National Air and Space Museum
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall holds the world's largest collection of aviation and space artifacts — including the 1903 Wright Flyer, Apollo 11 command module, and a touchable moon rock. Admission is always free. A landmark $1 billion renovation, begun in 2018, is completing its final galleries through late 2026.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 10:00–17:30 |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | L'Enfant Plaza Metro (Blue, Green, Orange, Silver, Yellow lines) — approx. 10-min walk; Smithsonian Metro (Blue, Orange, Silver lines) is also walkable |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours minimum; enthusiasts may spend a full day |
| Best time to go | Weekday mornings; book timed-entry passes in advance, especially in summer |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
- Value9.0
- Freshness5.9
- Crowd level5.0
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility8.0
Frequently asked questions
- Do IMAX and planetarium shows cost extra?
- Yes. Tickets for the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater and Northrop Grumman Planetarium shows are sold separately and typically run around $9–$10 for adults, with lower prices for children and seniors. A handful of monthly planetarium shows are free.
- Is the museum still under renovation?
- Yes, but nearly complete. A $1 billion renovation of all 20 galleries began in 2018. Five new galleries opened July 1, 2026 (the museum's 50th anniversary), and the final two renovated galleries are scheduled to open October 30 and November 11, 2026.
- How do I get to the museum by Metro?
- The closest Metro station is L'Enfant Plaza (Blue, Green, Orange, Silver, and Yellow lines), about a 10-minute walk. Smithsonian station (Blue, Orange, Silver lines) is also within walking distance. Metrobus routes 32, 34, and 36 also serve the National Mall.
- Is admission to the National Air and Space Museum free?
- Yes, general museum admission is always free. However, free timed-entry passes are required for all visitors regardless of age and must be reserved in advance. Passes do not limit how long you can stay once inside.
- What are the must-see artifacts?
- Highlights include the 1903 Wright Flyer, the Apollo 11 command module Columbia, John Glenn's Mercury Friendship 7 capsule, the Spirit of St. Louis, and a touchable moon rock. The ongoing renovation has returned thousands of artifacts to newly reimagined galleries.
- How do I get timed-entry passes?
- Passes are available to reserve online at airandspace.si.edu. The museum releases passes for six-week periods at a time. Entry times are offered hourly from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., though windows may shift during peak season.
- Is there parking at the museum?
- The museum does not offer on-site parking. Limited metered spots and paid commercial lots are nearby. For rideshare or taxi drop-off, the museum recommends using 601 Independence Ave SW as the destination address.
- What are the museum's hours?
- The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., every day except December 25. Check the official site for any temporary closures or special event restrictions.
Nearby in Ask Washington DC
- National Air and Space MuseumMuseum0.02 km · 0 min walk
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture GardenMuseum0.26 km · 3 min walk
- National MallPark0.32 km · 4 min walk
- National Gallery of ArtMuseum0.33 km · 4 min walk
- How to Do DC's Free Museums RightAttraction0.54 km · 7 min walk
Where to stay near National Air and Space Museum
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