The Smithsonian Museums
Many first-time travelers often express interest in visiting “The Smithsonian” as if it’s a singular place. Yet there are actually sixteen Smithsonian Museums located in the Washington, DC area. Consequently, each represents a different focus area. The Museums are listed below in order of popularity. Their 2023 attendance is in parenthesis. Updates as of 1/24/25:
Museum of Natural History (4,400,000)
Museum of American History (2,100,000)
Air and Space Museum (Downtown) (1,900,000)
Museum of African American History and Culture (1,600,000)
Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum (1,200,000)
Museum of American Art and Portrait Gallery (885,000)
Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (715,000)
National Museum of the American Indian (704,000)
Freer Gallery of Art (334,000)
National Museum of African Art (131,000)
Sackler Gallery of Art (190,000)
Visitor Center (“The Castle”) (Closed through 2028)
Now read the listing from the bottom to the top. Thereby, that’s how to discover those that are least visited. Even in peak tourist season, visiting the less popular museums will be an intimate experience. In addition, any of the Smithsonian Museums can be added to a custom-made tour.
HOURS OF SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS
The hours of each of the Smithsonian Museums (with one exception discussed below) are 10:00AM to 5:30PM seven days. It’s best to arrive at the more popular museums at 10:30 or so. Long lines gather beforehand and there’s no sense standing in a needless line.
Otherwise, the National Museum of American Art and Portrait Gallery hours are 11:30AM – 7:00PM. This is one of the few indoor attractions, public or private, that is open after 5:30PM. Therefore, I always recommend a visit after 5:30PM, particularly if you have made arrangements for a late dinner. It’s conveniently located nearby many quality restaurants.
SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM PRO TIPS
Admission to each of the Smithsonian Museums is free. Some extra exhibits within the museums, for example the Butterfly Pavilion at the National Museum of Natural History, require and extra fee.
Additionally, The Steven F. Udvar / Hazy Air and Space Center is an Air and Space Museum located near Dulles Airport. In my opinion, it’s the most spectacular of the Smithsonian Museums. If flying in and out of Dulles Airport it’s a must see upon landing, or just before one departs. Otherwise, set aside the hours of 2:00PM – 6:30PM at a minimum to have an appropriate visit, including transits.
