best smithsonian museums

Which of the Smithsonian museums do you recommend most?

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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. Answer from bearface93 on reddit.com

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

Videos

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18 Things to See at the Smithsonian Museum of American History ...

December 31, 2023

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11 Insider Tips for Washington DC Museums - YouTube

TOP 10 BEST Smithsonian Museum in Chicago, IL - Updated 2026 - Yelp

"A fine addition to the Ravinia Business District, the Gallery is worth a visit to view or purchase some of the best Judaica items around." more ... "I really love this idea and I'm glad it's a service the museum can afford to provide for free." more ... "As a Smithsonian affiliate, I wish they would step in and help. TLDR: this museum doesn't compete..." more ... "Good foresight by someone. I love museums and galleries. And I really love "Outsider Art", even..." more ... Got search feedback? Help us improve. ... See more smithsonian museum in Chicago.

Discussions

How do Chicago's museums compare to the Smithsonian in DC? What does Chicago have that DC (and other similar large cities) do not?

The shedd is considered to be one of the best aquariums in the world, and I believe the best that’s not on an ocean. One of the few places you can see whales on display. More on reddit.com

r/AskChicago

27

0

November 24, 2024

What's a good idea for a Smithsonian museum?

National Museum of Music and the Performing Arts

More on reddit.com

r/washingtondc

33

3

August 23, 2021

Which of the Smithsonian museums do you recommend most?

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. More on reddit.com

r/washingtondc

44

55

March 17, 2022

Going to the Smithsonian museums for the first time in ages--where would be the best/most affordable place to park?

Seriously consider the Metro to Smithsonian metro station and walking. Parking in the city is a massive headache. More on reddit.com

r/washingtondc

22

0

April 20, 2022

Trolley Tours

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Ultimate Smithsonian Museum Guide To Washington DC

March 16, 2023 - The National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located in Chantilly, Virginia. The National Museum of the American Indian’s George Gustav Heye Center and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum are located in New York City. ... We use cookies to give you the best experience.

Tripadvisor

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Chicago's Smithsonian - Review of Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL - Tripadvisor

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry: Chicago's Smithsonian - See 11,317 traveler reviews, 4,656 candid photos, and great deals for Chicago, IL, at Tripadvisor. Hard to describe due to the variety of exhibits. IMAX Theater, space capsules, coal mines, 707 airplane, 1930s locomotive, old main street, model train display, giant heart, giant doll house, special exhibits and that's just the start. Last remaining building from 1893 Columbian Exposition. Food service includes an mediocre and somewhat expensive food court (lunch only), vending machines and a good ice cream parlor. But you come fo

Rating: 5

Wonderful Museums

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Smithsonian Museum Chicago: Navigating Chicago's World-Class Museums Amidst a Common Misconception - Wonderful Museums

November 26, 2025 - If your desire for a “Smithsonian Museum Chicago” involved exploring the incredible diversity of life on Earth, especially underwater, then the Shedd is an absolute must-see. It’s not just an aquarium; it’s a leading institution in aquatic research, conservation, and education, making it a peer to the best ...

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Classickiaonline

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Exploring Chicago's Smitsonian Museum of Science and Industry | Uncategorized

Yep, pretty cool! But that’s not all there is to love about our state, there’s the Smithsonian Center for Science and Industry, a mere hop skip and jump away in Chicago! Let’s get exploring and see some highlights of the museum’s current and rotating offerings.

Call +18472326246

Address 425 North Green Bay Road, 60085, Waukegan

Smithsonian Magazine

smithsonianmag.com

Smithsonian Magazine: Explore History, Science, Arts & Culture

Long-overlooked documents housed at London’s Natural History Museum testify to the exchange of information between 18th-century European botanists and their Indigenous counterparts January 8, 2026

reddit.com › r/askchicago › how do chicago's museums compare to the smithsonian in dc? what does chicago have that dc (and other similar large cities) do not?

r/AskChicago on Reddit: How do Chicago's museums compare to the Smithsonian in DC? What does Chicago have that DC (and other similar large cities) do not?

