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Eleven museums are located along the National Mall in Washington, D.C., six others and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are nearby, two are in New York City, and two more are in the works.

Washington DC Tourism

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Smithsonian Institution Museums in Washington, DC | Washington DC

The Smithsonian Institution consists of world-class museums, galleries and a zoo in DC. Learn about everything from the origins of man to the future of flight.

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Explore the Best of Smithsonian Museums | Washington DC - YouTube

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Who knew learning about the mail could be so fun ...

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One of the most unique museums in the Washington, D.C. ...

One small step for man, one giant leap for our National Air and ...

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Smithsonian museums in DC reopening after government shutdown - ...

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Smithsonian Institution

group of museums and research centers administered by the United States government

si.edu

The Smithsonian Institution (/smɪθˈsoʊniən/ smith-SOH-nee-ən; or simply the Smithsonian) is a group of museums, education and research centers, created by the United States federal government "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge". … Wikipedia

Factsheet

Established August 10, 1846; 179 years ago (1846-08-10)

Location Washington, D.C.; Chantilly, Virginia; New York City; Suitland, Maryland

Chancellor John Roberts

Factsheet

Established August 10, 1846; 179 years ago (1846-08-10)

Location Washington, D.C.; Chantilly, Virginia; New York City; Suitland, Maryland

Chancellor John Roberts

Smithsonian Institution

si.edu

Smithsonian Institution | Home

View guides for the Smithsonian's 17 free Washington, D.C.–area museums and zoo—plus two museums in NYC. Admission is free at all locations except Cooper Hewitt in NYC.

Smithsonian Institution

si.edu › visit

Plan Your Smithsonian Visit | Smithsonian Institution

Eleven museums are located along the National Mall in Washington, D.C., six others and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are nearby, two are in New York City, and two more are in the works. ... Monday, Nov. 17, all Smithsonian museums, research centers, and public buildings will be open at their regular times. Guides to the Smithsonian's 17 free DC-area museums and zoo—plus two museums in NYC.

TMHDC

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Everything To Know About The Smithsonian Museums - TMHDC

September 27, 2024 - Visiting the Smithsonian Institution — the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex — is one of the top things to do while in Washington, DC. The Institution holds around 155 million objects, works of art, and specimens throughout its facilities.

Trolley Tours

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Ultimate Smithsonian Museum Guide To Washington DC

March 16, 2023 - Founded in 1846 when President James K. Polk signed its establishing legislation, the Smithsonian Institution owes its existence to the estate of British scientist James Smithson. For nearly 200 years, the Smithsonian has championed the expansion of knowledge, growing to include nearly 20 museums and galleries, with 17 calling Washington, D.C.

Wikipedia

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Smithsonian Institution - Wikipedia

2 weeks ago - The Smithsonian Institution has historical holdings of over 157 million items, 21 museums, 21 libraries, 14 education and research centers, a zoo, and historical and architectural landmarks, mostly located in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho

crapo.senate.gov › services › tours › smithsonian-museums

Smithsonian Museums | U.S. Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho

But what some fail to recognize is that the Smithsonian is actually the world's largest museum complex and research organization. It comprises 19 museums and nine research centers.

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Washington DC Tourism

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An Overview of the Smithsonian Institution Museums in Washington, DC | Washington DC

Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building ... Smithsonian Institution, the now world-renowned museum and research complex consists of 17 museums and galleries in Washington, DC, including the National Zoo....

Fairfax County Tourism

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DC Area Smithsonian Museums | Fairfax County, VA

The Institution was founded in ... complex. ... The Smithsonian's footprint in the DC area includes 19 museums and galleries and the National Zoological Park....

Tripadvisor

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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (2026) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is a must-visit for many travelers, thanks to its free admission and high-quality exhibits that offer educational value. Its prime location on the National Mall makes it easily accessible.

Call +1 202-633-1000

Address 10th Street and Constitution Ave, Washington DC, DC 20560

(4.5)

Facebook

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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History | Washington D.C. DC | Facebook

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History · Join us as we explore the natural world and our place in it. Legal: http://s.si.edu/legal · Page · History Museum · 10th St. & Constitution Ave.

Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org › wiki › List_of_Smithsonian_museums

List of Smithsonian museums - Wikipedia

September 19, 2025 - The Smithsonian museums are the ... as well as the National Zoological Park. 17 of these collections are located in Washington, D.C., with 11 of those located on the National Mall....

