Washington DC Art & Design School Trips & Tours
An inspiring capital packed with art, culture and creative ideas.
Washington DC might not be the first city that springs to mind for an Art & Design trip. That's exactly what makes it such a rewarding destination.
Home to world-class galleries, contemporary art spaces and striking architecture, the US capital offers creative inspiration at every turn. Students can discover everything from American portraiture and contemporary installations to public art, architecture and immersive digital experiences. It's the kind of destination that broadens creative horizons and leaves students returning home full of new ideas.
Alternatively, view the rest of our USA school trips.
Prices start from £1249pp
Why choose Washington DC for your Art & Design school trip?
Washington DC is one of America’s best-kept secrets for art and design groups. Home to world-class museums, contemporary galleries and iconic public spaces, it’s a city that's full of surprises.
It's a destination that encourages creativity, observation and fresh ways of approaching their own artwork.
What are the best things to do on a Washington DC Art & Design school trip?
Here are some of NST’s recommended and inspiring art and design experiences in Washington DC:
- World-class galleries – National Gallery of Art, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum
- Immersive experiences – ARTECHOUSE and innovative digital installations that blend technology and creativity
- Architecture & public art – iconic monuments, sculpture gardens and civic design throughout the capital
- Sketching & photography opportunities – memorials, museums and some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks
Why book with NST?
Washington DC is packed with creative experiences. Knowing how to bring them together is where we can help.
We’ll build an itinerary that combines the city’s must-see museums and galleries with contemporary spaces and creative experiences your students will love. From iconic collections to lesser-known artistic gems, we’ll help you make the most of your group's trip.
Price includes
- 4 nights’ room only accommodation
- Return flights and overseas airport transfers
- Extensive group travel insurance
- 1 in 10 free place ratio
Price shown is based on 40 paying passengers departing from selected departure points and is subject to availability
Latest offers
Return & Save
Save on your next trip with our new loyalty reward. Click here for more information.
We're making school trips more accessible
Save up to £20pp when you book before the end of July. The sooner you book, the more you save – and those savings can make school trips possible for even more students. Find out more.
Top visits
National Gallery of Art
A huge collection of Old Masters makes the National Gallery a must-see. Works by Rembrandt, Botticelli and Titian are on display along with the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the Americas.
National Portrait Gallery
The portraits of Presidents and notable Americans are on permanent display. Works such as the ‘Lansdowne’ portrait of George Washington are among its many highlights.
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Covering a wide variety of themes and movements of American Art with notable works by O’Keefe, Hopper and Homer.
Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
Located beside the National Mall, the striking museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution and focuses on contemporary and modern art from the last 50 years.
Walking Tour - Historical Sites
Half day tour with a local guide covering all the major historical sites and monuments:
- Jefferson Memorial
- FDR Memorial
- Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Arlington National Cemetery
- Lincoln Memorial
- Vietnam Memorial
- WWII Memorial
- The White House (exterior)
National Museum of American History
Traces the country’s development in an entertaining and fairly lighthearted manner.
Corcoran Gallery of Art
With a mission to be ‘dedicated to art and used solely for the purpose of encouraging the American genius’, the museum is the largest privately supported cultural institution in Washington DC and focuses on American Art.
Need something bespoke?
Our dedicated team are on hand and ready to plan your tailor-made tour.
Try our itinerary planning tool
Whether you already know what you’re looking for or need a spark of inspiration, our smart itinerary planning tool makes planning a school trip effortless. Just share your details, choose the visits that matter most, and our experts will shape the perfect trip for you.
Let’s make your trip planning experience even swifter.
On-tour support
On-tour support includes...
- Airport assistance during check-in, security and gate checks on your outbound flight from the UK
- Airport assistance when you arrive back at your UK airport when you book a coach transfer to take you home
Additional on-tour support available...
- Pre-booked meals at great group prices
Accommodation
Popular options in Washington DC
Courtyard Washington D.C
The Courtyard Washington D.C, is a bright, modern and comfortable hotel.
Hyatt Place Washington D.C
Hyatt Place is a large 3-star hotel with 200 rooms. This contemporary hotel is bright, modern and spacious, offering comfort for all travellers.
Courtyard Washington D.C
The Courtyard Washington D.C, is a bright, modern and comfortable hotel.
Hyatt Place Washington D.C
Hyatt Place is a large 3-star hotel with 200 rooms. This contemporary hotel is bright, modern and spacious, offering comfort for all travellers.
FAQs
How does a Washington DC art and design school trip support student learning?
A Washington DC art and design school trip gives students access to world-class collections across the Smithsonian and National Gallery. Studying original works by influential artists helps develop critical analysis, contextual understanding and creative inspiration. This real-world exposure strengthens both practical and theoretical outcomes.
Which art galleries and museums can students visit in Washington DC?
Students can explore an extensive range of galleries, including the Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery of Art. These institutions showcase everything from classical masterpieces to contemporary works across multiple disciplines. This variety allows students to experience a broad spectrum of artistic styles and movements.
What creative activities are included in the itinerary?
Students benefit from structured sketching and photography opportunities at key landmarks such as the Washington Monument and surrounding areas. Time within galleries allows for observational drawing and visual analysis to support coursework. These activities encourage direct engagement with art and environment, that broadens creative horizons.
What is included in the NST Washington DC school trip package?
The package includes return flights, overseas transfers and four nights’ accommodation, alongside a structured programme of visits. Extensive group travel insurance and a 1 in 10 free place ratio are included to support teachers. NST also offers a free gallery booking service to help manage visits efficiently.
What support do teachers receive during a Washington DC school trip?
NST provides dependable, teacher-focused support from initial planning through to your return. This includes airport assistance, a 24/7 helpline and access to on-the-ground representatives. Clear communication and expert coordination ensure a smooth and well-managed experience.
Where will students stay during the visit?
Students stay in carefully selected, modern hotels in Washington DC, chosen for comfort and suitability for school groups. These accommodations provide a safe and practical base within easy reach of key cultural sites. This allows students to make the most of their time in the city.
Giving you full support throughout
Before your tour
- Dedicated NST expert from day one
- Responsive, flexible communication - Teams, phone, or email
- Same-day quotes
- Trips tailored to your budget, with transparent pricing
- Straightforward planning - we handle the details
- Step-by-step risk assessment guidance
- Free accommodation for group leader preview visits
- Curriculum-driven, enriching experiences across 100s of locations
- Unrivalled local knowledge & expertise
Whilst you're away
- Our travel app keeps all your info in one place
- On-tour support from our reps on the ground
- Support & assistance from our specialists
- 24/7 helpline and support
- Extensive group travel insurance
- Group-friendly accommodation
- Free educational resources
On your return
- Priority rebooking services
- Loyalty reward scheme for valued customers
- You say, we act - we're committed to continuously improving our tours
Speak to one of our school travel experts
Our team of school travel experts have unrivalled destination knowledge and experience so they can help to bring your tour ideas to life and might even suggest options you hadn’t already thought of too!
So get in touch today and we'll help to create a bespoke, budget-friendly tour itinerary to meet your specific learning requirements.
Browse our most popular Art & Design school trips
