The Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. are more than just attractions, they are a gift from America to everyone who visits. As a traveler and museum-lover, I’ve wandered their halls in awe, touched the cool marble of their columns, and felt the spark of inspiration that only comes from seeing history and science up close.
In this article, I’ll mix personal experience with practical guidance to explore why the Smithsonian Institution’s museums are, in my view, the greatest gift America offers to travelers.
The Smithsonian Story
The Smithsonian Institution’s very origin is a tale of generosity and knowledge. It began with a bequest from James Smithson, a British scientist who astonishingly left his fortune to the United States to found “an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge” in Washington, D.C..
Though Smithson never set foot in America, his 1829 gift sparked the creation of what would become the world’s largest museum and research complex. The first building, a striking red sandstone Victorian-era castle completed in 1855, still stands on the National Mall as the Smithsonian’s symbolic home (aptly nicknamed “The Castle”).
It’s in a small chapel within this Castle that Smithson’s own remains are interred – a fitting tribute to the man whose vision created a treasure trove of learning.
Today, the Smithsonian Institution encompasses 21 museums and galleries plus the National Zoo, all under the umbrella of that original mission of public knowledge. Walking onto the Mall, you’re entering what feels like an open university of humanity and science.
Crucially, admission is free to all Smithsonian museums (thanks to federal funding and donors), fulfilling Smithson’s democratic ideal of access – almost all of the roughly 30 million visitors each year enter without charge.
This free entry is not just a budget-friendly perk; it’s a reflection of an American ethos that knowledge and culture should be open to everyone. As a traveler, I’ve felt this ethos every time I strolled into a Smithsonian museum with no ticket needed – it’s a warm welcome that says, “Come on in, this is your museum too.”
In a world where many renowned museums have steep fees, the Smithsonian’s open doors stand out as an invitation to people of all backgrounds and ages to learn and be inspired.
Beyond the Mall’s grassy expanse, the Smithsonian’s impact radiates nationally and globally. The Institution stewards over 157 million objects ranging from dinosaur fossils to space capsules, preserving world heritage and American culture on an epic scale.
Its researchers work in over 100 countries, and it affiliates with museums across many states. Yet for visitors to Washington, D.C., what matters most is that anyone can wander into these museums and connect with treasures of art, history, science and more.
The Smithsonian is often called “America’s attic,” but I see it as America’s gift – a treasure chest freely shared with the world, in the spirit of curiosity and discovery.
An Overview of Smithsonian Museums
Standing on the National Mall, you’re surrounded by Smithsonian museums in every direction. In fact, 11 Smithsonian museums line the Mall’s edges, with another half-dozen elsewhere in D.C. (and two in New York City).
Collectively, they form a panorama of human achievement and natural marvels that can satisfy any traveler’s interests. Whether you’re a history buff, art aficionado, science geek, or just a curious wanderer, there’s a museum for you – and it won’t cost a penny to visit.
History and culture come alive in museums like the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where the story of America is told through authentic artifacts and powerful narratives.
Science and innovation are on grand display at the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History, which together hold everything from the Wright Brothers’ Flyer to roaring T. rex skeletons.
Art lovers can explore the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery (housed in a gorgeous historic building in Penn Quarter), the modern curves of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, or the exquisite Freer and Sackler Galleries of Asian art.
The Smithsonian even extends to living collections: the National Zoo in Woodley Park, where you can see giant pandas and dozens of other species (yes, also free!).
It’s hard to overstate the range of exhibits and topics covered by the Smithsonian. In one day, you could view the actual flag that inspired “The Star-Spangled Banner”, the Apollo 11 command module that carried astronauts back from the Moon, the glittering Hope Diamond, and portraits of every U.S. President – and still only scratch the surface.
The scope and depth of these collections have no equal elsewhere. For a traveler, it’s like having the highlights of many of the world’s great museums concentrated in one city, accessible in a single itinerary. I remember one particularly hot D.C. afternoon where I popped into the airy Smithsonian Castle’s visitor center to cool off.
