Smithsonian National Museum of American History

23470 reviews

1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560

americanhistory.si.edu

+12026331000

About

Smithsonian National Museum of American History is a History museum located at 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560. It has received 23470 reviews with an average rating of 4.7 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday10AM-5:30PM
Tuesday10AM-5:30PM
Wednesday10AM-5:30PM
Thursday10AM-5:30PM
Friday10AM-5:30PM
Saturday10AM-5:30PM
Sunday10AM-5:30PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Smithsonian National Museum of American History: 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560

  • Smithsonian National Museum of American History has 4.7 stars from 23470 reviews

  • History museum

  • "Our trip to Smithsonian museum was planned at the last minute"

    "Fun museum, lots to see"

    "Visited the National Museum of American History and loved the car models – a fantastic journey through automotive history"

    "This museum is one of the best put-together museums of United States History that I've been to"

    "The incredible care that goes into maintaining artifacts from our history is incredible"

Reviews

  • Vivek Sharma

Our trip to Smithsonian museum was planned at the last minute. We're glad that we visited this museum despite the fact that I felt things could have been better organized in terms of layout. Yet, each section was so informational and the displays made the museum feel like a treasure house. The rich history of American and some international components have been preserved and showcased to the point where you cannot believe what your eyes are witnessing. For another piece of fact that the entry is free, this facility is an absolute outstanding attractions that each visitor should take advantage of. Learning even a single new thing is great.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Trish

Fun museum, lots to see. You can easily spend a couple of hours here just going through all the exhibits, interactive displays and games. Popular with families with kids. It did get quite crowded on the weekend. Barely got 20 minutes of quiet time when it opened, and by 11 am it was teeming with people. From the history of money, to the Vietnam War, the museum really does capture so much of American history. I loved the room in the entertainment section with POC comedians providing apt commentary on representation in popular media. Some really cool costumes and memorabilia from popular TV shows and movies too!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Javad Safarli

Visited the National Museum of American History and loved the car models – a fantastic journey through automotive history. Surprisingly, a World War II poster caught my eye, urging people to collect waste fats for explosives. An eye-opening glimpse into the past. Experiencing TV news footage from World War II was an eerie, unsettling, emotionally charged, and somber experience. What truly impressed me were the posters advocating freedom and free speech. A rich tapestry of American history.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Matthew Smith

This museum is one of the best put-together museums of United States History that I've been to. The exhibits set the bar for how exhibits should be done. Allow at least a day preferably two visit this museum, then you might be able read almost everything and watch all of the videos. I highly recommend this museum for those interested in United States history and those wishing to learn more in the topic. This is definitely a must see attraction.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

  • Jarrod Dibble

The incredible care that goes into maintaining artifacts from our history is incredible. It was amazing seeing the rich history of our nation, while taking time to see where we’ve really come from. This is not a place to go if you only have “a few minutes”. I made the mistake of only spending 1.5 hours the first time I visited the museum…. This last time, I spent over 4 and could still have spent more time.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • T H

It's free and very impressive. The cafeteria downstairs is very good and clean. It was impressive as well. The salad bar is charged by weight. Considering the fact the place is free, the over charged food is well worth it. It's a big place and you can easily spend a whole day there. No parking just walk there as it's a great walk.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Steve Foss

This place is more for growing kids then younger ones. Definitely glad we did make the visit but ours were a bit to young. When you walk in you get airport or bank vibes so definitely not the same as the other Smithsonians. We did love the trains and cars, and the Dolby section was also very eye catching.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Masin Herr

This place is just so cool, definitely one of the best museums I have ever been to, some fun areas and other areas where it's about American history. It was also cool seeing the very flag that inspired our national anthem, the star spangled banner. And the media history was fun, funny, and still educational! Overall great
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min

  • Carlos Quezada

This is by far my favorite Smithsonian! This is a must check out if in the area. I would plan a minimum of 4hrs to check out this huge 3 story place. They have some really amazing pieces you will only see here. Also, it's free to enter. Just make sure to reserve tickets online which will make things go faster at the entrance. More

  • Chloe Thonus

It's an interesting museum but not really my thing. I will say if you like American history and pop culture you will probably love this, though. 3 floors with lots to see. Enjoyed the transportation exhibits and some vintage political items. Don't care too much for pop culture so was less enthralled by the heavy focus on it. More

  • Patricia L

I always enjoy visiting any of the Smithsonian Museums and especially the American History. There seems to always be something I have not seen before. They have added more exhibits in the last few years. Our USA capital is very fortunate to have these treasures for all to enjoy.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

  • Thorin Teak

You can marvel at the beautiful minerals and gems for hours. The collection is masterfully curated, and the diversity of specimens is staggering. You will find sizable gems,including the hope diamond. This is a museum that you can lose time in. Be sure to visit the fossils and look for the megladon .

  • Jean Bethany

If you ever get the opportunity to visit any of the Smithsonian Museums, run there. We did the museum of American History while on a visit. Excellent variety of pieces of history. Fantastic displays of timely moments in history beginning to recent times. Fascinating. More

  • Basha باشا

Visiting the National Museum of American History on MLK weekend was challenging. America's complex history regarding race, equality, and sexism is difficult to confront, yet amidst that, there are engaging exhibits. Personally, I enjoyed the cultural exhibition the most.

  • Olesia Shkutiak

This museum is simply wonderful, what we couldn't tear our eyes away from for a long time is the ships, this museum is very informative about American history. The introduction of new technologies trains, ships, bicycles and much more. The

  • Eric Haffner

One of my favorite museums in all the world. As a lifelong American History “nerd”, this place has exhibit after exhibit that pull you in. Inspiring. Educational. Enthralling. Nostalgic. Literally has a little bit of everything. More

  • Anthony P

This place is often referred to by local guides as America’s Attic. It is as eclectic as the American Experience. You can see the actual flag that was the premise for the Star Spangled Banner, Julia Child’s kitchen and a remarkable

  • Samer Tayar

It was interesting and informative. Three floors make sure you have enough time, A lot of of displays and objects In each section about the historical era. I liked the First Lady dresses they where beautifully displayed. More

  • Jeremiah Ramberg

This is an amazing museum to visit. I truly believe there is something for all ages and taste. We had a wonderful time. Spent about 4 hours there and still feel like we have more to see. Highly recommend a visit.

  • Brittani Burma

Awesome experience! They have a plethora of different exhibits with beautiful displays and interactive maps. Clean restrooms, friendly staff and was not crowded. Would definitely go on a rainy day

Similar places

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

15448 reviews

100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024

National Museum of the American Indian

9315 reviews

4th St SW, Washington, DC 20560

German-American Heritage Museum of the USA

21 reviews

719 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

DAR Museum

1 reviews

1776 D St NW Suite A, Washington, DC 20006