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Informacion en español
Plan Your Visit
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Welcome to your National Museum of American History! The Museum is open every day except Dec. 25. Admission is free.
Hours
Directions
Food and shopping
Accessibility
Frequently asked questions
Visit the Welcome Center
Visitors at the Welcome Center
Start your visit at the Nina and Ivan Selin Welcome Center for information to help you plan your day at the Museum. Here you can find out what programs are happening that day or pick up a map. If you have a specific question or need assistance, ask one of our friendly visitor services staff.

Lead your own tour through the highlights of the Museum! Pick up a guide at the Museum or download it below
Self-Guide: Highlights (.pdf)
Self-Guide: For Families with Kids 0-5 (.pdf)
 
Tips for Planning Your School Visit
Students can connect with people, ideas, and events of the past through an exciting array of standards-based programs. An expansive roster of daily programs has replaced pre-scheduled guided tours. These programs offer students opportunities to get their hands on history!
Visit with your class
Register your group
Watch before you visit! A student orientation video
Watch before you visit! A teacher orientation video
Daily Programs
From live musical and theatrical performances to interactive carts and spotlight tours, there are experiences for you to encounter every day.  
What's happening today?
Exhibitions
We've built a state-of-the-art gallery for the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired the national anthem.  Other exciting artifact displays feature diverse topics: transportation and technology; science and innovation; American lives and ideals; American wars and politics; and music, sports, and entertainment.
What's on view today?
Floorplans

Calendar of Events

Location
NMAH Building
On the National Mall, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.
Map & Directions
Notice
Visitors may be filmed, photographed, or recorded by the Smithsonian for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on the Smithsonian's and other public Web sites.
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Smithsonian National Museum of American History