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Smithsonian National Museum of American History Tickets

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Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of American History on a guided tour to explore various exhibits on American history, culture, music, entertainment, sports, food, fashion, and more. Learn about how diverse influences, traditions, and creative expression have defined the American identity and shaped the nation’s cultural landscape.

What to expect on your guided tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Protest signs exhibit at Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
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Explore the defining moments of American history

A guided tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History takes you through key events, people, and cultural milestones that shaped the country. From the nation’s founding struggles to modern pop culture, the museum’s exhibits highlight stories that define American identity. It’s an engaging way to understand how the past continues to influence the present.

See the museum’s most famous artifacts and exhibits

With thousands of objects across multiple galleries, the museum can be overwhelming to navigate alone. A guided tour ensures you visit some of its most iconic treasures, revealing powerful stories about resilience, innovation, and cultural change. Your guide highlights the pieces that have left a lasting mark on American history.

Gain deeper insights from an expert guide

Your guide provides engaging commentary that goes beyond what’s written on exhibit labels. Through storytelling and historical context, they explain the significance of artifacts and the people connected to them. This perspective helps bring the museum’s collections to life in a way that a self-guided visit often cannot.

Upgrade to a private tour for a personalized experience

For a more tailored visit, you can upgrade to a private tour, where you can adjust the itinerary based on your interests, whether you’re fascinated by political history, innovation, or American pop culture. The pace can also be adapted for families, seniors, or visitors who prefer a slower, more flexible experience.

Designed to be accessible and comfortable for all visitors

The museum experience is designed to accommodate a wide range of visitors. Accessible routes, elevators, and spacious galleries make it easier to move comfortably between exhibits. Guides can also adapt the pace of the tour to ensure everyone can follow along and enjoy the experience.

Continue exploring the museum after the guided tour

After the guided portion ends, visitors are free to remain inside the museum and continue exploring. This gives you time to revisit favorite exhibits or discover galleries that were not included in the guided route. Many visitors use this opportunity to spend more time with artifacts that sparked their curiosity. It’s a flexible way to combine expert guidance with independent discovery.

An ideal experience for history lovers and first-time visitors

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a structured introduction to American history while visiting Washington DC. It’s especially valuable for first-time visitors who may not know where to start in such a large museum. Families, students, and curious travelers alike benefit from the engaging storytelling and curated route.

Significance of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

  • Preserving the story of the country: The Smithsonian National Museum of American History preserves and presents artifacts that trace the political, cultural, and social history of the US. Through its collections, visitors can explore how the nation has evolved from its founding to the present day.
  • Home to iconic national treasures: The museum houses some of the most recognizable artifacts in American history. These objects serve as powerful symbols of the country’s identity, struggles, and achievements.
  • Documenting everyday American life: Beyond famous artifacts, the museum also preserves objects that reflect daily life across different eras. From household items to pop culture memorabilia, these collections show how Americans have lived, worked, and expressed themselves over time.
  • Exploring the evolution of American democracy: Exhibits at the museum examine the development of democratic institutions, political movements, and civil rights struggles. They help visitors understand how citizens have shaped and challenged the nation’s political system throughout history.
  • Celebrating innovation and technological progress: The museum highlights the role of invention and entrepreneurship in shaping the US. Displays explore advances in transportation, communications, medicine, and industry that have transformed American society.
  • A landmark on the National Mall: Located along the historic National Mall, the museum stands among the country’s most important cultural institutions. Its central location makes it a key destination for visitors seeking to understand the American story.

Highlights at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Civil War exhibit at Smithsonian National Museum of American History featuring Lincoln and Davis.

The Star-Spangled Banner

The original Star-Spangled Banner (flag) is one of the museum’s most powerful national symbols. This historic flag inspired the US national anthem and represents the resilience of the United States during the War of 1812.

Woman viewing exhibits
Lunch counter exhibit at Smithsonian National Museum of American History, highlighting African American history.
Woman observing artwork at a museum exhibition.
Lincoln's top hat displayed at Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Know before you go

Smithsonian National Museum of American History entrance sign with plants.
  • Opening hours: 10am to 5:30pm, daily
  • Closed on: Christmas Day (December 25)
  • Guided tour duration: 2.5 hours

Address: 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, United States | Find on Maps

  • Closest Subway stations: 

    • Smithsonian: Connects 3 out of 6 lines in DC: Blue, Orange, and Silver  (0.3 miles)
    • Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter: Connects 2 out of 6 lines in DC: Green and Yellow (0.3 miles)

  • Closest bus stop: 14th St & Constitution Ave NW sb (3 mins)

Man holding smartphone displaying free WiFi icon.
  • First aid: Basic first aid support is available on-site, and museum staff can assist visitors in locating further medical assistance if needed. 
  • Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided throughout the museum for visitors. 
  • Time to explore after the guided tour: After the guided tour ends, visitors may remain inside the museum to continue exploring the exhibits at their own pace.
Wheelchair in a museum setting highlighting accessibility features.
  • Mobility aids permitted: Visitors may use mobility aids such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and similar devices throughout the museum. 
  • Accessible routes: Elevators, ramps, and step-free pathways connect major galleries and public spaces, making navigation easier for all visitors. 
  • Accessible restrooms and entrances: Accessible entrances and designated restrooms are available across the Smithsonian museum buildings. 
  • Stroller accessibility: Strollers are allowed inside the museum, making visits more convenient for families with young children. 
  • Service animals allowed: Registered service animals are permitted under ADA regulations; emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not recognized as service animals under these guidelines. 
  • Wheelchair access by tour type: Wheelchair accessibility is available for self-guided and private tours, while small-group guided tours are not wheelchair accessible. 
  • Sensory aids: The museum offers assistive resources for visitors with sensory sensitivities and for those with visual or hearing impairments.
Security screening with handheld metal detector before tour.
  • Security screening: Entry to the museum requires passing through a security screening, which includes metal detectors and may involve additional bag checks. 
  • Outside food policy: Sealed outside food items may be brought into the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. 
  • Late arrival policy: Timed-entry tours are rarely rescheduled if visitors miss their scheduled slot, so arriving on time is strongly recommended. 
  • Photography equipment restrictions: Selfie sticks, tripods, and monopods are not allowed inside the museum. 
  • No weapons or sharp objects: Weapons and sharp objects of any kind are strictly prohibited within the building. 
  • No demonstration materials: Demonstration items such as placards, banners, aerosol containers, and signs are not permitted inside the museum. 
  • No pets: Pets are not allowed inside the museum, except for registered service animals.
Person tying purple sneakers next to high heels on wooden floor.
  • Use the guided tour to orient yourself in the museum: The museum contains multiple floors and extensive galleries covering politics, culture, innovation, and everyday life.
  • Take note of exhibits you want to revisit later: The tour introduces many important artifacts in a limited timeframe. If a particular gallery or artifact interests you, make a note so you can return and explore it in more detail after the guided portion.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking between galleries: Even a focused 2.5-hour tour involves walking through several large exhibition halls. Comfortable footwear will make it easier to enjoy the experience without feeling fatigued.
  • Ask your guide for additional exhibit recommendations: Guides are very familiar with the museum’s collections and can suggest exhibits worth visiting after the tour.
  • Plan extra time after the tour to explore: Many visitors find that the guided tour sparks interest in exhibits they didn’t expect. Setting aside extra time afterward allows you to revisit galleries and explore sections of the museum at your own pace.

Frequently asked questions about the Smithsonian National Museum of American History tickets

General admission to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History is free as part of the Smithsonian Institution. Guided tour tickets typically cover the service of a professional guide and a curated experience through the museum’s highlights.

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