National Museum of American History

National Museum of American History

National Museum of American History
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
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.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area

Address
Neighborhood: National Mall
How to get there
  • Federal Triangle • 4 min walk
  • Smithsonian • 6 min walk
Reach out directly

See what travelers are saying

  • Boyd J
    Maleny, Australia1,780 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very Interesting Museum
    The museum present American History in themed exhibitions. I particularly enjoyed / appreciated the America at War gallery, the War of Independence and Civil War exhibits and the Sports and Entertainment galleries. Some of the highlights for me were Lincoln’s top hat that he wore to the Booth Theatre on the night he was assassinated, Custer’s buckskin coat, Ulysses S. Grant’s sabre and campaign hat and the possessions of famous sports persons and movie props. Spent the better part of a day here.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 23, 2024
  • Adamj7777
    London, United Kingdom148 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting items, beware the cost of the cafe.
    Interesting displays (with most interpretation boards in both English and Spanish). A good range of topics on display in the galleries and some very interesting artefacts. Cafe was the most expensive (eye watering) of all those I have been to at the Smithsonian museums and options for vegetarians are really limited to the salad bar.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written March 1, 2024
  • Jarrod B
    Dunedin, New Zealand273 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Some really interesting things in here, and some really cool nostalgia in here too.
    There are a lot of different areas of interest here. my wife and daughter went in one direction, I went in the other, and we met outside when we were finished LOL. I found the invention, innovation, transport areas very interesting. But, the must do for me is the Pop Culture exhibit. Full of nostalgia, and some pretty cool exhibits. We went on Good Friday afternoon and found the museum was fairly quiet. I don't know if this is normal, but it was easy to get around and see the things I wanted to see. The Star Spangled Banner exhibit is really nice.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written March 30, 2024
  • USASUN
    Zurich, Switzerland261 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great museum
    We really liked this museum. We learned a lot about the development of the USA and were able to discover many achievements. It is varied and divided into different areas. We particularly admired the large steam locomotive. The Food exhibition about the development of eating habits over the last few decades was also interesting. A diverse museum for everyone, it is highly recommended.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 17, 2024
  • moodblu
    West Valley City, Utah1,652 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Much more there than we had time for
    The Smithsonian was one of our stops on a recent US History Tour. We had 4 hours on our tour schedule for museums, and we split our time between two of the museums and lunch. One of the two we went to was the Museum of American History. The time we spent were about cultural history, and most of what we looked at were related to entertainment, sports, etc. My husband was delighted to see Sandy Koufax’s mitt on display. My favorite thing was the sign from M*A*S*H pointing out the distances to home locations. I would have liked to have spent longer there and visit more of the exhibit areas. There was a security check upon entering the museum.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 6, 2024
  • gefilte63
    Beachwood, Ohio749 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wow! What a Collection
    There is really something here for almost everyone. There are sections that deal with military history, popular culture, presidents, diversity, etc. Lots of famous things to see like Dorothy's ruby slippers, the inaugural dresses of the first ladies, and even a stuffed pigeon that saved the "Lost Battalion" in WWI. Lots of staff around, although they do not always know the answers to questions about the museum. We spent a few hours and could only see a portion of the collection.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 22, 2024
  • travelinspiration
    Dallas, Texas383 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    WOW - our favorite place in D.C.!!!
    I knew from researching this museum would be our favorite but our entire family was blown away by how much there truly is to see!!! ALL of it absolutely magnificent!!!! To make the most of our time - we did a private tour with Babylon, it is expensive but we splurged since had limited time in D.C. I would highly recommend NOT missing this museum if in D.C area!!!
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written June 11, 2024
  • Andrew Tsui
    San Diego, California282 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very Busy, Interesting Exhibition Curation and Organization
    This museum thoroughly covers every facet of American History and culture, from presidential artifacts to American Life in the 18th-20th Centuries and items from Pop Culture. Rather than by chronology, the Smithsonian chose to arrange the exhibits by themes which was a breath of fresh air. The artifacts were numerous, often coupled with interactive displays and devices, and were accompanied by exhaustive descriptions. As expected, there were many school tours visiting the museum. Although this certainly added an atmosphere, there were certain rowdy groups that severely disrespected other guests and exhibits. Highlights include the original American flag referenced in Francis Scott Key's 'Star Spangled Banner' (first thing upon entry), the neoclassical muscular sculpture of George Washington, Lincoln's hat pre-assassination, and Dorothy's shoes from Wizard of Oz.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written June 12, 2024
  • Kim C
    La Crosse, Wisconsin889 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was actually my favorite museum!!!!
    I stopped in here to see a few things that weren't actually on display any more, as they rotate their displays. But I started on the top floor and worked my way down and I was hooked - so much history to see and review. So many people contributed to what we know and love as our country. Lincoln's hat, Washington's suit, Hamilton suit (the musical), Prince's guitar, Presidential china, dresses worn by First Ladies, the original flag from the Star Spangled Banner, etc. Not to mention the military outfits, cannons, wagons, boats, etc. You will find something here for everyone in the family!
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written June 12, 2024
  • I W
    Leicestershire, United Kingdom354 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wide range of American history
    We only were able to spend 2 hours at this museum but could have easily spent twice as long. There was such a wide and eclectic collection of items on American history. As a Brit, what I found most interesting was the story behind the Stars and Stripes.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles5,131 reviews
Excellent
3,059
Very good
1,320
Average
540
Poor
171
Terrible
41

These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Richard K
Fort Collins, CO316 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Family
My most recent visit took place in June of 2023. This was a continuation examining every single item. It's a fascinating museum that displays our lives in America. Each hall takes at least an hour to view the items and read about them.

