See & do · Museums
National Air and Space Museum
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Images provided by Google Places
Museum documenting the history of aviation & space exploration, with displays of vehicles & more.via Google
Houses the world's largest collection of historic aviation and space exploration artifacts.
- Good to know
- Free, requires timed-entry passes; plan for 2-3 hours.
Reviews from Google
A true treat to the eyes! ✨🚀 The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is truly a gem for all ages from curious toddlers to adults who love aviation and space exploration. There’s something fascinating at every corner : spacecrafts, aircrafts, aviation history, and incredible displays everywhere you look. So informative, so engaging, and beautifully presented! We reached around 3 PM on a lovely day, thinking two hours would be more than enough before closing time at 5 PM… but we were completely wrong! There is so much to explore inside. If you really want to enjoy and understand the exhibits, you definitely need more than half a day. The museum has two large floors and is absolutely vast and impossible to cover properly in just a short visit if you don’t want to miss anything. The kids got hungry, so we grabbed pizza at the cafeteria, it's convenient, but the thin slices were definitely on the expensive side. Overall, it’s a paradise for anyone who loves aircrafts, spacecrafts, and aviation history. We loved it, loved it!! ❤️✈️🚀
I couldn't get in last year around the same day last year at the beginning of June, but this time I managed to get in quite easily. It may be a good idea to book before coming. The entrance is free and booking for entrance is done online and very easy. This place is well worth a visit and the displays are amazing. We spent 2-3 hours but you could very easily spend longer.
Be sure to reserve your entrance in advance, it’s free online but they will not let you in without one. This is an amazing exhibition of planes, technology and space related items. Very interactive, modern and clean with some of the most impressive air planes in history on display. The new remodel did a fantastic job and I cannot recommend it enough. Be prepared for crowds but if you like science and technology it’s harder to pick a better place to visit. We spent 6 hours and could easily spend another 2-3 . Lots to do for adults and kids of all ages and fantastic interactive activities hosted by staff for adults and children.
I had the chance to visit the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum as part of the InterSystems READY2026 social event, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The setting alone is incredible—being surrounded by such iconic pieces of aviation and space history immediately gives the evening a unique and inspiring atmosphere. The museum is beautifully curated, with impressive exhibits ranging from early flight to space exploration. Seeing legendary aircraft and spacecraft up close adds a real sense of wonder and perspective. Even during an event, there was plenty of opportunity to explore and appreciate the displays, which are both educational and fascinating. What really made the experience stand out was how well the venue worked for a social gathering. The combination of history, innovation, and a spacious layout created a perfect environment for networking and relaxed conversations. It felt special to connect with others in such an iconic location. The staff and organization were excellent as well—everything ran smoothly, and the atmosphere was welcoming and enjoyable throughout the evening. I’m giving this museum 5 stars not only for its world-class exhibits, but also for how memorable it made this event. Whether you’re visiting during the day or attending a special event, this is a must-see destination in Washington, D.C.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A must-visit in DC for families, couples, or solo travelers! My visit to the National Air and Space Museum was absolutely incredible and easily one of the best museums out there for aviation enthusiasts. Pro-Tip on Entry: You definitely need to book your tickets online in advance. They use a timed-entry system, so you can't just walk in, but the effort is worth it to avoid long waits and enjoy a more organized flow inside. The Experience: The museum is filled with historic "old-fashioned" planes and space artifacts that are beautifully organized. It took us about 2 to 3 hours to fully enjoy the highlights. The information, videos, and models used to explain space and flight travel are top-notch and very engaging. Highlights from the visit (as seen in the photos): Iconic Landmarks: The museum’s modern architecture with its glass walls and open spaces makes for great photos. The "Greatest Hits" of Flight: Seeing the 1903 Wright Flyer and the Spirit of St. Louis up close is a surreal experience. Space Exploration: The Apollo 11 Command Module and the lunar rocks are fascinating pieces of history that you shouldn't miss. Whether you're looking for a quick highlight tour or a deep dive into aviation history, this place is awesome. Highly recommend it!