How to Visit the 16 Smithsonian Museums in Washington D.C.

Looking for tips on how to visit the Smithsonian Museums in Washington D.C.?

Then you’ve come to the right place! I am a huge museum lover and I have spent 12 full days inside the 16 Smithsonian Museums (and the Smithsonian National Zoo) in Washington D.C.

Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution was created by the U.S. government “for the diffusion of knowledge.” With 19 museums, 21 libraries, 9 research centers, and a zoo, it is the world’s largest museum and research complex.

1) Smithsonian Visitor Center (“The Castle”)

The Smithsonian Institution Building – commonly known as the Castle – is the home of the Smithsonian Visitor Center. It features collection highlights from all 16 DC Smithsonian museums, a Cafe, and a Museum Store.

Completed in 1855, the Castle was the first Smithsonian building. It was designed by architect James Renwick Jr, who also designed St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City and the Smithsonian Renwick Gallery.

Not Recommended

If you are short on time I don’t recommend going inside the Castle; it is a complete waste of time. There are staff on hand to answer questions. However, each Smithsonian Museum has a manned Information Desk.

Also, the artifacts on display in the Castle are not that great. (See below pictures).

In display cases framing the walls of this historic room are selected objects representing all of the museums that offer a tantalizing sample of the breadth and depth of the Smithsonian’s vast collections.

The Castle Gift Shop

There is a small gift shop in the Castle that sells apparel, books, and knickknacks. It is located next to the cafe.

The Castle Café

The Castle Cafe features specialty sandwiches, soups, pastries, organic salads, antipasti, Peet’s coffee, espresso/cappuccino, teas, bottled beverages, beer, wine, and novelty ice cream (seasonal).

The Castle Cafe is open Wednesday-Sunday from 10:00am – 4:00pm.

➡️Check out Smithsonian Museums Walking Tour with Reserved Air & Space Entry

2) Smithsonian National Museum of American History

This museum is one of the best places in D.C. to truly understand the complexity of American identity. The exhibits here don’t just highlight major historical events, they reflect how Americans lived, worked, dressed, and even ate across generations. Whether it’s a First Lady’s inaugural gown or a child’s metal lunchbox, each piece helps tell the larger American story.

Inside, you’ll find a wide range of topics: African American history, Latino heritage, World War I, 9/11, food history, infectious disease, and American culture. Each one is told through real artifacts and many of which you may instantly recognize.

Check out my Smithsonian National Museum of American History | What to See + Visitor Tips (2025) blog!

Must-See Exhibits

• The Star-Spangled Banner: The real flag that flew over Fort McHenry in 1814. It is displayed in a quiet, dimly lit gallery.
• Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers: One of the most famous pieces of film history, worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz.
• First Ladies’ Inaugural Gowns: A timeline of changing fashion and tradition, from Dolley Madison to Michelle Obama.
• White House China Collection: See how each First Lady chose her own design, reflecting both personal style and the politics of the time.
• Lunch Box Exhibit: Taking America to Lunch: A nostalgic collection showing how school lunches have changed across the decades.
• Muppets Take American History: Lighthearted and fun, perfect for kids and grown-up fans alike.
• Celia Cruz Exhibit: ¡Azúcar! A vibrant look at the Queen of Salsa’s impact on American music and Latino culture.
• D-Day + Special Olympics Exhibits: Temporary but powerful exhibits honoring service, inclusion, and perseverance.

Where to Eat

Head to Eat at America’s Table Café on the Ground Floor for classic American dishes like BBQ, burgers, and Tex-Mex. For something lighter, the Jazz Café (1st Floor) offers pastries, coffee, and sandwiches. Both Open Daily from 11:00am-4:00pm.

➡️Check out National Museum of American History: Guided Tour

3) National Air and Space Museum

If you’re fascinated by airplanes, rockets, or space travel, this museum is a must-visit. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum holds the largest collection of air and spacecraft in the world. The museum brings together legendary artifacts, from the Wright Brothers’ first flight to Neil Armstrong’s Apollo 11 spacesuit.

If you’re short on time, head straight for the Wright Flyer, Apollo 11 suit, and Spirit of St. Louis. They’re some of the most iconic and photographed pieces in the entire museum. Kids (and adults!) will love the chance to touch a real piece of the moon near the spaceflight gallery entrance.

Check out my National Air and Space Museum: Complete Guide (2025) blog!

