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National Air and Space Museum, Washington DC

600 Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington, District of Columbia

Description

The National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution is one of the world's most visited museums. Almost all space and aircraft on display are originals or the original backup craft. Stand out items include, inter alia: Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, the Bell X-1 (broke the sound barrier), the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia and the Friendship 7 capsule which was flown by John Glenn (first American orbital spaceflight).

Access & Transport

The museum is on the southern side of the National Mall, just west of the US Capitol and Botanic Garden. The closest public transport options are 'L'Enfant' train station (Fredericksburg and Manassas lines), 'Federal Center SW' (Blue, Orange, Silver lines) and bus services along Independence Ave SW and 7th St SW. Parking is $18.

Instructions & Recommendations

Note #1: free timed-entry passes are required and can be booked online ahead of time. Note #2: the Washington DC complex is going through a multi-year upgrade and is has already partially reopened with upgrade works continuing until 2026. The Museum’s second facility, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located just south of Dulles Airport’s runways in Fairfax County, Virginia. It is open daily from 10:00 am – 5:30 pm. Visit the website: https://airandspace.si.edu/udvar-hazy-center

Meta review

The museum is considered as one of the must-see in Washington DC by travel guides and blogs. Based on past reviews, most visitors did enjoy it, both visually with originals or replica well in sight and plenty of informational content. However, the ongoing construction work does impact the quality and depth of the experience and the place can be very crowded in the summer months.

Environmental & Social

As part of the building upgrade, there will be significant sustainability improvements: rain harvesting, LED lighting, improved chilled water and steam systems, etc. The building will be LEED Gold standards. Educational and conservation aspects + also houses a research team.

Conclusion

Highly recommended for families and any space or aviation enthusiast. This is easily one of our favourite museums in DC.

Key positive

Impressive exhibits

Central location and free admission

Family friendly activity

Key negative

Temporary closure and then staged reopening

Suitability

Suitable for all ages and accessible to visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in August 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:2h 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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