ALERT: The National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of American History will be CLOSED Tuesday, July 9, due to NATO meetings in Washington, D.C.
Admission is free of charge at all locations except the Cooper Hewitt in New York City.
Most museums are open every day of the year except December 25. The Cooper Hewitt in New York is open every day except Thanksgiving and December 25.
Visit Hours and Locations for details and updates.
These locations require passes or tickets for entry:
All other locations do not require passes or tickets for entry.
The safety and security of the Smithsonian's visitors, volunteers, staff, and collections is of the highest importance. As the nation's most beloved collection of museums and galleries, we work hard every day to ensure the preservation of our country's treasures for the enjoyment of generations to come.
At many of our museums, you'll be greeted upon entry by one of our security personnel who will conduct a thorough hand-check of all bags, briefcases, purses, and containers. We encourage you to limit the number of personal belongings and bags you bring into our facilities to increase your speed through security checkpoints.
Visitors are required to walk through a metal detector at the following museums:
Those who are unable to go through the metal detector will be hand-screened with an electronic wand by security personnel. Bag checks will be conducted by hand or via an X-ray machine.
We ask for your patience, cooperation, and assistance in keeping America's treasures safe.
Visitors should not leave personal belongings unattended, nor leave them stored at one museum while visiting other sites.
The following items are prohibited at all museums:
See Prohibited Conduct for additional information.
We encourage you to limit the number of personal belongings and bags you bring into our facilities as they will be subject to a thorough search. Limiting the items you bring will increase your speed through security checkpoints.
The following museums currently offer visitor lockers/storage:
Visitors should not leave personal belongings unattended, nor leave them stored at one museum while visiting other sites.
The following Smithsonian sites have dedicated lactation rooms. Please check at any information desk for specific locations and for options at those sites not listed here:
National Air and Space Museum (DC location) National Museum of African American History and Culture National Museum of American History National Museum of Natural History National Postal Museum Smithsonian's National ZooThe Smithsonian permits still and video photography for noncommercial use only in its museums and exhibitions, unless otherwise posted.
For the safety of our visitors and collections, the Smithsonian prohibits the use of tripods, monopods, selfie sticks or similar devices in our museums and gardens. This is a preventive measure to protect visitors and objects, especially during crowded conditions. We encourage museum visitors to take selfies and share their experiences—and leave the selfie sticks in their bags.
Working members of the media who need to use a tripod or monopod must obtain permission from the museum's Public Affairs Office and must be escorted by a museum staff member while in the building or garden.
The Smithsonian welcomes guests to bring any medical supplies, devices, or equipment they might need during their visit. Visitors should note that public storage space is not available at all locations. Visitors who bring medically necessary items/equipment should plan to maintain possession of them throughout their visit.
All Smithsonian locations permit the use of manual and motorized mobility devices (e.g., scooters, walkers, wheelchairs) and have at least one entrance accessible to visitors using mobility aids. Visitors who bring a mobility aide or device with them should plan to maintain possession of the item throughout their visit. Devices used strictly for recreational purposes are prohibited.
Service dogs are welcome at Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo. Emotional support, therapy, comfort, and companion dogs and dogs in training to be service dogs are not considered service dogs under the guidelines of the ADA.
Smoking is prohibited in all Smithsonian facilities. This includes e-cigarettes.
Visitation policies at the Smithsonian Institution are designed to protect visitors and staff as well as secure and preserve the collections, facilities, and historic buildings entrusted to the Smithsonian's care.
Visitors who violate these rules may be subject to fine or imprisonment. The complete Smithsonian buildings and grounds regulations can be found in Title 36 of Code of Federal Regulations, parts 504 and 520 (National Zoo).