Must-See Exhibits

• The Wright Flyer: The first powered airplane to ever take flight, launched by the Wright Brothers in 1903 at Kitty Hawk. A milestone that launched the aerial age.
• Neil Armstrong’s Apollo 11 Spacesuit: Worn during the first-ever moonwalk in 1969. The suit stands beside a real moon rock you can touch.
• Spirit of St. Louis: Charles Lindbergh’s plane from the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic, flown in 1927 from New York to Paris.
• The Bell X-1 (“Glamorous Glennis”): The bright orange jet that broke the sound barrier in 1947, flown by Chuck Yeager. It now hangs in the entrance lobby.
• Hubble Space Telescope Model: A full-size replica of the famous telescope that transformed how we see the universe.
• Saturn V Rocket Engines & Lunar Modules: A dramatic display of the machines that powered NASA’s Apollo missions.

➡️Check out Smithsonian National Museum of Air & Space: Guided Tour

4) National Museum of Natural History

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History is home to the largest natural history collection in the world. So big it spans the size of 18 football fields! From towering dinosaur skeletons and Egyptian mummies to glittering gemstones and live insects, this museum brings Earth’s story to life in a way that’s fascinating for kids and adults alike.

I could’ve easily spent three full days exploring every hall, but even a short visit is packed with wonder. This museum is a perfect mix of science, storytelling, and unforgettable sights.

Check out my National Museum of Natural History: Complete Guide (2025) blog!

Must-See Exhibits

• The Hall of Fossils: Travel back in “Deep Time” to see Earth’s 4.6-billion-year history, featuring T. rex, Triceratops, and a woolly mammoth.
• Hall of Human Origins: Discover how humans evolved over 6 million years, through real fossils, early tools, and symbolic Stone Age art.
• Hope Diamond & Gems Hall: Don’t miss the famous 67.5-carat blue diamond and one of the finest gem collections in the world.
• Ocean Hall: Dive into a full-size ocean ecosystem with a giant squid, coral reef, and a life-size North Atlantic Right Whale overhead.
• African Bush Elephant (Rotunda): The museum’s beloved mascot, this 13-foot-tall, 11-ton elephant greets you as soon as you enter.
• Butterfly Pavilion: Step into a tropical garden filled with hundreds of live butterflies from around the world (timed-entry tickets required).
• Insect Zoo (Orkin Insect Zoo): Watch live tarantula feedings, explore beetles and hissing cockroaches, and learn how insects shape the planet.
• Mummies of Ancient Egypt: View 3 human and 16 animal mummies, along with real tools, jewelry, and burial goods.
• Hall of Mammals: Meet 274 preserved mammals from all over the world, including rare species like the okapi and egg-laying mammals.
• Berns Quartz: This 7-foot-tall, 8,000-pound quartz cluster from Arkansas sparkles just inside the north entrance.

➡️Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Guided

5) National Museum of African American History and Culture

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only museum in the world dedicated entirely to African American life, history, and culture. Since its opening in 2016, it has become one of the most sought-after tickets in D.C., and for good reason.

With 10 immersive floors and over 3,500 objects on display, the museum offers a deeply moving and unforgettable experience. This powerful space takes you from slavery and segregation to music, art, and modern achievements.

Check out my What to See at the National Museum of African American History and Culture blog!

Must-See Exhibits

• Harriet Tubman’s Hymnal & Shawl: Carried on Underground Railroad missions
• Nat Turner’s Bible: Belonged to the leader of a major 1831 slave rebellion
• Child Shackles: Tiny iron shackles used on enslaved children
• Slave Cabin: 1800s cabin from Edisto Island, SC, rebuilt inside the museum
• Emmett Till Memorial: Tribute to the teen whose murder sparked national outrage
• Michael Jackson’s Fedora: Worn during stage performances
• Chuck Berry’s Red Cadillac: Symbol of early rock ‘n’ roll and Black success
• Angola Prison Guard Tower: Visual reminder of slavery’s ties to mass incarceration
• Pocket Emancipation Proclamation: Used to announce freedom to enslaved people
• Freedom Papers: Carried by former slave Joseph Trammell for proof of freedom

➡️Check out African American History Tour with Museum Admission

6) National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery showcases portraits of influential Americans from the 1600s to today, including presidents, activists, artists, and historical figures like Frederick Douglass, Pocahontas, and Thomas Edison. Its permanent exhibit, America’s Presidents, features all 46 U.S. presidents and is the only complete collection outside the White House.

The museum shares a historic building with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Current exhibitions include Hollywood photography, early photographic portraits, and modern works like Kehinde Wiley’s portrait of Barack Obama.

Check out my National Portrait Gallery Highlights & Visitor Guide (2025) blog!

➡️DC: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

7) National Museum of African Art

The National Museum of African Art is the only U.S. museum solely dedicated to African art. It houses both traditional and contemporary works from across the continent. Visitors will find a range of items including masks, textiles, carvings, photography, and multimedia installations.

