Washington Smithsonian Museum Explorer Tour.

Hear the stories behind our best loved and little known Smithsonian museums!
Washington’s most famous and lesser known museums can be found on the East side of the National Mall, laid out between the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument. Called “America’s Attic,” the Smithsonian Institution is one of the largest museum organizations in the world, with 30 million annual visitors, 19 museums and over 140 million items in the collection. On this tour, explore how the Smithsonian Institution has helped shape the fabric of the National Mall since 1847. Please note, this tour is mostly outdoors, plus a visit inside of the Smithsonian Castle.
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Meeting Point

Smithsonian Castle

1000 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA

Meet your guide outside the Smithsonian Castle near the main entrance.

What's included:

• Local guide

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

Smithsonian Institution Building

1000 Jefferson Dr SW, , Washington DC, 20560-0008, District of Columbia

Your tour begins outside the Smithsonian Castle, the headquarters of the largest museum complex in the world!

30 minutes

Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building

900 Jefferson Dr SW, National Mall, Washington DC, 20560-0004, District of Columbia

We'll discuss the beautiful and unique design of this second home of the Smithsonian Institution.

5 minutes

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

7th St & Independence Ave. SW, Smithsonian Institutions, Washington DC, 20560, District of Columbia

Our spaceship on the National Mall.

5 minutes

National Gallery of Art

Constitution Ave NW, Washington DC, 20565, District of Columbia

We'll examine the stark contrast between the Neoclassical West building and Modern East building of the National Gallery of Art.

Pass by without stopping

National Museum of the American Indian

Fourth Street & Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC, 20560, District of Columbia

Meant to look sculpted by the wind and water, this beautiful building has a tumultuous past.

5 minutes

United States Botanic Garden

100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington DC, 20001, District of Columbia

A hidden gem among museums along the National Mall!

10 minutes

Bartholdi Park

Independence Avenue, Washington DC, District of Columbia

A secret spot off the National Mall with a historic and beautiful fountain, sculpted by someone unexpected!

5 minutes

Capitol Hill

First St and East Capitil St NE, , Washington DC, 20004, District of Columbia

We'll wrap up at the foot of Capitol Hill, with breathtaking views of the US Capitol and the National Mall!

10 minutes