Culture

The Anacostia Community Museum Check out a variety of rotating galleries that explore African American culture, heritage, and history; attend a special event; learn all about one of D.C.'s first suburbs, Anacostia. 1901 Fort Place, SE, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 4820.

Art Museum of the Americas Take in a variety of multimedia pieces from contemporary Latin American artists, part of the Organization of American States' collection of nearly 2,000 objects, many artists being exhibited here for the first time outside their home countries; attend a hands-on interactive family workshop. 201 18th St., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 458 6016.

Corcoran Gallery of Art Admire European masterpieces from American and European icons like Degas, Delacroix, Monet, Hopper, Picasso, Rodin, Warhol, Peale, Whistler, and Rembrandt or discover the works of a new generation of masters from the Corcoran College of Art & Design; visit on a Saturday to catch an interactive tour and artist-led creative activity. 500 17th St., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 639 1700. Fee.

Daughters of the American Revolution Museum Travel back in time, from the 17th to early 20th centuries, as you visit rooms decorated in period style, including an 1860s Californian adobe parlor and a toy-filled New Hampshire attic; join a docent-led tour to learn about the life and times of ordinary Americans. 1776 D St., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 628 1776.

Freer-Sackler Galleries Explore thousands of years of Asian history and culture, examine tea bowls from 16th century Japan, decipher millennium-old Islamic manuscripts, marvel at the paper-thin Chinese porcelain from the Ming dynasty. Sackler: 1050 Independence Ave.; Freer: Jefferson Dr. at 12th St., the galleries are connected by an underground exhibition space, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 4880.

Hirshhorn Museum Step inside a world of refracted light and twisted landscapes at the national museum for modern and contemporary art; see the works of Picasso, de Kooning, and Warhol; wander the outdoor sculpture garden among structures by Rodin, Matisse, Calder, and others. Independence Ave. & 7th St. SW., Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 1000.

International Spy Museum Find out if you have what it takes to be a real secret agent when you test your surveillance skills at the interactive School for Spies; examine pinhole cameras, microdot films, lipstick pistols, and disguise techniques at the Tools of the Trade displays; learn about celebrity undercover agents like Josephine Baker, and about the sacrifices of less famous operatives who died in the field. 800 F St., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 866 779 6873. Fee.

The Kreeger Museum Wander through this intriguing modernist exterior before you enter this private museum of modern art; admire the highlight pieces from masters like Picasso, Gauguin, Munch, Cezanne, and Miró; constantly changing exhibits bring in world-class pieces from contemporary artists. 2401 Foxhall Rd., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 877 337 3050. Fee.

Library of Congress Explore the nation's library, the largest in the world, home to 138 million books, records, photos, and maps; pick up a Discovery Guide as soon as you arrive to best explore the Jefferson building and learn about its history and architecture. 101 Independence Ave., SE, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 707 8000.

National Gallery of Art Marvel at a da Vinci portrait or a Michelangelo sculpture; visit the East Building for the contemporary collections, including masterpieces from Picasso, Miró, Pollack, Warhol, and others; go on The Great Picture Hunt in the West Building to find diverse works of art and certain hidden details within each painting or sculpture. Between 3rd and 7th Streets at Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 737 4215.

National Geographic Society Visit the home of the iconic magazine and check out ever-changing exhibits inside the Explorers Hall museum and within the M Street building's courtyard; catch a lecture, concert, or film through NG Live! series; head to the gift shop to stock up on special National Geographic publications and other souvenirs. 1145 17th St., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 857 7588.

National Museum of African Art Immerse yourself in the art and culture of America's African heritage at this diverse collection of archives, photography, and artwork; view sculpture from Benin and ancient artifacts from the ancient Nubian city of Kerma alongside contemporary paintings and mixed media presentations. 950 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 4600.

National Museum of American History Get up close to an eclectic mix of America's cultural, political, and scientific history from Dorothy's slippers to Kermit the Frog to the original Star Spangled Banner that inspired the lyrics of our National Anthem; ride an antique bike, take a DNA fingerprint, harness a life-sized mule, or learn about Buffalo hide painting in one of the Hands On History rooms. Constitution Ave. & 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 1000.

National Museum of the American Indian Learn how to say hello in 150 native languages at the Welcome Wall; take in a documentary film at the Lelawi Theater; make sure to grab a native treats, like plantain chips and bison steak, at the museum's noteworthy Mitsitam Native Foods Café. 4th St. & Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 1000.

National Museum of Women in the Arts Explore the works of Georgia O'Keeffe, Frida Kahlo, and many other women from the often overlooked female side of the art world; enjoy some rarely seen works by women from the Renaissance; attend a family festival or literary of musical event. 1250 New York Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 783 5000. Fee.

National Portrait Gallery Admire the famous Gilbert Stuart "Lansdowne" portrait of George Washington in the American Presidents exhibition or Degas' portrait of painter Mary Cassatt; the museum has over 19,000 images of influential Americans. 8th & F St., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 1000.

Octagon Museum Visit this oddly shaped and misnamed six-sided house in the heart of the city, which was the temporary home to President Madison from 1817 to 1828; the building is full of exhibits explaining Washington history and exploring architectural themes. 1799 New York Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 638 3221. Fee.

Phillips Collection Linger over masterpieces from Cézanne, van Gogh, Renoir, Rothko, Klee, and Degas at America's first museum of modern art; this stunning collection of magnum opuses fill this inviting museum, staffed by knowledgeable and friendly art students. Interactive computer programs help educate users about the different artists and styles present in the museum. 1600 21st St., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 387 2151. Fee.

Renwick Gallery Marvel at the gallery's vast collection of American artwork, take in the palatial 19th-century Grand Salon, admire paintings by Plains Indians that adorn the walls and the meticulously crafted Shaker chairs, discover encrusted jewelry made for wealthy Gilded Age industrialists. 1661 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 2850.