The National Museum of American History houses some of the most important artifacts from America’s past. The collection features more than 3 million historical objects from colonial times to modern day.
The museum focuses on more than just history, you’ll find several relics from pop culture, scientific discovers, and more. Where else are you going to find the Star-Spangled Banner, C3P0, Alexander Grand Bells’ Large Box Telephone and Prince’s Yellow Cloud Electric Guitar, all under one roof?
The addition of pop culture relics helps make this museum fun and entertaining for all ages! The museum is a part of the Smithsonian Institution and is located on the National Mall in Washington, DC.
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The History of the National Museum of American History
The museum opened in 1964 as the Museum of History and Technology. It was renamed in 1980 to reflect the ever-growing collection of objects that reflect the experience of the American people.
Layout of the National Museum of American History
The museum has three exhibition floors that is anchored by a landmark object that highlights the theme of the wing.
275 feet of glass-fronted cases serve as artifact walls lining the first and second floor core. The artifact walls are organized around themes such as pop culture, business, work and economy, arts, home and family, community, land and natural resources, American people, politics and political reform, science, medicine, technology, and the US’s role in the world.
Please note that the following information is correct as of the publication date. The museum is constantly growing, evolving, and swapping out exhibits.
Lower Level
The lower level features a museum store, locker room, cafeteria, cafe, restrooms, and lactation room. You’ll also find ride simulators here.
First Floor
On the first floor’s 1 East Wing, you’ll find exhibits that feature transportation and technology. They include America on the Move, Lighting A Revolution, Power Machinery, On the Water, and more. It is here you’ll find The John Bull 1831 locomotive, Southern Railway locomotive no. 1401 which pulled Franklin D. Roosevelt’s funeral train,, Santa Cruz Railroad no. 3, and a 1926 Ford Model T Roadster.
In the 2 West Wing, is the Archives Center, The Value of Money, Inventive Minds Places of Invention, Wonderplace, Spark!Lab, and more. Spark!Lab is a hands-on exhibit inspired by invention and innovations. The Vassar Telescope is the anchoring artifact.
Second Floor
The galleries in 2 East are rotating exhibits.
Located in the center of the second floor (2 Center) is the original Star Spangled Banner Flag which inspired Francis Scott Key’s iconic poem.
2 West houses relics important to the American Democracy. The signature piece is the George Washington statue, sculpted by Horatio Greenough in celebration of the centennial of Washington’s birth. Also on this floor, you’ll find an entire colonial house (circa 1710/1760) from Ipswich, Massachusetts located in the “Within These Walls” exhibit.
Third Floor
3 East exhibits are focused on the military history of the United States. The exhibits include “The Price of Freedom” and “Gunboat Philadelphia“. This gunboat was constructed in 1776 for service in the Revolutionary War. It was part of a fleet under the command of General Benedict Arnold. The vessel was sunk during battle on October 11, 1776.
The center of the third floor, 3 Center, features “The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden” which explores the public and personal lives of the men who have held that office. It also features a very popular exhibit, “First Ladies of America” which highlights these women’s contributions to our society, their changing roles, and displays their dresses.
3 West has exhibits that reflect American Popular Culture.
FAQ About the National Museum of American History
How long does it take to walk through the National Museum of American History?
The museum houses a magnificent collection of historical American relics and memorabilia from the nation’s found to present times. The exhibits cover 3 whole floors! We suggest that you plan on spending at least 3 hours in the museum. Even with 3 hours, you may not be able to see everything.
What can you see at the National Museum of American History?
The museum’s collection houses everything from gowns of America’s First Ladies, the hat Abraham Lincoln was wearing when he was assassinated, and Dorothy’s Ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz. Whether you’re a history fan or a pop culture fanatic, you’ll find something there that will interest you!
Do you need tickets for the National Museum of American History?
You do not need tickets to enter the museum. Admission is free.
Plan Your Visit the National Museum of American History
The museum is open every day of the year with the exception of Christmas. The typical hours are from 10 am until 5:30 pm.
The museum is located on the National Mall at Constitution Avenue, N.W., between 12th and 14th Streets in Washington, DC.
The museum entrances are located on Constitution Avenue on the first floor, and Madison Drive (National Mall) on the second floor.
The nearest Metro stop to the museum is Federal Triangle.
Refer to the official website for exhibit closures and special notices.
What is there to do nearby?
- The White House Visitor Center
- The White House
- Ford’s Theatre
- National Children’s Museum
- National Archives Museum
- National Portrait Gallery
- National Museum of African American History
- Museum of Natural History
- National Gallery of Art
- National Museum of the American Indian
- Library of Congress
- National Air and Space Museum
- US Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Washington Monument
- World War II Memorial
- Lincoln Memorial
- Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
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Visiting the National Museum of American History will definitely be one of the highlights of your trip to DC! While you’re at the museum, you won’t want to miss these highlights! Be sure to check out our family-friendly 4 Day Washington DC Itinerary and our Ultimate Guide to the National Mall and Beyond to help you plan your trip. We’ll also show you how to score a tour of the White House.
