The Newseum in Washington, DC is a high-tech interactive museum that promotes and explains, as well as defends, freedom of expression. Focusing on the five freedoms of the First Amendment (religion, speech, press, assembly, and petitions), the museum’s seven levels of interactive exhibits include 15 galleries and 15 theaters.
Know before you go
This museum was designed for the visitor to start at the upper level and descend. There are seven levels, so plan to allow at least 4 hours if you want to explore each one. Some exhibits are not appropriate for young children, and the museum is best suited for ages 12 and older.
Galleries and exhibits
While the exhibits at the Newseum are constantly changing, these are some of the most popular exhibits on display.
- 1967: Civil Rights at 50 tells the dramatic story of the growing militancy of the fight for racial justice in 1967.
- The Cox Gallery of the First Amendment uses a variety of media to examine the freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.
- 1776 – Breaking News: Independence presents one of 19 known copies of the first newspaper to publish the Declaration of Independence. This rare print shows the statement as Americans first saw it, making front page news.
- First Dogs: American Presidents and their Pets show pictures and stories about some of the best dogs to ever reside in the most prestigious residence in the country.
- Today’s Front Pages displays 80 newspaper covers from around the world, expanded and updated daily from daily submissions exceeding 1,000. Electronic access is available for more than 450 covers.
- The Pulitzer Prize Photo Gallery contains the largest and most comprehensive collection of Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalism ever assembled. In a documentary film, photographers explain their craft. Visitors can access an electronic database of 300 video clips, 400 audio clips and 1,000 Pulitzer photos.
- The September 11 Gallery looks at how the media responded to one of the biggest news stories of the century. The gallery features September 12 covers from around the world, artifacts and a documentary of journalists’ accounts of their reactions on that day.
- The Berlin Wall Exhibition presents the largest collection of original sections of the Berlin Wall outside of Germany, this gallery examines the role of the media in the 30-year history of the wall.
- Periodists Memorial honors those who died while reporting the news by adding their names to a monument of glass and steel. A large two-story memorial bears the names of more than 1,600 journalists from around the world.
- Great Books Gallery contains original books and other documents by the world’s great thinkers on freedom of expression and freedom. Great Books displays 21 rare editions, from the Magna Carta to the Federalist Papers and the first pamphlet printing of the United States Constitution.
- The Interactive Newsroom is where visitors can play the role of a photojournalist, editor, reporter or presenter at 48 interactive kiosks.
- Make Some Noise explores the new generation of student leaders in the civil rights movement who exercised their First Amendment rights and fought segregation in the early 1960s.
- The Ethics Center evaluates visitors in their news judgment against others as it runs the clock to answer tough questions and put together a newspaper cover.
- Greenspun Family Terrace offers panoramic views of the US Capitol, National Gallery of Art, National Archives, Smithsonian museums, and the Washington Monument. An 80-foot-long exhibit traces the history of Pennsylvania Avenue and the major news events that have taken place here, such as protests and presidential inauguration parades.
Theaters
The Newseum’s 15 theaters offer visitors a variety of diverse viewing experiences, including public programs, film screenings, debates, art performances, and town hall meetings. Visitors can see technicians in the Broadcast Control Center who monitor all aspects of daily activities throughout the museum.
Visiting the Newseum
The Newseum is located at 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW in Washington, DC and is between the White House and the United States Capitol. It is also adjacent to the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall.
The best and easiest way to get the Newseum is via the metro. The two closest stations to the museum are Archives / Navy Memorial / Penn Quarter, served by the Green Line and Yellow Lines, and Judiciary Square, served by the Red Line.
Another great way to travel to the Newseum is by bike. Capital Bikeshare offers more than 1,600 bikes at 175 locations around the DC area, including Arlington, VA, and Alexandria, VA. The closest docking stations to Newseum are at 6th and NW Indiana Ave., 10th Ave. and Constitución. NW, 4th and D Streets NW, and Maryland and Independence Ave. SO.
Hours are subject to change without notice, so be sure to call ahead or check the website for updates.
Admission Fees
Newseum’s admission fees are subject to change, so check their website for the most accurate fees. You can buy tickets online in advance (usually at a discount) or at the museum’s admissions desk. Visits by museum members are always free (with additional discounts for guests).
Food and shopping
Dining options include a food court and fine dining restaurant, The Source by Wolfgang Puck. There are four gift shops with news items, books, and gifts.
