Smithsonian museums are free to enter, operated by the federal government, and spread across Washington, D.C., with a few locations elsewhere

The Smithsonian Institution runs 19 museums and galleries, most of them in Washington, D.C., and all of them free to visit. You do not need a ticket, membership, or advance reservation to walk in during regular hours. The museums cover natural history, American history, air and space, art, design, culture, and science. A few Smithsonian locations sit outside D.C. — the National Zoo is in Washington, and there are two museums in New York City.

Because these are federal museums, they are closed on Christmas Day and sometimes on other federal holidays. Hours vary by location and season, so checking the specific museum's website before you visit saves a wasted trip. Parking in D.C. is limited and paid; public transit (the Metro) is usually faster and cheaper than driving.

Key Takeaways

  • All Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. are free to enter with no ticket or reservation required, though timed passes are sometimes offered for special exhibitions.
  • The National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, and National Air and Space Museum are the three largest and most visited locations.
  • Hours and holiday closures vary by museum, so you should check the official Smithsonian website for the specific location you plan to visit.
  • The Smithsonian is a federal institution, meaning it is run by the U.S. government and funded by taxpayer money, not by private donors or ticket sales.
  • Parking in Washington, D.C. is expensive and scarce; the Metro subway system is the most practical way to reach most Smithsonian museums.

The three largest Smithsonian museums and what you will see in each

The National Museum of Natural History holds fossils, minerals, gems, and animal specimens. The Hope Diamond is here, along with dinosaur skeletons and displays about human evolution. This museum draws the largest crowds, especially on weekends and school holidays.

The National Museum of American History displays objects from U.S. history: the Star-Spangled Banner, First Ladies' gowns, transportation vehicles, and exhibits on social movements and everyday American life. Families often spend two to three hours here.

The National Air and Space Museum shows aircraft, spacecraft, and the history of flight. The Apollo command module, the Wright Flyer, and the Space Shuttle Discovery are among the centerpieces. This museum also has an IMAX theater (tickets cost extra) and a planetarium.

All three are on or near the National Mall in central Washington, D.C., within walking distance of each other. If you have only a few hours, pick one and plan to return for the others.

Other Smithsonian museums worth knowing about

The National Gallery of Art holds American and European paintings, sculpture, and photographs from medieval times to the present. It is free and does not require a ticket. Two buildings sit on either side of the National Mall.

The National Museum of the American Indian focuses on Native American history, culture, and contemporary issues. It is located on the National Mall and also has a location in New York City.

The Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery share a building and focus on American art and portraiture. Both are free.

The National Zoo is also part of the Smithsonian and is free to enter, though parking and some special experiences cost money. It is located in the Woodley Park neighborhood, north of downtown D.C.

The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City charges admission, unlike most other Smithsonian locations. The National Museum of the American People, also in New York, is free.

How to plan your visit and what to bring

Check the Smithsonian's main website (si.edu) for hours, current exhibitions, and any temporary closures. Most museums open at 10 a.m. and close between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., depending on the location and season. Hours are shorter in winter.

Bring comfortable walking shoes — museums are large and you will spend hours on your feet. Bring water and snacks, or plan to eat at the museum cafés (prices are higher than outside). Backpacks and large bags are allowed but may be subject to security screening.

Photography without flash is usually permitted in permanent collections. Special exhibitions sometimes have different rules, so look for signs or ask staff. Tripods and professional equipment require permission.

If you are visiting with children, many museums have family guides and activity sheets available at the entrance. The Air and Space Museum and Natural History Museum have particularly strong children's programming.

Getting to Smithsonian museums by public transit

The Washington Metro (WMATA) is the fastest way to reach most Smithsonian museums. The Blue, Orange, and Silver lines stop at L'Enfant Plaza, which connects to the National Mall museums. The Red line stops at Gallery Place, near the American Art Museum and Portrait Gallery.

A single Metro fare costs between $2.15 and $6.00 depending on distance and time of day. A day pass costs $11.50 and covers unlimited rides. Passes can be bought at station kiosks or on the WMATA app.

The National Zoo is accessible via the Red line (Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan station). The trip from downtown takes about 15 minutes.

If you are driving, street parking is metered and expensive ($2.50 to $4.50 per hour). Parking garages near the National Mall charge $15 to $25 for all-day parking. Arriving early (before 10 a.m.) gives you better chances of finding street parking.

Visiting the Smithsonian with limited time or mobility

If you have only a few hours, pick one museum and one or two galleries within it rather than trying to see everything. The Natural History Museum's fossil hall and gem collection are popular starting points. The Air and Space Museum's main floor (where the big aircraft are) can be seen in two hours.

Wheelchairs and mobility devices are permitted in all Smithsonian museums. Elevators and accessible restrooms are available. The Smithsonian website lists accessibility information for each location, including parking for people with disabilities and accessible entrances.

If walking is difficult, you can request a wheelchair at the information desk of most museums. Seating is available throughout the buildings, though not always near every exhibit.

Audio guides and apps are available at some museums for an additional cost (usually $7 to $10). These can help you move through the museum more efficiently by letting you focus on exhibits that interest you most.

Special exhibitions, events, and programs at Smithsonian museums

In addition to permanent collections, Smithsonian museums host temporary exhibitions that change throughout the year. These are also free, though some special exhibitions require a timed pass (also free, but you must reserve a time slot in advance on the museum's website).

Many museums offer lectures, film screenings, and educational programs. The Smithsonian Magazine publishes a calendar of events on its website. Some programs are free; others charge a fee.

The Smithsonian also runs the National Zoo's Giant Panda Camera and other live feeds online if you cannot visit in person. Educational resources and virtual tours are available on individual museum websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy a ticket or make a reservation to visit a Smithsonian museum?

No. All Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. are free and do not require advance reservations for general admission. Some special exhibitions may offer timed passes (also free) that you can reserve online to avoid crowds, but this is optional.

Are Smithsonian museums open on weekends and holidays?

Most Smithsonian museums are open on weekends. They are closed on Christmas Day and sometimes on other federal holidays like Thanksgiving and Independence Day. Check the specific museum's website for holiday hours, as they vary by location.

Can I bring food and drinks into the museums?

Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted in galleries, but you can eat in designated cafés and outdoor areas. Most museums have cafés with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks at higher prices than outside vendors.

What is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

Weekday mornings (Tuesday through Thursday, before noon) are typically less crowded than weekends and school holidays. Summer and spring break are peak seasons. Winter weekdays are usually the quietest time to visit.

Are there Smithsonian museums outside of Washington, D.C.?

Yes. The Cooper Hewitt Design Museum and the National Museum of the American People are in New York City. The National Zoo and the National Museum of the American Indian also have locations outside D.C., though most Smithsonian museums are in Washington.