Which Smithsonian Museums are on the National Mall

The National Mall in Washington D.C. is a designated historic national park and symbol of the nation’s pride and history. It has an array of Smithsonian museums that make it one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city.

There are 11 Smithsonian museums on the National Mall, each with unique exhibitions, collections, and activities that appeal to a range of visitors. In this post, we will discuss each of the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall to help you plan your visit better.

National Museum of American History

The National Museum of American History is dedicated to the history and culture of the United States. The museum’s exhibitions cover a broad range of topics, including wars, politics, fashion, music, movements, and more. Some of the famous exhibits include the Star-Spangled Banner, First Ladies’ Inaugural Gowns, and the original Kermit the Frog puppet.

National Museum of Natural History

The National Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s most visited natural history museums. It has over 126 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, and cultural artifacts. The museum’s major exhibits include the Hope Diamond, Hall of Dinosaurs, Ocean Hall, and Butterfly Pavilion.

National Air and Space Museum

The National Air and Space Museum is the world’s most extensive museum of aviation and space exploration. The museum’s exhibitions showcase the history and science of flight, spacecraft, and the space program. Visitors can see the Wright Brothers’ 1903 Flyer, the Apollo 11 command module, and the Space Shuttle Discovery.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

The National Museum of African American History and Culture explores the African American experience in the United States. The museum’s exhibits cover slavery, civil rights movement, music, sports, arts, and more. The museum has over 37,000 artifacts, including Harriet Tubman’s hymnal, Nat Turner’s Bible, and Chuck Berry’s Cadillac.

National Museum of African Art

The National Museum of African Art is dedicated to showcasing traditional and contemporary African art. The museum’s exhibitions cover diverse art forms from different regions of Africa. The museum has over 12,000 items, including sculptures, textiles, masks, pottery, and more.

National Museum of the American Indian

The National Museum of the American Indian highlights the history, culture, and traditions of Native Americans. The museum’s exhibitions cover the history, language, arts, and customs of Native American tribes. The museum has an extensive collection of over 800,000 artifacts that represent over 12,000 years of history.

National Postal Museum

The National Postal Museum showcases the history and culture of the United States Postal Service. The museum’s exhibits cover the evolution of the postal system and the role of mail and postage stamps in American culture. The museum has over 6 million objects, including stamps, postcards, and postal memorabilia.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden showcases modern and contemporary art. The museum’s collection features some of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st century, including Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Jeff Koons. The museum’s Sculpture Garden features sculptures by Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore, and more.

Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery

The Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery are two museums sharing one building on the National Mall. The American Art Museum’s collections feature American art from the colonial period to the present. The National Portrait Gallery showcases portraits of significant people in American history and culture, including presidents, musicians, actors, and more.

National Museum of Women in the Arts

The National Museum of Women in the Arts is dedicated to celebrating female artists and their contributions to the arts. The museum’s collections and exhibitions feature works of art by women from around the world, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and more.

National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art is a museum of art and a research center that features works of art from the Middle Ages to the present. The museum has an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and decorative arts. Some of the famous works in the collection include Leonardo da Vinci’s Ginevra de’ Benci and Johannes Vermeer’s Woman Holding a Balance.

In conclusion, the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall are an excellent representation of the cultural and historical significance of the United States. Visiting these museums is an educational and inspiring experience that provides insights into various aspects of American history, arts, and culture. We hope this guide helps you make the most of your visit to the National Mall.

Which Smithsonian Museums are on the National Mall?

The National Mall in Washington, D.C. is home to some of the most iconic museums in the world. Among these museums are the renowned Smithsonian museums. It is important to know which of these museums are on the National Mall, so that you can plan your visit accordingly. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions related to the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall.

1. What is the National Mall?

The National Mall is a park in downtown Washington, D.C. that runs between the Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial. This park is home to some of the most iconic landmarks and museums in the United States, including the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian museums.

2. How many Smithsonian museums are there on the National Mall?

There are a total of 11 Smithsonian museums on the National Mall. These museums cover a wide range of topics from art and history to science and culture.

3. What are the names of the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall?

The 11 Smithsonian museums on the National Mall are listed below:1. National Museum of African American History and Culture
2. National Air and Space Museum
3. National Museum of American History
4. National Museum of the American Indian
5. National Museum of Natural History
6. Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery
7. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
8. National Postal Museum
9. Renwick Gallery
10. Smithsonian Institution Building (also known as “The Castle”)
11. Arts and Industries Building (currently closed for renovations)

4. Are all the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall free?

Yes, all of the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall are free to enter. However, some special exhibitions or events may require a fee.

5. What are the hours of operation for the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall?

Most of the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall are open daily from 10:00am to 5:30pm, except on December 25th when they are closed. The National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of American History have extended hours during the peak season.

6. How long does it take to visit all the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall?

It would be difficult to visit all the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall in one day. These museums are large and contain a wealth of exhibits and information. We recommend that you plan to spend at least two hours in each museum, or choose a few museums that you are most interested in visiting.

7. Are there any guided tours of the Smithsonian museums?

Yes, there are several guided tours available for the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall. These tours are a great way to learn more about the exhibits and history of each museum. Some tours are led by Smithsonian staff members, while others are offered by private tour companies.

How to Visit the Smithsonian Museums on the National Mall

If you are planning a trip to Washington D.C., visiting the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall should be at the top of your list. With 17 museums and galleries to choose from, it’s essential to prepare your visit in advance to make the most of your time. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know before visiting the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall.

Step 1: Choose which Smithsonian Museums to Visit

The Smithsonian Institution includes some of the most popular museums in the world. The National Mall itself hosts some of the most famous museums such as the National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of Natural History. Other Smithsonian museums are located outside the National Mall, but still in Washington, D.C. In total there are 19 museums and galleries, so you have a lot of options.

Step 2: Plan Your Visit

Once you have decided which museums interest you, plan ahead. Check the opening hours and whether you need an admission ticket. Most Smithsonian museums are free to the public, and some require tickets, but there may be limited entry slots or timed entry passes that you need to reserve online in advance. Make sure to check the Smithsonian museum’s website to see what tickets are required and how to reserve them.

Step 3: Get to the National Mall

The National Mall is located at the heart of Washington D.C., and it is easily accessible by car, bus, or metro. Driving is not recommended due to shortage of parking, but if necessary, there are nearby parking garages with a fee. Taking the metro is one of the easiest ways to access the National Mall with several metro stations within walking distance. You can check the metro map and plan your trip with the WMATA website.

Step 4: Visit Your Chosen Museums

Once you reach the National Mall, it’s essential you plan your visit time to the museums. Some of the museums may require more time than the others depending on your interests, so plan your visit accordingly. If your time is limited, it may be a good idea to focus on only one or two museums, so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

Step 5: Tips and Tricks for Visiting the Smithsonian Museums

Here are a few tips and tricks that can make your visit even better:

• Plan to arrive early to avoid crowds and long lines


• Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to visit multiple museums in one day


• Wear comfortable shoes as the National Mall covers a large area with much walking on concrete


• Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture your favorite moments


• Visit the museums during the weekdays, weekends are more crowded.

In Conclusion

The Smithsonian museums located on the National Mall offer an excellent opportunity to learn about various aspects of American culture, science, and history. Whether you are interested in seeing the Hope Diamond at the National Museum of Natural History or flying an aircraft simulator at the National Air and Space Museum, these museums have something for everyone. By following these steps, you can plan your trip ahead of time and ensure an unforgettable visit to the National Mall Smithsonian museums.