The larger-than-life Star Spangled Banner gallantly streams from the walls of the National Museum of American History in Washington DC. This top-rated museum showcases the best of American memorabilia and memorializes iconic eras, events, and people in American history. The most popular exhibit is the original Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that was raised at Fort McHenry in Baltimore on September 14, 1814 to celebrate a victory over the British forces in the war of 1812. Another popular exhibits showcase dresses American First Lady’s have worn. Other significant artifacts include Archie Bunker’s chair, Abraham Lincoln’s top hat, Dorothy’s ruby slippers from the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz, and a replica of an 18th-century Massachusetts home. Show
The National Museum of American History opened in 1964 under a different name. The Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark. Its basic mission is the collection, care, and study of objects that reflect the experience of the American people. For anyone interested in history, the American experience, and quirky artifacts, the National Museum of American History is a must-see museum in Washington DC. Hours Open seven days a week. 10:00 a.m - 5:30 p.m., including holidays with the exception of December 25th when we are closed to the public. Location 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW Google Map Visitors may enter from the National Mall on Madison Drive or Constitution Ave. Admission Admission is FREE. Tickets are not required Guidelines for VisitingThe Smithsonian is implementing COVID-19 safety measures based on guidance from the CDC and local governments. The latest guidelines are available at si.edu/visit/tips. When is the museum open? Are masks still required? Are passes necessary to enter the museum? Will there be security screening? All visitors are required to walk through a metal detector. Those unable to go through the metal detector will be hand-screened with an electronic wand by security personnel. Protective safety shields have been installed at bag-check screening stations and register. We encourage visitors to limit the number of personal belongings and bags brought into the museum as they will be subject to a thorough search. Limiting the items brought will increase your speed through security checkpoints and help us all maintain a safe social distance. Please note that we do not offer coat, bag, or locker storage at this time. Is a COVID-19 vaccine required? Will everything be open at NMNH? The restrooms will be open. Limited locker storage is available for small bags and items. Will the museum cafés and retail shops be open? The Atrium Café is open from 11:30am-3:30pm and the Ocean Terrace Café is open 11:30am-4:00pm. The Family Store, Gallery Store, and Gems and Minerals Store are open from 10am-5:30pm. Will guided tours, demonstrations, and events resume? Is
there a coat or bag check at the museum? Are there family-friendly restrooms? Can I bring my stroller, scooter, walker,
wheelchair or any type of mobility device? Are wheelchairs available? How do I contact the museum with questions? The following safety measures are in place to protect the health of our visitors, staff, and volunteers based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local governments. We ask that all visitors, including those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, follow these safety measures to protect everyone’s health. Please note that we may adjust our safety guidelines based on changing CDC COVID-19 Community Levels. We encourage visitors to regularly check our website before their visit for the latest guidelines. Washington, D.C. is currently in the CDC’s Low Community Level category. During this time, we are implementing the following safety measures: If Sick, Stay Home Visitors are encouraged to wash and sanitize hands frequently during their visit. Hand-sanitizing stations will be available throughout our facilities. Face Coverings While it will not be required, all visitors who feel more comfortable wearing a face mask during their visit are encouraged to do so. Proof of Vaccination Note: Special events and some after-hours programming may require guests to provide proof of vaccination. Social Distancing Hygiene Museum Address Metro Parking For More: Visit our Getting Here and Parking Page. The National Museum of Natural History is committed to providing inclusive experiences for all audiences. Please contact 202-633-3611 or send an email for access services. For more information visit the Accessibility Information page. Entrance Parking Service Animals Information for Visitors in a Wheelchair
Information for Visitors Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Information for Visitors Who Are Blind or Partially Sighted
Information for Visitors with Developmental, Learning & Sensory Disabilities Calendar of Events For More: Visit Our Accessibility Information Page We are committed to visitor safety and have security measures in place to keep you and Museum objects protected. When you arrive at the Museum you can expect a full security screening similar to what you might experience at the airport, except you can keep your shoes and belts on. Help speed your entry into the Museum by having your bags open and ready for inspection, and empty your pockets before going through the screening station. Items Not Permitted in the Museum
Items You Are Prohibited from Using Inside the Museum
Items Permitted in the Museum
Check the Smithsonian's security policy for the most up-to-date information. The museum's Security Office is located on the Ground Floor in the north (Constitution Avenue) lobby next to the elevators. Dining Ocean Terrace Café Atrium Café Shopping For inquiries about our museum stores, please contact the NMNH Store Management Team at 202.633.2060. Gem and Mineral Store Gallery
Store Family Store Dinos and More Store Natural History Express Kiosk Bag
Lunches Nursing Station Pets Photography Notice: Visitors may be filmed, photographed, or recorded by the Smithsonian for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on the Smithsonian’s and other public websites. Wi-Fi Smoking Please see the "Prepare for Security" section above for items that are not permitted inside the museum. Must-do Experiences
Hope Diamond, The Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals, Second Floor. Photo by Paul Fetters. Coral reef fish tank, Sant Ocean Hall, First Floor. Photo by Paul Fetters. Cave handprints, David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins, First Floor. Photo by Paul Fetters. Megalodon jaws, Sant Ocean Hall, First Floor. Photo by Paul Fetters. Live tarantula, O. Orkin Insect Zoo, Second Floor. Photo by Paul Fetters. Early human species sculpture, David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins, First Floor. Photo by Paul Fetters. Examining collection objects, Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, Ground Floor. Photo by Jennifer Renteria, Smithsonian. VISITOR FAVORITE Butterfly PavilionStroll amid live butterflies and exotic plants in this tropical oasis. Today at the MuseumVisit the Museum from HomeIf you can't join us in person, you can explore our online offerings from home. Additional ResourcesDownload Museum MapNavigate your way around all three floors of the museum.
Do you need tickets for the National Museum of American History?Hours. The museum is open every day except December 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free and no tickets are required.
Is Smithsonian museum American history free?Admission is free of charge at all locations except the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City. Timed-entry passes are required at the following locations: National Museum of African American History and Culture.
How much does it cost to go to the National Museum of American History?Like all Smithsonian Institutions, it is free and unticketed to visit the American History Museum. This is good because you get access to one of the top museums in the country free of charge.
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