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Complete Guide to all 20 Free Smithsonian Museums (in DC, NYC & VA)

Discover all 20 FREE Smithsonian museums in Washington DC, NYC, and Virginia with our guide. Explore art, history, and science exhibits without spending a dime.

Welcome to our guide to the free Smithsonian museums in Washington DC, New York, and Virginia. The Smithsonian Institution is a collection of nineteen museums and galleries, plus the National Zoo, and research facilities that are dedicated to preserving and celebrating the cultural and scientific history of the United States and the wider world.

These institutions are home to some of the world’s most significant art, history, science, and cultural exhibits. Whether you’re interested in exploring the vast universe, immersing yourself in history, or learning about the natural world, the Smithsonian has something for everyone.

The best part? Admission to all Smithsonian museums (except the Cooper Hewitt in NYC) is completely free.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour of each museum, highlighting some of their must-see exhibits and providing information on how to get there. So, whether you’re a local or just visiting, get ready to dive into the fascinating world of the Smithsonian institution.

Free Smithsonian Museums in Washington DC, New York and Virginia Disclaimer: Almost all posts on this site contain Affiliate links, and this one about all the Free Smithsonian Institutions DC, New York and Virginia is no different. This means that if you click on any of the links in this post (and make a purchase) I may receive a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. Each post is carefully crafted to (hopefully!) answer all your questions and recommendations are made where we believe they will improve your trip and help with your planning. As such we thank you in advance should you decide to click & buy. Read my full Disclosure here.

Free Smithsonian Museums in Washington DC (in alphabetical order)

Anacostia Community Museum

The Anacostia Community Museum, located in the Anacostia neighborhood of Washington DC, was established in 1967 as the first federally funded museum in the United States to focus on the social and cultural issues that impact communities.

Collections and Exhibits

The museum’s collection includes a range of artifacts, photographs, and documents that explore the cultural heritage and experiences of African American communities in the DC area, including exhibits on topics such as:

  • Urban renewal
  • Civil rights
  • Community activism

Community Programs and Events

In addition to its exhibits, the museum also hosts various community programs and events throughout the year, including:

  • Concerts
  • Film screenings
  • Educational workshops

Getting There

To reach the museum via public transport, visitors can take the Green Line towards Branch Avenue and alight at Anacostia station, which is just a short walk from the museum.

If arriving by car, free parking is available at the museum. During the summer months, the museum also offers a free round-trip shuttle service from the National Mall to the museum, making it even more accessible for visitors.

With its focus on community and its commitment to preserving and sharing the stories of historically marginalized groups, the Anacostia Community Museum is a valuable cultural institution in the nation’s capital.

 

 

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

Image (C) Arthur M Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian

The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery is a museum of Asian art located in Washington DC, adjacent to the National Mall. The gallery is named after Arthur M. Sackler, who donated over 1,000 objects to the Smithsonian Institution.

Collections and Exhibits

The gallery’s collection includes works from China, Japan, Korea, South and Southeast Asia, and the Islamic world, with a focus on ancient and contemporary Asian art.

The museum’s permanent collection includes over 10,000 objects, ranging from sculptures and paintings to textiles and ceramics. Some notable pieces include:

  • The Bactrian Princess, a large statue of a woman from ancient Afghanistan
  • The Freer Gallery of Art’s Peacock Room, a stunning interior installation by American artist James McNeill Whistler

Temporary Exhibitions

In addition to its permanent collection, the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, featuring works by contemporary Asian artists and exploring themes such as religion, politics, and culture.

Getting There

Visitors to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery can access the museum via the Smithsonian Metro Station, which is located on the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines. The museum is also easily accessible by bus or car, with parking available at nearby garages.

Arts and Industries Building

Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building Washington DC The Arts and Industries Building is a historic museum building located on the National Mall in Washington DC. It was the first Smithsonian museum building, and it served as the Smithsonian’s main museum until the National Museum of Natural History was completed in 1910.

The building was opened in 1881 and was designed by Adolf Cluss, a German-born architect who also designed other notable buildings in Washington, D.C.

Today, the Arts and Industries Building houses a variety of exhibitions and events, with a focus on science, culture, and technology. Visitors can explore the building’s exhibits, which include interactive displays, historical artifacts, and immersive experiences.

