The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum showcases the history of aviation and spaceflight and also doubles as a research center. When you visit, you'll be able to see numerous exhibits and artifacts ranging from the original experiments with flight to our ventures into the final frontier. You can even learn about advances in planetary science and geology, including how humanity might explore and one day live on other planets.
Everyone can find fun at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, as there are fascinating exhibits suitable for kids and adults alike. The sheer amount of knowledge available here and the actual spacecraft on display make it a worthwhile visit for anyone looking to learn more about humanity's attempts at exploring space and the exciting future on the final frontier. Most visitors spend about 2 or 3 hours here, but you're welcome to stay longer to take everything in.
National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC - one of the highlights of 10 Best Things to Do with Your Family in Washington DC and 10 Best Tours in Washington DC (Read all about Washington here)
What are the highlights of Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC?
While there's plenty to see at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, some of their collection tends to stand out. One of the more popular sections of the museum covers the ventures into human spaceflight. You can see the actual command module from Apollo 11 as well as the Friendship 7 capsule. There's even a model of the starship Enterprise from the original "Star Trek" television show that symbolizes an aspirational goal for the advancement of human spaceflight.
Aviation plays a major role at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum as well, and the collection in that regard is just as vast. You can see the actual Spirit of St. Louis here, which was flown by Charles Lindbergh, as well as one of the Wright brothers' flyers dating back to 1903. Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Vega 5B is also on display here, still sporting its bright red coloring.
photo by xiquinhosilva (CC BY 2.0) modified
A brief history of Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is so old that it was originally called the National Air Museum since space travel hadn't been achieved yet. It was founded in 1946, but some of the oldest pieces in this museum date back to 1876. Due to the lack of space for the massive items donated to the museum, like missiles and planes, they created a big shed for a lot of it. Some other items were simply left outdoors.
Today, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is set within a building that was ceded in 1952 called the Garber Facility. During the space race, the museum updated its name and contents to document the history of space flight as well. While its accumulation of artifacts has slowed down along with space exploration itself, it is still promised the International Cometary Explorer should NASA ever recover it.
photo by Ken Lund (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
What else is good to know about the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC?
When visiting the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, it's good to keep a few tips in mind. You'll want to dress comfortably, as there's a lot of walking involved during your trip. Additionally, you're welcome to take photos as much as you like. Just remember that you can't take any tripods, monopods, or selfie sticks in. A limited number of wheelchairs are available on-site and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visiting the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum will put you close to quite a few other attractions you may be interested in. The museum is located on the National Mall, so you'll find yourself just steps away from the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Head further south, and you can visit the International Spy Museum.
photo by Tim Evanson (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC
Location: 600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Open: Thursday–Monday from 10 am to 5.30 pm (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Phone: +1 202-633-2214
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