National Air and Space Museum, Washington DC
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National Air and Space Museum - by Eric Tse on Google
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
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 for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:2h 30m
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