Smithsonian Museum of American History

About Smithsonian Museum of American History

The National Museum American History in Washington DC is another Smithsonian Museum at the National Mall.  Its world class collection of over 1.7 million objects help to tell the complex history of this nation.

Otherwise known as the Kenneth E. Behring Center, it collects, preserves, and displays the heritage of America in social, political, cultural, scientific, and military history.  The Star-Spangled Banner is just one of many items in this museum’s collection.

It is located at on the National Mall between 12th and 14th streets at 1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington DC 20560.  Phone: (202) 633-1000.  The museum is open Friday through Tuesday from 11am to 4pm.

Timed entry passes are no longer accepted at this museum.  Museum entrance is only available through the Constitution Avenue entrance on the first floor.  The museum is free to visit.

Some exhibits may be closed due to Covid-19.  Most seated theaters and larger objects remain closed at this time.  Obviously, knives and firearms are prohibited, as are screwdrivers, scissors, mace, and pepper spray.  The use of tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed.

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Summary

My son and I had actually decided to stop here our last day in Washington DC.  We walked up and stood in line for a bit before seeing the security checkpoint.  When I saw the security, I remembered the bullet pocketknives we purchased at South of the Border.  These were definitely against the rules of the Smithsonian.  So, we jumped out of line and skipped that stop.

We will definitely try to visit again the next time we are in this area.

Have you been there?  I’d love to hear what you thought of it.  What was your most memorable exhibit?

Please drop a few lines in the comments box below and let me know how your visit went.

In the meantime, safe travels!

~Kris M.

P.S.  If you happen to use travel journals, be sure to check out the travel journal I created for my future Washington DC Road Trips.

Written by Kris M.