The National Museum of Crime and Punishment in Washington, D.C. showcases exhibits on crime and punishment throughout history, including artifacts from notorious criminals. Visitors can participate in interactive programs, view the FBI’s Most Wanted List, and watch the filming of America’s Most Wanted in the museum’s film studio. Admission is charged as it is a for-profit museum owned by John Morgan and John Walsh.
The National Museum of Crime and Punishment is an American museum located on 7th Street Northwest in the Penn Quarter area of Washington, D.C. As the name suggests, the museum’s primary purpose is to provide information about different aspects of crime and the punishments given for those crimes along different timelines of history. Inside the museum are several floors of exhibits, interactive displays, and a small television studio. While most national museums in Washington, DC charge no admission, the National Museum of Crime and Punishment is a for-profit museum owned by John Morgan and John Walsh.
Covering three floors and approximately 25,000 square feet (2,323 square meters), the National Museum of Crime and Punishment houses a variety of exhibits that belonged to some of history’s most notorious criminals. Some of the exhibits and artifacts on display at the museum include a replica of Al Capone’s prison cell, the .44 Schofield pistol owned by Wyatt Earp, and a letter written by convicted murderer Charles Manson. The museum also displays temporary exhibits such as the 1934 Ford Fordor “death car” used in the filming of the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde and the Volkswagen Bug owned by serial killer Ted Bundy. Bank robber John Dillinger’s 1933 Essex Terraplane, complete with bullet holes, is also on display at the museum.
Among the museum’s exhibits are a police driving simulator, crime labs, and a police training that allows visitors to have their picture taken in a simulated formation. The crime labs, which change periodically, offer visitors an in-depth look at the work of forensic investigators. Examination of forensic documents, blood and DNA, and body decomposition are just some of the interactive programs available to visitors. The museum provides recreated crime scenes and a CSI lab that represents those experienced and used by professional crime scene investigators.
While visiting the National Museum of Crime and Punishment, visitors can view the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Most Wanted List or participate in FBI firearms training. Popular areas of the museum for children include McGruff the Crime Dog and the Children’s Fingerprinting Station. After leaving the museum, visitors are greeted at the museum’s gift shop where a variety of crime-related merchandise can be purchased.
The museum is particularly known for its film studio on the lower level where filming of America’s Most Wanted takes place. Hosted by museum co-owner John Walsh, America’s Most Wanted first aired in 1988 and began filming at the National Museum of Crime and Punishment following its opening in 2008. Benches are available outside the studio to allow visitors to watch the filming, or they can visit the interior of the studio during non-filming hours.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
