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An Overview of the Smithsonian Institution Museums in Washington, DC
What is the Smithsonian Institution? Collectively called the Smithsonian Institution, the world-renowned museum and research complex consists of 17 museums and galleries in Washington, DC, including the National Zoo. From the origins of man at the Natural History Museum to the future of space travel at the Air and Space Museum (and its even bigger sister facility, the Udvar-Hazy Center), Smithsonian museums are a guide to the most fascinating aspects of our world. The museum collection contains more than 150 million objects, works of art and specimens altogether. And the best part: you won’t have to pay a penny to experience it as admission is free at every location. At the center of it all is the Smithsonian Institution Building, better known as "The Castle". The vital information point makes for a perfect meet-up spot, and its America’s Treasure Chest exhibit inspires all with a sneak peek at the types of artifacts displayed in all of the museums. Don’t leave without paying your respects at the crypt of English scientist James Smithson, who, upon his death, gave every last penny he had to establish the Smithsonian Institution. Museums farther than the eye can see Smithsonian’s collection of knowledge centers serve as a treasure chest for visitors. The aforementioned Air and Space Museum and Natural History Museum are definitely fanned favorites. The American History Museum, with its endless array of Americana (read: the Star-Spangled Banner Flag), takes a comprehensive look at our country’s history, and the National Zoo, which features hundreds of species and the cutest panda cub around, Bei Bei, also draw millions each year. But with the whole Smithsonian lineup at your disposal, we recommend that you also dig deeper in the District. Witness the wonders of Asian art at the Freer | Sackler Galleries. Marvel at cutting-edge exhibits and Instagrammable architecture at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and have your mind blown by the crafty wizardry seen in the art at the Renwick Gallery, located steps from the White House. Take in centuries of artistic achievement at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and spend a lull or lunch at the architecturally riveting Kogod Courtyard. You won’t have to travel far to see the most complete collection of presidential portraits, because the building is also home to the National Portrait Gallery. Each president is immortalized in the “America’s Presidents” exhibit, and the works come from artists named Rockwell, De Kooning and Close. Worldly art lovers will want to check out the African Art Museum, which showcases traditional and contemporary art from the continent, as well as a collection of more than 500 African relics. Discover Native American history, culture and art through in-depth exhibits and cultural events at the American Indian Museum, which is set in a jaw-dropping facade on the National Mall. For a more locally-focused experience, explore the impact of social issues past and present on largely black neighborhoods at the Anacostia Community Museum. Delve into America’s enthralling postal history from colonial times to the present at the National Postal Museum, home to artifacts that tell the story of how America has delivered its mail. The newest Smithsonian Institution museum is the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Situated on the National Mall, this new architectural wonder is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, art, history and culture. Where are the Smithsonian museums? Many of the museums are located on the National Mall and are easily accessible by Metro. In fact, the Smithsonian has its own Metro stop on the Orange and Blue lines. There are others scattered throughout Washington, DC (the National Zoo in Woodley Park and the Postal Museum near Union Station), and even one in Virginia (at the Udvar-Hazy Center). For the adults Kids aren't the only ones who love museums. The 21-and-up crowd get down with Smithsonian at 8, an after-hours party with varying themes and settings. Attendees revel in cocktails, live music, food and more, with exclusive access to some of the most adored museums in the world. Be there for its next event!
Fly High at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
All about the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center Opened in 2003, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center serves as a partner facility to the National Air and Space Museum. The two locations together attract more than 8 million visits per year, making the National Air and Space complex the most popular museum in the United States. For aviation enthusiasts young and old, the Udvar-Hazy Center is just plain cool. The expansive museum consists of two hangars – the Boeing Aviation Hangar and the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar – which house dozens of aircraft and spacecraft. Some of the most notable include the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a Concorde and the space shuttle Discovery. The Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar has an observation overlook, allowing visitors to see the preservation and restoration work underway by the Museum’s collections staff. Things to do at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center The aircraft and spacecraft hanging overhead would be impressive enough, but the Udvar-Hazy Center also offers thousands of additional artifacts to view and many interactive, family friendly exhibits and activities. Prepare to take off and explore Sport Aviation, World War II Aviation, Space Science, and more. Talk to the Museum’s docents, who are stationed throughout the exhibit space both in person and via web conferencing, and ready to answer your questions and share the stories of the Museum’s collection. Enhance your experience with a giant screen film in the Airbus IMAX Theater (open Wednesday – Sunday), a simulator ride, or virtual reality experience. Before departure, browse the museum store and take home unique aviation and space themed souvenirs. Visiting the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center Regular hours are 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, located at 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway in Chantilly, Va., just minutes from Washington Dulles International Airport. The center can be reached by car via I-66 or the Dulles Toll Road. See detailed directions. On-site parking is available for $15 and is free for vehicles that arrive after 4 p.m. The center can also be reached via Metro. Take the Silver Line to the Wiehle-Reston East station and transfer to the Fairfax Connector Bus No. 983. The bus stops directly in front of the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
