Top 10 Things to Do in Washington DC for Designers
Washington, D.C., has so many amazing places to visit that it’s hard to pick just ten! However, we know that CreativePro Week attendees (and everyone who loves design) will appreciate these:
Lunder Conservation Center
Ever wonder what the conservation of art consists of? Here you can see employees from the National Portrait Gallery and SAAM working tirelessly to preserve masterpieces. This art facility is the first to allowdaily access to view the conservation work essential to the art world.
Ever wonder what the conservation of art consists of? Here you can see employees from the National Portrait Gallery and SAAM working tirelessly to preserve masterpieces. This art facility is the first to allowdaily access to view the conservation work essential to the art world.
Torpedo Factory Art Center
Founded in 1974 in an old munitions plant, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is home to the nation’s largest collection of working-artists’ open studios under one roof.
Founded in 1974 in an old munitions plant, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is home to the nation’s largest collection of working-artists’ open studios under one roof.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. It was established by an Act of Congress in 2003, following decades of efforts to promote and highlight the contributions of African Americans. To date, the Museum has collected more than 40,000 artifacts.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. It was established by an Act of Congress in 2003, following decades of efforts to promote and highlight the contributions of African Americans. To date, the Museum has collected more than 40,000 artifacts.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Now in their fifth decade, the Hirshhorn is a leading voice for contemporary art and culture and provides a national platform for the art and artists of our time. Located in the heart of Washington, DC, on the National Mall, the museum is free to all. As one of the most visited modern art museums in the US, they seek to share the transformative power of modern and contemporary art by creating meaningful, personal experiences in which art, artists, audiences, and ideas converge. Don’t miss the amazing Laurie Anderson exhibit.
Now in their fifth decade, the Hirshhorn is a leading voice for contemporary art and culture and provides a national platform for the art and artists of our time. Located in the heart of Washington, DC, on the National Mall, the museum is free to all. As one of the most visited modern art museums in the US, they seek to share the transformative power of modern and contemporary art by creating meaningful, personal experiences in which art, artists, audiences, and ideas converge. Don’t miss the amazing Laurie Anderson exhibit.
Washington Nationals
See a baseball game! The Washington Nationals are playing at home July 5–8.
See a baseball game! The Washington Nationals are playing at home July 5–8.
Artec House
Where creative innovation has no limits…
Where creative innovation has no limits…
Nighttime tour of DC memorials
Washington DC is incredible to visit at night. After a long day of sessions, take some time to see some of the incredible sights it has to offer all lit up. Here are several to check out:
Washington DC is incredible to visit at night. After a long day of sessions, take some time to see some of the incredible sights it has to offer all lit up. Here are several to check out:
- Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley
- DC at Dusk Guided Night Tour
- “Monuments By Night” Guided Night-Time Sightseeing Bus Tour
- And, of course, who doesn’t love a good ghost tour?! DC Ghost Tour
Postal Museum
The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum is located in the historic City Post Office Building, which was constructed in 1914 and served as the Washington, D.C., post office from 1914 through 1986. The museum holds the National Philatelic Collection. It has hosted many interactive displays about the history of the United States Postal Service and of mail service around the world. The museum has a gift shop and a United States Postal Service philatelic sales window, along with exhibits on the Pony Express, the use of railroads with the mail, the preserved remains of Owney (the first unofficial postal mascot), and an exhibit on direct marketing called, “What’s in the Mail for You.”
The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum is located in the historic City Post Office Building, which was constructed in 1914 and served as the Washington, D.C., post office from 1914 through 1986. The museum holds the National Philatelic Collection. It has hosted many interactive displays about the history of the United States Postal Service and of mail service around the world. The museum has a gift shop and a United States Postal Service philatelic sales window, along with exhibits on the Pony Express, the use of railroads with the mail, the preserved remains of Owney (the first unofficial postal mascot), and an exhibit on direct marketing called, “What’s in the Mail for You.”
International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum is a private non-profit museum which documents the tradecraft, history, and contemporary role of espionage. It holds the largest collection of international espionage artifacts on public display. Test your spy skills at 17 different digital and physical interactives through the museum’s permanent exhibition. You’ll be challenged to remember your cover identity and join in activities ranging from cracking code to spying on other “spies”.
The International Spy Museum is a private non-profit museum which documents the tradecraft, history, and contemporary role of espionage. It holds the largest collection of international espionage artifacts on public display. Test your spy skills at 17 different digital and physical interactives through the museum’s permanent exhibition. You’ll be challenged to remember your cover identity and join in activities ranging from cracking code to spying on other “spies”.
National Geographic Museum
With a wide range of changing exhibitions, the National Geographic Museum is an ideal destination for curious people of all ages. Visitors experience the work of National Geographic through engaging, dynamic exhibitions featuring everything from iconic photography and world-famous artifacts to interactive learning stations and behind-the-scenes stories.
With a wide range of changing exhibitions, the National Geographic Museum is an ideal destination for curious people of all ages. Visitors experience the work of National Geographic through engaging, dynamic exhibitions featuring everything from iconic photography and world-famous artifacts to interactive learning stations and behind-the-scenes stories.
And that’s not all…
Oh my, we can’t stop at 10! Here are ten more must-experience sites that every visitor to DC should consider:
- Culture House: A historic neighborhood church is reborn as a psychedelic arts collective
- Capitol Hill Books
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
- Smithsonian’s American Museum of Art (SAAM) — They have announced a new Augmented Reality tour option; registration is recommeded.
- US National Arboretum
- National Museum of Asian Art
- National Museum of the American Indian
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- National Gallery of Art
