Planners who explore the possibilities might be surprised how many impressive U.S. attractions won’t cost visiting attendees a dime, including the following famous lures.
The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
“The Getty is the cultural destination in Los Angeles,” says Group Coordinator David Singleman, “mostly because of the architecture, but groups also love the city and ocean views. It is quite an icon.”
The distinctive building also showcases a vast collection of fine art, from sculpture and paintings to furniture and architectural pieces that visitors can tour for free.
Private group tours are offered for up to 30 people, with advance reservations, and both the Getty Center and the Getty Villa in Malibu have private dining rooms.
“We don’t have audiovisual equipment, and don’t technically book meetings, but groups can make plans for a long lunch and discuss what they want,” Singleman says. The museum offers catering, and if groups prefer to dine outside, on the lawn or in a sculpture garden, the grounds are open and picnic lunches can be arranged.
Smithsonian Museums, Washington, D.C.
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the largest collection of museums (19) and research centers (9) in the world, and admission is free, attracting more than 30 million visitors a year.
From the National Air and Space Museum to the Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, the majority of the museums are clustered around the National Mall and open daily from 10 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. The 163-acre National Zoo, which is home to more than 2,000 animals of more than 400 different species, has slightly adjusted seasonal hours.
While some theaters, exhibits and simulators charge fees, group rates are often extended, and some venues—such as the American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery—offer ice cream socials and wine and cheese happy hours.
The elegant Smithsonian Institution Building, or “The Castle,” houses a visitor center and the Smithsonian administrative headquarters.
