The National Museum of American History is one of my favorite things to do in Washington DC. Besides being free to enter, there are four floors of artifacts, images, and other items portraying various events and times in american history. From Dorothy's shoes and the Scarecrow's hat from the Wizard of Oz, to Archie Bunker's chair, to a history of...
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National Museum of American History, Washington DC
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National Museum of American History
Constitution Ave. NW, Between 12th and 14th Street Constitution Avenue, Washington DC, DC 20560
202-633-1000
As featured in Washington DC for young kids
106 visitor photos
Ranked #34 of 215 attractions in Washington DC
259 Reviews
Type: History Museums
Activities: Group tours/walking tour, Dining
Fee: No
Owner description:
One of the Smithsonian museums along the Mall, this one has more than 3 million artifacts in its collection—from gowns to locomotives—that reflect and......
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Owner description:
One of the Smithsonian museums along the Mall, this one has more than 3 million artifacts in its collection—from gowns to locomotives—that reflect and preserve a record of America’s past.
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Useful Information: Activities for young children, Activities for older children
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Tewksbury, Massachusetts
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See 5 more reviews by Ben D for Washington DC
Boynton Beach, FL
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How people can complain that lots of exhibits were/are closed in this great place is beyond me. It's free... Besides, what is open, is more than enough.
There's sm much for everyone so, go & enjoy.
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Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Top Contributor
Sad to say that I found this museum to be sorely lacking. The exhibit of First Ladies' innaugural gowns was really interesting but otherwise not many compelling exhibits. So many areas of the musuem were closed off with nothing to see and the gift shop was pathetic. Also, we went on a rainy day and there were a couple of...
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Detroit, Michigan
Senior Reviewer
This was the first place we went! The Star Spangled Banner flag was amazing, and the First Ladies' Dresses were spectacular.
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See 7 more reviews by Spirit7759 for Washington DC
Toronto, Canada
Senior Contributor
After multiple trips to this museum i still feel like i havent seen it all. Plan 2 days here - we only had a day so i felt rushed.
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See 13 more reviews by pamelakmeyer for Washington DC
Aliso Viejo, California
Contributor
I'm not sure when this place was built, but it feels very dated. Also the rooms are built oddly, so that there are large open spaces where not much is happening, and then many things to see in a crammed space. I'm not sure the designer accounted for the scores of 8th graders who would be cramming the rooms. I...
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See 15 more reviews by AyeElle for Washington DC
Los Angeles, California
Top Contributor
Do NOT MISS this museum!!! It is American History in 3D. If you can, get a free docent guide tour to start your visit. This will help you get oriented and figure out exactly what you want to see. It takes about an hour.
Then, go back to the exhibits that grabbed your attention and spend some time with them....
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atlanta
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For a museum that holds over 3 million items, there are surprisingly few on display. As others have mentioned many areas are closed, there are still a few famous exhibits, the flag, the first ladies gowns, ruby slippers, but much of the rest consists mainly of posters and written signage which is not engaging. In years past I recall so...
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See 3 more reviews by buttondeb for Washington DC
bristol, ct
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like...Archie Bunkers chair, Red Ruby Slippers, SONY walkman...disliked...most exhibits closed the day we went..lol
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middle Tennessee
Senior Contributor
I liked everything about this museum. Considering admission was free, this place was unbelievable. There was so much to see here. Leave at least a couple of hours for this stop and don't go in May. All the schools take field trips to Washington in May apparently. You had to wade in and out of school groups everywhere you went.
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