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National Museum of American History, Washington DC

1300 Constitution Avenue Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia

Description

The National Museum of American History collection spans the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific, and military history. Sections include transportation and technology (anchored by the 1831 John Bull locomotive), science and innovation, American ideals, the original Star Spangled Banner Flag (that flew over Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor in 1812), the George Washington statue (sculpted for the US Capitol), military history (gunboat USS Philadelphia) and entertainment, sports, and music. There are also some outdoor sculptures.

Access & Transport

The museum is on the northern side of the National Mall, between the Natural History Museum and the National Museum of African American History & Culture. It is 300m from the 'Federal Triangle' (Blue, Orange and Silver lines) and 'Smithsonian' (Blue, Orange and Silver lines) metro stations. There are also bus services along Constitution Ave and Madison Dr NW.

Instructions & Recommendations

This activity is easily combined with a walk along the National Mall and the following museums: National Museum of African American History & Culture, Natural History Museum and National Museum of Asian Art.

Meta review

Fake online reviews even for free Smithsonian museums... Comments from visitors are a little mixed: though most do enjoy their visits, many complain it feels dated and either needs more interactive exhibits or, on the contrary, that too many interesting artefacts have been moved to make space for interactive exhibits. Also recurring comments about the low food quality and the amount of wasted space on the floors (i.e. there is room for more items to be displayed).

Environmental & Social

No environmental data - we expect the carbon footprint to be reasonable on a per visitor basis. Helps preserve the country's historical heritage + educational aspects

Conclusion

This museum isn't of the same calibre as some of the other along the National Mall but still very much worth exploring - US nationals will obviously feel more engaged but foreign travellers should also find several areas of interest.

Key positive

Several top-tier artefacts such as the Star Spangled Banner

Central location and free admission

Key negative

Average visitors' feedback around curation & display quality

Suitability

Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility. Children under 8-10yrs old may not be very interested.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on 25 Dec

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Regulated hours

Monday10:00 - 17:30

Tuesday10:00 - 17:30

Wednesday10:00 - 17:30

Thursday10:00 - 17:30

Friday10:00 - 17:30

Saturday10:00 - 17:30

Sunday10:00 - 17:30

Pricing
Free

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