Washington DC has a bevy of museums full of wonderful exhibits to visit. But sometimes it can be hard to escape the busier “tourist” sections.
That’s why we’ve rounded up these five hidden gem exhibits for you to see next time you’re in DC. Some are more challenging to find than others, but they’re all well worth the visit.
Galleries G11-13A- The National Gallery of Art
Tucked behind rooms full of marble and bronze sculptures sit three small galleries. The entrances don’t follow the flow of the museum, so most people don’t even notice them. But the beauty in these galleries will surprise you.
They’re dedicated to 17th and 18th-century paintings, decorative arts, and sculptures. The galleries are old, with wooden floors and tapestries on the walls. Unlike some of the more modern galleries, viewing these rooms feels like stepping back in time.
Where Is It? National Gallery of Art, West Building, Ground Floor
The World of Jesus of Nazareth- The Museum of the Bible
The Museum of the Bible holds many wonders. But if you’re looking for something more hands-on, visit this exhibit. It seems humble compared to the immersive experiences on either side. But it recreates what Nazareth would have looked like when Jesus lived there, truly bringing history to life.
You can talk with Biblical reenactors, see what a synagogue looks like, and learn about Jewish life. My favorite part is the end of the exhibit, where you can sit on fake wooden benches and look at a sunset picture of the Sea of Galilee. The perfect spot for pictures or a quick rest.
Where Is It? Museum of the Bible, Floor 3- Stories of the Bible
National Bonsai and Penjing Museum- National Arboretum
The National Arboretum isn’t that popular to begin with. But did you know it has an entire bonsai museum? It started in 1976 with a gift of bonsai from Japan and has only grown since then.
Next time you’re at the arboretum, stop by and walk through this museum. The gravel paths lead past pot after pot of intricately grown bonsai, surrounded by various other plants. Best of all, it’s completely free.
Where Is It? National Arboretum, Azalea Road
Old Post Office Pavilion
While the Waldorf Astoria may look like a fancy hotel, it holds a secret. The entrance to the Old Post Office tower. The observation platform is 270 feet high and offers some of the best views of DC; only a few minutes walk from the Mall.
Once you find the entrance hidden at the back, you can take an elevator to the observation platform while learning the tower’s history. It’s also free and worth the walk.
Where Is It? Waldorf Astoria Hotel, 12th Street side
Hahn/Cock- National Gallery of Art
If you take the right elevator, you can get to the roof of the NGA’s East Building. And if you do that, you can see Hahn/Cock. This giant blue rooster sculpture sits hidden on the roof, where you can barely see him from the street below.
It’s a great photo op, and the roof gives some great views of the Capitol building. But the roof is exposed to the elements, so choose which day you see Hahn/Cock carefully.
Where Is It? National Gallery of Art, East Building, Tower 2
Which of these do you want to find next?
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