Inside, along with air conditioning, I found displays giving a teaser of each museum’s gems – a Dumbo plush from the American History Museum here, a fossil there. It was a reminder that the Smithsonian’s pieces, taken together, form a rich mosaic of global heritage and American experience.
Importantly, the Smithsonian is ever-evolving and expanding to tell a more inclusive story. In recent years, it opened the National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2016 (after decades of efforts), and in 2020 Congress authorized future Smithsonian museums for American Latino history and for women’s history.
Even before those open, the American History Museum now hosts the Molina Family Latino Gallery, a bilingual exhibit space previewing the forthcoming Latino Museum and sharing Latino contributions to U.S. history.
As a traveler, witnessing this ongoing growth is exciting – it means each visit can bring something new, and that the Smithsonian strives to reflect all the threads of the American tapestry. The cultural preservation mission here isn’t static or stuck in time; it’s active, inclusive, and forward-looking.
Iconic Museums and Must-See Exhibits
With so many museums, where should a visitor begin? It’s a bit like being a kid in the world’s largest candy store of knowledge.
Let me share some of my favorite Smithsonian museums and their must-see exhibits, along with a few personal impressions from my visits. These highlights barely scratch the surface, but they capture why each museum is special.
National Air and Space Museum
If you’ve ever dreamed of flying – or gazed up at the night sky in wonder – the National Air and Space Museum will ignite your imagination. This museum is often the most visited in D.C., and for good reason: it houses the world’s largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft.
Stepping into its galleries, I felt like I was walking through the timeline of human ingenuity in flight. I’ll never forget the thrill of seeing the 1903 Wright Flyer up close – the actual wood-and-fabric plane that achieved the first powered flight, modest in size yet monumental in impact. Just a few steps away is the Spirit of St. Louis, the plane Charles Lindbergh flew solo across the Atlantic in 1927.
Above you, spacecraft dangle from the ceiling: I looked up to find the Apollo 11 command module Columbia that carried Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins to the Moon and back. In one exhibit, I even touched a real Moon rock – a tiny slice of another world, cool and mysterious. It’s hard to describe the awe of these encounters.
Here is the material evidence of feats that once existed only in wild dreams, now accessible to all who wander in.
The museum recently underwent a massive renovation, reopening brand-new galleries in 2022–2025, which has only enhanced the experience. Exhibits are more interactive and family-friendly than ever.
For example, in the “How Things Fly” exhibit, kids (and adults) can play with hands-on demonstrations of the principles of flight – my inner child loved the mini wind tunnels and paper airplanes. There’s also an IMAX theater and a planetarium on-site, for those who want an immersive cinematic journey to the stars (these have an additional fee, but can be a fun add-on).
Keep in mind the Air and Space Museum is so popular that it currently requires free timed-entry passes to prevent overcrowding. So, plan ahead and reserve a timeslot online, especially in peak season.
Hidden Gem: Many visitors don’t realize the Air and Space Museum has a second location: the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, a giant hangar near Dulles Airport in Virginia.
If you have an extra half-day and love aviation, it’s worth the trek (a shuttle or car ride) to see Space Shuttle Discovery in all its glory, plus an SR-71 Blackbird, a Concorde, and hundreds of aircraft in a vast space.
Unlike the downtown museum, no passes are required at Udvar-Hazy, and you can get right up close to those legendary machines – even watch planes take off from a nearby airport observation tower.
On my first visit there, I stood beneath Discovery’s enormous black-tiled belly in absolute awe. It felt like meeting a celebrity, one that had traveled 148 million miles through space. For any traveler enthralled by technology or adventure, Air and Space (in both locations) delivers inspiration by the rocket-load.
National Museum of American History
Entering the National Museum of American History, I was immediately immersed in the sights and sounds of everyday American life across centuries. This 750,000-square-foot museum is dedicated to “America’s history in all of its complexity,” and indeed its 1.7 million artifacts range from the profound to the playful.
Some of the most famous treasures are on the first floor, and I beelined straight to them: the actual Star-Spangled Banner flag and Dorothy’s ruby slippers. Seeing the Star-Spangled Banner – the enormous 30-by-34-foot flag that flew over Fort McHenry in 1814 – was surprisingly emotional. It’s illuminated in a dimly lit gallery, its tattered fragments carefully preserved, while the national anthem’s words appear on the walls.
