(Isabella Pearlstein / Fourth Estate)

Make the museum’s vibrant exhibits a must-see stop this spring break

BY ISABELLA PEARLSTEIN, STAFF WRITER

Spring break is just around the corner, and if you’re staying in the area or find yourself walking along Constitution Avenue or the National Mall in D.C., take time to visit the National Museum of American History. The museum has many exciting exhibits on a variety of different topics, from food history to lowriding culture in the United States. 

The museum consists of three floors and is split into an east wing and a west wing.

For those interested in the evolution of food and food culture in the U.S. after World War II, the first floor exhibit simply titled “Food” is the place to go. Standout displays in the exhibit include famous American chef Julia Child’s kitchen, the world’s first frozen margarita machine and innovations in making wine and brewing beer.

(Isabella Pearlstein / Fourth Estate)

The next dazzling site is the “Corazón y Vida: Lowriding Culture” exhibit, located on the third floor in the West Wing. The exhibit details the art form, traditions and Chicano origins of low riding culture in the United States. 

Two of the most striking displays in the exhibit include two Chevy Impalas “El Rey” and “Gypsy Rose.” The “El Rey” display features an interactive plaque that allows you to feel the engraved metal and paint job.

Another must-see exhibit on the third floor is “Entertainment Nation,” which includes props and costumes from “Star Wars,” the Muppets and other popular films. There are many recognizable displays in this exhibit: Dorothy’s ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz,” Walter White’s hazmat suit from the show “Breaking Bad” and Dana Scully’s FBI badge from “The X-Files.” 

(Isabella Pearlstein / Fourth Estate)

The “First Ladies” exhibit located next to the “Entertainment Nation” exhibit showcases various gowns worn by several first ladies. It also features the different state china services the first ladies brought into the White House that date back almost 100 years.

Presenting many intriguing topics and artifacts, the fun and interactive displays at the National Museum of American History make the museum the perfect place to visit this spring break.