Some of the notable exhibits include:

  • The “Futures” exhibit, which showcases cutting-edge technologies and innovations.
  • The “World’s Fairs” exhibit, which explores the history of international expositions.

Getting Here

To get to the Arts and Industries Building, visitors can take the Metro to the Smithsonian stop on the Orange, Blue, or Silver lines. From there, it’s just a short walk to the museum on the National Mall.

Opening Hours

The building is open daily from 10am to 5:30pm, except on December 25th.

Freer Gallery of Art

Freer Gallery of Art The Freer Gallery of Art, located on the National Mall in Washington DC, is part of the Smithsonian Institution and is dedicated to Asian art.

The gallery houses a large collection of art from:

  • East Asia
  • Southeast Asia
  • South Asia
  • Islamic world

This includes paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and other objects.

The gallery’s most famous holdings include works by James McNeill Whistler, including his iconic “Peacock Room,” and a large collection of ancient Chinese jades.

In addition to its collection, the Freer Gallery hosts special exhibitions and public programs, such as lectures, concerts, and films, throughout the year.

Getting Here

The museum is located on the National Mall, near the Smithsonian Metro station, which is accessible by the Orange, Silver, and Blue lines of the Metro. Visitors can also take a bus or drive and park at a nearby garage.

The Freer Gallery is wheelchair accessible and offers assistive devices for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Opening Hours

The museum offers free admission to all visitors and is open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm, except on Christmas Day. Guided tours and audio tours are also available.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is a modern and contemporary art museum located in the heart of Washington DC on the National Mall.

The museum features a diverse collection of art and sculpture, including works by famous artists such as:

  • Andy Warhol;
  • Roy Lichtenstein; and
  • Jeff Koons;
  • as well as lesser-known artists from around the world.

The museum’s outdoor sculpture garden is a must-visit, showcasing large-scale works by artists such as:

  • Alexander Calder
  • Henry Moore, and
  • Yoko Ono.

The museum also hosts a variety of exhibitions, performances, and programs throughout the year, including film screenings, artist talks, and special events.

Getting Here

To get to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, visitors can take the Metro to the Smithsonian station on the Orange, Blue, or Silver lines. The museum is located just a short walk from the station, and there are also several bus lines that stop nearby.

Paid parking is available in nearby garages, but visitors may find it easier to take public transportation.

Opening Hours

Admission to the museum is free, and guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the artwork and artists featured in the collection.

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National Air and Space Museum

National Air and Space Museum The National Air and Space Museum is one of the most popular museums in Washington DC, and for good reason.

The museum houses the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world, including the Wright Brothers’ original 1903 Flyer, Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 11 Command Module.

In addition to the impressive collection of aviation and space artifacts, the museum also features exhibits on the science of flight, the history of space exploration, and the impact of air and space technology on society.

How to Get There

The National Air and Space Museum is located on the National Mall and is easily accessible by public transportation. The closest Metro station is L’Enfant Plaza, which is served by the Orange, Blue, Green, and Yellow lines. From there, visitors can take the 7th and D Street exit and follow signs to the museum.

Additionally, the museum is served by several bus routes, including the Circulator and the Metrobus.

Opening Hours

The museum is open daily from 10am to 5:30pm, except for December 25th.

Admission to the museum is free, but some special exhibitions may require a fee. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, as the museum can get quite crowded, particularly on weekends and holidays.

 

National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Museum of African American History and Culture The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a museum located on the National Mall in Washington D.C. that focuses exclusively on the history and culture of African Americans.

The museum was established in 2003, and after over a decade of planning and construction, it opened to the public in 2016. It features a collection of over 37,000 objects, including photographs, videos, documents, and artifacts that illustrate the history and contributions of African Americans to American culture.

The museum’s exhibitions are divided into several categories, including:

  1. Slavery and freedom
  2. Segregation and civil rights
  3. Sports and entertainment
  4. Music and performing arts

The exhibits feature interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and immersive experiences that allow visitors to engage with the history and culture of African Americans in a meaningful way.

How to Get There

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is easily accessible by public transportation. The closest Metro station is Smithsonian on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines, and several bus routes also stop nearby.

