About Smithsonian National Museum of American History
From the original Star-Spangled Banner to Julia Child's kitchen, this Smithsonian flagship tells the social, cultural, scientific and political history of the United States.
Founded in 1964, Smithsonian National Museum of American History has been welcoming visitors for over 62 years. Today it draws approximately 4,000,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited history & civilization museums in the world. Located in Washington, United States, the museum holds a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 18,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Smithsonian National Museum of American History ranks #37
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. Ranking at #37, Smithsonian National Museum of American History is one of the fifty most acclaimed museums on our composite index — a destination that serious museum-goers and casual visitors alike should have on their list. Key recognitions include: AECOM Top 10, Free entry.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2–3 hours, planning your route through Smithsonian National Museum of American History is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Star-Spangled Banner
- ◆Julia Child's kitchen
- ◆Dorothy's ruby slippers
- ◆First Ladies' inaugural gowns
- ◆Lincoln's top hat
- ◆Greensboro lunch counter
Recognition & awards
Smithsonian National Museum of American History has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Daily 10:00–17:30. Free.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2–3 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Smithsonian National Museum of American History is located in Washington, United States at coordinates 38.8911°N, -77.0301°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Smithsonian National Museum of American History was established in 1964, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Washington. With 4,000,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United States's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important history & civilization museums in the Americas region.
Other top history & civilization museums
If you enjoy history & civilization museums like Smithsonian National Museum of American History, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #38Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and CultureWashington, United States
- #48Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque & MuseumIstanbul, Turkey
- #68National Museum of KoreaSeoul, South Korea
- #87Vasa MuseumStockholm, Sweden
- #88ABBA The MuseumStockholm, Sweden
More museums in Washington
Washington is home to 7 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Smithsonian National Museum of American History with these nearby institutions:
- #15Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History🦖 Natural History
- #27Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum🔬 Science & Industry
- #35United States Holocaust Memorial Museum🕯️ Memorial & Remembrance
- #38Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture🏛️ History & Civilization
- #58Smithsonian National Zoo (& Conservation)🦖 Natural History
- #61National Gallery of Art🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Smithsonian National Museum of American History?
Daily 10:00–17:30. Free. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Smithsonian National Museum of American History?
Most visitors recommend spending 2–3 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Smithsonian National Museum of American History located?
Smithsonian National Museum of American History is located in Washington, United States. The exact coordinates are 38.8911°, -77.0301°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Smithsonian National Museum of American History known for?
America in objects. Key highlights include Star-Spangled Banner, Julia Child's kitchen, Dorothy's ruby slippers. The museum holds a 4.6/5 rating from 18,000 reviews.
How many people visit Smithsonian National Museum of American History each year?
Smithsonian National Museum of American History receives approximately 4,000,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in United States.
When was Smithsonian National Museum of American History founded?
Smithsonian National Museum of American History was founded in 1964, making it 62 years old. It is categorised as a history & civilization museum in our directory.
