National Air and Space Museum
National Air and Space Museum
10:00 - 17:30
Monday
10:00 - 17:30
Tuesday
10:00 - 17:30
Wednesday
10:00 - 17:30
Thursday
10:00 - 17:30
Friday
10:00 - 17:30
Saturday
10:00 - 17:30
Sunday
10:00 - 17:30
About
Note to visitors: Starting Oct 7, 2019, please enter through the Jefferson Drive entrance (National Mall side). The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum maintains the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Upper Northwest
How to get there
- L'Enfant Plaza • 4 min walk
- Federal Center SW • 7 min walk
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Restaurants
2,128 within 5 kms
Attractions
608 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
23,393 reviews
Excellent
15,952
Very good
5,333
Average
1,733
Poor
299
Terrible
80
dutchgirl255
Wareham, MA59 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
I got timed entry tickets online about a week before we left and that gets you straight in. We loved every bit - very well done. Cafe was not good - we can put a man on the moon but not a gluten free wrap or muffin in sight? Luckily I brought some gf cereal bars with me. No hot options either. Pity - we had a rather nice lunch in the Natural History Museum the previous day which was GF. Not a huge choice, but some at least.
Also, this Museum must be designed by men. Young men. There’s no seating around for tired older legs, and the only 2 benches on the upper floor was taken up by older people with walking sticks and a mother who was attempting to nurse her baby. Because there’s nowhere to do that! And then in the womens bathrooms there are no hooks for your purse. Ugh!! The museum should pay some attention to all of these issues.
Hence we didn’t stay as long as we planned, and that includes skipping the gift shop.
Also, this Museum must be designed by men. Young men. There’s no seating around for tired older legs, and the only 2 benches on the upper floor was taken up by older people with walking sticks and a mother who was attempting to nurse her baby. Because there’s nowhere to do that! And then in the womens bathrooms there are no hooks for your purse. Ugh!! The museum should pay some attention to all of these issues.
Hence we didn’t stay as long as we planned, and that includes skipping the gift shop.
Written 28 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Guðrún Ásta F
Egilsstadir, Iceland8 contributions
Nov 2022
Great museum with educational purpose and different showrooms. Is under renovations but still has a couple of different lessons. Sells access to videos about space and difference of the planets.. would be better to lay back in the chairs.
Written 23 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tashie d
12 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
A great air and space museum. There’s a lot of interesting information to read and exhibits to see. Online booking was required to secure a time slot, this meant guaranteed entrance and no queuing to get in which was great.
Written 21 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert F
6 contributions
Nov 2022
With renovations only about 40% complete you will need to come back again in 2025. Currently, early flight (Wright Brothers thru mid 20th century) is very detailed. A nice exhibit on Apollo and some misc more modern flight. What they have is very good and you should figure 3 hours tops, reading everything.
As of Nov 2022, reservations were required. But went on a Tuesday and got there early and they said to go on line right there and get an instant ticket. So even if you do not have a ticket, go anyways.
As of Nov 2022, reservations were required. But went on a Tuesday and got there early and they said to go on line right there and get an instant ticket. So even if you do not have a ticket, go anyways.
Written 18 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Charles S
Wilmington, VT93 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
You must have a timed entrance ticket to get in. Don’t wait until the last minute to get it or you may not get one. The museum is still undergoing renovations and over half is still closed. I would wait until it is fully open before returning.
Written 12 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
heggc2016
Woburn, MA20 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
I have been looking forward the Destination Moon exhibit ever since they announced it. I am huge early space program enthusiast and this was worth the trip to DC.
The exhibit is a great dive into the early history of our fascination of the moon, the early days of Mercury and Gemini, then right into the Apollo program. It's a great intro for anyone who wants to learn more and definitely worth checking out for all lovers of space.
A nice bonus is the original Enterprise model from the original series as well as cool and engaging exhibits for all to enjoy.
The exhibit is a great dive into the early history of our fascination of the moon, the early days of Mercury and Gemini, then right into the Apollo program. It's a great intro for anyone who wants to learn more and definitely worth checking out for all lovers of space.
A nice bonus is the original Enterprise model from the original series as well as cool and engaging exhibits for all to enjoy.
Written 12 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TahoegpSA
San Antonio, TX389 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Much of the Museum is currently undergoing renovation; however, those exhibits still open are very nice. First time back in 15 years and can’t wait to see the renewal when it’s all finished.
Written 6 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Carol
Chester, VT3 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
What an amazing museum. So much to see. Very well organized. Staff is very helpful. Cafe has delicious food.
Written 5 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris R
231 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
Been here before and wanted to give this a 5 star but couldn’t. Quite a bit of this museum is closed to the public. There was some amazing stuff we missed due to the closures.
