You can’t visit Washington D.C. without visiting a museum or two. Washington D.C. is full of amazing museums that will capture your interests. From museums that showcase art to natural history to a space museum, D.C. has it all figured when it comes to museums. Below is a list of 13 must-see museums when visiting Washington D.C.

1- The National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art’s collection spans between two big buildings — a classical,  and the other modern — and encircles a six-acre sculpture garden consisting of a rotating screen of permanent functions and traveling displays. The permanent collection includes ancient, as well as modern art, including greats like  da Vinci, Degas and Calder, while the museum provides public programming  and hands on action for children. And when you are visiting during winter, make sure you enjoy the outside ice-skating rink located in the middle of the sculpture garden.

2- U.S. Botanic Gardens

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison shared a dream of a national botanic garden in the late 18th century. The three were successful in establishing one about the southwest corner of the National Theater by 1820. Nowadays, visitors can delight in this dwelling, indoor-outdoor museum along with its impressive assortment of vegetation. Fan favorites include the enchanting 19th century hothouse conservatory and the butterfly garden.

3- National Air & Space Museum

The National Air and Space Museum boasts the world’s biggest collection of historical aircrafts, such as Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, the Wright brothers’ first 1903 flyer, astronaut space suits and a lunar rock sample. In reality, the collection has grown so big that another building , the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, premiered in 2003 at Centreville, VA..

4- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Among history’s most important events, and a few of its biggest tragedies, is the focus of the expansive museum. Learn the story of the Holocaust through artifacts, videos and personal stories from the Permanent Exhibition, and go deeper into special exhibitions like Remember the Children: Daniel’s Story, recommended for children ages 8 and up. Entry to the museum is free, but entrance into the Permanent Exhibition is  only during March through August — it is possible to book online ahead of time.

5- National Museum of Natural History

The most visited natural history museum on the planet, that the National Museum of Natural History boasts an unbelievable rotating set of 127 million things such as dinosaur bones, the Hope Diamond, ancient Egyptian mummies and a lot more. This museum will also be a favorite among children.

 6- National Museum of American History

More than four million people visit  the enormous National Museum of American History every year. It’s no real surprise, because the museum’s collection boasts over three million items that tell the American story. One of these, a couple of audience favorites include the flag which inspired the “Star-Spangled Banner,” the Greensboro lunch countertops, Julia Child’s kitchen, Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz along with Abraham Lincoln’s stovepipe hat.

7-Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

The Hirshhorn Museum is famous for its extensive selection of contemporary and modern art from all over the world, such as substantial works by Pablo Picasso and Henry Moore. The sculpture garden is a must-see, since it includes the renowned Wish Tree by Yoko Ono.

8- National Museum of the American Indian

Among the latest lasting additions to the National Mall, the National Museum of the American Indian exemplifies the diversity of culture,  history, heritage and showcases  native people of North and South America, from the Arctic Circle to the tip of Patagonia. The museum hosts visitors  yearlong, but the best time to visit would be during Native American Heritage Month in November.

9-National Museum of African American History and Culture

The only national museum dedicated exclusively to African American life, art, history and culture started on the National Theater in Sept. 2016. Sporting a sleek design and an abundance of new displays, the National Museum of African American History and Culture is a strong, inspiring experience for those who visit.

10- The Freer | Sackler Galleries

The vibrant and colorful world of Asian art is displayed at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and the Freer Gallery of Art, which makeup the Smithsonian Institution’s Museums of Asian Art. Among DC’s most gorgeous buildings, the Freer was the first Smithsonian museum dedicated solely to art upon construction. Collectively, the collections maintain over 25,000 objects spanning 6,000 decades. The museums underwent extensive renovations, with both reinstalled and revived exhibits and unique new attributes featured in both galleries.

11- National Museum of African Art

The National Museum of African Art  is an important place for African American Art in the United States.  The museum boasts a wide assortment of 9,000 pieces, such as sacred objects, fabrics, historical Egyptian carvings and musical instruments.

12- Smithsonian Institution Information Center at the Castle

An iconic milestone across the DC skyline, the Smithsonian Castle is the best place to start your day of exploration. You may discover important details on every Smithsonian museum and marvel in the arrangement’s striking architecture.

13- U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Money is a vital facet of everyday life — they have even made songs about it! In the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, you can observe how our money is created, through over 10 procedures that reveal exactly how much goes into creating one note. Entry is free, but tickets are required for entrance during busy periods. Tours are provided every quarter hour from 9 a.m. — two pm, with additional hours in March through August.