Opening Hours

The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. except for Christmas Day, and timed-entry passes are required for entry.

National Museum of African Art

National Museum of African Art The National Museum of African Art, located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is dedicated to showcasing the arts and cultures of Africa.

The museum’s collection includes over 12,000 artworks and objects, ranging from traditional masks and sculptures to contemporary paintings and installations.

The exhibits explore themes such as

  • religion,
  • gender,
  • politics, and
  • everyday life

These exhibits provide a rich understanding of the diversity and complexity of African cultures.

In addition to the permanent collection, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions that highlight contemporary and historical African art and culture.

One of the museum’s signature works is the iconic sculpture, “The Head of a King” from the Kingdom of Ife in Nigeria.

Visitors can explore the museum’s collections through interactive exhibits, multimedia installations, and live performances.

The museum also offers a variety of programs and events, including artist talks, workshops, and film screenings.

Getting Here

The Museum of African Art is located on the National Mall in Washington DC, at 950 Independence Ave SW, and is easily accessible via public transportation.

The closest Metro station is the Smithsonian station on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. From there, visitors can walk about 10 minutes to the museum.

Opening Hours

Entry to the Museum of African Art is free, but timed-entry passes are required to manage visitor flow and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Visitors can reserve timed-entry passes online or by phone for free. Same-day passes may also be available at the museum on a first-come, first-served basis.

National Museum of American History

National Museum of American History The National Museum of American History is one of the Smithsonian Institution’s most popular museums, located on the National Mall in Washington D.C.

This museum features a diverse collection of American artifacts and memorabilia, ranging from the original Star-Spangled Banner flag to the First Ladies’ Inaugural Gowns.

Visitors can explore exhibitions that delve into the history of American politics, entertainment, and technology. The museum also offers interactive exhibits, including a demonstration of the 1800s printing press and a 1930s diner.

How to Get Here

The National Museum of American History can be easily reached via the Metro system, with the nearest station being the Smithsonian station on the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines.

For those driving, there is limited metered street parking available, and several paid parking garages are located nearby.

Additionally, several bus lines have stops close to the museum.

Opening Hours

General admission to the museum is free, but timed-entry passes are required for certain exhibitions and events. Visitors can reserve their passes online in advance to ensure entry into the museum during their desired time slot.

National Museum of the American Indian

National Museum of the American Indian The National Museum of the American Indian is located on the National Mall and is dedicated to the history, culture, and art of Native Americans in the Western Hemisphere.

The museum’s collection includes over 800,000 objects and works of art, from ancient to contemporary, and spans a wide range of indigenous cultures across the Americas.

Admission is free, with no timed entry tickets allowing visitors to explore the museum’s permanent and temporary exhibitions, participate in cultural events and programs, and enjoy Native-inspired cuisine at the museum’s Mitsitam Cafe.

Getting Here

The museum can be easily accessed via public transportation, with the closest Metro station being L’Enfant Plaza on the Blue, Orange, Silver, Green, and Yellow lines.

It is also easily accessible by car, with nearby parking available at several commercial lots and garages.

National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian Natural History Museum Washington DC The National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC is one of the most visited natural history museums in the world

is one of the most visited natural history museums in the world. It showcases a vast collection of over 145 million specimens and artifacts across various scientific disciplines, including geology, paleontology, botany, zoology, and anthropology.

The museum’s exhibits are designed to educate visitors of all ages on the diversity and complexity of the natural world, including:

  1. The evolution of life on Earth
  2. The interconnectedness of different ecosystems

How to Get There

The museum is located on the National Mall, just off Constitution Ave NW, Washington DC. You can easily reach it via public transportation:

Metro: Take the Blue, Orange, or Silver Line to the Smithsonian station, which is located directly outside the museum.

Car: If you’re driving, there are several parking garages nearby. However, please note that spaces can be limited during peak periods.

Admission Information

Admission to the museum is free, but timed-entry passes are required for certain attractions:

  1. Butterfly Pavilion: This popular exhibit requires a timed-entry pass due to limited capacity.
  2. Special Exhibitions: Some temporary exhibitions may also require timed-entry passes.

Visitors can obtain these passes online or in person at the museum’s information desk on the day of their visit.

