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National Museum of American History

History Museum

Northwest Washington, Washington

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9.1^/10

3,149

ratings

Ranked #3 for history museums in Washington
The experts at Michelin Travel & Lifestyle and AFAR Media recommend this place
"The exhibit for Star Spangled Banner is truly awesome."(9 Tips)
"You have to check out the First Ladies exhibit, beautiful!"(7 Tips)
"gowns and the pop culture exhibits before the crowds."(9 Tips)
"Ruby Slippers and Kermit the Frog."(8 Tips)

330 Tips and reviews

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The Ritz-CarltonOctober 31, 2013
Unearth American history through 150,000+ artifacts including Lincoln’s infamous top hat, a collection of first ladies’ gowns, one of Thomas Edison’s first lightbulbs and more.
Upvoted 15 hours ago
Allison KasicJune 26, 2016
They have Prince's guitar (yellow cloud), Ric Flair's boots, and the puffy shirt from Seinfeld. That's enough to make this the best museum ever.
Upvoted Mar 23
The OnionOctober 30, 2010
When on a guided tour of a history museum, at every civilization, ask whether the men of that era ever had an overpowering urge to dress as a woman and be caressed by a big, strong man.
Upvoted 4 weeks ago
Yasaman MahdianAugust 16, 2019
Truly worth the visit! Don’t miss a corner! Very interesting and informative! It’s literally seeing American history in few hours!
Upvoted Mar 12
Michael GalusMarch 10, 2017
This place is awesome for people of all ages! From our 18 month old, our 4 year old, and my wife and I we all had a blast. Don't forget to visit the Wegman's kids area on the 1st floor.... a must!
Alma LealAugust 13, 2016
It's good to know that at least during the summer, this museum closes at 7 pm. This way, you can leave it as your last stop and leverage time to see some other museums.
Brittany | @2legit2brittAugust 31, 2014
This place is so great. Definitely one of the most underrated museums in D.C. It's free and there are bathrooms galore. Don't buy water out front. Go down the block and around the corner.
DmtrOctober 20, 2015
Extremely interesting exhibition on The American Automobile industry (1st floor) & American Presidency (3rd floor). This museum and the Space one are my favorite in DC
Guido GybelsSeptember 2, 2016
Somewhat eclectic range of topics on US culture,history.Transport exhibit very well done. Cafetaria has more than fast food, incl. nice salads, but go during meal times otherwise many counters closed.
KarenMay 29, 2022
Absolutely amazing, inspiring, and fun museum. Do not miss the star spangled banner exhibit. Will make you shout "oh, my god!" at some point.
Slightly PerfectAugust 17, 2017
I can't say enough about this museum. I feel like we could have spent a day at each exhibit. Definitely check out the exhibit on human evolution. It taught my daughter a lot.
Andrea CAugust 11, 2014
The best Smithsonian museum. A great variety of exhibits. Get there early and see the First Ladies' gowns and the pop culture exhibits before the crowds. Loved seeing Bob Dylan's jacket!
Nela LichtscheidlNovember 18, 2013
Honestly, you could stay in here for hours. If you really like to learn when you go to museums, I recommend going alone--unless of course your friends are willing to wait for you to read EVERYTHING.
Dwayne KilbourneApril 15, 2013
You can't visit the Smithsonian Museums without stopping here; almost anything and everything you can think of about our [USA] can be found here. Be sure to check out the Star Spangled Banner!
Rachel AlexanderOctober 8, 2016
So many interesting exhibits to see! Make sure you have at least two or three hours to see everything. Some pop culture exhibits were nostalgic while war exhibits were heartbreaking.
Lizzie HatfieldMarch 30, 2016
A good museum, some of the exhibits are quite old and a lot are closed / opening soon. My favourite was the presidents exhibit upstairs, and any proud American should see the star spangled banner.
Jenna Rose RobbinsNovember 15, 2013
My family and I love pop culture and trekked all the way here to see Dorothy's Ruby Slippers and Kermit the Frog. Bonus: Nine Inch Nails' "Pretty Hate Machine" on cassette and a first-gen Walkman.
Byron WilkesDecember 22, 2015
Pretty interesting museum in that it has a bevy of exhibits. You should easily be able to find something of interest in U.S. history for everyone in your group.
Military Discounts CentralFebruary 22, 2012
So many great exhibits here! Possibly the best museum in DC that features all aspects of American history such as the military past and present, show business, entertainment, and just so much more.
George ZinkgrafApril 4, 2016
Anything and everything inside of the museum. Not sure if the wasn't originally called science and technology. Has trains and model boats and presidential gowns
Cole TOctober 30, 2017
An exhaustive, interactive and powerful examination of where we've been and what has shaped us today. Thoroughly enjoyed the exhibits on America's wars, Presidential History & the Star-Spangled Banner
NinaApril 30, 2012
