6 Best Shopping in The Mall, Washington, D.C.

National Archives Store and Gift Shop

Fodor's choice

In a town full of museum shops, this store at the National Archives Museum stands out, with exclusive memorabilia, reproductions, apparel, books, gifts, and plenty of Founding Fathers' gear that let you own a piece of history. Authentic-looking copies of the Constitution and other historical documents are printed in Pennsylvania. The popular "red tape" paperweights are crafted in the United States with real red tape that once bound government documents: hence the phrase "cut through the red tape." Other popular products feature Rosie the Riveter and Stars and Stripes bags; Teddy in Hat items for young children; and apparel featuring Franklin, Hamilton, and other Founding Fathers. Throughout the store, interactive games associated with special exhibits provide entertaining insight on U.S. and even personal history: enter your last name into the computer to see how many Americans share your name and where in the country they live.

National Gallery of Art West Building Shop

The Mall Fodor's choice
This expansive shop, one of four in the National Gallery, offers a vast series of books, paper goods, apparel, fine jewelry, and knickknacks that all relate to or reflect the museum's art collection. Prices range from little over a dollar for a pencil to well over $100 for designer jewelry. Some items were created by the museum; the rest are specially curated and sourced by museum buyers. Grab a Monet umbrella on a rainy day or some Andy Warhol pop-art crayons to pair with your favorite artist-themed coloring book. Here you can find whatever you need—and many things you didn't even realize you wanted.

Museum Store in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

The Mall
This unique museum store offers a slew of books, including memoirs, to further your knowledge of the Holocaust and the plight of other persecuted peoples throughout history. It's also a great place to buy mezuzah scrolls, menorahs, kiddush cups, seder plates, and other Jewish heritage items, as well as secular souvenirs.

Recommended Fodor's Video

National Air and Space Museum Store

The Mall

One of the world's most visited museums has a newly renovated gift shop. You can find plenty of toys and games, plenty of souvenirs, including T-shirts and totes, and an extensive selection of Star Wars and Star Trek licensed products for sci-fi fans. The store showcases a wide assortment of kites and books; you can also find flight suits for both the young and young at heart. Space pens that work upside down and freeze-dried "astronaut" ice cream are best sellers.

Store of the National Museum of African American History and Culture

The Mall

After traversing the many floors of the museum, shop here for a mug, a T-shirt, or a model of the museum building to commemorate your trip. Some of the merchandise is traditional and/or handmade, including sweetgrass baskets, jewelry, scarves, and even food items. You can also find the award-winning Sweet Home Café Cookbook featuring recipes of the Sweet Home Café at the shop.

Souvenirs
1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20560, USA
844-750–3012
nmaahc.si.edu

USDA Farmers' Market

The Mall

Blueberry popcorn, anyone? On Fridays from May through October, 9 am to 2 pm, you can pick up fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, and other baked goods (and that flavored popcorn) across from the Smithsonian Metro station. Appropriately, the market is in the parking lot of the U.S. Department of Agriculture building.