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National Museum of American History

Constitution Ave. NW, Between 12th and 14th Street Constitution Avenue, Washington DC, DC 20560 (Federal Triangle)
202-633-1000
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Ranked #36 of 228 attractions in Washington DC
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Type: History Museums
Activities: Group tours/walking tour, Dining
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: 2-3 hours
Owner description: One of the Smithsonian museums along the Mall, this one has more than 3 million artifacts in its collection—from gowns to locomotives—that reflect and... more » Owner description: One of the Smithsonian museums along the Mall, this one has more than 3 million artifacts in its collection—from gowns to locomotives—that reflect and preserve a record of America’s past. « less
Useful Information: Activities for older children, Activities for young children
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612 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    341
    154
    77
    35
    5
Date Rating
Los Angeles, California
Top Contributor
180 reviews 180 reviews
42 attraction reviews
Reviews in 62 cities Reviews in 62 cities
87 helpful votes 87 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2013 NEW

When planning a visit to this museum, bring your patience. We went at 3pm on a weekday and it seemed like every high school in DC was there....with no chaperones. It is a great museum with really fascinating artifacts and displays but trying to see them with teens that are running around, screaming, hitting each other, and causing general nuisance... More

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See 23 more reviews by melobeam for Washington DC
Thrissur, India
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
31 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2013 NEW

passed by outside only. Complex looks huge. Plus lots of museum stuff in its vicinity. Lot of tulips all around; adding to its attraction.

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See 5 more reviews by akbar sheik h for Washington DC
Pensacola, Florida
Top Contributor
133 reviews 133 reviews
42 attraction reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2013 NEW

In order to see everything and actually take the time to enjoy it, more than one day is needed. Unfortunately for me, every time I have visited this part of DC, I have had family visiting me so they usually want to go to the Museum of Natural History (which is also great) so I have never been able to... More

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See 9 more reviews by Chris A for Washington DC
Manila, Philippines
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013 NEW

A very educational place with several areas of interest. Lots of interesting stuff to see. Nice cafeteria and souvenir shops. However, guards checking bags of visitors will need additional training on basic courtesy. The guy who checked my bag was sarcastic.

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See 3 more reviews by D A for Washington DC
severn, md
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013 NEW

I really love visiting this museum, the remodeled it a little while ago and it looks good. They used to have a earth clock there, but now its gone, I wish they would bring that back.

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See 3 more reviews by djtoohot01 for Washington DC
Maryville, Tennessee
Top Contributor
133 reviews 133 reviews
34 attraction reviews
Reviews in 48 cities Reviews in 48 cities
51 helpful votes 51 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013 NEW

Worth a visit, but an entire wing of the museum is being renovated. Worth a stop by the first lady's dress collection, Dorothy's ruby slippers, Kermit the Frog, and the Star Spangled Banner. You can visit this museum in about an hour and see everything you need to see.

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See 9 more reviews by wmtip for Washington DC
Ottawa, Canada
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013

Lots to see, all of it interesting. Visit one gallery or many. Each one is worth the time. There's a cafeteria with a wide selection in the basement and a cafe and ice cream shop on the main floor.

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See 7 more reviews by TrinketTravels for Washington DC
Perth, Australia
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013

Disappointed with some of the display that insinuated American built / designed when objects weren't. Avoid the food area, over priced

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See 9 more reviews by Clazman for Washington DC
Western Ireland, Ireland
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
41 helpful votes 41 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 2013

This museum gives a history of America that is inspiring. There are many great displays and details about the America that I did not come across before. The museum gives a very balanced view of American history.The detail of the displays are extremely good and I found the experience very satisfying. You need to spend a least a day or... More

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See 6 more reviews by Corajen for Washington DC
Worcester, Massachusetts
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 12, 2013 via mobile

Absolutely loved the exhibits, loved all the little pieces of Americana. I live in an area steeped in US history (Massachusetts) and I loved seeing all the memorabilia they had from the revolutionary war era.

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