Sight guide · Washington, D.C. · United States
Visiting National Museum of American History
The Smithsonian's museum of American life displays the original Star-Spangled Banner that flew over Fort McHenry in 1814, Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, Julia Child's kitchen and a section of the Greensboro lunch counter from the 1960 civil-rights sit-ins.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain
Quick answer
National Museum of American History is a museum in National Mall, Washington, D.C.. Allow 2–3 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Museum
- Area
- National Mall
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- history, free, kids and rainy day
- Best months
- March–May
About National Museum of American History
The Smithsonian's museum of American life displays the original Star-Spangled Banner that flew over Fort McHenry in 1814, Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, Julia Child's kitchen and a section of the Greensboro lunch counter from the 1960 civil-rights sit-ins.
Tip: The Star-Spangled Banner is in a dimly lit chamber at the centre of the second floor; start there, then pick one wing.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2–3 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: National Mall.
Best time to visit National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:
- March: 14°C (57°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, busy crowds.
- May: 24°C (75°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, busy crowds.
- April: 20°C (68°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, very busy crowds.
When to visit Washington, D.C. has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
National Museum of American History is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen National Mall and Lincoln Memorial.
- No. 11 of the 20 sights in our Washington, D.C. things-to-do list.
- Day 3 of the 4-day plan.
- Day 5 of the 5-day plan.
- Day 5 of the 7-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Washington, D.C..
- One of the picks in museums in Washington, D.C..
- One of the picks in washington, D.C. on a rainy day.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Washington, D.C..
- A family favourite in Washington, D.C. with kids.
Near National Museum of American History
Also in National Mall, so you can walk between them:
- National Gallery of Art — 2–3 hours, free
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum — 2–3 hours, free
- National Museum of African American History and Culture — 4–5 hours, free
If you like National Museum of American History
- United States Capitol — Capitol Hill, 1.5–2 hours
- Library of Congress (Jefferson Building) — Capitol Hill, 1–1.5 hours
- Arlington National Cemetery — Arlington, Virginia, 2–3 hours
- Smithsonian's National Zoo — Woodley Park, 3–4 hours
Staying near National Museum of American History
Where to stay in Washington, D.C. compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at National Museum of American History?
Plan 2–3 hours. With National Gallery of Art nearby, it fits a half-day in National Mall.
+Is National Museum of American History free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit National Museum of American History?
March–May, the wettest months, when an indoor sight is most welcome. The Star-Spangled Banner is in a dimly lit chamber at the centre of the second floor; start there, then pick one wing.
+Do I need to book National Museum of American History in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is National Museum of American History good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Washington, D.C.. Washington is one of the best US cities for families on a budget: dinosaurs, the Hope Diamond, space capsules and pandas are all free.