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National Museum of American History
History Museum
Northwest Washington, Washington
The experts at Michelin Travel & Lifestyle and AFAR Media recommend this place
"Great to see all of the history of this country displayed so well."(18 Tips)
"The exhibit for Star Spangled Banner is truly awesome."(9 Tips)
"gowns and the pop culture exhibits before the crowds."(9 Tips)
"Check out the first ladies exhibit with all the inaugural gowns."(7 Tips)
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Alex Lazo VasquezAugust 22, 2014The comic exhibit is awesome. Great place for kids and adults alike.
Andrea CarnesMarch 19, 2016Love this place. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time. There is SO MUCH to see!- Reggie GulleyFebruary 26, 2016Excellent museum. Great to see all of the history of this country displayed so well.
TLCJune 2, 2010Recently renovated and FREE (like all Smithsonian museums), our favorite stops are the World War II exhibit and Julia Child's kitchen and...
Megan LuffNovember 26, 2017Loved the East 1 and Center 3 sections. Free entry. Wish I had more time to spend there!
National Museum of American HistoryJuly 8, 2014Did you know the museum has a Victory Garden? In September 2014, enjoy #foodinthegarden on Thursday nights. Read more
RachelApril 14, 2015One of the best museums in DC! The original star spangled banner is not to be missed!
DC Preservation LeagueMay 11, 2011Opened 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.
Aniruddha MandkeJuly 28, 2015Information warehouse for the curious mind. Highly recommend as a family outing place. Kids love it.
Doug WMarch 4, 2017You really need to take two trips to take it all in. It really covers the whole gamut of American history.
Michael WhelanNovember 17, 2010The Spirit of St. Louis, which Charles Linberg flew as the first air flight from the United States across the Atlantic to Paris, is always something incredible. It is very small.In The Air and Space M
Aaron SmithMay 13, 2015They could do so much more. Don't miss it though. Check out the Ruby Slippers and Abe Lincoln's hat.
Michelin Travel & LifestyleAugust 2, 2011The hands-on invention center and Treasures of American Culture are particularly popular with kids. Also, don't miss the Star-Spangled Banner! -- Green Guide Editor
Krista ApplemanFebruary 14, 2011If 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!
Lisa ComentoAugust 15, 2014My first time here and love being able to volunteer for the sleepover!! Working the food history wing!
Washington BladeJuly 12, 2011See the moving "HIV and AIDS 30 Years Ago" exhibit with accompanying website http://americanhistory.si.edu/hivaids. See Roger Lyons' quilt panel and read his story on the 1st Floor artifacts wall.
Anna FaderNovember 28, 2015More of an archive of famous items than a real history of America. Wish it were more substantive.
- Amy Grambow-PytlikJune 28, 2013Great place to visit! So many awesome things to see except a lot of it was closed for renovations.
Shannon M.April 24, 2013Hit the second floor for pop culture stuff. If you have little boys they'll love the trains and car displays on the first floor- National Museum of American HistoryAugust 24, 2012Today (Aug 24) is the final day of our summer museum theater program The Time Trial of John Brown. Performances are in the Price of Freedom Theater on 3 East today at 11am, 1pm, 2:30pm, and 4pm.
- Dara FisherDecember 26, 2012My favorite Smithsonian museum hands-down...go on a weekday so it will be (a little) less crowded.
- National Museum of American HistoryNovember 25, 2013We're open on Thanksgiving until 5:30 PM. No.v 29 and 30, we have extended hours and close at 7:30 PM. Explore our "FOOD" exhibition!
Krysta BMay 19, 2010The Price of Freedom: Americans at War exhibit is a must! We spent hours in there. Part of the World Trade Center tower remains are in there. Every American war is covered thoroughly.
My City LivesSeptember 15, 2011Make sure you check out the auto exhibit. Video: http://mycitylives.com/#!/video/washington/smithsonian--national-museum-of-american-history--washington--d-c--/4e60fee5534bf5fd59000313 Read more
Shannon AFebruary 27, 2011Expect long security lines as bags are checked by hand rather than with a machine. Be sure to check out pop culture exhibit... from MJ's hat to Dorothy's ruby red slippers it's fun!
Bruce TyndallJuly 6, 2015Everything is awesome here! Plan for extra time to spend looking at everything!
Abigail LougherMay 10, 2012Loved this place. The shops were pretty great! This is a great museum. I loved the transportation exhibit.
- National Museum of American HistoryAugust 29, 2012Back to school! Our summer hours (open until 7:30 PM) end on September 2, 2012. We will be open 10 AM to 5:30 PM daily except on December 25.
Alvin LMay 23, 2010Indulge your kid's (and maybe your) inner scientist with experiments in the Spark Lab, located on the ground floor. Interactive experiments that can be done on your own and, often, with the docents- Washington BladeAugust 11, 2011Zoom Urban Lesbian Excursions ladies’ kickball on the Mall Sunday 3pm meeting between National Museum of History & Smithsonian Castle & will be identifiable by purple balloons. Free event.
DoraJuly 21, 2010Skip the boring war stuff and head straight to the science and technology for the kids' Spark!Lab for kid games and experiments. Powered by ParentsConnect.com- The Hall of Transportation remains my favorite exhibit in this museum. Of particular note: the 1950s-era Chicago El Train car.
Jennifer FerrellFebruary 19, 2017Not open long enough for tourists. Basically full museum at 5:20 PM when they were about to close at 5:30. There's so much to do and see in Washington, not enough time to do it in a weekend.
There’s an awesome kids play area downstairs, but it’s closed on Tuesdays.
Don't miss the actual Star Spangled Banner. If you only have five minutes, go see it.- National Museum of American HistorySeptember 26, 2012Love American Girl dolls? Check out our free American Girl self-guides here or at the Information Desk:
Alan BruceJanuary 10, 2012Amazing museum! America at war is really good and is worth the walk around even if you only have 10 mins- Jared SOctober 5, 2011Reserve a few hours of your day for all the amazing exhibits. Free admission. Original Star-Spangled Banner. The Price of Freedom exhibit.
Green DaisiesAugust 12, 2011All Smithsonian museums are free and a great way to introduce kids to our nations history and great works of art, in general!- Bruce Krywinski Jr.September 29, 2013If you're above the age of 7, the Simulator rides in the basement are pretty lame. However, the exhibits are quite interesting and informative, overall very good. The cafe was not so good re:service.
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National Museum of American History
1400 Constitution Ave NW (at 14th St NW)
Washington, D.C. 20560
United States
Washington, D.C. 20560
United States
At: National Mall
We collect, preserve, and display American heritage in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific and military history. Terms: si.edu/terms
Closed until 10:00 AM tomorrow (Show more)
- Mon–Sun
- 10:00 AM–5:30 PM
(202) 633-3383
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Yes
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Free
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Places inside National Museum of American History
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- 8.9
"3rd time there and it gets better every time. A must see in DC"
Ashlei Miller Peavie - 8.6
"Great place to start cafe and wifi available here. Clean restrooms and maps of all sorts to start your adventure. There's people to help answer questions and also gift shops."
Oscar Fajardo - 8.7
"I've been to DC many times now and I always always stop to see OUR Constitution. It is bigger than any one man."
Zachary R
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- 9.2
"The best lunch sandwich I've eaten in DC. Deserts looked wonderful but I let the temptation pass me by! And very clean-"
Charla Payne - 9.4
"Tall AF! 🙈 enjoy the green areas around it. View and refreshing weather is a highlight."
Yasaman Mahdian - 9.2
"I took one of the free tours .. it was great and the docent was amazing!"
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