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Smithsonian Institution Building

1000 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington DC, DC 20013-7012 (National Mall)
202 633 1000
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As featured in Washington DC on a budget
Ranked #2 of 228 attractions in Washington DC
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Type: Museums, Zoos
Activities: City walk sightseeing
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: 1-2 hours
Owner description: The world's largest museum and research complex is actually comprised of 15 specialty museums, and other affiliates, with subjects that vary from... more » Owner description: The world's largest museum and research complex is actually comprised of 15 specialty museums, and other affiliates, with subjects that vary from African Art to the postal service, sculpture to space exploration. « less
Useful Information: Activities for young children, Activities for older children
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2,006 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Pflugerville, Texas
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2013 NEW

There really is nothing much to see on the inside so go to get a map of all the museums and the beauty of the architecture and the grounds around it. Beautiful photo ops.

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See 3 more reviews by beachdreamer1117 for Washington DC
Lyons, Georgia
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013 NEW

There is a treasured historical viewpoint that was discovered about many topics immaginationfor those inquiring minds. The unusual Hope Diamond has a history that others want to avoid at all cases. There is more than one visit to Washington,D.C. to see what they missed. I would recommend Smithisonian Institution for all inquiring minds.

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See 3 more reviews by 244ReneeT for Washington DC
Calgary, Canada
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013 NEW

It was overwhelming and interesting and an overall great experience. We went to the Museum of American History and Space and Air. Both were excellent. Easy to find. Lots of people to answer questions, great for all ages, something for everyone.

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See 5 more reviews by hpalardy for Washington DC
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2013 NEW

The Smithsonian is not one building and not all buildings are on the Mall. Suggest you look online at what each museum offers and what interests you. This Castle was interesting and does not take too long to go thru.

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Hong Kong, China
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2013 NEW

Could take days to get through. Bring comfy shoes and download the iphone map App. There is a food court in Space museum among others. Great place to bring the kids.

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See 5 more reviews by Aly S for Washington DC
Whitby, Ontario, Canada
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2013 NEW

Would have liked more time to see more of them. Great historical artifacts and the gems and minerals exhibit was awesome

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See 2 more reviews by Julie Y for Washington DC
Pensacola, Florida
Top Contributor
133 reviews 133 reviews
42 attraction reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2013

I think many of the reviews here are misplaced as this is NOT an actual museum (save for a few exhibits). It is a very cool structure along the Mall that houses an information desk and some info about James Smithson. As with virtually everything else in the area, this is free.

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See 9 more reviews by Chris A for Washington DC
NJ
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2013

Too many other people on this wonderful weather weekend. Nice that exhibits are changed often. We had a nice lunch. The dresses of the First Ladies was nice.

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See 2 more reviews by Stanley G for Washington DC
Chicago, Illinois
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013

Loved this museum! Thought I could have spent days there! Don't miss it! Loved the First Ladies Dresses, Kermit the Frog, the dress from Wicked, The Emancipation Proclamation, of course the Star Spangled Banner exhibit was amazing!

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See 3 more reviews by Gradelady for Washington DC
Ship Channel Key-Bahamas
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013

Which ever Smithsonian Building you go into, you will be impressed. The Air and Space, in particular is incredible.

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See 2 more reviews by DaveJ8563 for Washington DC

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