November 24, 2024 -

I'm planning a weeklong trip to chicago next month and trying to figure out what's worth seeing. As a DC native, I'm familiar with the Smithsonian and love the museums. I know Chicago has some great ones, like the Field museum and MSI and such... but I'm wondering if it's still worth my time (and money) to visit? Looking online, I'm not seeing anything I couldn't see for free in DC, but I know pictures may not be the whole story. What should I go see that I can't see back at home in DC? For reference, I enjoy industrial kinds of thingsI as well as all things nature

A few things I do plan on visiting:

The FED
Millenium Park
Horween leather co
union station
navy pier
still in progress!

Since I'm asking, I know crime can be an issue, and I'm aware it's overblown by the media, but I'm wondering if like DC, there are places where you shouldn't venture as a tourist, places where incidents may be more likely.

I'm also planning on using CTA entirely for transporation throughout my trip, so any feedback on the system would be appreciated.

Just for fun, any cheap eats recommendations? What's worth splurging on? Is deep dish overhyped?

Top answer

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The shedd is considered to be one of the best aquariums in the world, and I believe the best that’s not on an ocean. One of the few places you can see whales on display.

2 of 5

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Add the Chicago architecture center river cruise to top of your list!

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.

Griffinmsi

griffinmsi.org

Home Page | Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Welcome to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry—one of the largest science centers in the Western Hemisphere.

Wonderful Museums

wonderfulmuseums.com › home › smithsonian museums ranked: unpacking the best experiences for every visitor

smithsonian museums ranked: Unpacking the Best Experiences for Every Visitor - Wonderful Museums

November 4, 2025 - The exhibits challenge preconceived notions and offer a deeply respectful and informative look at the immense diversity and resilience of Indigenous peoples across the Western Hemisphere. And seriously, the Mitsitam Cafe there? It’s phenomenal. Best museum food in D.C., hands down. Navigating the Smithsonian complex efficiently can make all the difference between an exhausting trek and an enriching adventure.

Smithsonian Institution

si.edu › spotlight › illinois

Explore America: Illinois | Smithsonian Institution

The Home Insurance Building in Chicago is considered the world's first skyscraper, completed in 1885. Clyde W. Tombaugh, an Illinois native, discovered Pluto in 1930. Meanwhile, the Field Museum of Natural History houses Sue, the world’s most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.

Smithsonian Institution

aaa.si.edu › collections › surveys › chicago › field-museum-of-natural-history

Field Museum of Natural History | Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution

Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution · Toggle Main Menu · BBB · Link to Repository Website · Founded in 1893 to preserve specimens displayed at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, The Field Museum is a major museum and research institution devoted to natural history and anthropology.

Tripadvisor

tripadvisor.com › united states › district of columbia (dc) › washington dc › things to do in washington dc › museums in washington dc

THE 10 BEST Museums You'll Want to Visit in Washington DC (2026)

Very few stop into this museum which has a fascinating history of postal service and an exceptional collection of sta... ... There is also an exhibit on Mr. Smithson and how the Smithsonian was founded and developed.

Chicago L

chicago-l.org › museums › smithsonian.html

Chicago ''L''.org: Museums - Smithsonian Museum of American History

Comprised not of restored cars operating on museum tracks or displays of salvaged artifacts hung on carbarn walls, this exhibit seeks to transport visitors back in time for an immersive experience in the bygone days of Chicago rapid transit. The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History (NMAH) has completely renovated of its transportation hall with an installation of a major new exhibition, "America on the Move."

Smithsonian Institution

si.edu › support › impact › in-your-city › illustrated › chicago

Smithsonian in Chicago | Smithsonian Institution

Skip to main content Skip to main navigation · heart-solid My Visit · Smithsonian Institution · Expand Search search close · Smithsonian in Chicago · Published Fall 2023 in IMPACT Vol. 9. No 3 · Support Your Smithsonian arrow-right · Read More Stories of Impact arrow-right · Make A ...

National Museum of American History

americanhistory.si.edu

Home | National Museum of American History

The museum explores and celebrates jazz—America’s homegrown cultural phenomenon—through world-class collections, programs, and performances by our very own Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra. In this video, we answer a question that goes to the heart of this effort: What is jazz?

Bucketlistly

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Best Museums to Visit in Washington DC: My 8 Favorites

July 21, 2025 - Unlike the Space and Aviation Museum, you don't need to book a time slot to visit the art gallery, you can simply show up at the gate and walk right in. Another amazing Smithsonian museum you definitely shouldn't miss is the National Museum of Natural History, which houses a vast collection of items that celebrate the incredible natural world we live in.