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Smithsonian Institution Museums

The Smithsonian Institution was officially founded in 1846 for the promotion of knowledge with an endowment bequeathed by its founder, James Smithson. Today, the museums of the Smithsonian comprise the largest museum and research complex in the world with 19 museums and 9 research facilities. The Smithsonian museums include the National Museum of Natural History, National Zoo, the National Portrait Gallery, and the National Air and Space Museum.
Smithsonian Museums at Washington, DC
600 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20002 View Smithsonian Museums location on google map
Distance from hotel: 2.2 miles
202-633-1000 Smithsonian Museums phone number
Visit Website For Smithsonian Museums
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Know Before You Go
Map/Directions

Details

Hours

Varies by museum

Prices

Admission is free

Smithsonian Museums In DC

  • African American History and Culture Museum
    (Open 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM)  
  • African Art Museum
    (Open 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM)
  • National Air and Space Museum
    (Open 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM; may have extended Hours)
  • Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center
    (Open 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM; may have extended Hours)
  • America Art Museum
    (Open 11:30 AM - 7:00 PM)
  • American History Museum
    (Open 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM; may have extended Hours)
  • American Indian Museum
    (Open 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM)
  • Anacostia Community Museum
    (Open 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
  • Arts and Industries Building
    (Currently closed for Renovation)
  • Freer Gallery of Art
    (Open 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM)
  • Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
    (Open 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM)
  • National Zoo
    (April-Oct: Open 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Nov-March: Open 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
  • National History Museum
    (Open 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM; may have extended Hours)
  • Newseum
    (Open 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
  • National Portrait Gallery
    (Open 11:30 AM -7:00 PM)
  • Postal Museum
    (Open 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM)
  • Renwick Gallery
    (Open 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM)
  • Sackler Gallery
    (Open 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM)
  • Smithsonian Institution Building, The Castle
    (Open 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.)

Parking, Directions, Public Transportation

There are several garages near the National Mall. You might find street parking if you get to the area well before the museums open at 10:00 AM.

Must See Permanent Exhibits

Don't miss the live the Spirit of St. Louis at the Air and Space Museum, and the gem exhibits and the Hall of Dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum.

FAQs