National Museum of Crime and Punishment

Just south of the Verizon Center lies a small, quirky museum dedicated to the study of crime, law enforcement, forensic science, and the treatment of criminals: The National Museum of Crime and Punishment.

In the exhibit “A Notorious History of Crime,” discover the infamous characters in America’s criminal history. Practice your sharp-shooting, crack a safe, or try to hack a computer. “Punishment: The Consequence of Crime” consists of a full-scale model police station complete with a booking station, police line-up, lie detector test, and jail cell—plus an electric chair and a lethal injection machine. In “Crime Fighting,” you can test-drive a high-speed police chase simulator or shoot at an FBI range.

Just like on television, “CSI Experience” lets visitors use forensic techniques to help solve a crime while learning about famous cold cases and the treatment of crime in the media. Lastly, the museum is host to the TV show, “America’s Most Wanted.” Walk onto the set and see how community involvement in law enforcement has led to the capture of many fugitives. Parental discretion is advised for some of these exhibits, but other sections—like “The Pirate Life,” “Crack a Safe,” or “Police Line-Up” are perfect for kids.

For an extra $5, you can pick up a “CSI Adventure” casebook at the door and spend your time in the museum solving riddles, cracking codes, and engaging in a shoot-out, in an attempt to crack the case before time runs out. When you’re done, check out the Cop Shop, located on the first floor. You can buy anything from handcuff earrings to “I just spent nine months in solitary!” onesies.

Travel Tips

Admission tickets for the museum are date- and time-specific. Advance tickets are recommended—not only do you not have to wait in line, but they’re less expensive than tickets bought the day of your visit. You can buy tickets online here.

The museum also offers CSI Lab Workshops on a regular basis. Check the museum web site for dates and topics. Tickets cost $5 and should be reserved beforehand.

For more visit www.crimemuseum.org.