This museum provides an enthralling look at the covert world that influences global affairs, from Cold War intrigues to modern-day cyber espionage. Here, you'll 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.

The National Museum of Women in the Arts (reopening after renovations in October 2023) 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.

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 wanting to avoid bustling crowds, the Phillips Collection is a serene and contemplative oasis.

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.

Set in picturesque Georgetown, Dumbarton Oaks is 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.

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 and larger-than-life structures.

Those intrigued by the intricacies of the human body and medical history should visit the National Museum of Health and Medicine. Founded by William A. Hammond, former US Army Surgeon General, the NMHM 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.

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.