Guide to Accessibility at Monuments & Memorials on the National Mall
For Planning Purposes NPS provides braille brochures of every monument and memorial on the National Mall free of charge to onsite visitors. All monuments and memorials on the National Mall are wheelchair accessible. Please note that there are a limited number of wheelchairs available upon request on a first-come, first-served basis at several of the memorials, including the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the World War II Memorial. American Sign Language interpretation is available for free upon request. NPS has also established a parkwide Accessibility Coordinator. We advise you to contact NPS at least three (3) weeks in advance of your trip to make arrangements and ask questions. If you prefer to do so by phone, call 202-246-6841. Key Accessibility Facts For Major Monuments & Memorials Washington Monument 2 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20024 The elevator that transports visitors to the observation level is fully wheelchair accessible. Panoramic images are also available inside the elevator for visitors who cannot see out the windows. Images of the Monument’s Commemorative Stones are available for those who cannot access the stairwell. Closed captioning is available for all films shown during your visit. Contact the Park Ranger on duty if you encounter any issues. More information Lincoln Memorial 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle NW, Washington, DC 20002 A large print version of the Gettysburg Address is available. Closed captioning is available for all films shown during your visit. Contact the Park Ranger on duty if you encounter any issues. More information Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial 1850 West Basin Drive SW, Washington, DC 20024 Accessible parking spaces are available immediately next to the memorial on West Basin Drive. The on-site bookstore (open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily) offers wheelchairs upon request with a state-issued ID card. Accessible restrooms are available on the south side of the bookstore’s building. More information Thomas Jefferson Memorial 16 East Basin Drive SW, Washington, DC 20024 Accessible parking spaces are available immediately next to the memorial on East Basin Drive. Wheelchairs are available upon request with a state-issued identification card. An elevator is located in the basement of the memorial to access the chamber area. Accessible restrooms are also located in the basement. More information Korean War Veterans Memorial 10 Daniel French Drive SW, Washington, DC 20002 The recently renovated memorial has wheelchairs available upon request on a first-come, first-served basis. The outdoor memorial, including its 19 stainless steel statues and the Remembrance Wall, has plenty of space for traversing by wheelchair. More information Vietnam Veterans Memorial 5 Henry Bacon Drive NW, Washington, DC 20245 The closest accessible parking spaces are available on the south side of the Lincoln Memorial. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is on the north side. More information World War II Memorial 1750 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC Accessible parking spaces are available on nearby Home Front Drive SW, which can be accessed from southbound 17th Street. Widened walkways and easy transitions between levels, as well as low partial walls, are all features designed to increase accessibility. More information Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial 400 West Basin Drive SW, Washington, DC Accessible parking spaces are available next to the memorial on West Basin Drive. Accessible waysides contain nearby inscriptions in braille and audio listening devices. Accessible restrooms are on the north and south end of the memorial. The memorial offers an array of tactile elements as well as accessible exhibits in its information center. Braille brochures are also available. More information Other Related Articles Guide to Accessibility at Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC 8 Must-See Monuments & Memorials on the National Mall
Guide to Accessibility at Smithsonian Museums in Washington, DC
Know Before You Go The Smithsonian Institution offers numerous resources to ensure any visit to any of its DC museums is satisfying. Here are a few need-to-know facts as you plan a trip that requires access services. Make sure to visit the Access Smithsonian website for a full overview, including additional general museum tips. Manual wheelchairs are available at no cost at all Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are welcome to use their own personal mobility devices in Smithsonian museums. Access services for public programs, such as real-time captioning and sign language interpretation, can be arranged by emailing Access@si.edu. Open captioning is provided on all museum exhibition videos. Assistive listening devices are available at all Smithsonian museums. Tactile and visual description tours can be arranged by contacting the individual museums or by emailing Access@si.edu. Tactile elements are available throughout many Smithsonian museums. The Smithsonian Institution guide and map are available in braille and large print at each museum’s information desk. Bathrooms are located throughout the Smithsonian museums. All bathrooms have an accessible stall, and some museums have a Family/Companion Care restroom. Inquire at the museum Information Desk or look at the museum’s map to find bathroom locations. Visit Access Smithsonian for more information. Accessibility Options for Each Smithsonian Museum in DC Each link below will take you directly to pertinent accessibility information for each museum located in the area, including parking, wheelchair access, restrooms, available services and more. National Museum of African American History and Culture National Museum of African Art National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (Chantilly, Va.) American Art Museum & Renwick Gallery National Museum of American History National Museum of the American Indian Anacostia Community Museum National Zoo National Postal Museum National Portrait Gallery National Museum of Natural History Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden National Museum of Asian Art Accessibility Map for Smithsonian Museums On and Near the Mall The map is printable and includes a detailed diagram of entrances with wheelchair access, curb cuts, paved walkways, designated parking for persons with disabilities and more. Aira, a visual interpreting service, is also available to all Smithsonian visitors. Additional Information Access Smithsonian features a bevy of pre-visit materials to assist you in getting acquainted with its DC museums ahead of your trip, including social narratives, exhibit breakdowns and entry information for each location. More information on accessibility throughout Washington, DC