 

National Portrait Gallery

National Portrait Gallery The National Portrait Gallery is a Smithsonian museum that features portraits of influential figures in American history, art, and culture.

The museum’s collection spans from the colonial period to the present day and includes works in a variety of mediums, such as paintings, photographs, sculptures, and more.

Visitors can explore the museum’s various exhibits, which include:

  • The “America’s Presidents” gallery showcases the official portraits of all the U.S. presidents, and
  • The “Struggle for Justice” exhibit focuses on the history of civil rights and social justice movements in the United States.

How to Get Here

The National Portrait Gallery is conveniently located in downtown DC, near the Gallery Place-Chinatown metro station, which is served by the Red, Yellow, and Green lines. The museum can also be reached by car, with several parking garages located nearby.

Opening Times

Admission to the National Portrait Gallery is free, and the museum is open daily from 11 am to 7 pm, with extended hours until 9 pm on Thursdays and Fridays.

The museum also offers various events and programs, such as artist talks, film screenings, and family-friendly activities, throughout the year.

National Postal Museum

National Postal Museum The National Postal Museum is a Smithsonian Institution museum located in the Northeast neighborhood of Washington DC, adjacent to Union Station.

The museum’s collection boasts over 6 million postal artifacts, ranging from rare stamps and envelopes to postal vehicles and mailboxes.

Visitors can explore exhibits on the history of the postal service, including its role in American history and the development of the mail system.

Interactive exhibits allow visitors to experience a working postal sorting facility, design their own stamp, and explore the various modes of transportation used for mail delivery.

Getting Here

To reach the National Postal Museum by public transport, visitors can take the Red Line to Union Station and exit towards Massachusetts Avenue. The museum is just a short walk from the station.

If arriving by car, there is a parking garage located at Union Station, with discounted rates for museum visitors.

Opening Hours

The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, except on major holidays.

Admission to the museum is free, and guided tours are available for a fee.

RELATED:
Other great museums to add to your list of places to visit in Washington DC include the International Spy Museum, The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Archives Museum, the National Gallery of Art, The National Childrens Museum, The Library of Congress, the White House Visitors Centre and the United States Botanical Gardens. (As you can see there are plenty of museums in DC, not run by the Smithsonian, although not all of these are free).

National Zoo

Panda eating bamboo at the National Zoo The Smithsonian’s National Zoo, located in the heart of Washington DC, is a must-visit destination for animal lovers.

The zoo boasts over 2,000 animals from 400 different species, including giant pandas, lions, tigers, and elephants.

Visitors can observe the animals up close and learn about their habitats and behaviors through informative exhibits and educational programs.

In addition to viewing the animals, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities and experiences at the zoo. The Amazonia exhibit, a replica of the Amazon rainforest, offers a unique immersive experience, complete with exotic plants and animals.

The zoo also offers animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and other special events throughout the year.

Getting Here

Getting to the zoo is easy via metro, with the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan stop on the Red Line located just a short walk away. Visitors can also drive and park in one of the zoo’s convenient parking lots for a fee.

Opening Hours

Entry to the National Zoo is free, but visitors are required to book an ‘Entry Pass‘ which are available to reserve up to 4 weeks in advance of your visit, with a limited number of same-day visitor passes available at the entrance for those without access to the online systems.

If you require parking, a parking pass is available to book for $30.

 

Renwick Gallery

Renwick Gallery The Renwick Gallery is dedicated to showcasing contemporary craft and decorative art.

The Renwick Gallery’s permanent collection includes more than 2,000 objects made from clay, fiber, glass, metal, and wood, with a focus on American craft from the 19th century to the present day.

The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that highlight the work of contemporary artists and designers.

Some of the past exhibitions at the Renwick have included immersive installations, large-scale sculptures, and interactive displays.

One of the most popular permanent exhibitions at the Renwick is “Wonder,” a collection of nine immersive installations that invite visitors to explore the intersections of art, science, and nature.

Another highlight is the “Murder Is Her Hobby” exhibition, which features the work of Frances Glessner Lee, a pioneering forensic scientist who used dollhouse-scale dioramas to train detectives in the 1940s and 1950s.

Getting Here

The museum is situated just steps away from the White House and is easily accessible by public transport.

