Washington D.C. has a lot of free entertainment. Self-guided walking tours, stunning monuments and memorials, and even the overwhelming Smithsonian museums are admission free every day of the year. That means that paid attractions in Washington D.C. have to bring something different, and they have to bring it hard. Certainly stepping up to that challenge is D.C.’s unusual National Museum of Crime & Punishment in Penn Quarter.
Still a relative young’n on the Washington D.C. museum scene, the National Museum of Crime & Punishment opened in 2008, and like many of the for-profit museums in D.C. (International Spy Museum, Newseum), it covers a niche topic in rather grandiose style. The museum explores the history of crime, criminal investigation, criminology and, often most fascinating, punishment and penology.
Interactivity is big at the National Museum of Crime & Punishment. All along the way you’ll find something to do. In the broad “Notorious History of America Crime” exhibit, you have the opportunity to test your aiming skills, crack a safe and hack a computer site while learning about everything from medieval torture devices to true American witch hunts to the insidious techno-criminals of today.
Some of the flashier interactive attractions can be found in the “Crime Fighting” exhibit. Along with fascinating galleries on crime fighting pseudo-celebs like J. Edgar Hoover and Elliot Ness, you will step into pulse-pounding action of a high-speed police pursuit simulator, ready your aim at the virtual FBI shooting range and see a thermal imaging camera in action (my Ghost Hunters sense is tingling).
Arguably the most impressive exhibit – certainly the one the press likes to play up – is the “CSI Experience”. Meticulous set design casts you as a rookie Crime Scene Investigator at the scene of a grizzly murder. A far cry from that silly show of similar name, the “CSI Experience” puts the professional tools and forensic techniques in your hands. You’ll visit the morgue, make your discoveries at the crime lab, and … solve the case? I guess you’ll have to find out.
America’s Most Wanted fans get a special thrill at the final exhibit: the actual and current America’s Most Wanted studio set. See where the popular, important and long-running program is filmed every week.
Like any good museum, the National Museum of Crime & Punishment is entertaining to all and an unrivaled treat to niche fans. If you’re a fan of techno-minded police procedurals, this is absolutely the museum for you. The museum is open daily and costs adult admission $17.95 to enter (web price, discounted off gate price). Learn more at http://www.crimemuseum.org/.
800 Florida Avenue N.E.
Washington D.C., 20002-3695
Phone: 202-651-6000
Website: http://www.kelloggconferencehotel.com/
Located just two miles from the National Museum of Crime and Punishment is an off-the-beaten path hotel in Washington D.C. that offers plenty to like. The hotel is on the secure, gated campus of Gallaudet University, and we find families, especially those with smaller children, appreciate the security of the campus and the ample space to walk around and explore in safety during downtime. The rooms are always affordable, and the complimentary area shuttle provides quick access to many popular Washington D.C. attractions. It’s a different option for sure.
520 North Capitol Street
N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001
Phone: 1-800-824-5419
Website: http://www.phoenixparkhotel.com/
While Kellogg is a clean, affordable option for groups, the Phoenix Park is another jewel amongst the opulence of Capitol Hill. This historic Irish-inspired hotel has reputation for classic white glove service, impeccable amenities and a fantastic location just steps form the hill. Browse their many packages for a more value-packed stay.
Have fun at the National Museum of Crime & Punishment!
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