7 Music-Centric Museums to Explore in Washington D.C.

Whether you’re into classical, rock, electronic, or the unique go-go sound that originated in D.C., there’s a museum in the capital dedicated to honoring the history of your preferred genre. Discover renowned collections, must-see artifacts, and lesser-known cultural gems like the O Museum in The Mansion and The People’s Archive. Read on for seven museums and archives in Washington, D.C. where you can explore the impact of music on American history.

Discover the legacy of Black music at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

If you can only visit one music-focused museum in D.C., make it the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Its stunning bronze exterior is picture-perfect, but the treasures inside will captivate any music enthusiast even more. The ongoing exhibit, Musical Crossroads, highlights the pivotal role of African American music across various genres and throughout history, from classical to classic rock. Iconic artifacts such as Chuck Berry’s Cadillac, Sammy Davis Jr.’s tap shoes, Jimi Hendrix’s Afghan vest, and Public Enemy’s S1W Uniform showcase the significant impact of Black music on U.S. culture and beyond.

While you're there, be sure to check out temporary music-themed events. The Spirit in the Dark exhibition, running until January 2025, examines the intersections of religion, activism, and popular culture in Black music.

Looking for a place to stay nearby? Consider Hotel Washington, which features a rooftop bar offering stunning views of the Washington Monument.

Discover music history at the National Museum of American History

The vast collection of 1.7 million objects at the National Museum of American History and its various ongoing exhibitions promise a rich experience for visitors. America’s Listening explores the evolution of recorded sound, MusicHerStory highlights women's contributions to music and social movements, and Treasures and Trouble offers a close look at blues music. Entertainment Nation showcases the careers of legendary artists like Selena, Prince, Frank Sinatra, and Cyndi Lauper. Key collection items include Prince’s Yellow Cloud electric guitar, Grandmaster Flash’s turntable, Fab 5 Freddy’s boombox, Dizzy Gillespie’s trumpet, and John Coltrane’s saxophone.

For jazz enthusiasts, the LeRoy Neiman Jazz Cafe is a must-visit among the many on-site restaurants. Enjoy a plate of beignets drizzled with chocolate sauce while admiring photos and music from the museum’s collection.

Located just 1.5 blocks from the National Museum of American History, the JW Marriott Washington, D.C. offers convenient access to the city’s top attractions.

Dive into a fusion of sound and art at ARTECHOUSE

More of an immersive sensory experience than a conventional museum, ARTECHOUSE’s featured exhibition changes several times each year. Highlighting the interplay of light, technology, and electronic sound, this interactive space showcases innovative artists and their cutting-edge, tech-driven creations.

ARTECHOUSE is also one of the few museums that stays open late, operating until 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends. To enhance the sensory experience, an on-site bar serves beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails.

Renowned for its luxurious spa, Salamander serves as a tranquil retreat just 200 feet from ARTECHOUSE in the Southwest Waterfront area.

Discover hidden gems at O Museum In The Mansion

The quirky O Museum in The Mansion, described as “a sanctuary for those seeking creative inspiration,” provides a unique experience featuring a remarkable collection of musical artifacts. Nestled within five interconnected townhomes in Dupont Circle, the museum offers a maximalist journey through themed rooms, over 80 hidden doors, and a collection of 70 guitars signed by legends like Bruce Springsteen, Bono, and Bob Dylan. Tours showcasing the secret doors are also available.

The adventure doesn’t stop there—the Mansion doubles as a boutique hotel. Book the Graceland Suite, which boasts an Elvis pinball machine, or the Lennon room, designed to resemble a yellow submarine, for an unforgettable stay.

For another refined lodging choice: The Dupont Circle is just steps away, right across from historic Dupont Circle.

Experience an interactive musical adventure at Planet Word

Launched in 2020 in the historic Franklin School, Planet Word offers an engaging language arts experience as the first voice-activated museum worldwide. Learn what elements contribute to a hit song or record your own story in the fully equipped studio. Admission is free (with a suggested donation of $15), but it's advisable to reserve a pass online.

The museum also features Immigrant Food, a dining spot offering brunch, lunch, and dinner menus inspired by chef Ben Murray’s global culinary vision.

Eaton DC Hotel is a haven for music enthusiasts, featuring in-room turntables, R&B yoga sessions, a rooftop music venue, and sound healing experiences, all just steps away from Planet Word.

Explore local punk, go-go, and more at The People’s Archives located in the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

Home to various special music collections, The People’s Archive serves as the local history hub for the District. The D.C. Punk Archive highlights punk and related local music from 1976 to the present, showcasing photographs, audio and video recordings, and memorabilia from Washington's vibrant punk scene.

The Go-Go Archive celebrates D.C.’s signature funk sound, characterized by heavy bass, driving percussion, and call-and-response vocals. This genre, born in D.C., is considered the city's “official” music and features a rich collection of photographs, books, magazines, records, cassettes, CDs, and DVDs.

The Kindler Collections include over 900 orchestral performances by Hans Kindler, the founder of the National Symphony Orchestra, available for free use by regional orchestras. To explore The People’s Archives collections, appointments can be made online.

Consider the Grand Hyatt Washington for a relaxing stay just two blocks from the MLK Jr. Memorial Library.

Discover the essence of go-go at the Go-Go Museum and Café

Set to open in mid-summer 2024 in historic Anacostia, the highly anticipated Go-Go Museum and Café will celebrate everything go-go. This cherished D.C. genre is a unique blend of funk, soul, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and blues, originally popularized by the legendary Chuck Brown in the 1970s. In 2020, go-go was officially recognized as Washington’s official music due to its deep cultural significance.

The exhibits will trace the origins of go-go back to its West African roots and highlight its relationship with hip-hop. Designed as a community hub for aspiring musicians, the museum will include a recording studio and event space. The café will feature a menu infused with West African, Latin, and Caribbean flavors. For those eager to experience go-go before summer, the mobile Go-Go Museum—a 28-passenger bus with a hydraulic performance stage—will continue to tour around the District.

The Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Navy Yard Riverfront is just a short trip across the river to the Anacostia area.

For more information on how to enjoy music in D.C., head over to washington.org.