National Museum of American History

The museum’s exhibits trace the major events and themes in American History offering a vast array of interesting sights, information and exploration. America on the Move gives guests a look into the evolution of transportation in the U.S. from 1870 to the present. Other exhibits like The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden, Within These Walls and more have attracted many millions of visitors over the years. The Archives Center presents an extraordinary collection of documents, photographs, motion pictures and other works including items like the Warshaw Collection of Business Americana, advertising histories of major U.S. corporations and Duke Ellington’s sheet music, correspondence and photos relating to his life and career.

You can even see Archie Bunker’s chair from the classic television series All in The Family and other television-related items. There’s a host of demonstrations, lectures, tours, musical and storytelling events and festivals that make the National Museum of American History an amazing stop on any day. No matter who you are or where you come from, the museum has something in store for you.

A part of the renowned Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of American History is located on the National Mall at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue. Since its founding in 1964, the museum has shared the rich past of America by showcasing more than 3 million artifacts including the original Star Spangled Banner and Abraham Lincoln’s top hat. Through its multiple exhibits, research and a variety of enrichment programs and events, this special museum helps visitors understand our nation’s past in the hopes of enlightening them to make sense of the present and look forward to a peaceful future.

Visiting the National Museum of American History with Old Town Trolley Tours

The most convenient way to access the National Museum of American History is with Old Town Trolley Tours. This comprehensive hop-on, hop-off service includes a designated stop directly near the museum on the National Mall, providing the easiest transportation to view priceless artifacts like the original Star-Spangled Banner and Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers. Old Town Trolley Tours connects you seamlessly to the heart of American history and culture.

Why Choose Old Town Trolley Tours for Museum Access?

• Dedicated Stop: Stop 11 is located directly adjacent to the museum on the National Mall, minimizing walking distance to the entrance.
• Flexible Schedule: Hop off to explore the vast exhibits at your leisure and hop back on the next available trolley when you are ready to continue your D.C. sightseeing adventure.
• Guided Sightseeing: Enjoy expertly narrated historical context of the surrounding National Mall before and after your museum visit, enhancing your overall experience.
• Seamless Connections: The trolley route connects this historic landmark to dozens of other major government and memorial sites across the city.

National Museum of American History Visitor Information

• Free Admission: Enjoy this essential D.C. stop without cost, as access to the Smithsonian Institution is always completely free.
• American Icons: Visitors can view definitive national treasures, including the original Star-Spangled Banner, the massive locomotive Jupiter, and Julia Child’s preserved kitchen.
• Expansive Collections: Exhibits cover everything from Presidential history and scientific innovation to popular culture, offering a comprehensive look at the diverse American experience.
• National Mall Hub: The museum’s prime location provides seamless walking access to neighboring sites like the Washington Monument and the National Museum of Natural History.
• Dedicated Trolley Stop: Old Town Trolley Tours offers a convenient, dedicated stop right at the museum, allowing for easy hop-on, hop-off travel to over 25 D.C. points of interest.

History of the National Museum of American History

The National Museum of American History welcomed its first visitors in January of 1964 and was officially the sixth Smithsonian Building on the National Mall in Washington, DC. More than four million people each year have visited since then, and each day, more people from all over the country and the world come to learn, discover, and be enlightened.

Construction for this museum actually began in the late 1950s after President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill authorizing $36 million for the museum. The architects, McKim, Mean, and White, broke ground on the project on June 28, 1955, and the 750,000 square foot facility would include three main exhibition levels, two office-collection levels, a basement, and a mechanical penthouse on the roof. No one knew it at the time, but it would be the last project by these architects, who were highly regarded in the industry. Because of its location on the National Mall, the museum soon became a National Historic Landmark.

Its original name, The Museum of History and Technology, was changed in 1980 to better represent its mission of collecting, caring, studying, and interpreting objects that are reflective of the American people.

A New Look

Between September 2006 and November 2008, the museum was closed to undergo an $85 million renovation. This project included major changes to the building, an addition of a five-story atrium that is framed by numerous displays of artifacts, a grand staircase that bridged the first and second floors of the building, a brand new welcome center, an environmentally controlled chamber to better preserve the Star-Spangled Banner, and several new galleries.

Following a renovation that ran from 2012 through 2017, the museum now features an expanded west wing with increased exhibition space. The completed project includes public plazas, performance spaces, an education center, and a stunning panoramic window providing views of the Washington Monument.