Visitors can take the Metro to Farragut West station (Blue, Orange, and Silver lines) or Farragut North station (Red line) and walk a few blocks to the gallery.

Alternatively, those traveling by car can use nearby parking garages.

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Smithsonian American Art Museum (and Portrait Gallery) The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) boasts an impressive collection of American art from the colonial period to contemporary times.

Visitors can explore exhibits featuring works from artists such as:

  • Georgia O’Keeffe;
  • Edward Hopper, and
  • John Singer Sargent, among others.

The museum also has a large collection of African American art, folk art, and new media, making it a unique destination for art enthusiasts.

In addition to its extensive permanent collection, SAAM also hosts a variety of rotating exhibitions and special events throughout the year.

How To Get Here

To get to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, visitors can take the Metro to the Gallery Place-Chinatown station, which is located directly beneath the museum.

Alternatively, those traveling by car can find parking in nearby garages or on-street parking, although it is recommended to check parking availability and rates beforehand.

Opening Hours

The museum is open daily from 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM, with extended hours until 5:30 PM on weekends and holidays. Admission to the museum is free, although some special exhibitions may require a fee.

Smithsonian Institution Building (“The Castle”)

Smithsonian Castle The Smithsonian Institution Building, also known as “The Castle” or “Smithsonian Castle”, is the headquarters of the Smithsonian Institution and serves as the starting point for many visitors to the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Designed by architect James Renwick Jr. and completed in 1855, The Castle is a red sandstone building in the Gothic Revival style that features a central courtyard and tower.

Inside The Castle, visitors can learn about the history and mission of the Smithsonian Institution through exhibits, videos, and interactive displays.

The building also houses the Smithsonian Information Center, where visitors can obtain maps, brochures, and other information about the museums and other attractions on the National Mall.

Getting Here

The Castle is located on the National Mall between 7th and 9th Streets NW. The closest Metro station is the Smithsonian station on the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines.

It is also easily accessible by car, with parking available at nearby garages and metered street parking in the surrounding area.
 

Free Smithsonian Museums in New York City

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum is located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York City. It is the only museum in the United States devoted solely to historic and contemporary design.

The museum’s collection consists of over 210,000 objects spanning 30 centuries of design history, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary digital designs.

Visitors can explore the galleries, which showcase a diverse range of design disciplines, including textiles, furniture, product design, and graphic design.

The museum also features interactive experiences, including the Immersion Room, which allows visitors to explore the museum’s collection in a virtual reality environment.

How to Get Here

To reach the Cooper Hewitt Museum by subway, visitors can take the 4, 5, or 6 trains to the 86th Street station, which is just a few blocks away from the museum.

Alternatively, visitors can take a car or taxi to the museum, which is located at 2 East 91st Street, New York, NY 10128.

Opening Hours

The museum is open from Monday to Sunday, and admission fees vary depending on age and residency status.

The museum offers free admission for visitors under the age of 18 and active-duty military personnel and their families.

National Museum of the American Indian George Gustav Heye Center

National Museum of the American Indians George Gustav Heye Center The National Museum of the American Indian George Gustav Heye Center is located in the historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House in Lower Manhattan.

The museum’s exhibitions highlight Native American art, culture, and history, with a particular focus on the communities of the Eastern Woodlands, Plains, and Southwest regions.

Visitors can explore permanent and temporary exhibits featuring a wide range of artwork, from textiles to sculpture, as well as artifacts such as baskets, pottery, and tools.

How to Get Here

The museum can be easily accessed by subway or car. Visitors can take the 1, R, or W subway lines to the South Ferry station and walk a few blocks to the museum.

Alternatively, there are several parking garages located nearby for those arriving by car.

Admission Policies

Admission to the museum is free, and visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s website for information on special exhibitions and events.

The museum also features a gift shop and a café offering Native American-inspired cuisine.
 

The Free Smithsonian Museum in Chantilly, Virginia

National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

Air and Space Smithsonian Museum in Virginia The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located in Chantilly, Virginia, about 28 miles west of Washington, D.C.

It is a companion facility to the National Air and Space Museum located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

The center features two large hangars that house thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, the Enola Gay, and a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird.

