Museums typically do not allow pets, other than service animals. There are however, a few that welcome furry companions.
As a tribute to man’s best friend, this museum houses an art and artifact collection featuring cats. There’s even a painting depicting a Victorian dogcart along with parodies of famous masterpieces like Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Edvard Munch’s The Scream!
NYC
New York City offers many obvious canine-friendly amenities, like parks, pet shops and veterinarian offices; as well as some unexpected dog-friendly museums and art galleries that make the city even more welcoming for pups and their humans alike.
For instance, the Museum of Natural History is one of few museums nationwide to welcome dogs. With interactive exhibits and various adoption nights as well as meet-ups for specific breeds of doggies – not forgetting an evening where you can have an instant pet portrait drawn! – this popular attraction welcomes both children and dogs of all shapes and sizes.
William Secord Gallery on the Upper East Side offers another place that is dog-friendly, specialising in 19th century dog paintings and welcoming four-legged visitors with their owners to explore its collection. Cookies and water are available for pups while referrals for portrait painters may also be provided on request.
Brooklyn Brewery in Williamsburg offers another great option, where dogs are welcome in the tasting room with their humans. What better way to unwind with a beer and book than having your furry pal with you!
There are also a handful of art galleries in the city that welcome dogs, such as The Hole. This contemporary gallery provides the ideal place to see solo and group exhibitions alike; plus, during weekday happy hour you can take advantage of half-priced beer and wine prices with your canine companion!
If you want to gain more insight into the city’s past, a self-guided walking tour with your pup may be just what’s needed. These tours are offered throughout the year through Brooklyn Historical Society; membership is free and members can take advantage of special discounts at museums and tour events; they even have an app that helps plan trips by identifying exhibitions which are dog friendly!
Washington D.C.
Though many museums allow dogs on leashes, it is always prudent to check each individual museum’s policies prior to visiting. Some may require your pet be well-behaved and capable of withstanding an indoor environment while also being well behaved; bring water and treats just in case!
The National Mall is a great spot for dog owners and their pups, offering plenty of room for walking and playing. However, it is essential that all canines remain on a leash so as not to step on other visitors’ shoes or disrupt museum experiences.
Washington offers many dog-friendly restaurants, with Art and Soul standing out among them due to its pet-friendly patio and menu. Offering non-alcoholic Bowser Beer for pups as well as peanut banana “pupsicles”, Art and Soul is sure to please pooches looking for food.
Washington DC offers many pet-friendly museums and monuments for people traveling with dogs, such as the American History Museum, National Zoo and Newseum. Most monuments and memorials also allow dogs; it’s best to check each site’s policy beforehand though generally Smithsonian museums and US Capitol grounds welcome dog visitors while Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial or Washington Monument do not permit it.
Springtime in Washington DC with your pet is an ideal time, as the weather will be mild and there will be less people around. Additionally, cherry blossoms will be in bloom to delight both you and your animal friend!
Although Washington offers public transportation options for pet travel, car travel is usually the easiest solution. If taking Metro trains instead, make sure you bring along a carrier specifically for your animal!
Washington, DC offers numerous pet-friendly hotels depending on your stay needs and preferences. For instance, Hay-Adams Hotel welcomes one dog per room free of charge while The Ritz-Carlton in Washington offers lodging for canines at a nominal fee with beds, bowls and treats provided.
Los Angeles
If you’re traveling with your pup to Southern California, there are numerous pet-friendly museums and art galleries you can visit with them. Los Angeles museums in particular are famous for their diverse collections and renowned architecture; and with many pet friendly restaurants around town it is also easier than ever before to dine with your four legged friend!
There are numerous California museums that offer free admission on certain days, so be sure to visit their websites beforehand and find out when these special days will occur. There are museums specializing in automobiles, impressionist art, digital art, African American, Latinx culture, Japanese culture and Jewish culture – meaning there truly is something for everyone here!
Many pet-friendly museums welcome dogs as visitors, though it is best practice to keep your pup on a leash and respect other museum goers. If your pup becomes disruptive or disruptive behavior causes problems for others, staff may ask that you leave. Some pet-friendly museums even provide special entrances just for visitors with dogs so if this is something that interests you if planning on entering with one make sure to verify.
The California Science Center is one of Los Angeles’s premier museums, thanks to its high-profile resident: Space Shuttle Endeavour. But Exposition Park destination provides much more than that! Their hands-on science exhibits make learning fun for children (and adults!). Kids can design earthquake-proof buildings, safely touch flames, pet sea stars or explore polar research stations!
Venice Beach, known for its earthy bohemian ambience and souvenir shops with hippie chic aesthetics and street performers (such as grassroots rappers), is a pet friendly neighborhood in Los Angeles with numerous parks and hiking trails where dogs are welcome; other notable dog friendly neighborhoods in LA include Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz and Beverly Hills; Malibu is another excellent dog-friendly option with plenty of pet friendly restaurants nearby.
Hollywood Boulevard’s Miracle Mile Museum Row is an unforgettable experience – and also ideal for dogs! Just make sure that they remain leashed. As there will likely be lots of shoppers around this area.
San Francisco
San Francisco is known for its beautiful views, hilly streets and countercultural history – as well as being a haven for dog lovers, with numerous parks and pet-friendly hotels providing places for Fido to roam freely or dine with you at restaurants. But there’s another side to this dynamic city worth discovering: its dog-friendly museums and galleries!
“Portraits of Dogs: From Gainsborough to Hockney” at the SFMOMA features paintings and sculptures depicting canines from Gainsborough to Hockney; including Joan Brown’s drawings which will also be on view. Visitors will also have an opportunity to share a digital photo of their own pet for consideration for custom pet portraits by local artists.
On February 6, SFMOMA will host their free Pet Portraits Day as part of its new exhibit. The event is inspired by Joan Brown’s lifelong affection for animals, evidenced in her artwork featuring cats and dogs. Attractions at this free event will include animal-assisted activities like petting zoo visits as well as demonstrations in painting, drawing, collage-making, and clay modelling.
Visit the Walt Disney Family Museum to gain insights into his famous feline and canine companions, who influenced Walt and his films in profound ways. A timeline with photos, quotes, and personal accounts explores their influence – there’s even an animatronic version of Peggy!
Outside the museum, head to Golden Gate Park for a canine-friendly stroll through its iconic winding lawns. Stop for lunch at one of the dog-friendly eateries like Plow in Dogpatch or Rose’s Cafe in Cow Hollow; both offer outdoor seating with delicious brunch offerings!
If you’re planning a long trip to any of these museums and galleries, discover Cars can help make travel easier. Although small dogs may ride BART and ferries in carrier bags, vehicles equipped with roof racks provide ideal transportation solutions when transporting leashed dogs on long road trips.