The museum features large galleries and a sculpture garden that provide an immersive experience.

One of its most significant collections is the Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection, representing 20 African countries across 5 centuries. Other popular exhibits include Water in African Art and Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa’s Arts, which showcase Africa’s spiritual traditions, storytelling, and modern artistic innovation.

Outside, don’t miss Wind Sculpture VII by Yinka Shonibare MBE. This bold, sail-shaped piece represents movement, migration, and cultural exchange between Africa and the rest of the world.

Check out my National Museum of African Art: What to Know Before You Go blog!

8) National Museum of the American Indian

The National Museum of the American Indian houses one of the world’s largest collections of Native American artifacts, from Alaska to South America. Exhibits are created in collaboration with Native communities and emphasize Native voices, treaties, history, and cultural survival.

Key highlights include:

• Americans Exhibit: 350+ images and items showing how Native culture is used in U.S. branding and identity.
• Trail of Tears: Documents forced relocations of 100,000+ Natives under the Indian Removal Act (1830).
• Nation to Nation: Showcases 10 treaties between the U.S. and Native Nations, exploring sovereignty and broken promises.
• Pocahontas Exhibit: Examines her marriage to John Rolfe and its political significance in early colonial America.
• Battle of Little Bighorn: Tells the story of Custer’s 1876 defeat and its lasting cultural impact.
• Military Aircraft Names: Explores why U.S. helicopters (Apache, Black Hawk) are named after Native tribes.
• Raven and the Box of Daylight: Art + storytelling by Tlingit artist Preston Singletary; includes glass, music, projections.
• Native American Flags: Displays flags from many of the 574 federally recognized tribes.
• Imaginations Activity Center: Interactive space for kids with storytelling and creative activities.

Check out my National Museum of the American Indian: Exhibits, Hours, and How to Visit blog!

➡️Check out Washington, DC: Monuments & Memorials Tour in a Vintage Car

9) National Museum of Asian Art – Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

The National Museum of Asian Art – Arthur M. Sackler Gallery was opened in 1987 with a donation of 1,000 Asian art objects from Dr. Arthur M. Sackler. The gallery is underground, connected to the adjacent Freer Gallery of Art. Together they house one of the most significant collections of Asian art in the United States.

The Sackler Gallery focuses on art from China, Japan, Korea, South Asia, and the Islamic world. It is known for its ancient Chinese bronzes, jades, and Buddhist sculptures, as well as Persian manuscripts, Indian textiles, and Japanese woodblock prints. The collection spans over 6,000 years and reflects both everyday life and elite patronage across Asia. Key highlights include:

• Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room: Over 200 ritual objects, from the Alice S. Kandell Collection, arranged like a Himalayan monastery.
• Ancient Yemen: Alabaster statues and incense trade artifacts show Greco-Roman influence.
• Ancient Iran: Silver vessels from royal banquets and rituals, spanning Achaemenid to Sasanian eras.
• Islamic World: Manuscripts, ceramics, and tiles from Iran, Egypt, and Central Asia.
• Underdogs & Antiheroes (Japanese Prints): Edo-period prints of rebels, rogues, and kabuki legends from the Moskowitz Collection.

Check out my National Museum of Asian Art – Arthur M. Sackler Gallery: Complete Guide (2025) blog!

10) National Museum of Asian Art – Freer Gallery

The National Museum of Asian Art – Freer Gallery, opened in 1923, was the first art museum on the National Mall. It was founded with the donation of Charles Lang Freer’s private collection of Asian and American art. Today, it features over 26,000 objects spanning 6,000 years from East Asia, South Asia, the Islamic world, and Ancient Egypt.

The museum also houses the largest Asian art research library in the U.S., with 80,000+ volumes and 140+ archival collections. Many pieces from the museum can be viewed online via digitized collections and virtual exhibitions.

Key highlights include:

• Indian Subcontinent galleries: Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Islamic art
• Mughal court: Intricate daggers, royal portraits, and manuscripts
• Feathered Ink (Japan): Ink paintings and ceramics with bird themes
• Revealing Krishna: 7th-century Cambodian sculpture with immersive film by PraCh Ly
• The Peacock Room: Stunning gold-and-blue interior by James McNeill Whistler, filled with Asian ceramics

Check out my What to See at the National Museum of Asian Art – Freer Gallery blog!

11) National Postal Museum

The National Postal Museum houses the world’s largest collection of stamps and postal artifacts. The museum is inside the historic old City Post Office building.