This is the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key’s poem (now our anthem), and standing before it gave me chills. Nearby, in the “American Stories” exhibit, a different but equally iconic piece of Americana gleamed: the sequined ruby slippers Judy Garland wore in The Wizard of Oz. They’re smaller than I imagined, but utterly magical under the display lights – a reminder of American pop culture’s global impact.
Wandering further, I found Abraham Lincoln’s top hat (yes, the very stovepipe hat he wore the night of his assassination in 1865), as well as a section of the Greensboro lunch counter where Black students staged 1960 sit-in protests – a quietly powerful civil rights artifact.
Around every corner, there seemed to be something that made me whisper, “Wow, I can’t believe this is here.” From Muhammad Ali’s boxing robe to a Revolutionary War cannon, the American History Museum truly feels like the nation’s attic, filled with objects that each tell a story.
One popular exhibit, “The First Ladies,” showcases elegant inaugural gowns and china from First Ladies, offering a personal peek into White House history. Another new favorite of mine is “Entertainment Nation,” a pop culture gallery where you can see items like Sesame Street puppets, Prince’s flamboyant outfits, and even the Muppets Kermit and Miss Piggy – a joyful celebration of movies, TV, music and sports that have united Americans over the years.
Despite the museum’s vastness, families will find it very welcoming. There are two fantastic hands-on spaces for kids: Wegmans Wonderplace (a play area for ages 0–6) and Spark!Lab (for ages 6–12 to tinker and invent).
I visited Wonderplace with a friend’s toddler – we watched him gleefully pretend to cook in a child-sized Julia Child’s kitchen (a playful nod to the real Julia Child’s home kitchen, which is on display upstairs in the FOOD exhibit!).
Spark!Lab, meanwhile, let older kids (okay, and me) try simple science experiments. These interactive spots are a hidden gem within the museum for families, providing a nice break from looking at displays and a chance for little ones to burn off energy.
Traveler Tip: The American History Museum does not require timed tickets; you can enter freely anytime. It can, however, get crowded, especially around the big-name artifacts.
Visit early in the morning to have a quieter moment with the Star-Spangled Banner, or later in the afternoon when school groups have cleared out. If you’re short on time, head straight to the third floor East Wing for the “American Presidency” and First Ladies exhibits and the Star-Spangled Banner – these are bucket-list items.
Finally, don’t overlook the Molina Family Latino Gallery on the first floor. This new gallery is small but significant – the Smithsonian’s first dedicated space to Latino history – featuring a bilingual exhibition ¡Presente! that broadens the American story with perspectives often left out of textbooks.
It’s a meaningful stop that underscores the Smithsonian’s commitment to representing America’s diversity.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Just across the Mall, near the Washington Monument, rises a striking bronze-colored building with a three-tiered corona design. This is the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) – and it is a museum experience like no other.
In many ways, visiting NMAAHC feels like a pilgrimage. The museum’s mission is encapsulated in its tagline, “A People’s Journey, A Nation’s Story,” and it truly takes you on a journey.
Over five floors and some 3,000 artifacts, you traverse from the dark history of slavery and segregation to the bright lights of African American achievements in art, sports, politics, and culture. I spent nearly an entire day here on my first visit, emerging emotionally moved and profoundly enriched.
The history galleries begin underground, where you descend (both physically and symbolically) into the depths of early African American history. It’s immersive and at times heart-wrenching: original slave shackles are on display, and one centerpiece is a haunting slave cabin dismantled from Edisto Island, South Carolina.
Walking through the chronological exhibits, I boarded a segregated railcar (restored and placed into the museum as a tangible reminder of Jim Crow era segregation), and stood in front of the glass case that holds Emmett Till’s casket, a powerful memorial to a 14-year-old lynching victim whose death galvanized the Civil Rights Movement.
These moments in the museum are heavy, often quiet with visitors deep in reflection. Yet, as you move upward through time, the tone gradually shifts – from tragedy to triumph.
