National Museum of American History: Free Entry & Visiting Tips
2 - 3 h
Smithsonian Museum
Opened 1964 (as the Museum of History and Technology); renamed 1980
1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC, USA
Planning to visit Smithsonian National Museum of American History?
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Practical Visitor Info & Tips
$0.00
N/A
Check the official Smithsonian site for current seasonal hours; typically 10:00 - 17:30 daily.
None for general admission. No ticket or timed-entry pass required.
A Smithsonian Institution museum on the National Mall holding the original Star-Spangled Banner, the Greensboro lunch counter, and the First Ladies' gowns collection.
| Option | Price | Booking | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General admission | Free | None — walk in during open hours |
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Ticket Options
$0.00
Check whether a city pass already covers this attraction before buying separately.
See pass compatibility below ↓Overview & History
One of the Smithsonian Institution's 21 museums, the National Museum of American History sits directly on the National Mall and houses icons of American history including the original Star-Spangled Banner, the Greensboro lunch counter, and the First Ladies' gowns collection. Like all Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., it is federally funded and free to enter, with no ticket required for general admission.
What to See: Top Highlights
The Star-Spangled Banner
The actual 1814 garrison flag that inspired the national anthem, displayed in a dedicated, climate-controlled gallery.
Greensboro Lunch Counter
A section of the actual Woolworth's counter from the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins, a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
First Ladies Collection
Inaugural gowns and personal items from First Ladies spanning more than two centuries.
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Do You Need a Pass Here?
Compare Washington D.C. PassesNo — the National Museum of American History is one of the Smithsonian Institution's federally funded museums and is completely free to enter, with or without any pass. Neither the Go City Washington DC Explorer Pass nor any other paid product is needed, and none of them offer entry here since there's nothing to unlock.
No pass required for entry
Free, general admission at all open hours — no ticket needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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