Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Washington D.C. · United States · Founded 1964
Quick answer
Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington D.C., United States — opened in 1964, the National Museum of American History holds some of the most iconic objects in the United States — from the flag that inspired the national anthem to pop culture artefacts, military history, and Julia Child's kitchen. Open daily, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Admission: free admission. Allow 2–3 hours.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
Smithsonian National Museum of American History at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Closed | December 25 |
| Admission | Free admission |
| Booking | Tickets usually available on the day |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
| Best time to visit | Weekday mornings. |
| Getting there | Metro: Federal Triangle or Smithsonian Metro — 5-minute walk |
| Address | 1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20560, USA |
| Official website | americanhistory.si.edu |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is Smithsonian National Museum of American History known for?
Opened in 1964, the National Museum of American History holds some of the most iconic objects in the United States — from the flag that inspired the national anthem to Abraham Lincoln's stovepipe hat.
It is a museum of things rather than fine art — pop culture artefacts, military history, innovation, and everyday American life displayed across three floors on the National Mall.
Julia Child's entire home kitchen was moved intact to the museum. Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz and Muhammad Ali's boxing gloves share galleries with Edison's light bulb and the Greensboro lunch counter.
Free admission makes it one of the most accessible museums in Washington, though it draws large crowds during school holidays.
Best for: History Enthusiasts · Families · First-timers
How long do you need at Smithsonian National Museum of American History?
Allow 2–3 hours. A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Smithsonian National Museum of American History without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
The Star-Spangled Banner
📍 Flag Hall, second floor
The 30-by-34-foot garrison flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem.
- 2
Abraham Lincoln's Top Hat
📍 American Democracy gallery
The stovepipe hat Lincoln wore to Ford's Theatre on the night of his assassination — one of the most powerful objects in American history.
- 3
Julia Child's Kitchen
📍 Food: Transforming the American Table
The entire Cambridge, Massachusetts kitchen where Child filmed her television shows — pots, knives, pegboard, and all — reassembled exactly as she left it.
- 4
Greensboro Lunch Counter
📍 American Democracy gallery
The section of the Woolworth's counter where four African American students staged a sit-in in 1960 — a landmark object of the civil rights movement.
What are the must-see works at Smithsonian National Museum of American History?
4 highlights that define the collection: The Star-Spangled Banner, Abraham Lincoln's Top Hat, Julia Child's Kitchen and more.
The Star-Spangled Banner
Mary Pickersgill · 1813
📍 Flag Hall, second floor
The 30-by-34-foot garrison flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem. Displayed in a climate-controlled chamber.
Abraham Lincoln's Top Hat
Washington hatmaker · 1860s
📍 American Democracy gallery
The stovepipe hat Lincoln wore to Ford's Theatre on the night of his assassination — one of the most powerful objects in American history.
Julia Child's Kitchen
Julia Child · 1961–2001
📍 Food: Transforming the American Table
The entire Cambridge, Massachusetts kitchen where Child filmed her television shows — pots, knives, pegboard, and all — reassembled exactly as she left it.
Greensboro Lunch Counter
F. W. Woolworth · 1960
📍 American Democracy gallery
The section of the Woolworth's counter where four African American students staged a sit-in in 1960 — a landmark object of the civil rights movement.
Collections and highlights
- • The Star-Spangled Banner
- • American Democracy and political history
- • Innovation and invention — Edison, Bell, Silicon Valley
- • Popular culture — entertainment, sports, music
- • Julia Child's kitchen and American food history
- • Military and wartime history
Tips for visiting Smithsonian National Museum of American History
- 1.
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings. Flag Hall is quietest before 11 AM.
- 2.
Crowds & busy periods
Very busy during school holidays and summer. Flag Hall and ruby slippers draw the longest waits.
- 3.
Tickets & booking
Free admission. No timed entry required. Security screening at entrance.
- 4.
Food & cafés nearby
Constitution Café inside the museum; food trucks on the Mall.
- 5.
Accessibility
Fully accessible. All galleries step-free.
How do you get to Smithsonian National Museum of American History?
- metro Federal Triangle or Smithsonian Metro — 5-minute walk
- bus DC Circulator and Metrobus routes along Constitution Avenue
- walk On the National Mall between the Washington Monument and the Capitol
Address: 1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20560, USA
Smithsonian National Museum of American History: frequently asked questions
What is the most famous object?
The Star-Spangled Banner — the 30 × 34 foot flag that flew over Fort McHenry in 1814 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that became the national anthem.
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend 2–3 hours. The Flag Hall, American Democracy, and the pop culture galleries are the most popular stops.
How long should I spend at Smithsonian National Museum of American History?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights of Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Our 4-stop route — The Star-Spangled Banner, Abraham Lincoln's Top Hat, Julia Child's Kitchen and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
What is Smithsonian National Museum of American History best known for?
Opened in 1964, the National Museum of American History holds some of the most iconic objects in the United States — from the flag that inspired the national anthem to pop culture artefacts, military history, and Julia Child's kitchen. It is a museum of things rather than fine art, and that makes it one of the most immediate and engaging museums in the country. Key highlights include The Star-Spangled Banner — the flag that inspired the national anthem, Abraham Lincoln's stovepipe hat, Julia Child's home kitchen.
How do I get tickets for Smithsonian National Museum of American History?
Free admission. You can walk in without a ticket; paid exhibitions are booked separately. Official site: https://americanhistory.si.edu/
Is Julia Child's kitchen really her actual kitchen?
Yes — the entire kitchen from her Cambridge home was disassembled, moved, and reassembled in the museum exactly as she used it, including every pot and knife.
Is Smithsonian National Museum of American History open on Mondays?
Yes — Smithsonian National Museum of American History is open every day of the week, including Mondays and Sundays: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM. It closes on December 25. Check the official website for holiday hours.
What are Smithsonian National Museum of American History's opening hours?
Smithsonian National Museum of American History is open daily, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM, and closed December 25. Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
Is Smithsonian National Museum of American History free to visit?
Yes — free admission.