The upper floors explode with color, music, and celebration: Michael Jackson’s fedora, Chuck Berry’s bright red Cadillac, the track shoes of Olympian Jesse Owens, and the poems of Maya Angelou. I found myself wiping away a tear in one gallery, then grinning ear to ear in the next.
Lonnie G. Bunch III, the museum’s founding director (now Secretary of the Smithsonian), envisioned this “tension between moments where you ponder the pain of slavery and segregation… but you also find that joy.” Indeed, NMAAHC masterfully balances sorrow and joy, struggle and celebration.
It’s the kind of place where I saw visitors of all backgrounds connecting emotionally – some wiping tears, others nodding in understanding, others humming along to the Motown tunes playing in the music exhibit.
One exhibit that left a lasting impression on me was “The Power of Place,” which highlights African American communities across the U.S., from Tulsa’s Black Wall Street to Chicago’s Bronzeville. It even features an interactive table where you can explore Green Book travel guides that once helped Black travelers navigate safe establishments during segregation.
As a traveler myself, that exhibit made me reflect on how the ability to move freely – something I often take for granted – was a hard-won right for many Americans.
Practical Tips: NMAAHC is incredibly popular; timed-entry passes are required for entry (available online in advance). I highly recommend reserving in advance – passes can be booked up to 30 days out, and a limited batch of same-day passes releases each morning.
If you luck into a same-day slot or a cancellation, take it! Once inside, start at the bottom (C3 level) with the history galleries and make your way up to the cultural galleries; this chronological flow is the intended experience.
Give yourself ample time – at least 3-4 hours – because there is so much to see and absorb. When you need a break, seek out the Contemplative Court, a quiet reflection space with a soothing waterfall fountain, dim light and comfortable benches.
I found it a perfect place to gather my thoughts mid-visit. Also, don’t miss the museum’s Sweet Home Café if you’re hungry – it’s more than a cafe; it’s an extension of the exhibit, serving African American–inspired cuisine from different regions (the skillet cornbread and gumbo got my vote!).
Finally, by the time you reach the top floor’s exhibits of cultural icons, you’ll end on an uplifting note – I walked out to the upper terrace where you can catch a sweeping view of the Washington Monument and the Mall, a moment of beauty and hope after an emotional journey through history.
National Museum of Natural History
If you’re traveling with family (or you’re simply a curious kid at heart), the National Museum of Natural History is a must-see wonderland. This grand museum, with its iconic green domed rotunda, opened in 1910 and now cares for over 140 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts – essentially, the story of our planet and its peoples under one roof.
Every time I enter and am greeted by Henry, the museum’s famous 12-ton African bush elephant rearing up in the central hall, I feel a jolt of excitement. It’s like stepping into a real-life Night at the Museum.
From that rotunda you can choose your adventure: dive into the deep ocean, safari through African savannahs, unearth dinosaur fossils, or travel back to human origins.
Some world-famous treasures live here. One that drew me and every other visitor like a magnet is the Hope Diamond, displayed in the Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals.
This massive 45-carat deep blue diamond has such a legendary backstory (kings, curses, and heists!) that seeing it in person – glittering under the lights – felt surreal. Nearby, the gem hall also showcases other jaw-droppers like the Star of Asia Sapphire and enormous hunks of gleaming emerald and aquamarine.
Then there’s the Fossil Hall (Deep Time), a spectacular gallery that was renovated in 2019 and features a menagerie of dinosaur skeletons in dynamic poses. I was awe-struck standing beneath the towering Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, poised as if mid-lunge at a triceratops – talk about feeling small (and very glad these beasts aren’t roaming outside!).
The exhibit cleverly contextualizes these fossils in “deep time,” linking ancient extinctions to present-day environmental issues. It’s both exciting and thought-provoking for adults and kids alike.
Natural History isn’t just about things behind glass – it’s also wonderfully interactive. On the second floor, you’ll find the Insect Zoo, where – if you’re brave – you can watch (or even volunteer for) a live tarantula feeding and handle friendly critters like giant stick insects. I once held a fuzzy caterpillar there, much to a nearby child’s wide-eyed delight.
