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National Museum of American History
History Museum
Northwest Washington, Washington
Has a stamp of approval from Michelin Travel & Lifestyle and AFAR Media
"The exhibit for Star Spangled Banner is truly awesome."(9 Tips)
"Great to see all of the history of this country displayed so well."(18 Tips)
"Check out the first ladies exhibit with all the inaugural gowns."(7 Tips)
"gowns and the pop culture exhibits before the crowds."(9 Tips)
330 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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The Ritz-CarltonOctober 31, 2013Unearth 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 Aug 8
Allison KasicJune 26, 2016They 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.
The OnionOctober 30, 2010When 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 Aug 17
Yasaman MahdianAugust 16, 2019Truly worth the visit! Don’t miss a corner! Very interesting and informative! It’s literally seeing American history in few hours!
KarenMay 29, 2022Absolutely amazing, inspiring, and fun museum. Do not miss the star spangled banner exhibit. Will make you shout "oh, my god!" at some point.
Michael GalusMarch 10, 2017This 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!
Guido GybelsSeptember 2, 2016Somewhat 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.
DmtrOctober 20, 2015Extremely interesting exhibition on The American Automobile industry (1st floor) & American Presidency (3rd floor). This museum and the Space one are my favorite in DC
Slightly PerfectAugust 17, 2017I 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.
Brittany | @2legit2brittAugust 31, 2014This 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.
Rachel AlexanderOctober 8, 2016So 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.- Andrea CAugust 11, 2014The 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!
Alma LealAugust 13, 2016It'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.
Lizzie HatfieldMarch 30, 2016A 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.- Nela LichtscheidlNovember 18, 2013Honestly, 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.
AFAR MediaAugust 4, 2014This 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
IWalked Audio ToursMay 30, 2013Recognized 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
- Jenna Rose RobbinsNovember 15, 2013My 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.
_November 6, 2014Best 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.
Cole TOctober 30, 2017An 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
Military Discounts CentralFebruary 22, 2012So 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.
Paola GuerreroJanuary 5, 2014The American spirit lives on in this museum! Proud to have visited and appreciated the struggles we have endured to arrive at this point in history. God bless the USA.
Dwayne KilbourneApril 15, 2013You 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!
National Museum of American HistoryJanuary 21, 2014Tuesday, 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.
- National Museum of American HistoryDecember 26, 2013We'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.
Shravan ArasJuly 28, 2013Check 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.
Black Family ReunionsMarch 27, 2016Photo of a moving, lifelike scene from the Vietnam War. A must see as you make your way through this museum.
- Josh E.September 30, 2014The 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.
Byron WilkesDecember 22, 2015Pretty 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.- National Museum of American HistoryJuly 26, 2013Did 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
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.
Erman ErbakNovember 24, 2019200 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...
Shannon HorstDecember 9, 2015If your near by you must stop in. It's a wonderful way to spend an afternoon and it's free to get in!
NinaApril 30, 2012The 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
Laura SwiftSeptember 16, 2013If you're going to spend time at any smithsonian, this is the one to go to. So much amazing history.
Jorge PerezJune 20, 2016Places 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.
George ZinkgrafApril 4, 2016Anything 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
Maggie MacGDecember 23, 2015This museum has awesome rotating exhibits, including a civil rights exhibit a couple of years ago with the Selma lunch counter.
Jenny KMarch 24, 2016The best Smithsonian! Tons of great exhibits including Americana (Dorothy's ruby slippers, cotton gin, first telephone and lightbulb).
Chris MunnsJune 17, 2016Some really great exhibits and a nice flow from one to the next. Expect crowds, especially of younger kids with little supervision.
Lisa BernarducciApril 14, 2017We 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.
The Transit NavigatorSeptember 25, 2011A 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!
Ellie PinesAugust 29, 2014It'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.- National Museum of American HistoryOctober 11, 2012Dorothy's ruby slippers return to exhibition on November 21. In the meantime, enjoy objects related to Celia Cruz, "the Queen of Salsa," near the Mall entrance.
- Nichole BrezinaJanuary 11, 2016Loved 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.
- National Museum of American HistoryOctober 17, 2013Good morning! Smithsonian museums will reopen to the public today (Oct. 17) and the Smithsonian's National Zoo will reopen on Friday.
Marcel VisserJune 12, 2016Everything to see from housing to transportation to the history of marketing.. A fun and educational experience.
HISTORYApril 1, 2010The museum first opened in 1964, and among the items on display are the original Star-Spangled Banner and Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz.
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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 (Show more)
- Mon–Sun
- 10:00 AM–5:30 PM
(202) 633-3383
Features
Credit Cards
Yes
Wi-Fi
Free
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Places inside National Museum of American History
- 8.5
"Cannot believe that you can still see this flag! Just very neat to be so close to such an inspirational part of American history."
Kaitlin - 7.7
"Hi-ho! The original, collarless version of who would eventually become an international superstar. Very cool."
Andrew Koenig - 7.1
"A foodie's paradise! After admiring all the wares, be sure to watch some of the videos too."
Psychic Soulfull
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- 8.8
"Very historically informative in a tasteful way. All graphic images/information is blocked off so you can make the choice of what to see. Excellent museum."
Lauren Millard - 8.7
"Beautiful gardens to sit and read a book in the morning. Nice and peaceful, with some really quiet corners."
Hilsdon Photography LLC - 8.2
"The cafe great. Museum very disappointing. Of all the great things to learn and art of our native North Americans this museum misses. Building is beautiful."
Richard Revilla
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- 9.3
"It's fun & educational. A must go spot if you are traveling with young children. Both adults and children. Will enjoy it."
Ann - 9.5
"Beautiful spot in Washington, great view of DC, very well kept, Illumination during the night is amazing!! You need a ticket to enter into the monument."
Guillodf - 9.2
"Try to go early. It gets pretty packed in the afternoon. Great exhibits. My faves were Exploring the Planets, Amelia Earhart, and the one w/ the ISS."
Christine L
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