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

Washington DC
Museums
Google Verified Seller

Duration: 2.5 hours (approx.)

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Start an insightful journey through American history with this small-group tour at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington DC, guided by experts for two and a half hours. Your adventure begins near the museum's main entrance where you'll be welcomed, checked-in, and your tickets validated before delving into iconic artifacts that trace America’s evolution. The experience offers an intimate exploration through security to start this enlightening journey at one of the nation’s renowned museums.

Explore American History This through expert-led Smithsonian National Museum of American History Tours that feature pivotal moments in the nation's past.

Marvel at legendary artifacts including the original Star-Spangled Banner and Lincoln’s top hat during your visit to Washington DC.

Learn about untold stories with professional commentary about George Washington’s uniform and the Greensboro Lunch Counter on a guided tour.

Experience an intimate museum setting, limited to 8 participants per group for deeper engagement with American History.

Admission for a timed entry ticket

Access to a guided museum tour

Entry with a professional guide

Ticket granting use of the small-group tour, limited to 8 participants

Entry to short-term displays

Meals and drinks

Accommodation shuttle service

Tips

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

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

Your Experience at Smithsonian National Museum of American History Tours

Welcome to an engaging 2.5-hour small-group tour through the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington DC, led by a professional guide. This journey allows you to explore pivotal moments and artifacts that have shaped America's story.

Getting Started

Gather at your meeting point near the museum’s main entrance for check-in. Following an introduction and ticket validation, proceed with your group through security into the museum where your exploration begins.

The Museum Experience

Led by a knowledgeable guide, this Smithsonian National Museum of American History tour offers insights into America's evolution from its founding to today’s modern era. Discover iconic artifacts that highlight significant events and cultural shifts in United States history.

Key Features You'll Encounter

  • The Star-Spangled Banner: Marvel at the original 15-star, 15-stripe flag from the War of 1812, which inspired America's national anthem.
  • Greensboro Lunch Counter: Stand before the Woolworth’s counter where a historic sit-in in 1960 ignited a civil rights movement and desegregation efforts nationwide.
  • George Washington’s Uniform and Sword: View the authentic uniform and battle sword worn by America's first president during the Revolutionary War.
  • Abraham Lincoln’s Top Hat: Discover the top hat worn by President Lincoln on his assassination night, a significant piece of presidential history.
  • Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers: Step into pop culture with Judy Garland's iconic ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, an enduring symbol in 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

  • A valid photo ID matching your booking name is required at entry and should be brought along.

Pack comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves a lot of standing and moving around.

Prohibited Items

  • Large bags, suitcases, or oversized luggage are not allowed inside the museum.
  • No outside food or drinks can be brought into the museum.
  • Pets are prohibited from entering the museum.
  • Sharp objects, firearms, and weapons must stay out of the museum premises.
  • Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment cannot be used inside exhibition spaces.

The use of any intoxicants is strictly forbidden on site.

Accessibility Information

  • This tour isn't accessible for wheelchair users but accommodates strollers.

Registered service animals are welcome inside the museum.

Additional Details

  • The group size is capped at 8 participants.
  • Children aged 18 and under need to be accompanied by an adult during the tour.
  • In case of unexpected closures, if delayed over one hour from your scheduled time, you'll receive a rescheduled date offer.

Your guide will brief on exhibit rules in certain rooms where quiet or restricted speaking is required before entering those areas.

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.

Bring a valid photo ID that matches your booking name for smooth entry check-in at the museum.

Wear comfortable walking shoes since you'll be standing and moving around throughout the 2.5-hour tour.

Avoid bringing large bags or outside food, as they are not permitted inside the museum to ensure a hassle-free visit.

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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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