DC Off the Hill: Get Some Culture!

Everybody knows that DC is a great place for museums, but not everyone realizes that in addition to the world-class Smithsonian museums on the National Mall, there are tons of fantastic museums all over DC. So, this "DC Off The Hill" is dedicated to the many fine educational and cultural centers that don't happen to reside on the National Mall.

1. The National Zoo. I can't believe that I failed to include this in the "Go Outside" post, because the zoo is one of my favorite outdoor spaces in DC. It's a Smithsonian (AKA: free!) and is a great way to spend a day if you have kids. After you've met Tai Shan, our local celebrity panda, I recommend checking out the Think Tank, an exhibit that introduces you to the innovative work the zoo is doing to understand the ways that animals think. Among other things, you'll be able to see the written language that the folks at the Think Tank are teaching orangutans.
2. The Newseum. I haven't been to this yet, but it's building looks beautiful and it made quite a stir when it opened. This museum celebrates the history of news and journalism and bills itself as "the world's most interactive museum." I have also heard that from the top of it, you can get a great view of the city.
3. The Anacostia Community Museum. Another Smithsonian museum that celebrates African American arts and cultural, as well as the history of DC's historic Anacostia neighborhood. I just went here for the first time a few weeks ago and loved it. Their exhibits change every few months, but if you go now you can see a great exhibition on African American celebrations throughout the year.
4. The National Geographic Museum. Brought to you by those same folks that make the magazine. They have rotating exhibits that can range from Chinese explorers' ships, to maps to North American birds. They also usually have at least one photography exhibit, which is always incredible. The neat picture at the top of this post is of their museum.
   
5. The Spy Museum. Another great kid-friendly space! Learn all about the history, gadgets and intrigue of international espionage. And, if you happen to be in DC on the last Wednesday of the month, you can even go to their free Community Nights!
6. The National Museum of Women in the Arts. Has a diverse collection of art from women artists around the world.

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