Location: 1300 Constitution Ave. NW
Readers’ pick: National Gallery of Art
The National Museum of American History isn’t just for history lovers. If you’re looking for date-worthy museums, mosey on down to the National Mall with your Smithsonian sweetheart.
Whether for a first date or the latest outing in a steady relationship, you can forget fussing over who’s footing the bill for dinner, drinks or rides. There’s no cost to explore the museum’s exhibits, and it’s a short walk or Metro ride from Foggy Bottom. (Pro tip: Get off at the Federal Triangle stop and head to the museum’s Constitution Avenue first floor entrance. You’ll save some time and impress your date — there’s nothing more romantic than an impromptu shortcut.)
From ruby slippers to low riders and first ladies to food, there’s plenty to see once inside. You and your (potential) paramour can each pick where you want to go, making small talk, sharing your interests or detecting red flags along the way. Are they a little too interested in that buff George Washington sculpture? Will they not shut up about how cars ruined cities?
For people who need to know the politics of the person they’re dating, you’ve come to the right place. You can bond over whether American democracy has failed or fulfilled its promises. No awkward questions here, just stand back and watch as hot takes like “Reconstruction wasn’t radical enough” rise to the surface. And no matter what you believe, you’ll both agree that middle schoolers are obnoxious when a field trip inevitably gets in your way.
If sparks start flying between you and your museum match, head down to the first floor or lower level to canoodle in the Smithsonian’s quieter collections. Or go ahead and take advantage of the darkened Star-Spangled Banner exhibit in the atrium. While all eyes are on the flag, you can get freaky — probably nothing more than holding hands or a quick kiss, but hey!
When you’re done with your visit, you can stop by the gift shop to pick up an ink and quill to write love letters to each other. But if the date doesn’t go well, the museum still has you covered. With hours from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., you can minimize the time spent with boring beaus and belles and still have plans later in the evening. And if you need to bail, it’s easy to blend into the crowd and get back home.
Much like the country whose story it tells, the National Museum of American History is far from perfect. Are there better museums? Definitely. But on a campus where dating can feel as bloody as the Revolutionary War, this museum has something for everyone. It’s free, it’s convenient and it’s iconic. When swiping right turns to swapping rings, you’ll always remember your first date.
