Did You Know? DC Museums Are Open on Thanksgiving - Washingtonian (2024)

Things to Do

Written by Rosa Cartagena | Published on November 23, 2016

If you’re not a local, you might not know that the Smithsonian museums are open on Thanksgiving Day. Whenfamily is in town and you’re looking for fun activities, you can definitely take advantage of the free admission at the Smithsonian’s fantastic museumsincludingthe NationalZoo. Any young nieces or nephews? They might evensee the newest baby orangutan, the firstorangutan birth at the zoo in 25 years. If you just want to look a gorgeous pictures of wildlife, try the National Museum of Natural History’s “Nature’s Best Photography Awards” exhibit. If you don’t get to it on Thanksgiving Day, Natural Historywillextend its hours on Black Friday. Looking for something more educational? Learn about the Algonquian communities in the Chesapeake area at the National Museum of the American Indian (fitting for the holiday). The National Gallery of Art, while not part of the Smithsonian, is also open for the holiday. ItsEast Building has reopened, and atripto the top floor can bevery rewarding. Another historic attraction that’s open is George Washington’s Mount Vernon mansion and museum – from antique furniture to gorgeous gardens.