I've been to this museum several times over the past 20 years, and I have to say I was really disappointed in my last visit. My favorite exhibit - The First Lady exhibit - was greatly abbreviated from its former self. You used to be able to see the inaugural gowns of every first lady from Martha Washington to the... more

The American History museum is amazing. The remodel is fantastic and there is tons to see. Don't skip this fantastic display of history. Most engaging museum on the national mall. more

Great Museum lots of variety in the displays. The Abe Lincoln section and the Presidents exhibition were fantasic. The TV and Sporting memorabilia exhibits were great, but I think they could make that exhibit bigger and better. Similarly the exhibits in the ground floor like the C3-PO costume and the likes were really interesting but I'm sure the Smithsonian would... more

The renovated displays tell a story but the displays don't contain very many actual artifacts. I felt that I could read a book or go to a regular museum and get the same info. Gee - the Smithsonians should be the ones with the good artifacts or memorabilia, not a photo or reproduction. The big display on Inventions was crummy.... more

Perhaps this Museum is still being refurbished inside. At this time it is not even close to what we remember from previous visits. I certainly hope once completed it will be better. Otherwise, it pales in comparison of it’s former self. more

I will say that this museum could be better. Many of the exhibits just didn't appeal to me. I didn't really get anything out of First Ladies (my wife liked it), America on the Move - about the history of transortation in America (lots of old cars and trains to look at), science exhibit (light bulbs and power generators), or... more

I visited on a Wednesday, the last week in July of 2009, and it was my first trip to D.C.; I have to say that I was immensely impressed. Had no idea the museum had been recently renovated, but that explains the fresh displays, modern restrooms, and expansive gift shop. Arrived about 11 a.m. and could have stayed the rest... more

Back in the 1970s and 80s, this was a truly great museum. In the late 80s and 90s, the museum decided that lots and lots and lots of Americana and exhibits under glass or in display cases was old fashioned and they took out many of the exhibits--replacing them with hands-on stuff small kids might like but truly alienating people... more

I had visited the museum several times in the past and always found it to be an eclectic and interesting place. But the re-design leaves much to be desired. The museum is brighter now and, in some ways easier to navigate. But it also lacks vitality. An example: The section of "Thanks for the memories" about entertainers was a barely... more