Smithsonian Institution

Category: Research institute in Washington, District of Columbia

Address: 600 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20002, USA

Phone: +12026331000

Opening hours

Sunday: 8:30AM–5:30PM

Monday: 8:30AM–5:30PM

Tuesday: 8:30AM–5:30PM

Wednesday: 8:30AM–5:30PM

Thursday: 8:30AM–5:30PM

Friday: 8:30AM–5:30PM

Saturday: 8:30AM–5:30PM

Reviews

W T

Oct 4, 2022

The Smithsonian museum, or simply the Smithsonian, is a group of museums and education and research centers, the largest such complex in the world, created by the U.S. Government "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge". Founded on August 10, 1846, it operates as a trust instrumentality and is not formally a part of any of the three branches of the federal government. The institution is named after its founding donor, British scientist James Smithson. It was originally organized as the United States National Museum, but that name ceased to exist administratively in 1967. Called "the nation's attic"for its eclectic holdings of 154 million items, the Institution's 19 museums, 21 libraries, nine research centers, and zoo include historical and architectural landmarks, mostly located in the District of Columbia. Additional facilities are located in Maryland, New York, and Virginia. More than 200 institutions and museums in 45 states, Puerto Rico, and Panama are Smithsonian Affiliates. Institution publications include Smithsonian and Air & Space magazines. The Institution's 30 million annual visitors are admitted without charge. Its annual budget is around $1.25 billion, with two-thirds coming from annual federal appropriations. Other funding comes from the Institution's endowment, private and corporate contributions, membership dues, and earned retail, concession, and licensing revenue. As of 2021, the Institution's endowment had a total value of about $5.4 billion

Kim E

Sep 28, 2022

It's like you were going back into history itself

neris

Sep 21, 2022

Incredible. So many exhibits. Be prepared with plan so you know what you want to see but wandering from one area to next is good too.

Ny Ny Nguyễn Phạm

Sep 19, 2022

It is closed at the moment

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Questions & Answers

what exhibits do you have at the museum?

mackenzie knight | Oct 7, 2019
susan kole | Oct 6, 2021

Ronald karstens

Are backpacks allowed in the museums?

Beth Cannon-Smith | Oct 7, 2018
Patxi T Madera | Oct 7, 2018

Depends on the location. The smaller the easier for you. Large one is usually a pain for you & harder for u to relax. IFu go for half hour no problem. If your going 2 b there for many hours it could be extremely tiring and distracting. Theft is a non issue Since cameras will identify u in a heartbeat. Its mot like the Gardner was (totally trusting. Bring a fanny pack

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11out of 20 Smithsonian institutes are located in Washington dc. Where are the other 9?

Craig Self | Oct 7, 2019
Enédio Rezende | Oct 7, 2019

Hi Craig, in this page in can see the locations https://www.si.edu/museums

Did you have the cursed hope diamond

Drona Singh | Oct 6, 2021
Nadia Tyler | Oct 6, 2021

We still Do! It's on display at the Natural History Museum! Come take a look if you dare!

How can I take a tour on my tablet?

cathryn Lombardi | Oct 7, 2018
Mike Clark | Oct 7, 2019

Go in Google maps then use the arrows to go inside and check out the exhibits

What are your holiday hours?

John KARSTEN | Oct 7, 2018
Mike Clark | Oct 7, 2019

Always open.

Why is the institute only open on Mondays? Is it possible to see all the exhibits in one day?

Erica Sauer | Feb 8, 2022
Izu Hale | Feb 8, 2022

There are so many Smithsonian museums. Zoo, Natural History, Art Gallery, African American, Spy, Air & Space, and many more. Most museums are now closed for two days and open five days. But none of them are open just for one day of the week on just Mondays. You can cover one museum in a day though. Google the name of museum you want to visit and it will show you which days it is open.

Will the smithsonian museums be open on January 2nd, 2020?

Yaremi Aguirre | Oct 6, 2020
Enédio Rezende | Oct 6, 2020

Hi Yaremi, they are open every day of the year except December 25. Here you can see the hours: https://www.si.edu/visit/hours

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Does the smithsonian museum open daily?

KIT FONG LEE | Oct 6, 2020
Rodrigue Galani | Oct 6, 2020

Yes, however not on holy days.

Parking? ......... where is parking

Diego gutierrez | Oct 7, 2019
Enédio Rezende | Oct 7, 2019

There is no public parking facility at the Smithsonian on the National Mall. On-street meter parking options are available but please be advised to carefully check the days and hours of enforcement posted on the parking meters and curbside signs. https://nmaahc.si.edu/visit/parking

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Are wheelchairs available?

Paula Morley | Oct 7, 2019
Kevin Ulrich | Oct 7, 2019

Manual wheelchairs are available for loan to Smithsonian visitors on a first-come, first-served basis within each museum.

Where would be a good place to learn about interesting places and people in Tennessee history?

