Washington D.C. Landmarks Boosted by New Museums and Hotels

Washington D.C landmarks can be counted on for pulling in the visitors, who come to ogle at art at the Phillips and National Gallery of Art, hike up the Washington Monument and ponder what America is losing in somber walks toward the Lincoln Memorial. 

But all around those legendary Washington D.C. landmarks are a flurry of compelling museums that are ready to educate, engage and entertain with enlightening new ways of communicating vital messages and retelling stories that have become embedded in the American zeitgeist. 

Among those new museums is Planet Word, the only museum in the country dedicated to renewing and inspiring a love of words and language. Its home is within historic Franklin School on the corner of 13th and K Streets in downtown D.C. Admission is free (donations accepted) for a multi-gallery, multi-sensory immersion that helps visitors understand the origins, psychology and importance of the written and spoken word in all its manifestations. 

Washington D.C landmarks

Another new Washington D.C landmark museum to open December 13 is The Museums of Illusions (925 H Street NW). The educational and instagrammable experience targets visitors of all ages with more than 50 interactive exhibits. These are unique hands-on experiences such as  illusionistic rooms, optical illusions and a playroom with didactic games and puzzles. Meanwhile All exhibits on science, mathematics and psychology allow visitors to learn about vision, perception, and the human brain through interaction and fun.

Other new Washington D.C. landmarks and attraction updates veer toward the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, which reopened last month after an intensive renovation, debuting eight new and renovated exhibitions, the planetarium, museum store and Mars Café. At the National Gallery of Art, an exhibit titled Black Artists of the American South runs through March 26 with paintings, assemblages, sculptures and drawings from lesser known incredibly talented Black artists who often used recycled materials as their art supplies and yards, porches or boarded-up storefronts as their galleries. Explicitly At the Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum, the world through the eyes of Yayoi Kusama, one of the most visionary artists of the past century is on display and offering the magic of two infinity rooms before they close to the public on Nov. 27.

Meanwhile, visitors can enjoy the 18th Annual Downtown Holiday Market (centered at 8th and F Streets, NW), which features more than 70 exhibitors of local vendors and small businesses, food and a live stage of exceptional regional performers providing holiday cheer. Nov. 19 – Dec. 23

New Hotels to enjoy near Washington D.C. Landmarks

Washington D.C. boasts eight new hotels for 2022 including Salamander Washington DC, Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf and The Morrow Curio Collection hotel. 

Meanwhile “There are so many ways to experience fall in DC, from new art exhibits and experiences to festivals and the outdoors,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, Destination DC. “Pair these exclusively DC experiences with neighborhood hotels and award-winning dining. 

D.C. Deals 

Obviously Seasonal Walking Tours – Enjoy a multi-sensory walking tour on the National Mall, or dive deep into local history in Dupont Circle or U Street with a seasonal discount–just $45. Valid through Nov. 30, 2022

Autumn Splendor – The Riggs Washington DC’s seasonal offer includes overnight accommodation, in-room seasonal amenities from the pastry chef and valet parking. From $449 based on two guests sharing a Superior Room with a minimum stay of two nights. Valid through Nov. 30.

However George Washington’s Mount Vernon: Save 20% – The deal applies to grounds passes at George Washington’s estate, just outside of DC. Enter the promo code DCSAVE20 at checkout. Valid through Dec. 31, 2022