Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
#3 of 100 things to do in Washington DC
The National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution holds the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world in 161,145 square feet of exhibition floor space. Wikipedia
Opened: 1976
Hours: 10:00 am–5:30 pm daily
Address: Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560
Phone: (202) 633-2214
Architect: Gyo Obata
The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC has thousands of objects on display, including the 1903 Wright Flyer, Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia, and a lunar rock you can touch. In addition to the exhibition galleries, you may want to visit the Albert Einstein Planetarium, Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater, and the Public Observatory on the east terrace.
There are many things to do at the Museum in DC: daily tours and educational activities for both children and adults, scheduled lectures and events throughout the year.
Admission is FREE
– Limit the Number of Bags: All visitors are screened through metal detectors upon entry. The fewer items you bring inside the Museum, the faster your entry (and visitors behind you). Before you visit, please review the list of prohibited items, which include pocket knives and tripods. Visitors carrying prohibited items will not be allowed inside the Museum, so please leave them at home or in your car.
– Dress Comfortably: A visit to the Smithsonian usually involves a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes and layers of clothing.
– No Food and Drink: Only bottled water is permitted in the Museum. You may only consume food and other drinks in the Food Court, not in the Museum. Groups who bring food are encouraged to picnic on the National Mall.
– Please Take Photos!: You are welcome to take photos for personal use (and share them on Flickr!). However, tripods and monopods are not permitted without prior approval.
– Reserve a Wheelchair: A limited number of non-motorized wheelchairs are available; please ask at the Welcome Center.
– Use the Escalators: Elevators are for visitors with disabilities and families with strollers. Other visitors should use stairs and escalators. Do not take strollers on escalators, and please keep children from playing on them to avoid injury.
– Buy Tickets Early: IMAX and Planetarium show tickets can sell out during busy months or when popular films are showing. We recommend you buy tickets online in advance. You can purchase tickets for the Planetarium or the IMAX Theater from both box offices.
– First Aid: The Museum has a First Aid office and a nurse on duty. Please contact the nearest security officer or the Welcome Center for assistance.
website: http://airandspace.si.edu/