Next door, the Butterfly Pavilion (temporarily closed during my last visit) usually allows visitors to walk through a habitat of live butterflies fluttering around – a magical rainforest interlude. And for aspiring scientists, the Q?rius education center gives teens a chance to play scientist with microscopes and specimens.
I spent a fun 20 minutes examining micro-fossils on a monitor – who knew pollen grains could look so cool? This museum truly engages all ages, from the tiniest tots marveling at the 1,500-gallon coral reef aquarium in the Sant Ocean Hall, to adults pondering humanity’s origins in the Hall of Human Evolution (which features fascinating early human fossils and realistic Homo sapien reconstructions).
Travel Tips: The Natural History Museum does not require tickets, and it keeps extended hours in summer (staying open until 7:30 p.m.). It is one of the most popular Smithsonians (over 4 million annual visitors), so plan strategically. Typically, Monday through Wednesday see lighter crowds, while Saturdays are the busiest.
Like other big museums, it’s smart to arrive at opening (10 a.m.) or later in the day after 3 p.m. to avoid the midday peak. Also, note there are two entrances (Mall side and Constitution Ave side) – if one has a long security line, try the other; sometimes one side is quieter.
Security is airport-style (bag checks and metal detectors) at all Smithsonian museums, so pack light to speed up screening. Bringing a refillable water bottle is fine (and a good idea in summer), but large backpacks can slow you down.
There are cafés on-site (Ocean Terrace Café, etc.), though I often prefer to bring a snack and eat outside on a bench (many museums don’t allow outside food in exhibits, but the adjacent National Mall is perfect for a picnic break).
Don’t try to “do” everything here in one go – pick a few halls that interest you most. Must-sees for first timers: the Hope Diamond, the Fossil Hall, and the giant elephant in the rotunda (great family photo op!). And if you have kids, definitely catch the tarantula feeding (check the daily schedule).
The Natural History Museum exemplifies the educational value of the Smithsonian – you’ll leave with newfound appreciation for everything from microbes to mastodons.
Other Smithsonian Gems to Explore
While the museums above are the headliners, part of the joy of the Smithsonian is discovering some lesser-known gems beyond the National Mall’s main stretch. If you have extra time or particular interests, consider adding one of these to your itinerary:
- Smithsonian American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery – Housed in the Old Patent Office Building (8th and F Streets NW), these two collections share a beautiful space and a tranquil enclosed courtyard. The Portrait Gallery’s acclaimed “America’s Presidents” exhibit is a highlight, and the American Art Museum often has unique folk and contemporary art pieces. It’s a great evening option too – open later than others (often until 7 p.m.). Plus, its Penn Quarter neighborhood is perfect for grabbing dinner after an art fix.
- Renwick Gallery – Steps from the White House, this small gallery focuses on American craft and decorative arts. It’s famed for eye-popping contemporary installations (Instagrammers adore the previous exhibits like the rainbow yarn room). The building itself, from 1874, is historic – the first purpose-built art museum in D.C.. Entry is free and it’s usually not crowded – a calm, inspiring detour with works that often blur the line between art and craft.
- National Postal Museum – Adjacent to Union Station, this museum is a delight especially for history and trivia buffs. Far more interesting than it sounds, it showcases postal history with a surprising fun factor: you can design your own postage stamp, sit in a vintage railway mail car, or gaze at incredibly rare stamps (like the famous Inverted Jenny) in the stunning stamp gallery. It’s quiet, hands-on, and one of the most kid-friendly spots (stamp collecting suddenly becomes cool when you’re there!).
- National Museum of African Art & Arthur M. Sackler/Freer Galleries – These adjoining museums (near the Castle) offer a serene journey into global art. The African Art museum holds thousands of artworks from across the African continent, from ancient sculptures to contemporary paintings. Meanwhile, the Freer and Sackler (the Smithsonian’s Asian art galleries) are home to everything from Chinese jade to Islamic manuscripts – including the famous Peacock Room by James McNeill Whistler. These spaces are often blissfully uncrowded – a meditative escape into art, if you need a break from the hustle.
