Moving to a new town is about more than just unpacking—it’s about immersing yourself in local history, culture, and the community. Rockville, MD, offers a perfect starting point for new residents who love to explore and learn. This vibrant city boasts an intriguing mix of museums and cultural attractions that allow visitors to dive into topics from art and history to science and local heritage.

If you’re setting down roots here, discovering Rockville's museums is one of the best ways to connect with your new home. While Treasure Moving Company ensures your relocation to Rockville is smooth and stress-free, you can spend your time exploring these fascinating museums. Below is a list of the Top 7 Museums in Rockville, MD, designed to entertain, educate, and inspire residents both new and old.

1. Glenview Mansion & Art Gallery

Famous For: Historic charm and community-focused art exhibits

Situated within Rockville’s sprawling civic center park, Glenview Mansion is a historic landmark bursting with character. In addition to its stunning 19th-century architecture, the mansion is also home to a contemporary art gallery that showcases the work of local and regional artists.

What Makes It Special?

The mansion itself is steeped in history, featuring beautifully preserved interiors and manicured gardens. The art gallery rotates monthly exhibits, giving visitors something fresh to explore each time they visit. It’s also a popular spot for weddings and community events.

• Who Visits? Art lovers, history enthusiasts, and families looking for free weekend fun.
• Must-See: The mansion's elegant gardens and the latest exhibitions in the art gallery.

2. Beall-Dawson Museum

Famous For: Preserving Montgomery County’s rich history

Run by the Montgomery County Historical Society, the Beall-Dawson Museum offers an authentic glimpse into 19th-century life in Rockville. Housed in a Federal-style brick home built in 1815, this museum showcases the lifestyles, customs, and stories of the area’s earliest residents.

What Makes It Special?

The museum focuses on Rockville’s pre-Civil War and Reconstruction-era history. Exhibits include tours of the preserved house, personal artifacts, and exhibitions on both enslaved and free African Americans’ histories in the region.

• Who Visits? History buffs, students, and residents interested in local heritage.
• Must-See: The original slave quarters, which serve as a powerful and educational reminder of Rockville’s past.

3. Rockville Science Center

Famous For: Interactive exhibits and STEM education

For those curious about the world of science and technology, the Rockville Science Center is a must-visit. This dynamic museum focuses on promoting engagement in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through hands-on exhibits, workshops, and community programs.

What Makes It Special?

The center is highly interactive, offering exciting activities for both kids and adults. From robotics demos to stargazing events, it makes learning science fun and memorable while nurturing curiosity.

• Who Visits? Families, educators, and budding scientists of all ages.
• Must-See: Check out their live science workshops and community events, like Family Science Night or robotics camps.

4. Josiah Henson Museum & Park

Famous For: Celebrating the life and legacy of Rev. Josiah Henson

This hidden gem honors Rev. Josiah Henson, an inspirational figure in American history who escaped slavery and later became an abolitionist leader. His autobiography inspired the famous novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, shedding light on the realities of slavery in the 19th century.

What Makes It Special?

The museum operates on historic grounds where Henson once lived in bondage. Inside the museum, thoughtfully designed exhibits blend storytelling, visual displays, and technology to illuminate Henson’s incredible journey to freedom.

• Who Visits? History enthusiasts, educators, and those looking to learn about the legacies of courage and determination.
• Must-See: The interactive timeline exhibit detailing Henson’s life and its lasting impact.

5. Peerless Rockville Historic Preservation Museum

Famous For: Spreading awareness about Rockville’s architectural and cultural history

Peerless Rockville is an organization dedicated to preserving the heritage of Rockville through advocacy and education. Operating out of the historic Red Brick Courthouse, this museum highlights the city’s evolving architecture, industries, and people through compelling exhibits and educational programs.

What Makes It Special?

The museum dives deep into lesser-known aspects of Rockville history, like its development as an early railroad hub and how its historic districts came to be preserved. They also conduct walking tours of Rockville’s historic landmarks.

• Who Visits? Architecture tastemakers, local history lovers, and new residents wanting to learn about Rockville’s transformation over time.
• Must-See: The courthouse's beautifully restored courtroom and the walking tour of Rockville’s historic neighborhoods.

6. Gaithersburg Community Museum

Famous For: Blending history with kid-friendly exploration

Though technically located in neighboring Gaithersburg, this charming museum is well worth the short trip for new Rockville residents. The Gaithersburg Community Museum focuses on local history while incorporating fun, hands-on activities and exhibits that engage kids and adults alike.

What Makes It Special?

The museum is housed in an authentic 1884 railroad station and features original cabooses that visitors can explore. There’s also an interactive Science Center that delves into the region’s natural history and industrial evolution.

• Who Visits? Families, train enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a fun and educational outing.
• Must-See: Climb aboard the restored caboose for a peek into vintage transportation history.

7. The National Museum of Health and Medicine

Famous For: Fascinating exhibits on medical and military history

A short drive from Rockville, The National Museum of Health and Medicine is a standout for those drawn to science and history. This unique museum delves deep into topics like battlefield medicine, anatomy, and public health advancements.

What Makes It Special?

Visitors will find an impressive collection of artifacts, including Civil War surgical kits and specimens showcasing evolving knowledge of the human body. It’s educational, enlightening, and occasionally a bit macabre in the best way.

• Who Visits? STEM lovers, medical professionals, and anyone curious about the evolution of medicine.
• Must-See: A rare glimpse at the preserved bullet that killed President Abraham Lincoln.