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Smithsonian National Museum of American History

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🎡 Attractions

Smithsonian National Museum of American History

Washington, DC · National Mall

About

This is the museum that keeps the country's actual stuff: the giant Star-Spangled Banner that flew over Fort McHenry, Dorothy's ruby slippers, Julia Child's whole kitchen, and the gowns of every First Lady. It is the rare place where pop culture, invention, and the heavy moments of American history share a roof, so you can go from a 1960 lunch-counter sit-in to Kermit the Frog in a single afternoon. Admission is free, it is open daily on the National Mall, and you could spend an hour or a whole day and still leave with things unseen.

Highlights

The original Star-Spangled BannerDorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of OzThe First Ladies inaugural gowns collectionFree admission, open daily on the National Mall

Getting there

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Part of these collections

Curated guides that feature Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Washington D.C. Attractions23 places

Washington D.C. Attractions

No city packs more world-class attractions into a walk than Washington, and most of it is free. The Smithsonians line the National Mall like a museum mile, from the moon lander hanging in Air and Space to the Hope Diamond and the Wright Flyer. Between them stand the monuments and memorials: Lincoln gazing down the reflecting pool, the Washington Monument over the Tidal Basin cherry trees, the marble halls of the Capitol and the Library of Congress. Bring good shoes and a full day, and you still will not see it all.