- Anacostia Community Museum – Located in a residential neighborhood of D.C. (you’d need a car or bus), this museum focuses on African American communities and urban life, with rotating exhibits on social issues, local history, and art. It’s off the typical tourist path, but rewarding for those interested in community stories and contemporary issues.
Exploring these lesser-known spots can give you a more intimate Smithsonian experience, almost like having a museum to yourself.
One summer, I visited the Postal Museum on a whim to kill time before a train – I ended up staying two hours, admiring ornate old mailboxes and marveling at how something as ordinary as mail can reflect so much culture and connectivity.
The Smithsonian’s breadth means there’s always another layer of discovery waiting, even for repeat visitors.
Tips for Travelers
Seeing the Smithsonian museums can be the highlight of a trip to Washington, D.C., and a little planning will help you make the most of this budget-friendly adventure. Here are some practical tips and recommendations drawn from my own visits and expert advice:
Timing is Everything
To beat the crowds, plan your museum visits on weekdays and at off-peak times. Generally, Mondays through Wednesdays are less crowded than Thursdays through Sundays.
The busiest months are typically spring (March–April, with school trips and cherry blossom tourists) and summer (June–August). If you visit in winter or late fall, you’ll find thinner crowds and more breathing room in the galleries.
Regardless of season, try to arrive at opening (10 a.m.) for the most popular museums (like Air & Space, Natural History, African American History) – you’ll have a good hour or two before it fills up.
Alternatively, a strategy I use is visiting in the late afternoon; many tour groups have left by then, and you can often wander more freely an hour before closing. Some museums have extended summer hours – check the Smithsonian website for current schedules.
Passes and Reservations
Most Smithsonian museums are walk-in friendly, but remember that a few require free passes due to high demand. As of 2025, NMAAHC (African American Museum), the National Air and Space Museum (D.C. location), and the National Zoo all require timed-entry passes.
These can be reserved online in advance; set a reminder to book them as soon as you can (e.g. 30 days out for NMAAHC). If you didn’t snag an advance pass, check online early in the morning of your visit – museums often release a limited number of same-day passes (for NMAAHC, these drop around 8:15 a.m. ET on their website). The good news: the passes are completely free; it just takes a bit of planning to secure one.
Getting Around
The Smithsonian museums along the Mall are generally a short walk from one another (the distance from the Capitol end to the Lincoln Memorial end is about 2 miles, with museums in between).
Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be on your feet a lot. The D.C. Metro has a convenient stop named “Smithsonian” (Orange, Blue, Silver lines) that lands you right by the Mall, and multiple Metrobus routes serve the area too. Using public transit or rideshare is recommended, as parking is scarce near the Mall (and D.C. traffic can be tricky).
If you’re museum-hopping all day, consider taking a break on the Mall’s lawns or by the reflecting pool to rest – I often picnic with a simple lunch between museum visits.
Nearby Attractions
The National Mall itself is an open-air museum of monuments – don’t miss strolling by the Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial, which are magnificent especially around sunrise or sunset. Additionally, many Smithsonian museums cluster near other points of interest.
For instance, after exploring the Air and Space Museum, you can walk a few blocks to the U.S. Capitol or the serene U.S. Botanic Garden. From the American History Museum or African American Museum, you’re close to the White House and the Tidal Basin (where the Jefferson, FDR, and MLK Jr. memorials sit among cherry trees).
If you visit the Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum in Penn Quarter, you’re in a lively neighborhood – consider grabbing dinner in nearby Chinatown or catching a show at the historic Ford’s Theatre.
The Zoo, located in a residential area, is near the charming Adams Morgan and Woodley Park neighborhoods – perfect for a coffee or meal on a quaint street after saying hi to the pandas. In other words, you can easily make a full day combining museum time with exploring D.C.’s neighborhoods and monuments.
Family Friendly Amenities
Traveling with kids? The Smithsonian has you covered. Strollers are welcome in all museums (every building has elevators), and you’ll find family restrooms and baby changing stations readily available.
A number of museums (Air & Space, American History, Natural History, etc.) even have dedicated lactation rooms for nursing mothers – check with the information desk if you need directions. Many museums offer hands-on discovery areas for kids (as mentioned earlier) – seek these out to give young ones a fun break from looking at displays.
