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National Museum of American History

HistoryScienceClosed · Opens 10amFreeFederal Triangle (Blue, Orange, Silver)

Opened in 1964 as the Museum of History and Technology, in one of the last buildings designed by McKim, Mead & White, this Smithsonian museum holds more than 1.7 million objects tracing the American experience. Its centrepiece is the original Star-Spangled Banner — the 30-by-34-foot garrison flag that inspired Francis Scott Key — shown in a dimmed, climate-controlled chamber off the five-storey skylit atrium. Elsewhere you'll find the first ladies' inaugural gowns, the Greensboro lunch counter, the 1831 John Bull locomotive and pop-culture treasures in Entertainment Nation. Admission is free and no tickets are required.

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Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560, United States

Nearest station: Federal Triangle (Blue, Orange, Silver), Smithsonian (Blue, Orange, Silver)

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Hours

Mon10:00–17:30
Tue10:00–17:30
Wed10:00–17:30
ThuToday10:00–17:30
Fri10:00–17:30
Sat10:00–17:30
Sun10:00–17:30

Admission

Free

Free admission, no tickets required

Nearby

National Museum of African American History and Culture

ArtFree3 min walk

National Museum of Natural History

HistoryFree4 min walk

National Museum of Asian Art

DesignFree5 min walk

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

ArchitectureFree6 min walk

Visitor Information

Is National Museum of American History free to visit?
Yes, general admission to National Museum of American History is free. Free admission, no tickets required. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.
What are the opening hours of National Museum of American History?
National Museum of American History is open Open daily 10:00–17:30. Closed 25 December. Free entry, no tickets required. Wegmans Wonderplace (Wed–Sun 10:00–16:00) and Draper Spark!Lab (Wed–Sat 10:00–16:00) keep shorter hours.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is National Museum of American History?
National Museum of American History is located at 1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560, United States, in the National Mall area of Washington, DC. The nearest stations are Federal Triangle (Blue, Orange, Silver), Smithsonian (Blue, Orange, Silver).
What can I see at National Museum of American History?
Home of the actual Star-Spangled Banner — plus first ladies' gowns, Julia Child's kitchen and 1.7 million objects of the American story. Current highlights include American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith, Corazón y vida: Lowriding Culture, Entertainment Nation.
Do I need to book National Museum of American History in advance?
National Museum of American History is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Free admission, no tickets required. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.
When is the best time to visit National Museum of American History?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.

Carol M. Highsmith / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

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