Written 5 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sheboygannancy
sheboygan211 contributions
Oct 2022
After being closed for years to update the facility, it opened just as we were visiting. So far there was only part of it done but it is so much more engaging that the previous rendition. Take time to see what flight is like and how it got to be.
Written 4 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Japcarnutta
Harlow, UK36 contributions
Is there a retired ‘Air force one’ on display?
Pam2680
Rocky Top, TN102 contributions
Not that we saw, the biggest part with the planes and stealth was closed for remodeling and will be for 3 or 4 years , big disappointment.
Tat W
60 contributions
This attraction listing needs to be expanded to include the Dulles Airport location
granizadodelimon
Ampthill, UK138 contributions
Yes it does as its in two locations and it is not obvious what is in each location
prepper
michigan152 contributions
Looking at this museum, Natural museum of History and Holocaust Museum. We have been to Kennedy Space Center in Florida (which was amazing!!). I know this museum has some exhibits closed down due to remodeling. If we have to cut out a museum due to lack of time I am thinking this one because we have been to NASA. Thoughts?
Amanda Evans
West Memphis, AR261 contributions
If you have been to NASA, then it will be ok if you miss this one. I would definitely do the Holocaust!!
prepper
michigan152 contributions
I just read about some of the gallery closings. I was disappointed to learn that the WW II area including the simulators will be closed.(along with the moon area) Did these closures affect your trip? We were planning on visiting in August.
nbell8
Collegeville, PA106 contributions
We were there today and my kids were not impressed. It is crowded and everyone is fighting to see the exhibits that are open. We left after an hour. The line to get In was long and I don’t think it was worth it unless you really love air and space.
Which airport should we fly into to Visit the DC Space Museum (coming from CA)
ask4abhijit
Bengaluru, India44 contributions
Ronald Reagan Domestic Airport would be the closest
SPANEE
Surat, India2 contributions
I am really impressed by the review. I am planning, with my wife and son of 13years, to visit air and space museum, france next week, on tuesday.
My son is very much interested in flight simulation training, he never miss a single oppurtunity to discuss about air controller, air crash investigations and much more..
so, he is very much enthusiastic to go for simulator,
but,
I could not find any booking for that online.
so, requesting you to guide me for how to book simulation slot
Michael C
Washington DC, DC193 contributions
Interesting you asked me because I happen to be a licensed commercial pilot with many many hours of simulator practice and thousands of hours as pilot in command in actual aircraft.
I was not aware that the museum offers walk-in simulator time. If they do, it can only be a very perfunctory amusement park sort of thing.
If your son is interested in aviation, he can do much better by getting one of many realistic simulator software packages for training for a Cessna or Piper single or twin aircraft. For $200-300 one can get one with included rudder pedals and yoke and maybe even a power quadrant (throttle, propeller pitch, and mixture controls).
vivien71
Montpellier, France6 contributions
Bonjour,
J'aurais voulu savoir s'il était possible de pré réserver ses billets( pour ce musée de l'espace) à l 'avance afin de ne pas faire la queue une fois sur place: est-ce possible?
je vous remercie!
christine
msic31
Buenos Aires, Argentina106 contributions
La entrada es gratis y no hace falta reservar, no hay demora en la entrada
Pode entrar com mochilas?
Fernando Noronha
Belem, PA156 contributions
Sim. Sem problema. Apenas serão revistadas.
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National Air and Space Museum | Washington DC | UPDATED November 2022 Top Tips Before You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about National Air and Space Museum
- National Air and Space Museum is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 - 17:30
- We recommend booking National Air and Space Museum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 34 National Air and Space Museum tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience National Air and Space Museum:
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Guided Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max (From €91.13)
- The Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum - Exclusive Guided Tour (From €76.80)
- Washington DC Sightseeing Trolley Tour with 1 Stop (From €42.50)
- Day or Night Grand Sightseeing Tour of Washington DC with Stops at 8 Top Sites (From €57.00)
- Smithsonian Air & Space & American History Museum Tour- Semi-Private 8ppl Max (From €173.05)
- Hotels near National Air and Space Museum:
- (0.28 km) Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall, an IHG Hotel
- (0.49 km) citizenM Washington DC Capitol
- (0.62 km) Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf
- (0.95 km) Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
- (0.62 km) Residence Inn Washington National Mall
- Restaurants near National Air and Space Museum:
- (0.28 km) Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe
- (0.22 km) Subway
- (0.23 km) 2 Sisters Deli
- (0.25 km) Starbucks
- (0.25 km) Rice Bar
- Attractions near National Air and Space Museum:
- (0.00 km) Einstein Planetarium
- (0.09 km) Continental City Tours
- (0.19 km) Washington DC Tour Hub
- (0.08 km) Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial
- (0.29 km) National Mall