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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.

Videos

16:18

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Explore the Best of Smithsonian Museums | Washington DC - YouTube

April 7, 2022

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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 ...

02:48

YouTube

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

November 14, 2025

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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.

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

1 of 5

284

I used to work at the book shop there and people got so annoyed when I told them we couldn't honor their Smithsonian membership discount.

2 of 5

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Being on the Mall is not what makes something a Smithsonian. The Portrait Gallery/Museum of American art ARE Smithsonians and are not on the Mall.

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

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.

Fairfax County Tourism

fxva.com › explore › history › museums › smithsonian

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....

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.

Chicago L

chicago-l.org › museums › smithsonian.html

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

The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is located at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW in Washington DC, and is open daily, from 10am to 5:30pm. The closest Washington Metro subway station are Smithsonian to the south and Federal Triangle to the north.

Tripadvisor

tripadvisor.com › united states › district of columbia (dc) › washington dc › washington dc - things to do › smithsonian national museum of natural history

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: Similar to Chicago Field Museum (yet not as Good) - See 12,658 traveler reviews, 9,161 candid photos, and great deals for Washington DC, DC, at Tripadvisor. Based upon the Smithsonian reputation alone, I was eager to visit the National Museum of Natural History. Being a longtime Chicago resident, I am both very familiar and fond of the Field Museum of Natural History; there's something about seeing ancient timeless artifacts set amidst a display chock full of descriptive information that is oddly appealing to me. Too stuffy and too educational fo

Rating: 3

Facebook

facebook.com › SmithsonianNMNH

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.

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....

Tripadvisor

tripadvisor.com › united states › district of columbia (dc) › washington dc › things to do in washington dc › smithsonian national museum of natural history

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)

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