National Museum of American History
Facility ·
Managed by the Smithsonian Institution
National Mall (Other Designation) · Restricted Access
- 31 ft
- Elevation
The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History closed to the public on September 5, 2006 for major architectural renovations and is scheduled to reopen by summer 2008.
The Museum has begun a major architectural transformation to focus on three areas: architectural enhancements to the museum's interior, constructing a state-of-the-art gallery for the Star-Spangled Banner and updating the 42-year-old building's infrastructure (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, lighting, fire and security systems.)
While the Museum is closed, look for traveling exhibitions from the National Museum of American History at locations throughout the country
Getting there
Limited parking is available on streets near the Mall from 10 a.m. to midnight. Taxis are available at Museum entrances. The Federal Triangle and Smithsonian stations, on Metrorail's Blue and Orange lines, are located near the Mall. For more information, call Metro at 202-637-7000.
38.89111, -77.03028 · 38°53'28.0"N 77°1'49.0"W
Typical weather
Typically 90°F in Jul, down to 45°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 45 | 48 | 57 | 68 | 77 | 85 | 90 | 88 | 81 | 69 | 58 | 49 |
| Low °F | 30 | 32 | 39 | 48 | 58 | 68 | 72 | 71 | 64 | 52 | 42 | 35 |
| Precip in | 2.9 | 2.6 | 3.5 | 3.2 | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 3.3 | 3.9 | 3.7 | 2.9 | 3.4 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Fees and stay limits
Free
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about National Museum of American History
- Can you reserve a site at National Museum of American History?
- No. National Museum of American History is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
Camping near National Museum of American History
- Washington Monument 0.3 mi · Tickets · we watch it
- The White House Easter Egg Roll 0.4 mi · Tickets · we watch it
- USDA Visitors Center less than 0.1 mi · Facility
- National Museum of Natural History 0.2 mi · Facility
- Arts and Industries Building 0.3 mi · Facility
- Smithsonian Institution Building, the Castle 0.3 mi · Facility
- White House Visitor Center 0.3 mi · Facility
- National Museum of Asian Art 0.3 mi · Facility
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden 0.3 mi · Facility
- Riggs Washington D.C. 0.3 mi · Facility
- National Museum of African Art 0.3 mi · Facility
- Bureau of Engraving and Printing: DC 0.4 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 202-633-1000
- Email info@si.edu
- Info Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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