National Museum of American History
National Mall—sample rating
Rmhermen, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About National Museum of American History
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History, opened in 1964, explores the social, cultural, scientific, and political history of the United States through millions of artifacts. Signature exhibits include the enormous, original Star-Spangled Banner flag that inspired the national anthem, the First Ladies' gowns, Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, and historic transportation and technology objects. The museum spans three floors and covers topics ranging from the American presidency and military history to popular culture, invention, and everyday life, making it one of the most visited history museums in the world. Admission is free and no tickets are required, though visitors pass through security screening including a metal detector upon entry.
Why visit
It houses some of the most iconic artifacts in American history, from the original Star-Spangled Banner to Dorothy's ruby slippers.
Best time to visit
Visit on a weekday morning right at opening for the smallest crowds around the most popular exhibits.
Recommended duration
Allow about 2 hours (120 minutes).
Opening hours
- Every day
- 10:00-17:30
Free; no tickets needed; closed December 25; security screening at entry.
Information may change — verify details before visiting.
Location
1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560
Load Google Maps content — this may set cookies.
Nearby attractions
National Mall
A vast open-air national park stretching between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, lined with iconic monuments and Smithsonian museums.
Washington Monument
A 555-foot marble obelisk honoring George Washington, offering sweeping views of DC from its observation level.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
A domed neoclassical monument on the Tidal Basin honoring Thomas Jefferson, surrounded by famous cherry blossom trees.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
A granite memorial on the Tidal Basin featuring a colossal carved likeness of Dr. King emerging from a 'Stone of Hope.'
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
A sprawling outdoor memorial along the Tidal Basin divided into four outdoor 'rooms' representing FDR's four terms in office.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
A stark black granite wall inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 U.S. service members who died or went missing in the Vietnam War.
Nearby restaurants
Zaytinya
Mediterranean · $$$ · Downtown / Penn Quarter
Ben's Chili Bowl
American / Comfort Food · $ · U Street
Mi Vida
Mexican · $$ · Navy Yard / Waterfront
Ambar Capitol Hill
Balkan · $$ · Capitol Hill
Centrolina
Italian · $$$ · Downtown / Penn Quarter
Maketto
Cambodian / Taiwanese · $$ · Capitol Hill
Flights to New York
Live round-trip fares from Travelpayouts partners.
Partner links — our site's partners are Expedia, GetYourGuide, Go City, Big Bus Tours, Hotellook, Kiwitaxi and Localrent; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Stay near National Mall
Browse stays in New York by budget and style — prices and availability open on our booking partner's site.
Partner links — we're partnered with Expedia and Hotellook; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.