Inside, you can walk through real mail trucks, explore a railway mail car, sit in a real stagecoach, and see early airmail planes. The William H. Gross Stamp Gallery showcases rare stamps and interactive exhibits, including the famous 1918 “Upside Down” airplane stamp.

Visitors can design their own stamp, sort mail, and explore exhibits on airmail, military mail, and the Pony Express. It’s fun, interactive, and great for families and history lovers.

Check out my National Postal Museum: Exhibits, Hours, and How to Visit blog!

12) Smithsonian American Art Museum

The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) holds one of the world’s most impressive collections of American art, from colonial portraits to modern installations. It is housed in one of D.C.’s oldest public buildings, shared with the National Portrait Gallery.

Highlights include the Luce Foundation Center, where over 3,000 works are displayed in open storage style, and the Folk and Self-Taught Art galleries featuring iconic pieces like Throne of the Third Heaven. Don’t miss the Kogod Courtyard, a stunning indoor oasis beneath a soaring glass canopy.

Check out my Smithsonian American Art Museum: Highlights & Visitor Guide (2025) blog!

13) Renwick Gallery

The Renwick Gallery, just steps from the White House, is the Smithsonian’s home for contemporary craft and decorative arts. It is housed in a beautiful 1858 building by James Renwick Jr., and was the first U.S. structure built specifically as an art museum. The museum is currently closed to prepare for its next exhibit, State Fairs: Growing American Craft, which opens August 22.

Highlights include Nick Cave’s sound-making Soundsuit, Wendell Castle’s carved-wood Ghost Clock, and Leo Villareal’s glowing light sculpture, Volume (Renwick). You’ll also find glass dresses, wearable art, and immersive installations, all celebrating American creativity.

The Renwick is small and easy to visit in under an hour. While the art didn’t wow me personally, it’s free and well-located for a quick stop.

Check out my Renwick Gallery: What to Know Before You Go blog!

14) Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

The Hirshhorn is the Smithsonian’s museum of modern and contemporary art, housed in a bold, circular building often nicknamed the “doughnut.” It showcases provocative exhibits like Belief + Doubt and Pickett’s Charge, alongside video art, performance pieces, and iconic works in the Sculpture Garden (currently under renovation).

These museum highlights are must-sees during your visit:

• The Building: The Hirshhorn’s round “doughnut” shape, designed by Gordon Bunshaft, is a modernist landmark on the National Mall.
• Pickett’s Charge: Mark Bradford’s massive 400-foot mural reimagines a pivotal moment from Gettysburg.
• Belief + Doubt: Barbara Kruger’s bold, text-filled space challenges media and truth.
• Sculpture Garden: Features works by Rodin and Bourgeois. Note: currently closed for renovation.

Check out my Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden: Complete Guide (2025) blog!

15) Arts and Industries Building

The Arts and Industries Building is the second oldest Smithsonian museum on the National Mall. Opened in 1881, it once displayed iconic items like Edison’s light bulb and Apollo rockets. It closed for regular exhibitions in 2004 and is currently under renovation until 2028. However, it occasionally opens for special events.

While you can’t go inside right now, the building’s exterior is worth a stop. Its red brick, towers, stained glass, and ironwork make it a striking photo spot.

Check out my Arts and Industries Building: What to Know Before You Go blog!

16) Anacostia Community Museum

The Anacostia Community Museum dives into real-world issues, such as like gentrification, environmental change, and urban identity, through exhibits rooted in community voices. Collections include Archival Records, Washington D.C. Artists, and Music in D.C. Its current show, “A Bold and Beautiful Vision,” is a tribute to Black arts education in Washington, D.C.

The museum was founded during the Civil Rights era in 1967 and began as a neighborhood outreach effort, a radical idea at the time. It was the Smithsonian’s first experiment in “community curation,” and it’s still leading that mission today.

Check out my Anacostia Community Museum: Complete Guide (2025) blog!

17) Visit Pandas at National Zoo in Washington D.C.

Sadly, National Zoo in Washington D.C. no longer has pandas. On November 8, 2023, pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and their youngest cub Xiao Qi were sent back to China.

Due to a cooling in Chinese/U.S. relations, the Chinese government has been recalling all pandas in the U.S.. The only U.S. zoo that still has pandas is Zoo Atlanta. The San Diego Zoo and Memphis Zoo no longer have them. However, Chinese President Xi recently announced that China will soon resume sending pandas to the U.S.

Check out the Mama Kims Pandas at National Zoo in Washington D.C. blog to learn more!

