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Castle to Capitol: Museums of the National Mall Architecture Tour

Castle to Capitol: Museums of the National Mall Architecture Tour

Overview

Hear the stories behind our best loved and little known Smithsonian museums!
Washington’s most famous and lesser known museums can be found on the East side of the National Mall, laid out between the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument. Called “America’s Attic,” the Smithsonian Institution is one of the largest museum organizations in the world, with 30 million annual visitors, 19 museums and over 140 million items in the collection. On this tour, explore how the Smithsonian Institution has helped shape the fabric of the National Mall since 1847. Please note, this tour is mostly outdoors, plus a visit inside of the Smithsonian Castle.

Reserve directly via DC Design Tours for the best experience and price!

City: Washington DC

Fri 13 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $48.00

Make a reservation

Fri 13 Jun

Starting at $48.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Local guide

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough guests to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, an alternative or full refund will be provided.
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons

What To Expect

Smithsonian Institution Building

Your tour begins outside the Smithsonian Castle, the headquarters of the largest museum complex in the world!

Smithsonian Arts + Industries Building

We'll discuss the beautiful and unique design of this second home of the Smithsonian Institution.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Our spaceship on the National Mall.

National Air and Space Museum

The second most popular museum in the world!

National Gallery of Art

We'll examine the stark contrast between the Neoclassical West building and Modern East building of the National Gallery of Art.

National Museum of the American Indian

Meant to look sculpted by the wind and water, this beautiful building has a tumultuous past.

United States Botanic Garden

A hidden gem among museums along the National Mall!

Bartholdi Park

A secret spot off the National Mall with a historic and beautiful fountain, sculpted by someone unexpected!

Capitol Hill

We'll wrap up at the foot of Capitol Hill, with breathtaking views of the US Capitol and the National Mall!

Show 6 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (7)

KellyJ1111

May 2022

This tour was AMAZING!!!! I have been on several tours all around the world and I have not had a better tour experience. I learned so much and the guide was very very prepared! I learned so much even though I had done a lot of tours in the area before. If you love history and design this is a great tour for everyone! I especially loved how they came prepared with pictures from the past to help you visualize the transition from history to the present. This tour is a must-see in DC. I am recommending it to everyone!

Response from Host

May 2022

That is so nice to hear, Kelly! It was a pleasure touring with you and I hope to see you again soon!

davidsT4537QR

Jul 2020

DC Design Tours is an ideal way to learn about D.C. and have an outstanding experience exploring. Carolyn, our guide, was friendly, brilliant, engaging, and welcoming. We plan on doing another tour with DC Design Tours the next time we're in town.

Response from Host

Jul 2020

Thank you for taking the time to post, and hope to see you again soon!

staceydel

Mar 2020

Cathryn was a fabulous tour guide and seemed to know it all. As an architect by training, she enthusiastically answered all our questions. I will definitely be back to explore some of her other tours next time I’m in DC.

Response from Host

Mar 2020

Thank you for your kind review, Stacey! It was a pleasure touring with you and Karen. Looking forward to seeing you both again in Washington DC!