Hours and Locations

National Museum of American History

American History Museum
1300 Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC

10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
Closed Dec. 25

Admission is free

About

Devoted to the scientific, cultural, social, technological, and political development of the United States, the museum traces the American experience from colonial times to the present. The American History Museum’s collection contains more than three million historical objects—including the famed Star-Spangled Banner—and documents that explore the evolution of the American identity.

Highlights

Star-Spangled Banner; Washington’s uniform; Jefferson’s lap desk; Dorothy’s ruby slippers; American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith.

We encourage the use of Metrorail and Metrobus.

Metrorail

Metro Station: Federal Triangle or Smithsonian (Mall exit)

Nearest Accessible Metro Entrance:
Federal Triangle
West side of 12th St., NW, between Pennsylvania and Constitution Ave., NW

Check Metrorail's Elevator and Escalator Service Status page for service disruptions.

MetroAccess

To provide an address for MetroAccess Paratransit, please use 1300 Constitution Ave., NW.

Parking

There is no public parking facility for Smithsonian museums on the National Mall. A limited number of city-operated metered parking spaces are available, including several accessible parking spaces.

View a map of accessible parking spaces.

Reserved parking near the museums can be purchased in advance through ParkWhiz.
Note: ParkWhiz is a third-party vendor (ParkWhiz Privacy Policy).

Dining

Eat at America's Table
(Ground Level)
Eat at America’s Table is the main eatery at the museum. The menu includes traditional culinary dishes from our nation’s kitchens, cheese and charcuterie, and classic American sandwiches, great American barbecue and grill favorites (burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches etc…) as well as cooking inspired by Tex-Mex and Native-American traditions. The café also offers classic salads made fresh with seasonal inspiration.
Guests will find freshly brewed coffee as well as wine, beer, and other bottled beverages. All desserts are made in house.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Jazz Café 
(1st Floor)
Enjoy a specialty coffee, cold drink, light lunch, or delicious pastry.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For assistance with/information on group dining, please visit Group Sales.

Shopping

Main Museum Store
1 Center
202.633.7400

This vast 6,000-square-foot store is centrally located on the first floor. Visitors may browse through merchandise inspired by the museum’s collection, apparel, home accessories, ornaments, personalized leather bracelets, jewelry, books, and the most incredible selection of socks! 

Mall Museum Store
2 Center
Located at the Mall entrance to the Museum, the Mall Store is the best place for museum souvenirs, a trendy accessory, fun jewelry and a snack to keep you fueled for your next museum visit.

See Getting Here for information on accessible parking and public transportation.

Accessibility Information and Programs

Disability access service requests: call 202.633.3717 or email NMAH tours

Current Exhibitions

Pages

View all American History Museum exhibitions

View all exhibitions

Collection items shown may not be on view.