Immerse yourself in the red, white and blue at this impressive free museum dedicated to American history.
What is the National Museum of American History? Is it free?
The 750,000 square-foot National Museum of American History presents America’s history in all of its complexity – through research, in-depth exhibits, extensive collections and public outreach.
Like all Smithsonian museums, it is free to access.
How many objects are there at the museum? What can I see?
The museum's collection features more than 1.7 million artifacts in its collection, among the most famous are Dorothy’s ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz. It also houses 22,000 linear feet of archival documents, including sheet music written by DC legend Duke Ellington. Less than 1% of these artifacts are on view at a time.
Where is the National Museum of American History? How do I get there?
The museum is located on Constitution Avenue NW along the National Mall. The easiest way to get there is via Metrorail or Metrobus. The closest Metro stop is Smithsonian, on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines. Metrobus routes will all take you to the National Mall, where you can explore the iconic monuments and memorials after you’ve gotten your full dose of American history. The facility is handicap-accessible, and dedicated parking spaces are located on Madison Drive NW.
What are some of the artifacts and exhibits I can find inside the National Museum of American History?
Much beloved as a source for all things Americana, the museum features the most American artifact of all: the Star-Spangled Banner Flag. The flag flew above Fort McHenry in Baltimore during the War of 1812, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem and now awaits your visit in a permanent exhibition.
Another treasured item on display is the top hat worn by President Abraham Lincoln on the fateful night of April 14, 1865, when he set off to Ford’s Theatre and was later assassinated in by John Wilkes Booth. Lincoln’s hat is among a number of presidential relics that each tell a story in an exhibit entitled The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden.
The women who stood by the side of our nation’s leaders are memorialized in The First Ladies, which boasts more than two dozen gowns, fine china and other furnishings.
And don’t forget to click your heels over to the aforementioned ruby slippers found in the American Stories exhibit, a fascinating compilation of story-making artifacts throughout American history.
Colorful, crowd-favorite exhibit Entertainment Nation explores America's unparalleled role in pop culture through an extraordinary collection of objects channeling major moments in theater, music, sports, movie and television.
Marvel at the home kitchen of fine-cooking darling Julia Child, whose workshop is a part of the FOOD: Transforming America’s Table 1950-2000 exhibit, which delves into the evolution of eating in America thanks to new technologies, forward-thinkers and social and cultural shifts.
The evolution of American transportation and business are also given their due in separate exhibits. Stroll the car-buff friendly America on the Move exhibit, which sports the first automobile driven across the U.S. and a 40-foot stretch of Route 66 within its collection of 340 objects. American Enterprise focuses on the country’s commercial innovations from the past 300 years.
Is the museum family-friendly?
Yes! While the museum has many interactive elements in its exhibits, it has two hands-on spaces aimed towards young children: Spark!Lab, which focuses on STEM activities for ages 6-12, and Wonderplace, for explorers under 6.
Where can I see the Molina Family Latino Gallery? Is it inside the Museum?
The National Museum of American History is home to the Molina Family Latino Gallery, the first step toward the newest Smithsonian museum: The National Museum of the American Latino. While plans for the full museum are still in development, the gallery is open to the public and currently features ¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States. The bilingual exhibition explores Latino and Latina perspectives, highlighting stories often excluded from mainstream narratives of U.S. history.
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