C. isn’t just home to these beloved national museums. There are tons of private museums in the city, ranging from art galleries to eclectic niche experiences. Below are the top five, not-to-be missed private museums in Washington, D.C.

Phillips Collection

Located in Dupont Circle, the Phillips Collection is housed in the renovated mansion once home to the Phillips family. This private collection will impress any art fan, with works by great masters alongside more contemporary pieces. The Laib Wax Room, with walls fully encased in beeswax, cannot be missed!

Newseum

Just off the National Mall, Newseum is a fascinating trip through the history and evolution of the press. From early newspapers to the golden age of radio to modern news networks, Newseum is a highly interactive experience that melds sentimental looks back with the science behind how technology changed the media.

Dumbarton Oaks

This Georgetown museum features a wide range of works, including Byzantine art, and a gorgeously landscaped garden. The interior of the museum is also a sight to behold, with intricate woodwork and soaring ceilings. Fans of greenery, art and architecture, will all find something to love about Dumbarton Oaks.

International Spy Museum

Right across the street from the National Portrait Gallery, the International Spy Museum is a unique and fun tourist destination. Covering real life spies and some of fiction’s most beloved undercover agents, there’s always something to learn at this interactive and innovative museum!

Heurich House Museum

Rounding out the list is the Heurich House, an ornate mansion in Dupont Circle. Just one walk past this immense building will leave you in awe, but going inside is a must for fans of bygone era luxury. Replete with original furnishings, architectural detail and information on why the house was a technological marvel, this house will leave any history buff or architecture fan speechless.