Smithsonian Institution Museums

Smithsonian Musuems in the Washington, DC, area include

• National Air and Space Museum.

  See the original Wright Flyer and "The Spirit of St. Louis," Charles Lindbergh's famed craft in which he made the world's first solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. It’s always a favorite thing for kids to do in Washington, DC. www.nasm.si.edu



• Smithsonian National Zoological Park (National Zoo).

  The National Zoos counts among its residents an amazing 2,000 different kinds of animals. The giant pandas are one of its rarest and most popular treasures.www.nationalzoo.si.edu/



• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (Natural History Museum).

  Dedicated to understanding the wonders of the natural world we live in, the museum boasts exhibits ranging from dinosaur fossils and living butterflies to spectacular diamonds. The museum also features an IMAX theater. www.mnh.si.edu/



• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.

  Devoted to modern and contemporary international art, the Museum is one of the nation’s leading art institutions. The Sculpture Garden provides a unique opportunity to view large-scale contemporary sculpture pieces.www.hirshhorn.si.edu/



• National Museum of the American Indian .

  Learn more about the cultures and histories of America’s Indians. The museum is devoted to exhibiting, preserving and studying the native peoples of the Americas. www.nmai.si.edu/



• National Museum of African Art.

  Experience the rich history and interesting culture of Africa. The museum features a collection of stunning African Art in sculpture, paintings and other fine arts.www.nmafa.si.edu/voice.html



• National Portrait Gallery.

  One of the country’s most art museums, it’s also one of the most historically important institutions. Some of the most famous Americans in history, like George Washington, line the walls of the gallery. http://www.npg.si.edu/



• National Postal Museum .

  The nation’s leading institution chronicling America’s postal system. The National Postal Museum is one of the Smithsonian’s most unique museums and features interactive exhibits. www.postalmuseum.si.edu/



• Smithsonian American Art Museum .

  The Smithsonian American Art Museum features important pieces in a variety of fine art forms. See American paintings, sculpture, photography, folk art, crafts from the 18th century to the present. www.americanart.si.edu/index3.cfm



• Hours of the Smithsonian.

  Open every day of the year except December 25, the hours of most Smithsonian Museums are from 10am-5:30pm. Check individual museums for more info about hours.