The National Zoo is, of course, a hit with kids, featuring not only animals but a carousel and a kids’ farm and playground where little ones can burn off energy. One tip: if you have very small children, a lightweight umbrella stroller might be easier to navigate in crowds than a big buggy, and consider a baby carrier for peak times.
And don’t forget to pick up a souvenir Smithsonian Passport booklet if you see it in the museum gift shops – it comes with stickers and encourages kids to “collect” a stamp from each museum they visit, turning your museum hopping into a city-wide treasure hunt.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
The Smithsonian museums strive to be accessible to all visitors. Every museum building has at least one wheelchair-accessible entrance and all public floors are reachable by elevator.
Manual wheelchairs can be borrowed at no charge from museum info desks (first-come, first-served). For visitors with mobility challenges, note that the Mall is expansive – but you can request wheelchairs or use the DC Circulator’s Mall bus to hop between sites.
The museums also cater to those with hearing or visual impairments: open captioning is standard on exhibit videos and many exhibits offer audio descriptions. Sign language interpretation or specialized tours (like tactile tours for visitors who are blind) can often be arranged with advance notice.
One innovative service I love is the Aira Access partnership – visually impaired visitors can use the Aira app on their phone to get free audio guidance from a remote agent while navigating exhibits.
As someone who once accompanied an elderly relative with limited mobility to the museums, I was impressed by how accommodating the staff were – offering a folding stool so she could sit periodically, and pointing out quieter exhibit areas for rest.
The ethos here is that everyone should feel welcome and engaged, whether you’re a scholar, a tourist with limited English, or a child with sensory sensitivities. (In fact, programs like “Morning at the Museum” offer sensory-friendly visit times for those on the autism spectrum.)
Budget Considerations
It’s worth emphasizing again – Smithsonian museums have no admission fees (except the Cooper Hewitt design museum in NYC). This makes them an incredible value for travelers on a budget. You can spend all day museum-hopping without spending money – unless you choose to grab lunch or a keepsake.
The museum cafes, while decent, can be pricey; to save money, you might eat at one of the many food trucks often parked along the Mall or pack a lunch to enjoy outdoors (allowed in designated areas like the Kogod Courtyard or museum gardens).
Water fountains for bottle refills are common too. If you’re watching your budget but want a small souvenir, the museum gift shops have affordable items like postcards or magnets. And even those can double as donations – proceeds help support the museums.
One thing you don’t need to budget for is guided tours: the museums offer free highlights tours by volunteer docents (schedules vary by day), or you can download official Smithsonian mobile apps/audio guides for self-tours. Finally, because entry is free, you have flexibility – you can drop into a museum just to see one exhibit and leave without feeling you wasted money.
On one trip, I dashed into the Natural History Museum simply to show a friend the Hope Diamond and then left after 20 minutes – something you’d probably never do at a pricey museum! The freedom to explore on your own terms is part of the Smithsonian’s gift.
Conclusion
Every time I visit Washington, D.C., I’m drawn irresistibly back to the Smithsonian museums. They are, in my opinion, America’s greatest gift to travelers – a manifestation of the nation’s commitment to education, cultural preservation, and accessibility.
Where else can someone from anywhere in the world, of any age or background, walk in free and gaze upon the Apollo 11 spacecraft, the actual Star-Spangled Banner, or the gems of a Persian prince?
The Smithsonian embodies a distinctly American ethos: that knowledge should be publicly shared, that history should be preserved for future generations, and that everyone has the right to be inspired by art, science, and culture.
This ethos was born from James Smithson’s legacy and has been upheld by the American people through public funding and support, making these museums truly “of the people.”
On a personal note, some of my most travel memories are set in the Smithsonian.
As a traveler, you often seek authentic experiences that teach you something and stay with you long after you’ve returned home. A visit to the Smithsonian museums is exactly that.
The Smithsonian Institution truly is, in every sense, a treasure trove – one that America openly shares with the world’s travelers, and one that has certainly been a gift in my own journeys.
