Washington, DC Welcomes Neuroscience 2026

Washington, DC is a city of discovery. Beyond the monuments, the nation's capital is home to world-renowned museums, scientific institutions and experiences that explore everything from the human brain and natural world to space, technology and innovation. While you're in DC for the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting, discover some of the science happening beyond the convention center.

1. Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History

For the endlessly curious

Explore the natural world through one of the world's great scientific collections. Journey through human origins, fossils and Deep Time, geology, oceans and biodiversity all in the heart of the National Mall

2. National Museum of Health and Medicine

For the brain enthusiast

Just outside DC in Silver Spring, Maryland, this fascinating museum explores the history and science of medicine through anatomy, pathology and medical innovation. Of particular interest to SfN attendees is A Fragile Organ: The Brain, which examines the complexity of the brain and the effects of injury and disease

3. Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum

For the explorer

Discover the science, technology and engineering behind aviation and space exploration, from the 1903 Wright Flyer to the Apollo missions and today's exploration of the universe.

4. Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

For the stargazer
Journey through stars, galaxies and black holes in an immersive experience built from real astronomical data from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. This interactive experience brings cutting-edge astrophysics to life and it’s conveniently located in Penn Quarter

5. National Academy of Sciences

For the scientist

Visit the historic home of the National Academy of Sciences and see where science, research and public policy intersect. While you're there, stop by the Albert Einstein Memorial on the Academy grounds for one of DC's best science-inspired photo opportunities

6. United States of Botanic Garden

For the nature lover

Explore a living collection of plants from around the world and discover the connections among plants, ecosystems, conservation and human life—all just steps from the U.S. Capitol

7. Smithsonian’s National Zoo

For the conservationist

Science happens throughout the Smithsonian's National Zoo, where researchers work to understand animal behavior, reproductive science, genetics, ecology and species conservation

8. National Geographic Museum of Exploration

For the curious mind

Explore one of DC’s newest museums and discover how science, technology and storytelling are helping us better understand our world. The new National Geographic Museum of Exploration brings the work of scientists, conservationists, photographers and National Geographic Explorers to life through immersive experiences, interactive exhibits and extraordinary imagery from biodiversity and wildlife to geography and exploration

9. Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

For the big thinker

If you have extra time before or after your trip, head toward Dulles to explore the Smithsonian's massive aviation and space collection, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, an SR-71 Blackbird and thousands of other objects

10. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

For the serious space fan

Venture beyond the District to one of NASA's major research centers, where scientists and engineers develop missions and technologies that help us understand Earth, the solar system and the universe

One More Stop...

Albert Einstein Memorial

Already visiting the National Academy of Sciences? Don't leave without sitting beside Albert Einstein. The larger-than-life bronze statue has become one of Washington's most beloved hidden gems and perhaps the perfect photo from a scientist's trip to DC