DEA Museum & Visitors Center — Attraction in Pentagon City

Visited it on the 23rd of June, 2023, on a Saturday. Had to go through security. And remember this is a Federal building so I had to take off my hat, bag, keys. If I had a belt I would have taken that off too. It isn't hard to prepare to visit the building. Also bring your ID and do what the guards tell you. Before I continue let me point out I found all staff friendly and organized. I was the first person in the museum because the folks behind me either were not prepared or, in one case, left their ID in their car. After security you walk through some hallways with a memorial and a few small displays. There is a set of restrooms and water foundations. So if you need them use them before you continue. Then you reach the museum which is bigger than I thought it would be. The reviews made it sound small. It is one room. But one LONG room. Like a few rooms were linked together by knocking down walls. I found the displays to be clear and very factual. I didn't detect any spins on any of the information. There were a few interactive stations and some of it was designed for teens and young adults. I found the history and drug data very interesting. My only complaint was the gift shop had no books. The entry to the museum is hard to miss. There is a lot of signs and there are benches outside to wait if you get there early. Close to the Metro and also close to a few places to eat. I could have spent hours reading in there if I didn't have plans for...

Title: Intriguing Look at DEA (Plan for Location & Security)

Body:

Last Thursday, I visited the DEA Museum in Arlington, Virginia, right across the street from the convenient Pentagon City Mall. The museum provided a unique glimpse into the DEA's work and the history of drug use in America. I found the exhibits on the science of addiction particularly engaging – worth seeing! Here are some things to keep in mind for your visit:

Location: The museum is in Arlington, so plan travel time if you're staying in central D.C. However, the Pentagon City Metro Station is just a block away, making it easily accessible. A great pizza place is nearby if you're looking for a bite after your visit.

Security: Be prepared for security screening like an airport, including an ID check.

Museum Size: The museum has informative displays and videos on the smaller side. It might be ideal for a shorter visit or those with a specific interest in drug enforcement, especially younger audiences.

While the museum was interesting, its size and location outside D.C. might be a factor for some visitors.

Tips: Consider travel time if you're staying in D.C., but the Metro makes it convenient. Allow extra time for security screening. This museum could be a good choice for a shorter visit or combined with other activities in Arlington. There's even a great pizza place...

After the hustle and bustle of all the Smithsonian museums, our family decided to try this smaller museum that was extremely close to our hotel.

We didn't see anybody else, so we were unsure of where the front was, but eventually found the "visitor's center" entrance. Upon entering, you will be greeted by guards that will request IDs and will screen bags as you enter the premises.

Once you are past the screening area, someone will escort you to a small area that makes up the museum. This little place is chock full of little bits of history as it walks you through the late 1800s through the early 1900s and into today. It talks about heroin, opiods, and methamphetamines. There are examples how it was used during the 1920s, how drug use reduced during the world wars, and picked up again afterwards. At the conclusion, it does talk about treatment options, to round out the tour.

There was also some current event items like the capture of the Chapo and showed some of the weapons he used. Our family also looked at a real motorcycle that was captured by the head of a motorcycle gang. There is a small gift shop where the kids did pick up some DEA beanie bears.

If in the area, it's worth the stop and full of interesting facts...