National Museum of American History
Explore America's past through iconic artifacts, from the Star-Spangled Banner to Julia Child's kitchen.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
National Museum of American History
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore America's past through iconic artifacts, from the Star-Spangled Banner to Julia Child's kitchen.
"A must-visit stop on the National Mall! Free, spacious, and perfect for all ages."
🎯 Free Guided Tours Available
Take advantage of free guided tours to get a great sample of iconic exhibits and historical context.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are a Must
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Prioritize comfort to make the most of your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Star-Spangled Banner
Main Hall
Witness the actual flag that inspired the national anthem, a monumental piece of American history.
Julia Child's Kitchen
American Food History
Step into the iconic kitchen of the beloved chef, a testament to culinary history and innovation.
Presidential Artifacts
The American Presidency: A Glorious Quest
See Lincoln's hat, Dorothy's ruby slippers, and the gowns of First Ladies – a dazzling display of American leadership.
Dorothy's Ruby Slippers
Pop Culture Exhibits
Marvel at the dazzling ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in 'The Wizard of Oz'.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, But Plan Your Visit
Allocate Ample Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Guided Tours Available
Take advantage of free guided tours to get a great sample of iconic exhibits and historical context.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are a Must
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Prioritize comfort to make the most of your visit.
⏰ Check Hours & Closures
The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Always verify current operating hours before your visit.
📱 Download Smithsonian Apps
Enhance your visit with interactive maps and exhibit information available on Smithsonian apps.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Guided Tours Available
Take advantage of free guided tours to get a great sample of iconic exhibits and historical context.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are a Must
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Prioritize comfort to make the most of your visit.
⏰ Check Hours & Closures
The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Always verify current operating hours before your visit.
📱 Download Smithsonian Apps
Enhance your visit with interactive maps and exhibit information available on Smithsonian apps.
📸 Capture the Memories
Many exhibits are highly photogenic, so bring your camera or phone to document your discoveries.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the National Museum of American History for its vast and engaging exhibits, covering a wide spectrum of American life from historical artifacts to pop culture icons. The free admission and central location on the National Mall are significant draws, making it a highly recommended stop for all ages. While the sheer volume of content can be overwhelming, most find the experience enriching and educational.
"My wife and I visited while on vacation here. The museum was great. They had a variety of exhibits that covered a vast array of subjects. Our favorite was the presidental exhibit and my favorite item was the Hat Lincoln sported on the night of his assassination.
Another amazing exhibit was the flag that inspired the Star Spangled Banner which was way larger than expected."
Zac “Zee” Caldwell
"🇺🇸 A Journey Through America's Story
This museum is absolutely fascinating! It offers a deep dive into American history — from the original Star-Spangled Banner to pop culture icons, political milestones, and everyday artifacts that shaped the nation.
The exhibits are well-curated and engaging, especially the sections on presidential history, transportation, and American innovation. I also loved seeing Dorothy’s ruby slippers and the First Ladies' dresses — so iconic!
It’s free to enter, spacious, and perfect for all ages. Whether you're a history buff or just curious, you’ll find something that captures your interest. Allow at least 1.5–2 hours to explore.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A must-visit stop on the National Mall!"
Naveen Jetti
"Great museum to visit. We did a guided tour which covers some of the highlights of the museum and just over an hour. The tour is free and I recommend this as it gives you a great sample of some of the iconic exhibits. You could.easily spend a whole day here."
Terence Richardson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It's easily accessible via the Metro (Smithsonian station on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines) or by bus. Many visitors also walk or bike to the museum, especially if staying nearby.
Public parking garages are available in the vicinity, but they can be expensive and fill up quickly. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, strollers and backpacks are permitted. However, for security reasons, all bags may be subject to inspection. Consider a smaller bag for easier navigation.
Absolutely. The National Museum of American History is committed to accessibility, offering ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and assistive listening devices.
