The DAR Museum, the Daughters of the American Revolution museum, is a small Washington, DC attraction that visitors often miss. The collection features more than 30,000 examples of decorative and fine arts, including objects made or used in the United States from 1700 to 1850, before the Industrial Revolution. Furniture, silver, paintings, ceramics and textiles, such as bedspreads and costumes, are displayed in 31 period rooms and two galleries. The DAR museum is a must for antique lovers.
Admission is free. There is a self-guided museum tour and a children’s contact area with discovery cubicles, games, period clothing, reproductions, books, and furniture. The DAR museum shop offers a variety of unique gifts and books.
The Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 as a women’s organization dedicated to preserving American history and promoting patriotism. Its national headquarters, located in the heart of Washington, DC, houses a museum, library, and concert hall. The DAR Museum offers public programming throughout the year.
School and family programs are free, thanks to the generosity of DAR members. The museum also has workshops and lectures for adults.
Location
1776 D Street NW
Washington, DC
The DAR Museum is located across from the Ellipse, near the White House. The closest tube stations are Farragut West and Farragut North. The museum is housed in Memorial Continental Hall, a Beaux-Arts-style marble building across from 17th St. DAR Constitution Hall is located at the other end of the block on 18th St.
Hours
Open from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm from Monday to Friday and from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturdays. Teaching tours of period rooms are offered from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. annual DAR meeting in July.
Website: www.dar.org/museum
What’s around DAR
- The White House
- Lafayette Park
- Renwick Gallery
- WWII Memorial
