Washington DC is home to some of the world’s most exciting museums, and visiting many of them can be combined as part of Gray Line’s sightseeing tours or first-class charter bus service, on which the nation’s capital comes alive with stories and events that will educate and entertain you – and leave you with cherished memories of Washington DC!
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
A chance to see the world’s largest collection of fascinating and historical aircraft and space vehicles, with highlights including the Apollo Lunar Module, Milestones of Flight, the World War II Aviation Exhibition Hall, and the Wright Brothers Exhibition Hall. Through extensive exhibits and galleries, learn about legendary space programs such as the Gemini, Mercury and Apollo missions that sent astronauts John Glenn, Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong to the moon.
International Spy Museum
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the shoes of James Bond – then the International Spy Museum is the place to get shaken, not stirred! The museum is crammed full of high-tech gadgetry, secret methods, a plethora of notorious spy cases, and also some not-so-pleasant downsides of being a spy.
Prepare to role-play, as all visitors are encouraged to adopt a secret identity on entering the museum, after which you’ll be able to try a series of disguises, listen via spy bugs, and try and spot hidden cameras. Many of the exhibits are also historical, with some concentrating on the Cold War.
The Crime and Punishment Museum
The Crime and Punishment Museum only opened in 2008 but has quickly established itself as one of Washington’s DC’s most popular museums, and has literally thousands of things to do. The museum was set up to honor law enforcement, and offers visitors of all ages a memorable insight into America’s history of crime and the consequences of those crimes. See crime from the point-of-view of law enforcement, forensic scientists, and crime scene investigators via an interactive experience that’s both entertaining and educational. The forensic workshops are also taught by qualified forensic scientists. The museum is always updating its content and exhibits to reflect modern advancements and breakthroughs in the field of crime solving.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
A living memorial to the Holocaust, one of the world’s biggest atrocities, the Holocaust Museum continues to inspire the world to confront hatred and to promote human dignity. It has the backing of many generous donors which funds its educational programs that continue to have a global impact.
A humbling experience, it offers a powerful lesson in how lucky we are to have our freedom, and the constant need for vigilance to preserve democratic values.
To see how you can incorporate any of these museums into one of Gray Line’s sightseeing tours, or to see an extensive lists of museums and other landmarks you can visit in Washington DC.