Museum · Washington, D.C.
Smithsonian National Museum of American History: free entry days, tickets & hours
Smithsonian museum on the National Mall telling America's story, with the Star-Spangled Banner, Dorothy's ruby slippers and the Greensboro lunch counter.
Independent guide, not the official American History Museum website. Official links are under Sources.
American History Museum is free to enter.
- Open today 10:00–17:30.
Before you go
How to actually get in for free
- No pass needed; the Star-Spangled Banner gallery and the ruby slippers are the must-sees.
- It sits next to the African American History Museum (which does need a free timed pass).
All free options
Who gets in free, and when
| Free option | Who | Conditions | Book? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Always freeFree admission for everyone, no passes needed | everyone | — | No |
Tickets & tours
Best-rated tickets and tours: American History Museum
Ratings and prices from the booking partners; prices may change.
Practical
Opening hours & how to get there
| Mon | 10:00–17:30 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00–17:30 |
| Wed | 10:00–17:30 |
| Thu | 10:00–17:30 |
| Fri | 10:00–17:30 |
| Sat | 10:00–17:30 |
| Sun | 10:00–17:30 |
Daily 10am-5:30pm; closed 25 December.
1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Also free nearby
Make a free afternoon of it
Worth paying for nearby
Paid highlights within walking distance
Visitor reviews
What visitors say about American History Museum
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Sources
Where this comes from
- si.edu/museums/american-history-museum · checked Tuesday, 27 October 2026
- si.edu/visit/hours
Every free rule is checked against the official source and re-checked on a schedule. Spotted a change? Tell us.