By Ugur Akinci | STC Associate Fellow
If you like museums, you’re in for a treat. Welcome to the National Mall in Washington, DC—a special and unique cultural haven offering what you can’t see anywhere else in the world. And did I say for free?
What follows is a Top Ten list of spectacular museums all located within a mile radius on the National Mall. However, a warning is in order: these museums are so large and comprehensive, you’d need to commit more than a quick weekend to visit and enjoy them all. Soft comfortable walking shoes and a backpack with energy bars and water bottle are recommended for your optimum culture-vulture pleasure.
1. National Gallery of Art (NGA)
If you visit Washington, DC and leave without checking out this magnificent museum, you’ll be missing a lot. The super sleek East Wing, designed by the incomparable I. M. Pei, is devoted mostly to modern art and new exhibitions. To enjoy the old masters and permanent collections, visit the West Wing. While you’re on your way there through the underground passage, stop by at the museum cafeteria, enjoy a sandwich and the “Waterfall Window.”
http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb.html
2. National Air and Space Museum
If you love technology like I do, this is definitely worth your time. Where else are you going to see Lunar Module LM-2, the vehicle that landed on the moon? Or the very first airplane, the Wright Flyer, that defied gravity? Don’t forget to visit the museum’s extension in Northern Virginia as well (https://airandspace.si.edu/udvar-hazy-center) where they exhibit the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane.
3. National Museum of Natural History
For all nature lovers, those interested in plants, animals, rocks, fossils, and the story of mighty evolution. A priceless educational resource for geeks and inquiring minds of all ages.
https://naturalhistory.si.edu/
4. National Museum of American History
A mega pit-stop for history buffs, especially those of American History. Centuries of social, economic, and technological change and development displayed through thousands of exhibition pieces that collectively paint the American Mosaic.
http://americanhistory.si.edu/
5. National Museum of African American History and Culture
The latest, a truly magnificent and opulent addition to the national museums on the Mall. “A People’s Journey—A Nation’s Story” is how the museum site summarizes this must-see shrine to the struggles and successes of African Americans.
6. National Museum of American Indian
Like none other, this national museum displays another facet of the “American Story” through the lenses of Native Americans. The museum hosts special programs if you visit in November, during the American Indian Heritage Month.
7. National Museum of African Art
A rich tapestry of African art, culture, photos, special collections, and live events. The museum offers great educational resources for students and teachers alike. If you love things African, you’ll be richly rewarded during your visit.
8. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Sculpture lovers take notice: you’ve never seen a museum like this before. Shaped like a multi-layered cake with a hole in the middle, Hirshhorn offers a lot even for the most discriminating art aficionado. Especially noteworthy are the ever-changing installations and special collections.
http://hirshhorn.si.edu/collection/home/
9. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Together with the Freer gallery, this is home to one of the greatest collection of Asian art in America. What you’ll enjoy depends on when you visit since the exhibitions change frequently. Sometimes you’ll be treated to a collection of rare Buddha statues; on another day it might be a collection of thousand- year old hand-written Korans. Interesting fact: 96% of the museum is underground.
10. Freer Gallery of Art
Freer Gallery has a larger scope than its twin, the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. With over 26,000 art objects dating all the way back to the Neolithic era, its eclectic collection is guaranteed to please all. Especially noteworthy is the famous “Peacock Room” by American painter James McNeill Whistler. Don’t miss it.
UGUR AKINCI, PhD, a Fortune 100 tech writer, is a past president of the STC Washington DC-Baltimore Chapter and an STC Associate Fellow. He is sharing free technical communication tips and tutorials since 2007 at http://www.tcc6.com
