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All 337 Washington DC Attractions »

National Museum of American History

Constitution Ave. NW, Between 12th and 14th Street Constitution Avenue, Washington DC, DC 20560
202-633-1000
Ranked #34 of 214 attractions in Washington DC
4.0 of 5 stars 253 Reviews
Type: History Museums
Activities: Group tours/walking tour, Dining
Fee: No
Owner description: One of the Smithsonian museums along the Mall, this one has more than 3 million artifacts in its collection—from gowns to locomotives—that reflect and...... more » Owner description: One of the Smithsonian museums along the Mall, this one has more than 3 million artifacts in its collection—from gowns to locomotives—that reflect and preserve a record of America’s past. « less
Useful Information: Activities for older children, Activities for young children
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253 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    137
    63
    28
    22
    3
Date Rating
Los Angeles, California
Top Contributor
59 reviews 59 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2012 NEW

Do NOT MISS this museum!!! It is American History in 3D. If you can, get a free docent guide tour to start your visit. This will help you get oriented and figure out exactly what you want to see. It takes about an hour. Then, go back to the exhibits that grabbed your attention and spend some time with them.... More

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See 13 more reviews by Brbiam for Washington DC
atlanta
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012 NEW

For a museum that holds over 3 million items, there are surprisingly few on display. As others have mentioned many areas are closed, there are still a few famous exhibits, the flag, the first ladies gowns, ruby slippers, but much of the rest consists mainly of posters and written signage which is not engaging. In years past I recall so... More

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See 2 more reviews by buttondeb for Washington DC
bristol, ct
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2012 NEW

like...Archie Bunkers chair, Red Ruby Slippers, SONY walkman...disliked...most exhibits closed the day we went..lol More

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See 3 more reviews by acsanta11 for Washington DC
middle Tennessee
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2012 NEW

I liked everything about this museum. Considering admission was free, this place was unbelievable. There was so much to see here. Leave at least a couple of hours for this stop and don't go in May. All the schools take field trips to Washington in May apparently. You had to wade in and out of school groups everywhere you went. More

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See 13 more reviews by Biology_Major for Washington DC
Washington DC
Top Contributor
140 reviews 140 reviews
Reviews in 36 cities Reviews in 36 cities
91 helpful votes 91 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2012 NEW

With permanent and changing exhibits, this musuem offers a wealth of info. That's good but can be overwhelming. So stop at the front desk to get a sense of what you'd really like to see or you can wander for hours! Family friendly and accessible. Be sure to cap your tour with a visit to the musuem shops for great... More

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See 49 more reviews by sailingboat for Washington DC
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2012 NEW

It seems like some portion of this museum is always closed for renovations, so plan ahead. I appreciate the hands-on demonstrations they offer (making a flag for the kids, listening to a first-person account of the Civil Rights movement). The more popular exhibits are always packed, so it can difficult to get a good look. More

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See 17 more reviews by Traci M for Washington DC
London, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
93 reviews 93 reviews
Reviews in 38 cities Reviews in 38 cities
53 helpful votes 53 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2012

We really hoped to get an overview of US history at this museum. Negatives: Firstly there was a lot of exhibits closed and we were told some exhibits won't open until August! Secondly, history is not just war and items from hollywood, it includes music, culture , the arts, food and religion, all of which have shaped American history greatly... More

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See 3 more reviews by istanbultrip059 for Washington DC
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2012

This is a very good museum filled with items that bring back memories sometimes forgotten. How refreshing to go from exhibition to exhibition, reflecting and remembering the events that have made not only our country, but our world a greater place to live. The items on display, some original and some replicas, are educational, emotionally provoking, and very educational. This... More

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See 12 more reviews by cphilpot for Washington DC
Jackson
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2012

We are fortunate that there are still places like this to see and care has been taken to preserve our history....unfortunately there will always be areas in the museum "under construction", as there are on our highways! That's a good thing! Enjoy your visit there while it's still FREE! More

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Green Lane, Pennsylvania
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2012

Awesome museum. If you like our incredible history, you will love it here. Doesn't omit our shameful moments in time either. Slavery, civil rights, Indian invasions.... Don't miss this museum in DC. There are so many original artifacts and mini history lessons. I will be returning! Try to make the tour after it opens. Great overview of this large museum. More

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See 3 more reviews by travelgirl502 for Washington DC

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