Lesser-Known Museums To See On Your Washington D.C. Tour
On any tour of Washington D.C., you are likely to stop at most of the top attractions, such as the Capitol Building and the Smithsonian. These sights are all wonderful to see. However, you may also want to consider looking for a tour that stops by some of these lesser-known, more niche museums in D.C.
Art Museum of the Americas
If you enjoy art, definitely look for a Washington D.C. tour that stops at the Art Museum of the Americas, or AMA. This museum houses some of the most interesting and valuable contemporary and modern art in the country. It works to preserve artwork and also educate visitors about the value of art. There are exhibitions by artists like Julio Valdez and Margo S. Neuhaus. Even if you only stop for an hour or two, walking through the museum and admiring artwork can be a nice break from the more historic attractions you see so many of in D.C.
Hillwood Museum and Gardens
The Hillwood Museum and Gardens is an old estate that is now preserved as a museum. The estate itself was designed and owned by Marjorie Merriweather Post, and its collections and gardens show incredible taste. In the 1970s, the estate became a public museum. As you walk through the garden area, you will learn a lot about the soil quality in D.C. and its history as a farming region. This can help you see the early settlement of the area in a whole new light. In fact, if you're in a hurry, you could even take a tour of the grounds and gardens and skip touring the home itself.
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Women have a long history of involvement in the arts in the U.S, and the opportunities available to them over the years have really changed. At the National Museum of Women in the Arts, you can not only see the creations of female artists over the years but also learn a lot about the way women have been treated in the arts over the years. The museum seeks to recognize women's achievements and is housed in a building that was once a Masonic Temple, adding to its interest.
As you browse various Washington D.C. tour options, try looking for one that visits at least one of the sights above. You'll enjoy seeing something more offbeat, even if you spend most of the day in historic and government buildings.