Interior Museum
Museum Museum about U.S. Interior Department and conservation history
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s museum in Washington, D.C., with exhibits on stewardship, natural resources and departmental history.
The Interior Museum is the museum of the U.S. Department of the Interior located in Washington, D.C., that documents the department’s work and the natural and cultural resources it manages. It interprets the missions of Interior bureaus through art, artifacts, photographs, and maps.
Displays and temporary exhibitions highlight topics such as public lands management, conservation, Native American history and cultures, and scientific work related to U.S. natural resources. Galleries typically feature rotating shows and object loans from Interior bureaus rather than a single large permanent collection.
The museum was established to present and preserve materials related to the Department of the Interior and to educate the public about federal stewardship of land, water, and cultural resources. Over time the museum has hosted thematic exhibitions tied to policy, anniversaries, and bureau-specific collections.
The museum is housed within the Department of the Interior’s headquarters in central Washington, D.C., within walking distance of the National Mall and the Federal Triangle area.
- Exhibitions: Exhibitions rotate and commonly draw on collections from Department of the Interior bureaus such as the National Park Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
How to Get to Interior Museum #
The Interior Museum is in the Main Interior Building at 1849 C St NW, central Washington, D.C., a short walk (5-10 minutes) from the Smithsonian Metro stations (Red, Orange, Blue lines at Metro Center or Smithsonian depending on route). Enter via the public visitor entrance; expect security screening.
Tips for Visiting Interior Museum #
- The Interior Museum is inside the Main Interior Building-bring photo ID and be aware of security screening.
- Look for WPA-era murals and the 1917-1936 Departmental collections; the small details in the hallways reward slow walking.
- Combine a visit with the nearby National Portrait Gallery or the National Mall for a full D.C. museum day.
Best Time to Visit Interior Museum #
An indoor, weekday attraction best visited during regular business hours when the building is open to the public.
Weather & Climate near Interior Museum #
Interior Museum's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1032 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (102 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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