New Bus Links 20 Museums in D.C.

Museum buffs know there’s more to Washington, D.C., than the Smithsonian and the National Mall. But reaching all those off-the-Mall sites has been difficult until now. The Museum Bus, which began operating last month, carries passengers to 20 institutions, some as famous as the National Gallery of Art, others less well known.

The Museum Bus is actually a fleet of mini-buses that travel on two contiguous loops. Fourteen stops allow access to museums both on and off the Mall. On the so-called first loop, buses visit such sites as Woodrow Wilson House and the Textile Museum. Buses on the second loop stop at the Museum of Natural History, across the Mall from the Smithsonian Institution, then range out to such sites as the National Portrait Gallery and the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

The bus is a service to members of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington and participating museums. Visitors may purchase a one-week membership in the alliance--$5 for individuals, $12 for families--at participating museum shops or at TICKETplace, which is a stop on the first loop. Membership also is good for free admission to participating museums and a 10% discount in their shops and restaurants.

The Museum Bus runs Thursday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: (202) 588-7470.