What You’ll See

Prepare to view some of the country’s most moving artifacts. Highlights include Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers, the gowns of America’s First Ladies, and antique locomotives. The museum also houses solemn treasures like Abraham Lincoln’s top hat and the original Star-Spangled Banner.

The First Floor showcases the history of transportation and technology in the United States. Visitors can browse exhibits like America on the Move and Lighting a Revolution, or visit Bon Appétit! Julia Child’s Kitchen. This floor also features Spark!Lab, a hands-on space designed to inspire the next generation of inventors.

The Second Floor serves as the heart of the museum, featuring the Welcome Center and the original Star-Spangled Banner. The exhibits here focus on American ideals, anchored by a statue of George Washington created in 1840. This area also houses the Albert Small Documents Gallery, which displays rare and rotating historical manuscripts.

On the Third Floor, the focus shifts to the cultural influences that bring the country together. Here, you can explore the public and private lives of the American Presidents and the contributions of the First Ladies. This floor is also home to dynamic tributes to American sports, entertainment, and media.

Ride Simulators

Complementing the extensive collection of artifacts, the museum also offers immersive simulator experiences. Visitors can take a break from the galleries to virtually ride a roller coaster or pilot a race car.

Eat at America’s Table Cafe

On the Lower Level, you will find Eat at America’s Table Cafe. Open daily for lunch (typically 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM), this cafeteria features rotating stations serving regional American favorites, including barbeque, burgers, soups, and salads.

Shopping

For your shopping pleasure, the museum offers three distinct stores. The Main Museum Store (1st Floor) offers the widest selection of gifts.

On the upper levels, you will find specialized shops:

The Mall Museum Store (2nd Floor): Located near the Mall entrance, this shop celebrates American pop culture. Look for novelty items, toys, and apparel featuring icons like Elvis Presley and Lucille Ball.

The Price of Freedom Store (3rd Floor): Situated next to the Price of Freedom exhibit, this store specializes in military history and presidential memorabilia. You can find books, military-style clothing, White House souvenirs, and even customized dog tags.

Things To Do Nearby

Because of its convenient location on the National Mall, the National Museum of American History is situated among many popular sites and attractions. Here are a few of the things to do and see that are closest to the museum:

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Just footsteps away from the National Museum of American History, this Smithsonian Institution museum was established in 2003, but did not open to the public until September of 2016, making it the newest museum in the Smithsonian Institution as of this writing. It is the only museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African-American life, history and culture. Here you can browse through a collection of more than 36,000 artifacts, items and discover the rich heritage of African–American culture through numerous intriguing displays and exhibits.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

The Hope Diamond, dinosaurs and an incredible view of the mammals that used to roam the earth are just some of the sights you’ll see at this museum. There are more than 126 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts to learn about. Spanning the size of 18 football fields, with a main exhibition space of 1.5 million square feet, you will be awed by the enormity of this facility and all that it holds—including more than 400,000 photographs, seven million fish in liquid-filled jars and 30 million insects pinned inside boxes for your fascination.

Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

Opened in May of 1998, this unique building is the first and only federal building in Washington, DC that is dedicated to both private and governmental use. Inside, you’ll find trade-related government agencies, private sector global organizations, retail establishments and non-profit organizations among others. Be sure to see the numerous sculptures, historical pieces, paintings, and exhibits including hero-size bronze medallions, one of Ronald Reagan and the other of one of his famous quotes, “There are no limits to growth and human progress when men and women are free to follow their dreams.”

Smithsonian Institution Building

The Castle, as it is affectionately deemed, stands out among the many iconic buildings on the National Mall. Constructed of red sandstone in the late Romanesque and early Gothic architecture, the building was completed in 1855 and was the first Smithsonian building. At that time, it was the anchor of the National Mall. The castle was the home and office of the first secretary of the Smithsonian, Joseph Henry, and until 1881 was where research and all operations were conducted for the institution. Today, it serves as the administrative offices for the Smithsonian. A crypt, just inside the north entrance, houses the tomb of James Smithsonian, the founding donor of the Smithsonian Institution.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

One of the most moving experiences you’ll likely have on the National Mall, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a living memorial dedicated to the Holocaust. Since opening, this special museum has had more than 40 million visitors walk through its doors. Exhibits tell the story of the Holocaust, including a narrative history, historical artifacts, video footage and personal stories.  

Washington Monument

Perhaps the most iconic sight you’ll see and the one that serves as the most recognizable symbol of Washington, DC, the Washington Monument is just a short walk away from the National Museum of American History. Built as a tribute to our nation’s first president, the monument is 555-feet high, soaring above the city and drawing visitors in from all over the world.