The DC Circulator bus is a convenient and affordable option for hopping between Smithsonian museums on the National Mall. The Metro system is also efficient for longer distances.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the National Museum of American History is free. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Smithsonian website for any updates on timed passes or reservation requirements, especially for special exhibitions.
While general admission is free, some temporary or special exhibitions might require advance reservations or a separate ticket. Check the museum's 'Exhibitions' page online for the most current information.
The museum is typically open daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM, but it is closed on December 25th and often on Mondays. It's crucial to verify the exact hours on the official website before your visit, as they can change seasonally.
Since admission is free, refunds are not applicable. If you made a reservation and can no longer attend, it's courteous to cancel your pass so others can use it.
Many guided tours offered by the museum are free of charge. These tours are a fantastic way to get an overview of the museum's highlights and learn from knowledgeable docents.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the original Star-Spangled Banner, Julia Child's kitchen, Dorothy's ruby slippers, and the presidential artifacts. The exhibits on American innovation, transportation, and pop culture are also highly recommended.
Most visitors recommend at least 2-3 hours to see the main highlights. However, history enthusiasts could easily spend a full day exploring all the collections.
Yes, there is a cafe and a gift shop available within the museum, offering a variety of food and beverage options.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is generally available throughout the museum, allowing you to access online resources or share your experiences.
The museum offers interactive exhibits like Spark!Lab, where kids can build and invent. Many of the pop culture and transportation exhibits are also engaging for younger visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in most galleries, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artifacts. Always look for signage indicating any restrictions.
The Star-Spangled Banner, Julia Child's kitchen, Dorothy's ruby slippers, and the First Ladies' gowns are all highly photogenic. The transportation and pop culture exhibits also offer great visual opportunities.
Tripods and selfie sticks are typically not allowed inside the museum to ensure the safety of visitors and exhibits.
The main hall with the Star-Spangled Banner offers a grand backdrop. The areas around iconic artifacts like Dorothy's slippers and the presidential gowns are also popular for photos.
Commercial photography or videography usually requires special permission from the museum's public affairs office.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many exhibits, like those on transportation, pop culture, and the early days of American life, are designed to be engaging for younger audiences. Remember to check for any specific family programs or activities happening during your visit. To make the most of your family outing, consider a free guided tour that can provide a good overview of the museum's highlights.
📚 History Buffs & Enthusiasts
To truly immerse yourself, consider dedicating a full day to your visit.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The grand display of the Star-Spangled Banner also makes for a powerful shot. While personal photography is generally allowed, remember to avoid flash to protect the artifacts.
Be aware that tripods and selfie sticks are typically not permitted. Explore the different galleries, from transportation and technology to pop culture, to find unique angles and subjects to capture the essence of American history. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring American Identity Through Artifacts
Visitors often highlight the emotional impact of seeing artifacts like Abraham Lincoln's hat or the original Star-Spangled Banner. These objects serve as tangible links to pivotal moments and influential figures, prompting reflection on national identity and progress. The museum's approach is to showcase how ordinary and extraordinary lives have contributed to the grand tapestry of American history, making it a deeply engaging experience for all.
Beyond the grand narratives, the museum excels at presenting the culture of America. Sections dedicated to popular culture, entertainment, and innovation reveal the trends, technologies, and creative expressions that have shaped American society. This blend of the monumental and the mundane provides a comprehensive and relatable journey through the nation's story.
Navigating the Museum: Tips from Visitors
Once inside, comfortable footwear is essential, as the museum is vast and you'll be doing a considerable amount of walking.
Consider taking advantage of the free guided tours offered; these are highly praised for providing excellent overviews and highlighting key artifacts, saving you time and offering valuable context. For those looking to capture memories, photography is generally permitted for personal use, but always be mindful of flash restrictions.
Finally, allow ample time – most visitors suggest at least 2-3 hours, with many recommending a full day to truly absorb the extensive collections. 
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