➡️Check out Ultimate Private City Tour of Washington DC – Up to 5 Guests

Plan Your Smithsonian Visit

The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum complex, and planning ahead makes for a much smoother experience:

• 11 museums are spread along the National Mall (3rd–15th Streets between Constitution and Independence Avenues).
• 6 others, including the National Zoo, lie just beyond the Mall.
• 2 museums in New York City, with 2 more in development

Hours & Closures

Most museums open daily from 10:00am-5:30pm, though some like the American Art Museum have extended evening hours. They are Open Daily except December 25.

Maps & Getting Around

• A comprehensive Smithsonian map shows all locations, metro stations, parking, and accessibility details.
• The Smithsonian Metro stop (Blue/Orange/Silver Lines) sits right by the Castle; several other stations serve the Mall.
• Few on-street parking spaces exist (typically 3‑hour limits), and no centralized Smithsonian parking – with ADA-designated spots available. Use ParkWhiz for advance private lot reservations.

Tips to Maximize Your Visit

• Arrive at opening time to avoid crowds, especially at popular museums.
• Start at the Smithsonian Castle to grab maps and orient yourself.
• Group nearby museums to save time and walking distance.
• Pack light snacks and water to avoid pricey museum food lines.
• Wear comfy shoes; you’ll be walking for hours on hard floors.
• Download the Smithsonian app for maps, exhibit info, and updates.
• Reserve free timed-entry passes online in advance, especially for the zoo and high‑traffic museums.
• Take Metro or rideshare as parking near the Mall is very limited.

Smithsonian Dining & Shopping – At a Glance

Most Smithsonian museums offer cafés and food courts with everything from quick snacks to full meals. Aslo, don’t forget to stop by the museum gift shops for curated books, unique souvenirs, and educational toys.

• African American History: Sweet Home Café – Southern & soul food (11:00am-3:00pm)
• Air & Space Museum: Mars Café – Coffee & sandwiches (10:00am-5:00pm)
• American Art & Portrait Gallery: Courtyard Café – Sandwiches, coffee, wine (11:30am-5:30pm)
• American History: Eat at America’s Table (11:00am-4:00pm); Jazz Café (11:00am-5:00pm)
• American Indian: Mitsitam Café (11:00am-4:00pm); Espresso Bar (10:00am-5:00pm)
• Hirshhorn: Dolcezza – Gelato, espresso, pastries (10:00am-5:00pm; opens 12:00pm on Mondays)
• Natural History: Atrium Café (11:00am-3:00pm); Ocean Terrace Café (11:30am-2:00pm)

Accessibility at Smithsonian Museums

One of the things I love most about the Smithsonian museums is how deeply they care about making every visitor feel welcome. Here’s what you should know:

• Service dogs are welcome in all Smithsonian locations.
• All buildings are accessible with at least one entrance for visitors with limited mobility.
• Free manual wheelchairs are available at all museums (first come, first served).
• Assistive listening devices, captioning, and sign language interpretation are available for public programs (request in advance).
• Aira app offers free verbal description service for blind or low-vision visitors.
• Morning at the Museum: sensory-friendly visits for neurodiverse families.
• See Me at the Smithsonian: virtual program for adults with dementia and their care partners.

Where to Stay in Washington

If you’re visiting the Smithsonian museums, you’ll want to stay somewhere central, close to the National Mall. These hotel options place you right in the heart of D.C., with something for every budget.

Budget Accommodation – Motto by Hilton Washington D.C. City Center

For an affordable yet stylish stay just blocks from the National Mall, Motto by Hilton is a top pick. Rooms are compact but modern, and there’s a trendy rooftop bar with city views. Guests love the walkable location and easy Metro access.

Mid-Range Accommodation – Hotel Hive

Hotel Hive blends artistic design with budget-friendly comfort. Located near the Lincoln Memorial and Foggy Bottom, this micro-hotel is perfect for explorers who want a hip and cozy base without overspending. Great pizza downstairs and a buzzing rooftop bar add to the charm.

Luxury Accommodation – Willard InterContinental Washington D.C.

For timeless luxury and historic charm, the Willard InterContinental is unmatched. Just a short stroll from the museum and a block from the White House, this legendary hotel offers elegant rooms and a rich history, including hosting Martin Luther King Jr. and countless presidents.

Final Thoughts

With 16 museums and the National Zoo right here in Washington, D.C., you will never run out of things to explore. My best advice is simple: don’t try to do it all in one day. Choose the museums that spark your curiosity the most, plan them by location, and give yourself time to really enjoy what you are seeing.

I left the Smithsonian feeling more curious, more inspired, and more grateful that these treasures are free and open to everyone. And I think you will too.

So pack your walking shoes, grab a map (or the Smithsonian app), and let yourself wander.

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