The original site of the Star Spangled Banner was awesome but it was so dizzy coming out of there. Don't be surprised if your eyes play tricks on you coming out. A lot of 3D neon effects
Nichole BrezinaJanuary 11, 2016
Loved it!! Just wished they were open later considering they all close at either 5 or 5:30pm. Would be nice for them to be open later.
Jorge PerezJune 20, 2016
Places of invention and Food displays. Interesting to see the food processing changes over the decades and Edison /Tesla inventions. Seeing an actual EV1 was interesting. Assumed all destroyed by GM.
AFAR MediaAugust 4, 2014
This museum charms millions of visitors with over three million artifacts and national treasures that have shaped a nascent American history and culture highlights. Read more
Jenny KMarch 24, 2016
The best Smithsonian! Tons of great exhibits including Americana (Dorothy's ruby slippers, cotton gin, first telephone and lightbulb).
Maggie MacGDecember 23, 2015
This museum has awesome rotating exhibits, including a civil rights exhibit a couple of years ago with the Selma lunch counter.
Chris MunnsJune 17, 2016
Some really great exhibits and a nice flow from one to the next. Expect crowds, especially of younger kids with little supervision.
Laura SwiftSeptember 16, 2013
If you're going to spend time at any smithsonian, this is the one to go to. So much amazing history.
IWalked Audio ToursMay 30, 2013
Recognized as America’s Attic, contains >3MM artifacts defining American culture. Includes George Washington’s food chest from Revolutionary War & Farah Fawcett's swimsuit! Full site history via<LINK> Read more
National Museum of American HistoryJanuary 21, 2014
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014: Good morning! We will open on time today but we may have to close early depending on weather conditions. Today's programs and events may be cancelled due to weather.
Shannon HorstDecember 9, 2015
If your near by you must stop in. It's a wonderful way to spend an afternoon and it's free to get in!
National Museum of American HistoryDecember 26, 2013
We're open extended hours Dec. 26-30, closing at 7:30 PM. Come see our new "Puppetry in America" display featuring original Kermit and Mr. Moose.
Lisa BernarducciApril 14, 2017
We enjoyed the exhibits. Very nostalgic. Security lines were very long. We returned 2 days later when they weren't as crowded. They were extremely long the first day we went there.
National Museum of American History Smithsonian InstitutionApril 22, 2014
It just arrived today! A 1964-65 Ford Mustang will be on temporary display beginning April 25, 2014, in honor of the museum's 50th anniversary and the car's.
_November 6, 2014
Best exhibit here are probably the transportation and technology exhibits on the first floor. Head to the third floor if you want to see what the First Ladies wore.
Josh E.September 30, 2014
The exhibit for Star Spangled Banner is truly awesome. The flag that troops flew over Ft. McHenry that inspired the song is displayed and it's way cooler than it sounds.
Shravan ArasJuly 28, 2013
Check out Edison's light bulb and Lincolns hat, which he wore when he was assassinated at ford theater. Look out for the "sit down" show on the 2nd floor. Power machines, american story are nice.
Ellie PinesAugust 29, 2014
It's not stuffy and limited to colonial history like some museums. And they add cool new exhibits regularly enough that you'll always enjoy returning.
The Transit NavigatorSeptember 25, 2011
A great museum with tons to do, check out each exhibit to see the history of America in different themes. EduConcierge loves the transportation section, and the gadgets!
Ann OsipovaJune 2, 2017
Very interesting exposition) hope to see Hip Hop Family Tree on summer 2018😜
Andrea CarnesMarch 19, 2016
Love this place. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time. There is SO MUCH to see!
National Museum of American HistoryJuly 26, 2013
Did you know the museum has a Victory Garden? A great place to enjoy our #foodinthegarden summer series on Thursday evenings, featuring talks, tastes, and tours. http://americanhistory.si.edu
TLCJune 2, 2010
Recently renovated and FREE (like all Smithsonian museums), our favorite stops are the World War II exhibit and Julia Child's kitchen and...
Lisa ComentoAugust 15, 2014
My first time here and love being able to volunteer for the sleepover!! Working the food history wing!
DC Preservation LeagueMay 11, 2011
Opened in 1964 and is one of the last one of the last structures designed by the renowned architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White. Within the National Mall Historic District.
Krista ApplemanFebruary 14, 2011
If you want no crowds come in February. No lines and you can take your time. Otherwise, get there as early as possible and start at the flag then go to the top and work your way down!
Alex Lazo VasquezAugust 22, 2014
The comic exhibit is awesome. Great place for kids and adults alike.
Erman ErbakNovember 24, 2019
200 years of USA history. That's interesting to see how these guys market their tiny history:)) well we Turks have 3000-5000 years history, so...
Michelle LAugust 12, 2014
Lots to see here! Very interesting and there's something for everyone!

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