One Of Washington, DC's Most Interesting Attractions Is A Wildly Unique, Underrated, Immersive Museum

Washington, D.C., is a city where history and culture aren't just preserved — they're put on full display in world-class museums. From the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, the largest of its kind in the world, to the Hirshhorn Museum, known for its contemporary art and design, the National Mall area is lined with institutions that draw millions of visitors each year. But some of the most memorable museums in D.C. aren't the biggest or most famous. For an experience that combines art, history, and an interactive scavenger hunt, look no further than the O Museum in the Mansion, located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood.

More than just a collection of artifacts, the O Museum is a journey through hidden passageways, themed rooms, and interactive exhibits. Housed inside The Mansion on O Street, a historic residence turned multi-purpose hotel, the museum is the brainchild of owner H. H. Leonards, who envisioned it as a living, breathing creative space. One visitor described it on Tripadvisor as "An eclectic collector's dream! Like a high end pawn shop joined with the Sunday neighborhood yard sale." The museum features everything from sculptures and photographs to one-of-a-kind memorabilia, but its biggest draw is the over 80 secret doors hidden throughout the mansion, leading to concealed rooms and passageways which visitors can spend hours searching for.

The Mansion on O Street was originally built in 1892 as a private residence, but when Leonards purchased it in 1980, she reimagined it as a dynamic space that serves as a museum, hotel, curiosity shop, and event venue all in one. The mansion now contains over 100 uniquely designed rooms, filled to the brim with antiques, signed memorabilia, and historical artifacts. Unlike traditional museums, guests are encouraged to touch, explore, and can even purchase many of the items on display. Among the treasures are autographed rockstars' guitars, a dress once worn by Audrey Hepburn, and Olympic sprinter Allyson Felix's running shoe.

Beyond the artifacts, the rooms themselves are a spectacle, each themed after different architectural styles and historical periods. An Art Deco penthouse, a log cabin room, and the John Lennon Suite are just a few of the mansion's unique spaces. The mansion also holds a piece of civil rights history: Rosa Parks lived here for nearly 10 years, and her former room remains preserved. But perhaps the star attraction of the O Museum is its hidden doors leading to secret passages — at least 60 of which are accessible on any given day. As Leonards told The Georgetowner, "Secret doors reignite the wonder in all of us. They encourage us to let go of our inhibitions and allow us to open up, explore, and tap into our own potential." Some are tucked behind mirrors and picture frames, so vigilance is key if you want to find the doors.

Exploring the O Museum is a self-guided experience, making it an adventure that unfolds at your own pace. Visitors can book a time slot in advance online, with slots typically running from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. One Tripadvisor reviewer noted, "There are elevators so that was helpful as my mom had a foot boot on. There are some areas that require steps so may not be for everyone." While some passageways may be tricky for those with mobility issues, the museum remains a fun way to avoid the crowds during a Washington, D.C. vacation while still soaking in history, art, and creativity.

To get here, you can fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), and from there, it's a 30-minute metro ride to Dupont Circle (Red Line, South Exit). Parking is limited, so public transportation is the best bet. And for those who want an even more immersive experience, The Mansion on O Street also functions as a hotel, with room prices starting at $475 per night (as of this writing). Guests can book a night in one of its whimsical themed rooms, though it's up to the hotel to choose which room you'll stay in — adding even more mystery to this already curious experience.