Smithsonian American History Museum Opening Hours
The Smithsonian American History Museum opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM most days of the year. During summer and on many busy weekends during the year, Smithsonian American History Museum opening hours are extended until 7:30 PM. The museum is open every day of the year except Christmas Day.
Fees at the Smithsonian American History Museum
Entry is always free to all exhibits.
Food at the Smithsonian American History Museum
There are two cafes inside the museum. The Stars and Stripes Cafe on the lower level is open from 11 AM – 3 PM. The Constitution Cafe on the first level is open from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Restrooms at the Smithsonian Museums
Of course, every museum has a restroom. If you are looking for a restroom on the National Mall, just go into one of the free museums.
Handicapped Facilities at the Smithsonian American History Museum
Every Smithsonian Museum is handicapped accessible. There are two entrances to the American History Museum. Both the Constitution Avenue entrance as well as the Madison Drive entrance are wheelchair accessible.
Tours to the Smithsonian Museums
One of the best ways to see the National Mall is to visit it as part of a tour. Nonpartisan Pedicab offers tours of the National Mall and memorials that take approximately 2-3 hours. Many guests say that this is the highlight of their trip to Washington DC.
Parking at the Smithsonian American History Museum
There is metered 3 hour parking on Madison and Jefferson Drives that pass in front of many of the museums on the National Mall. Make sure you read the signs, as not every parking spot on these two streets are available for the general public. Never park in a handicapped spot on the National Mall. You will get a ticket for $250. There is also parking on some of the cross streets, such as 3rd, 4th, 7th and 14th Streets. On 7th and 14th, this is non-rush hour parking. Read the signs if you do not want to be ticketed. There is a very large commercial parking garage under the Ronald Reagan Building on 14th Street.
On-street parking on the National Mall is no longer free of charge. Three hour parking is available at $2 per hour. Parking meters only accept credit cards.
Metro to the Smithsonian American History Museum
The nearest Metro stations are the Smithsonian Metro station and Federal Triangle metro. The Smithsonian Metro is the equivalent of 3 blocks away from the Madison Drive entrance. The Federal Triangle Metro is the equivalent of 2 blocks away from the Constitution Avenue entrance.
More information
You can visit the Smithsonian Natural History Museum website to plan your trip.