Museums

Smithsonian Institution

si.edu › visit › maps

Museum Maps | Smithsonian Institution

Map showing Smithsonian museums located around the perimeter of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., from 3rd to 15th Streets between Constitution and Independence Avenues, approximately 1 mile (1.6 km).

reddit.com › r/washingtondc › which of the smithsonian museums do you recommend most?

r/washingtondc on Reddit: Which of the Smithsonian museums do you recommend most?

March 17, 2022 -

I am planning a visit to one of the Smithsonian museums tomorrow (Thursday) in DC, but I am still undecided which one is the most worth. Based on the museums' schedules, the National Museum of American History and the National Postal Museum will be closed. The National Museum of African American History and Culture requires reserving a timed-entry pass, which none are available for tomorrow. One thing to keep in mind is that my knee is slightly crippled from over-walking this past week, so hopefully a museum that is not overwhelmingly huge and long would suffice.

Anacostia Community Museum
Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(Closed Sunday through Tuesday)

Arts and Industries Building
Open through July 6, 2022
Thursday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday until 7 p.m.
(Closed Monday through Wednesday)

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Thursday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
(Closed Monday through Wednesday)
Sculpture Garden open daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

National Air and Space Museum
Open March 11–27
Thursday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
(Closed Monday through Wednesday)

National Air and Space Museum Steven F.
Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia
Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

National Museum of African American
History and Culture
Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
(Closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Reserve Free Passes »

National Museum of African Art
Thursday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
(Closed Monday through Wednesday)

National Museum of American History
Friday through Tuesday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
(Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays)

National Museum of the American Indian (DC)
Thursday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
(Closed Monday through Wednesday)

National Museum of Asian Art
Thursday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
(Closed Monday through Wednesday)

National Museum of Natural History
Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
(Closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Starting March 14, open seven days

National Portrait Gallery and
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Thursday through Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
(Closed Monday through Wednesday)

National Postal Museum
Friday through Tuesday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
(Closed Wednesday and Thursday)

Renwick Gallery of the
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Thursday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
(Closed Monday through Wednesday)
Closed until Friday, May 13

Smithsonian Institution Building (Castle)
Open daily 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Smithsonian's National Zoo
Thursday through Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
(Closed Monday through Wednesday)
Starting March 14, open seven days
Reserve Free Passes »

Smithsonian Gardens
Haupt Garden open daily dawn to dusk
All others open 24 hours

Top answer

1 of 29

The National Art Gallery is pretty incredible and they have seating scattered around. When I went a couple weeks ago it was east to find an open bench. Since American History will be closed, Air and Space and Natural History would be my recommendations. I haven’t been to Air and Space in a few years so I’m not sure what it’s like now with construction going on, but Natural History has seating but was extremely crowded when I went a couple weeks ago. Totally worth it though, it’s one of my favorite museums ever.

2 of 29

Be prepared for students and crowds, it's spring break week for many places, and field trip season. My mom and I went to The National Museum of American History on Tuesday, and it was a zoo. A really cool zoo, but still a zoo. Highly recommend that museum though

Stateplaza

stateplaza.com › things-to-do › smithsonian-institution

Museums of the Smithsonian Institution - Tours, Exhibits, Art

November 17, 2025 - Home > Explore DC > Smithsonian ... million artifacts and pieces of art, the Smithsonian Institute is the largest museum and research complex in the world....

House

morelle.house.gov › visiting-washington-dc › smithsonian-museums

Smithsonian Museums | Representative Morelle

November 29, 2022 - Postal Museum 2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE · Open daily from 10am-5:30pm · Renwick Gallery 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Open daily from 10am-5:30pm · Smithsonian Institution Building, The Castle 1000 Jefferson Drive, SW Open daily from 8am-5:30pm ...

Encyclopedia Britannica

britannica.com › lifestyles & social issues › education › museums

Smithsonian Institution | Washington, D.C., Building, Funding, New York, Museums, History, & Nation’s Attic | Britannica

July 20, 1998 - The Smithsonian Institution is a complex based in Washington, D.C., that includes 19 museums, the National Zoo, and 14 research and education centers. It houses an extensive collection of objects reflecting U.S.

Google Arts & Culture

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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, United States — Google Arts & Culture

Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History seeks to understand the natural world and our place in it. We curate an irreplaceable archive of Earth’s physical, cultural, and biological ...

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

naturalhistory.si.edu › visit

Visit | Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Metro The closest Metro stations to the museum are the Federal Triangle Metro station, located on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines; the Archives/Navy Memorial station on the Green and Yellow lines; and the Metro Center station on the Red line. View a map of the closest Metro stations. Parking There are no Smithsonian Institution public parking facilities on the National Mall.