10 Best Museum Shops in DC

10. National Museum of American History

Coming in at number 10 is the National Museum of American History, not because it doesn't have a lot of cool stuff, because it does, but because most of the things in this shop can be found elsewhere. The upstairs store is small and sells quintessential tourist items like name magnets and mugs with the monuments on them. Downstairs is a huge, brightly lit shop with sections of gift items ranging from Elvis Presley paraphernalia to a Jackie Kennedy jewelry section. There's not much else worth going to buy unless you want a $5.99 fake Declaration of Independence or an Abe Lincoln top hat.

9. National Air and Space Museum

This shop has three floors full of aeronautical gadgets and apparel, but the store design itself is what makes it worth a visit. Aircraft hang from the ceiling and floors are built to look like the inside of a spaceship. They sell everything from space suits and astronaut food (try the freeze-dried ice cream $5), to leather jackets and space pens that you can use upside down. If you're shopping for a unique kid's gift there's some cool stuff to choose from--such as the NASA Barbie dolls ($20) or NASA flight suits and helmets ($49.99 and $59.99) for an unusual Halloween costume (they can be found at the National Museum of American History too). Most things in the shop can be found elsewhere in D.C. or at their online store.

8. International Spy Museum

You can find just about any spy gear you'd like here--but much of it is cheaply made and overpriced. Check out the invisible ink and UV light pen for $9.95, a great gift for someone who wants to keep a top-secret diary. Beware of rip offs, like the $45 black fedora hat. Lots of fun stuff for kids, such as the book Secret Hiding Places (for Clever Kids), only $4.95. Extensive online catalog.

7. Hirshhorn Museum

The modern art museum's gift shop could have kept me entertained for hours--there's something wacky and interesting on every shelf; purses made of seat belts, Buddha Boards for kids to paint on ($45), lead free thin wrap metal jewelry for Mom, and art books and posters of current exhibitions all sold at reasonable prices. If you're looking for well-priced artsy gifts it's a good place to stop in.

6. Textile Museum

This beautiful, wood-paneled shop (above) with stock that changes based on the exhibits is a must for anyone who appreciates quality, handmade textiles; you can find great fabrics to make something yourself, or buy a finished product. A set of six handmade grass coasters is only $6 and stunning scarves can be purchased in the $20-$200 range. Probably not the place to find gifts for Dad, and kids' stuff is limited to half a bookshelf.

5. National Gallery of Art -- West Building Shop

Walk through an arched hallway and you'll suddenly be immersed in a gift shop that looks like its own art exhibit. Soothing classical music and high art from around the world surrounds you, and books, postcards, prints of famous works of art, jewelry and dishes cover the walls. Get someone you know an unusual clock for $35, a peacock feather purse ($22), or a framed masterpiece (under $50). It has an expensive ambiance but items are priced well.

4.Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

The Sackler Gallery's shop is expensive but most of its selection is authentic and uncommon. Looking for a new way to grow a flowering plant? Buy an eggling, an egg you crack open, water, and out blooms a flower (under $10). There's a wall filled with CDs of far-Eastern music and headphones so shoppers can listen before deciding to buy. There are also authentic kimonos, textiles and silk scarves from Japan, China, and Taiwan. I've always had a thing for funky teapots and mugs and they have a wide variety of colors and styles for anyone's taste. This store is great for a rare gift for someone, or just for yourself.

3. National Museum of Natural History - Main Shop

Where to begin...This gift shop is truly one of a kind and I was amazed at how many things there were for sale that looked like they could've been sitting on an exhibit shelf themselves. If you're looking for an Egyptian vase you can find it here, along with huge amber rings, Asian-style lanterns, and kimonos. The jewelry is what drew my eye and kept me glued to the glass, everything was ridiculously gorgeous and decadent. I saw men who couldn't keep their eyes away, either shopping for a significant other or just because of its beauty. There's not an online gift shop so if you have the chance, stop here for a visit because it's worth it.

2. National Museum of Natural History -- Kids' Shop

At every museum gift shop I visited there was some kind of kids' section, mostly there to keep kids entertained while the adults shop. However, the National Museum of Natural History kids' shop, positioned across from the main shop, is a mecca among all others. As a kid I used to visit it with my parents and become engrossed in the amount of cool, hands-on stuff they have for sale. I still have the gems and rocks I bought, and I remember my cousin crying when my aunt wouldn't buy her a dinosaur board game. There are books on insects, dinosaurs and animals; giant stuffed animals, a section for butterflies, puzzles and bins filled with all kinds of squishy things. If you're looking for something educational but also fun to give any children in your life, this is the one-stop shop to get a gift any kid will love. And, if you get tired out from shopping and need a snack, right outside the kids' gift shop entrance is a gelato stand (someone knew what they were doing when they put that there).


1. National Building Museum

The store that spurred the idea for this project is far and away the best museum shop in D.C. It is worth going to the museum for the shop alone--although you should check out the exhibits, as well, because they are fascinating. With a focus on sustainable design, the store features everything from bamboo dishware and towels ($3-$50) to building sets for kids and adults ($10-$150) to notebooks made from elephant poo ($6, also available at poopoopaper.com). Their book collection covers the gamut: architecture, all aspects of design, photographs, urban studies/regional planning, sustainability, etc. Gift shop standbys are modified--purses are made from street signs and ties are decorated with colorful city maps (pictured above). The shop has something for Mom, Dad, your significant other, your 8-year-old niece, and the neighbor you asked to dog sit while you were away, and most of it cannot be found anywhere else.      

We didn't add it to our ranking because we couldn't be objective about it, but the National Geographic Museum shop has some fantastic, one-of-a-kind swag, including books, films, maps, outdoor gear, smart gadgets, handcrafted items (see below) and toys that are both fun and educational.

 
These museum shops are worth visiting if you're already at the museum. Here's what to look for at each:

1. Go to the Renwick Gallery shop for their series of 500 books (some of which can be found online).

2. Go to the National Museum of Women in the Arts shop for Frida Kahlo-themed gifts and others handcrafted by female artisans around the world.

3. Go to the Freer Gallery of Art shop for their Japanese wallets made from rice.

4. Go to the National Postal Museum shop for the stuffed-animal version of Owney, the (canine) mascot of the Railway Mail Service--his story is amazing.

5. Go to the National Museum of the American Indian shop for authentic jewelry and pottery. [Ed.: And be sure to hit the awesome cafeteria.]

6. Go to the Phillips Collection shop for the frosted wine and martini glasses with characters on them.

7. Go the National Gallery of Art East Building shop (the one in the basement) for kids' art supplies--these were in tons of the shops we visited, but this shop has the best selection.

Even if you're in the museum, you should save your time for the exhibits and skip these shops: U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Corcoran Gallery of Art, and the National Portrait Gallery.

What's your favorite museum gift shop?

Photos: Kate McCormack and Sarah Aldrich