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The National Archives MuseumvsSmithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Both are recommended by professional reviewers. Overall, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is the choice of most professionals compared to The National Archives Museum. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History comes in at #5 in Washington DC with endorsements from 6 sources like Lonely Planet, Frommer's and Fodor's.
The National Archives Museum
Concierge
Frommer's
Travel + Leisure
Time Out Frommer's
Michelin Guide
Where
Atlas Obscura
U.S. News & World Report
Fodor's Show All Reviews
700 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington DC, DC 20408
From $0/night
Concierge "In the public vaults, visitors can research their genealogy, view original patent drawings (like the pencil), and listen to recordings of White House conversations during the Cuban Missile Crisis."
Frommer's "The Rotunda of the National Archives displays the country's most important original documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Seeing the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Magna Carta all under one roof (in the main rotunda) is impressive." Full review
Time Out "The vast collection of the National Archive & Record Administration (NARA) represents the physical record of the birth and growth of a nation in original documents." Full review
Frommer's "The Rotunda of the National Archives displays the country’s most important original documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights." Full review
Michelin Guide 0 Stars
"This Classical Revival "temple" just off the Mall holds the nation's documentary treasures, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights." Full review
Where "See the “Charters of Freedom”—the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Theater with free films. " Full review
Atlas Obscura "An atomic bomb-proof strongbox protects the U.S. Constitution from terrorists and thieves. " Full review
U.S. News & World Report13.0
"A treasure trove of the United States' founding documents, the National Archives Museum is high on travelers' to-do lists and almost always has long entrance lines." Full review
Fodor's "The National Archives is at once monument, museum, and the nation's memory." Full review
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Frommer's
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet Time Out Travel + Leisure Michelin Guide Where Atlas Obscura U.S. News & World Report Fodor's Show All Reviews
10th Street and Constitution Ave., Washington DC, DC 20560
From $0/night
Frommer's "The National Museum of Natural History is the largest of its kind in the world and one of the most visited museums in Washington." Full review
Lonely Planet "The Smithsonian’s second-most popular museum clogs with kids, but adults will find lots to love here too." Full review
Lonely Planet "The castle houses the Smithsonian Visitor Center, which makes a good first stop on the Mall. Inside you’ll find history exhibits, multilingual touch-screen displays, a staffed information desk." Full review
Time Out "The gem at the heart of the Museum of Natural History is a state-of-the-art IMAX cinema and an 80,000sq ft brushed steel and granite Discovery Center housing a cafeteria and exhibition space." Full review
Travel + Leisure "The National Museum of Natural History investigates the world and its creatures, examines ancient rituals, and explores the unfolding universe." Full review
i
Be sure to see The Last American Dinosaurs, the Hall of Mammals, the Hope Diamond display, and the walk-through butterfly house.
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"The National Museum of Natural History, part of the Smithsonian Institution, ranks as one of the most visited museums in the world." Full review
Where "Exhibits track the natural world since prehistoric time (anthropology to zoology)." Full review
Atlas Obscura "The 28,000-year-old specimen is remarkably intact. " Full review
U.S. News & World Report8.0
"With more than 126 million artifacts on display, this robust Smithsonian museum on the National Mall attracts millions of visitors each year." Full review
Fodor's "One of the world's great natural history museums offers 18 exhibition halls...there are more than 145 million specimens in the collection. Marvel at the enormous African bush elephant" Full review
i
Orkin Insect Zoo (don't miss the daily live tarantula feedings).
