Vintage televisions display at Smithsonian National Museum of American History exhibit.
Lincoln's top hat displayed at Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
Star-Spangled Banner exhibit at Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
Protest signs exhibit at Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
Smithsonian National Museum of American History entrance sign with plants.
Civil War exhibit at Smithsonian National Museum of American History featuring Lincoln and Davis.
Sesame Street exhibit with puppets at Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Smithsonian National Museum of American History Tours

Washington DC
Museums
Google Verified Seller

Duration: 2.5 hours (approx.)

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Discover pivotal moments in American history on a guided small-group tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Admire legendary artifacts like the original Star-Spangled Banner, Lincoln’s top hat, and Dorothy’s ruby slippers.

Hear expert commentary that reveals the untold stories behind items like George Washington’s uniform and the Greensboro Lunch Counter.

Enjoy an intimate tour experience with a small group limited to just 8 guests, allowing for deeper engagement and easier interaction with your guide.

Prefer a personalized experience? Upgrade to a private tour with just your group, for a tailor-made journey through America’s past.

Timed entry ticket

Guided museum tour

Professional guide

Small-group tour (limited to 8 participants)

Access to temporary exhibits

Food and beverages

Hotel pickup or drop-off

Gratuities

Vintage televisions display at Smithsonian National Museum of American History exhibit.

Vintage televisions display at Smithsonian National Museum of American History exhibit.

Explore the Smithsonian National Museum of American History on a 2.5-hour small-group tour led by an expert guide.

Getting started

Meet your guide at the designated point near the museum’s main entrance, where you’ll be welcomed and checked in. After a brief introduction and ticket validation, your guide will lead your group through security and into the museum to begin your journey.

What to expect

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

This renowned museum chronicles the story of the United States through iconic artifacts, tracing the nation’s evolution from its founding to colonial days, and now to the present. Your guide will highlight pivotal moments and objects that have shaped American culture and identity.

Features

  • Star-Spangled Banner: View the original 15-star, 15-stripe flag that inspired the U.S. national anthem, a powerful symbol from the War of 1812.

  • Greensboro Lunch Counter: Stand before the Woolworth’s counter where a 1960 sit-in sparked a nationwide movement for civil rights and desegregation.

  • George Washington’s Uniform and Sword: See the actual uniform and battle sword worn by America’s first president during the Revolutionary War.

  • Abraham Lincoln’s Top Hat: Encounter the top hat worn by Lincoln on the night of his assassination, a poignant piece of presidential history.

  • Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers: Step into pop culture with the famous ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz, a beloved artifact of American cinema.

Lincoln's top hat displayed at Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Lincoln's top hat displayed at Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Star-Spangled Banner exhibit at Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Star-Spangled Banner exhibit at Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Protest signs exhibit at Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Protest signs exhibit at Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

What to bring

  • Bring a valid photo ID that matches the name on your booking, as it may be requested at the entrance.

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, since the tour involves extended periods of standing and walking.

What's not allowed

  • Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted inside the museum.

  • Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the museum.

  • Pets are not permitted inside the museum.

  • Sharp objects, firearms, and weapons are not allowed inside the museum.

  • Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are not allowed inside the exhibition spaces.

  • Any form of intoxication is strictly prohibited on the premises.

Accessibility

  • The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, but it is stroller accessible.

  • Registered service animals are allowed inside the museum.

Additional information

  • The group size is limited to 8 participants.

  • Children aged 18 and under must be accompanied by a supervising adult.

  • The museum may close without prior notice. If opening is delayed by more than one hour from your scheduled tour time, you will be offered an alternative date.

  • Some rooms require quiet or restrict speaking. In these cases, your guide will explain the exhibits before entering those spaces.

Smithsonian National Museum of American History entrance sign with plants.

Smithsonian National Museum of American History entrance sign with plants.

Civil War exhibit at Smithsonian National Museum of American History featuring Lincoln and Davis.

Civil War exhibit at Smithsonian National Museum of American History featuring Lincoln and Davis.

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Operating hours

Smithsonian Natural History

Monday
10:30am - 5:30pm • last entry 4:30pm
Tuesday
10:30am - 5:30pm • last entry 4:30pm
Wednesday
10:30am - 5:30pm • last entry 4:30pm
Thursday
10:30am - 5:30pm • last entry 4:30pm
Friday
10:30am - 5:30pm • last entry 4:30pm
Saturday
10:30am - 5:30pm • last entry 4:30pm
Sunday
10:30am - 5:30pm • last entry 4:30pm
  • Timings are displayed in the venue's time zone.

By proceeding with any booking via Staybook, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to all the .

FAQs

The group size is limited to 8 participants. Children aged 18 and under must be accompanied by a supervising adult. The museum may close without prior notice. If opening is delayed by more than one hour from your scheduled tour time, you will be offered an alternative date. Some rooms require quiet or restrict speaking. In these cases, your guide will explain the exhibits before entering those spaces.
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, but it is stroller accessible. Registered service animals are allowed inside the museum.
Bring a valid photo ID that matches the name on your booking, as it may be requested at the entrance. Wear comfortable walking shoes, since the tour involves extended periods of standing and walking.
Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted inside the museum. Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the museum. Pets are not permitted inside the museum. Sharp objects, firearms, and weapons are not allowed inside the museum. Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are not allowed inside the exhibition spaces. Any form of intoxication is strictly prohibited on the premises.

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