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| Home > Washington D.C. > Visiting D.C. > Smithsonian Institution |
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In 1829 English scientist James Smithson left his fortune to the people of the United States to found an institution for the "increase and diffusion of knowledge." Today the Smithsonian Institute consists of 16 museums and is a leader in historical research and artifact preservation and restoration.
National Air and Space Museum
The Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum maintains the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world. The museum has two display facilities: the flagship building on the Mall and the new Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center located at Washington Dulles International Airport. A shuttle bus is available from the museum on the Mall to the new facility at Washington Dulles. Tours are available at both locations and at the museum’s Paul E. Garber Preservation, Restoration, and Storage Facility in Suitland, MD, by appointment only.
(202) 357-1387
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
Closed Christmas.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Home of the magnificent Joseph Hirshhorn collection of 19th and 20th century American and European art, this museum displays important works by Rodin, Picasso and other noted artists. The Sculpture Garden features creations by Henry Moore, Alexander Calder and David Smith.
(202) 357-1300 Smithsonian Institute general line
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
Closed Christmas.
National Museum of American History
Exhibitions range from the original 42-foot Star Spangled Banner to artifacts from community life and popular cultures in the United States. Also featured is the Hall of Transportation with a collection of antique cars.
(202) 357-2700
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
Closed Christmas.
National Museum of Natural History
Among the exhibits offered at this museum is a 12-ton stuffed elephant, the 45.5-carat Hope Diamond, and major presentations on dinosaurs, animals, and American Indian and Eskimo life.
(202) 357-2700
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
10 a.m. to 7:30 May 23 to September 1.
Closed Christmas.
National Museum of the American Indian
The Mall's newest museum marks a unique cultural achievement as Native Americans from North, Central, and South America realize a long-awaited dream to share and honor their vibrant cultures with visitors from throughout the world.
(202) 633-1000
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
Closed Christmas.
The Castle
The original Smithsonian Institution building, known as the "Castle," houses the Visitor Information and Associates’ Reception Center and exhibits relating to the history of the Institution.
(202) 633-1008
9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
Closed Christmas.
National Portrait Gallery
The gallery offers official portraits of presidents, vice presidents and other prominent Americans, by American artists.
(202) 357-1300 Smithsonian Institute general line
This museum is closed for renovation until 2006.
National Museum of American Art
This museum houses an extensive collection of American paintings, sculpture, graphics, folk art and photography.
This museum is closed for renovation until 2006.
National Museum of African Art
The museum exhibits the art and cultures of Africa. The permanent collection numbers about 6,000 works in wood, metal, fired clay, ivory and fiber.
(202) 357-1300 Smithsonian Institute general line
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
Closed Christmas.
Anacostia Museum
Located in the historic Anacostia section of southeast Washington, the museum presents exhibitions on the history and culture of African Americans.
(202) 357-1300 Smithsonian Institute general line
10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
Closed Christmas.
Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Changing exhibits of Asian and Far and Near Eastern art are displayed in this distinctive museum, including jade, ceramics and manuscripts.
(202) 633-4880
10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 4 and July 10 to August 14.
Closed Christmas.
Renwick Gallery
Designed by architect James Renwick, this building has been restored in the style of the mid-19th century and houses exhibitions of American crafts from 1900 to the present.
(202) 357-2700
10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
Closed Christmas.
The Arts and Industries Building
The Arts and Industries Building is an example of Victorian architecture.
While this building is closed for renovation the Discovery Theater is still open.
(202) 257-3030 Discovery Theater
(202) 357-1500 Group tickets
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
National Museum of the American Indian
As the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, opening September 2004, rises on the Mall, the public can learn about and view the project’s progress at NMAI's Welcome Center.
(202) 287-2020
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
National Postal Museum
The National Postal Museum is located on the lower level of the old Post Office Building, which was constructed in 1914 and served as the Washington D.C. post office from 1914 to 1986.
(202) 357-2991
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
Closed Christmas.
National Zoological Park
The 168-acre National Zoo is a year-round favorite of tourists and residents alike. The giant pandas, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, rare white tigers and hundreds of other creatures populate the park. Here old-style cages are rare and many natural habitats are recreated.
(202) 673-4821 Recorded information
(202) 673-4717
Summer (April 6 to October 25):
Grounds open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Animal houses open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Winter (October 26 to April 5):
Grounds open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Animal houses open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
Closed Christmas.
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