I recommend the pop culture hall (Entertainment Nation) featuring items like Mr. Rogers' sweater and Fonzie's leather jacket. America on the Move focuses on how we travel from the late 19th century until today.

On top of the exhibitions, we took advantage of the museum's cafeteria. After a display of lunchboxes through the ages, we ended up getting chicken strips and fries. For $11.50, it wasn't much different than a similar meal at a Red Robin.
Written July 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mike
Orlando, FL145 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Friends
A large and detailed museum about the United States of America and it's rich history. Admission is free, and they didn't require timed-entry reservations when I visited. There are 3 huge floors of intriguing exhibits, so plan at least a hour (probably more) if you want to see everything. There are 2 cafes inside and an extensive gift shop. The museum itself displays the fascinating history and culture of America. While many exhibits here might seem to focus more on culture than history, it shows how culture shaped, defined, and influenced America. Recent events are also covered, which gives you a good picture of what exactly made America what it is today. The exhibits are well curated and presented beautifully. I definitely recommend if you are interested in history or America in general. The quote on the second floor wall sums up the museum well, "the nation we build together". This resonates with how every contribution made by American citizens has shaped this country.
Written December 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Robert D
Brooklyn, New York5,379 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 • Solo
I spent several hours at the National Museum of American History. There is a lot to see on a wide variety of subjects. Don't miss "Entertainment Nation" which features a variety of things that entertained Americans from the 19th to the 21st centuries. I'm sure you will recognize the objects in my photos from that exhibit.

Stanley is an experimental robot vehicle that can drive without anyone behind the wheel or at remote controls. It was made in 2004 to be used when IEDs make manned vehicles dangerous. Also on display was a prop genie bottle from "I Dream of Jeannie", 1965-70. It was a gift from Barbara Eden to the museum.

One of their new exhibits was "Forensic Science on Trial". I saw a copy of a DNA autoradiograph used in the O.J. Simpson trial, 1994-95. The "Change YOUR Game" exhibit featured sports inventions. You can see inventions that were designed to protect athletes.

From technology to entertainment to historical artifacts, there is plenty to see in this museum.
Written January 20, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Julie R
Wilmington, IL2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Family
We entered the museum on the first floor, and just sort of started wandering through the first exhibits we came to - inventions, America in Motion, etc. We found them to be both enlightening and entertaining, as are most Smithsonian Museums.

If we had had more time and I had had more stamina we probably would have taken in more. But that just gives us a reason to go back. The one main problem, which is true for all of downtown DC, is the lack of parking and not even having a dedicated location to accessibility drop off and pick up.
Written November 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Antonio
Cottbus, Germany320 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Solo
The museum is large and in my opinion you should choose one of the many changing exhibitions. Otherwise you will spend the whole day there and maybe not have seen everything. 😃
Admission is free, like in many museums in Washington.
Interactive stations are rare if you don't take into account the recordings available.
The shops have a good selection, not necessarily connected to the exhibitions.
Google
Written August 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Southwest_Gaucho
Lake Havasu City, AZ1,276 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Solo
Spent most of a day here by myself and was not able to see all of the exhibits. Looks like I'll have to go back on a future visit and spend another hour or two there to see the rest of the displays.

Everything was nicely done and the flow on exhibits seemed logical. The transportation and food section were well done as well as the history of how the country started.

Would have given the museum a 5 rating instead of 4 but didn't appreciate the small group tours (less than 10 people) that were highlighting sections of the museum and would just push you aside at a display as if you weren't there. Unsure if these groups were lead by outside function or museum docents but it was rude and made me feel like my time was important or valuable.
Written July 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

psudino
Weehawken, NJ4,482 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Family
Here's the TL;DR: Try and give yourself a day here, otherwise you will feel like you are missing out.

This museum is HUGE! The number of exhibits, the diversity of the exhibits and the outstanding way guests are ushered into various themed rooms is simply wonderful. Talking about this museum would take several paragraphs and you are here for that.

My two favorite sections were the money room and and the very intimate exhibit of famously high end instruments.
Written August 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

djinnooi
Sydney351 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 • Family
The American History museum had a wide range of items on display when we visited. Some highlights were the flag that inspired the Star-Spangled Banner, Lincoln’s top hat and Julia Child’s kitchen. Unfortunately, a number of rooms were under renovation at the time, so the only item we saw from the entertainment industry was Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz.

Lunch in the museum cafeteria was pricy. Pre-packed sandwiches cost over USD12, while the salad bar and I think also some hot food options were available for USD16/pound. There are no scales for weighing how much is on your plate until you go to pay, though, so how much you’ll be paying is anybody’s guess till then. After some bad experiences with street vendors in New York, though, and unsure as to what would otherwise be available for lunch nearby, we prefer to eat in museums, where we know that at least our money will go towards supporting the museum’s activities.
Written April 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Traveller
New York City, NY3,324 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
I visited the National Museum of American History in August 2021. I went during midday on a weekday. I have been here many times before and always enjoy it. This time the museum was too crowded although it was quick to enter and go through security. Everybody had masks on but it was difficult to social distance. I went to my favorite exhibit which is "The Price of Freedom" and the history of America's wars. However it was just too crowded so I rushed through it. There was a special exhibit on Spanish / Hispanic baseball and baseball players called "Plei Bol!" which was interesting. I decided to move on after that. I hope next time I go to the museum that it is a little less crowded.
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sol R
Sweden134 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Family
Very good museum to start with. It gives a good insight into American history and their gifts. The staff was very nice and told exactly what to see and where it was. In the museum there are many cool things, for example Dorothy's shoes from the Wizard of Oz, as well as Abraham Lincoln's hat that he had on the day he died. Also take the time to check out the different films made in the museum because they are very well made and cover a lot.
Google
Written November 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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