8 Under-the-Radar Museums in Washington DC

This museum provides an enthralling look at the covert world that influences global affairs, from Cold War intrigues to modern-day cyber espionage. Save time by buying your ticket in advance to see engaging and interactive displays that allow you to test your own spy skills by cracking codes and navigating laser mazes. The museum also showcases gripping stories of real-life spies, uncovering daring missions and unraveling the mysteries behind some of history's most high-stakes operations. To make visiting even easier, the International Spy Museum is located near many other points of interest and is a stop on some hop-on hop-off bus tours.

Don't miss: The large collection of spy gadgets, from concealed cameras to encryption devices.

The National Museum of Women in the Arts stands as a beacon of empowerment, celebrating the contributions and achievements of women artists worldwide. Located in a striking downtown building, the museum is a testament to the creativity and resilience of women throughout history. Its impressive collection includes painting, sculpture, photography, and decorative arts, ranging from work by renowned pioneers of the past to contemporary visionaries.

Don’t miss: Exhibitions and programs highlighting the importance of women's voices in the art world.

Located in a beautiful Georgian Revival mansion, America’s first museum of modern art boasts an impressive array of works by renowned artists from the 19th and 20th centuries, including masterpieces by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Cézanne. Its focus on impressionist and modernist art allows visitors to witness the evolution of art during this transformative period. For art lovers seeking an alternative to the bustling crowds of larger museums, the Phillips Collection is a serene and contemplative oasis that shouldn’t be missed and it's easily reachable via a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Don’t miss: Pierre-Auguste Renoir's Luncheon of the Boating Party, an iconic painting celebrated for its vibrant colors, exquisite brushwork, and depiction of human interaction.

This remarkable institution showcases the art and science of building, featuring exhibits on sustainable design, urban planning, and innovative construction techniques. Temporary exhibits often focus on cutting-edge concepts like the adaptive reuse of structures or the future of urban living. Whether you're an architect or simply intrigued by the process of building, this museum will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the structures that shape our world.

Don’t miss: The museum’s iconic Great Hall, bolstered by mesmerizing 75-foot-tall (23-meter-tall) Corinthian columns.

Set in picturesque Georgetown, Dumbarton Oaks comprises a stunning mansion and 16 acres (6.5 hectares) of meticulously landscaped gardens. While the grounds offer an exquisite example of landscape architecture, the museum also is home to an impressive collection of art and artifacts from pre-Columbian, Byzantine, and European cultures. You’ll find rare and valuable pieces scattered throughout, including intricate textiles, ancient sculptures, and stunning manuscripts.

Don’t miss: The Orangery, a greenhouse-like structure that’s home to a remarkable collection of tropical and subtropical plants, offering a serene and immersive experience in the heart of the estate's gardens.

Located just a stone's throw from the White House, the Renwick Gallery is a sanctuary for contemporary craft and decorative art and one of the most underrated branches of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The gallery, which is free to enter, uniquely focuses on American craft and decorative arts, setting it apart from traditional art museums. The Instagram-friendly exhibitions often feature installations incorporating unexpected materials, unconventional techniques, and larger-than-life structures, so have your camera ready.

Don’t miss: Be sure to check the museum's schedule for the latest temporary exhibits, as they’re often interactive.

For those intrigued by the intricacies of the human body and medical history, this museum in Silver Spring, Maryland, offers an unparalleled experience. Founded by William A. Hammond, former US Army Surgeon General, this museum allows visitors to delve into the world of medical research and anatomical specimens, including preserved brains, military medicine, and cutting-edge medical advancements. Exhibitions focus on topics ranging from traumatic brain injuries to historical figures in healthcare, like Major Walter Reed.

Don’t miss: Several artifacts relating to President Lincoln, including the Deringer bullet that killed the president and that was found during the autopsy.

Yes, you’ll see plenty of rare stamps at this museum, but there’s also so much more, including vintage mail coaches and interactive exhibits that will transport you back to the days of handwritten letters and postcards. From the Pony Express to modern-day postal innovations, the National Postal Museum sheds light on the dynamic evolution of communication and the enduring importance of connecting people across vast distances. The museum is often a stop on hop-on hop-off bus tours.

Don’t miss: An exhibit about the "Inverted Jenny," a misprinted US postage stamp from the 1900s that features an inverted image of a blue airplane. It’s become one of the most valuable stamps in the world.