Getting Here

To reach the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center by public transport, visitors can take the Washington Metro’s Silver Line to the Wiehle-Reston East Station, and then take the Fairfax Connector Route 983 bus, which operates between the station and the museum.

Alternatively, visitors can take the Metrobus Route 5A from Washington, D.C. to the Dulles International Airport and then transfer to the free shuttle bus that runs between the airport and the museum.

Visitors who wish to drive to the museum can take Route 28 to the Sully Road exit, turn onto Air and Space Museum Parkway, and then follow the signs to the center. The museum offers a large parking lot for visitors, with a fee of $15 per vehicle.
 

What are the Most Popular Smithsonian Museums by Visitor Numbers?

Smithsonian National History Museum Washington DC As the Museums are free, it is hard to track visitor numbers by ticket sales, so the numbers provided by the Smithsonian Institute are generated by staff and security guards using hand clickers at the entrance and/or exits at facilities, and as they are collated over a calendar year, visitor numbers are correct per institution until July 2022. This is doubles as a Smithsonian Museums list with visitor numbers.

  1. National Museum of Natural History – 3.9 Million
  2. National Museum of American History – 1.8 Million
  3. National Zoo – 1.5 Million
  4. National Museum of African American History and Culture – 1.2 Million
  5. Smithsonian American Art Museum (inc the Renwick Gallery) – 1.1 Million
  6. National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (Virginia) – 1.1. Million
  7. National Portrait Gallery – 95,653
  8. Smithsonian Institution Building, “The Castle” – 875,417
  9. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden – 828,949
  10. National Museum of the American Indian (Washington, D.C.) – 552,928
  11. National Air and Space Museum – 418,864
  12. Arts and Industries Building – 410,250
  13. National Museum of the American Indian Gustav Heye Center (New York City) – 239,435
  14. Freer Gallery of Art – 238,519
  15. Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum – 195,592
  16. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery – 127,594
  17. National Postal Museum – 120,818
  18. Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum – 118,003
  19. National Museum of African Art – 90,968
  20. Anacostia Community Museum – 7,922

List of all Smithsonian Museums in Alphabetical Order

 

  1. Anacostia Community Museum
  2. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
  3. Arts and Industries Building
  4. Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum (NYC)
  5. Freer Gallery of Art
  6. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
  7. National Air and Space Museum
  8. National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (Virginia)
  9. National Museum of African American History and Culture
  10. National Museum of African Art
  11. National Museum of American History
  12. National Museum of Natural History
  13. National Museum of the American Indian (Washington, D.C.)
  14. National Museum of the American Indian Gustav Heye Center (NYC)
  15. National Portrait Gallery
  16. National Postal Museum
  17. National Zoo
  18. Renwick Gallery
  19. Smithsonian American Art Museum
  20. Smithsonian Institution Building, “The Castle”

 

Frequently asked questions about Free Smithsonian Museums DC, NY & VA

  1. Is the Smithsonian free? 
    There are 20 Smithsonian museums, 19 of them are free. The only paid Smithsonian museum is the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
  2. What museums are free in Washington DC?
    In addition the the 17 free Smithsonian Museums DC including the National Zoo (listed above) there is also the
    National Gallery of Art, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, National Museum of Women in the Arts, National Archives Museum, National Museum of American, Jewish Military History, The Phillips Collection, and The Library of Congress (though tours may be required for certain areas)
  3. How many Smithsonian museums are there?
    There are 20, including the National Zoo. 17 Are in Washington DC, 2 are in NYC, and 1 in Virginia.
  4. Which Smithsonian museums are free?
    There are 20 Smithsonian Museums in the USA, 19 of them are free and are listed above and include The Natural History Museum, American History Museum, and National Zoo.
    The only paid Smithsonian museum is the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
  5. What are the Smithsonian Museum hours of operation?
    All Washington DC area museums and the American Indian Museum in New York are open every day of the year except December 25. The Cooper Hewitt in New York is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

In conclusion, the Smithsonian Institution offers a diverse range of museums in Washington DC, New York, and Virginia, all of which are free to the public. Whether you’re interested in art, history, science, or culture, there is a Smithsonian museum for everyone to explore and enjoy. Plan your visit and take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn and discover the wonders of the world around us.

Free Smithsonian Museums Pin Image

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