Jamara Bray | Oct 7, 2019
lucretia rogers | Oct 6, 2020

Where is Hip hop legen run DMC located and Dollie grocery

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Were can i get a rock tested

Gillis Robinson | Oct 7, 2019
Tom M | Oct 7, 2019

Find a geologist..

How much is to enter

joseph sevillano | Sep 6, 2022
Octavia Bowman | Sep 8, 2022

All Smithsonian Museums on the National-Mall (Washington DC) is free to enter. Please view the website for prohibited items for smooth entry.

If I wanted to know if a specific item was on display at one of the smithsonian buildings, is there a way to simply look up the location on line?

Steven Efthymiou | Jul 8, 2022
Corey Foster | Aug 7, 2022

Yes , go to si.edu

Is there any scientific evidence for human " giants" 9 feet and over in history ?

Lance Mackersey | Feb 8, 2022
Rodorick Brown | Feb 8, 2022

No, humans were shorter until the 17th century.

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Do you need a reservation

Truscha Quatrone | Oct 6, 2021
quintero1843 | Oct 6, 2021

No not for the offices most of the museums don't really need reservations I recommend getting there early it gets pretty busy fast.

Are open right now ?

Jennifer Del Toro Garcell | Oct 6, 2021
ChinkyIz716 | Oct 6, 2021

No not yet.

Is this where the Michael Jackson and the ruby red slippers that Dorothy gale wore in the wizard of oz ?

Olivia DeFrancisco | Oct 6, 2021
hipu | Oct 6, 2021

The Smithsonian Offices building does not contain exhibits and is not open to the public. You are likely looking for the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

How to donate to the Foundation from outside the United States

عالم المعرفة | Oct 6, 2021
Eydie Magliano | Oct 6, 2021

I stumbled on to many artifacts. In a remote area. The preservation and and unique quality is must see. I want to have them put where they will be most appreciated. My research has been thorough and most certainly can say. Paleo Indians. will post screen shots

Is the Smithstonian open for visitors

Julie Argueta | Oct 6, 2020
Gary Kelly | Oct 6, 2020

Currently the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall are closed to the public until further notice. However, the National Zoo and the Udvar Hazy Center of the Air and Space Museum located in Chantilly Virginia are open to the public under a controlled pass/time entry system to control the number of visitors along with requirements for the wearing of masks. Reopening of the mall museums will occur when the Institution assesses that it is safe to do so for the general public.

Will the museums be open July 4,2020?

Crystal Mohn | Oct 6, 2020
Kevin Bennett | Oct 6, 2020

No, they won't. They are not even open to staff yet.

Are there dinosaurs on exhibit?

James Hatley | Oct 6, 2020
Enédio Rezende | Oct 6, 2020

Hi James, the dinosaurs are exhibit in Smithsonian Natural History Museum.

can i send a rock sample and would yall tell me if its platinum or irridum

Ricky Daniel | Oct 6, 2020
NGOC QUYNH TRUONG | Oct 6, 2020

Web leter Lucky to you

Are the museums open on mlk jr day?

Chris Shockey | Oct 6, 2020
Enédio Rezende | Oct 6, 2020

Hey Chris, the Smithsonian museums are open every day of the year except December 25.

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Do you want an old silver coin since 1886 if you are interested call me I'm sania from Lebanon 03972144 put leb code

Easy Pc | Oct 6, 2020
Enédio Rezende | Oct 6, 2020

Hello, in here the questions is answered by others users. You can talk about donations to Smithsonian in here: https://giving.si.edu/ways-to-give/gifts-of-objects

I have some rocks & wanna to test or research these rocks is actually what kind of Minerals in these rocks.

Syed anwer Alam Shah | Oct 6, 2020
Enédio Rezende | Oct 6, 2020

Hi Syed, the Smithsonian don't offer this services. I suggest you search a geologist.

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Can you rent any kind of motorized scooter

Glenda Gulley | Oct 6, 2020
Enédio Rezende | Oct 6, 2020

Hi Glenda they don't rent scooter, but they have Free manual wheelchair loans available. Visitors are welcome to use their own mobility devices. Please note this does not include devices used strictly for recreational purposes.

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Who would I get in touch with about the Star Spangled Banner? I believe that I may have an original copy.

sully swytch | Oct 6, 2020
Enédio Rezende | Oct 6, 2020

Hi Sully, I found the images and lyrics in the Wikipedia, here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Star-Spangled_Banner

How do you submit a piece to find out if it should be displayed? I may also ask for a Geologist any recommendations?

Keith Carpenter | Oct 6, 2020
Regis E Hanlon | Oct 6, 2020

I do not work there was just visiting

My mom has a statue or something that is over 100 years old and nobody knows what it is how do I post a picture

Lori Simmons | Oct 7, 2019
Enédio Rezende | Oct 7, 2019

In here you can't post pictures, but maybe a antique store in your city can help you to identify the statue.

Is there anywhere to park close by

Debbie Jasper | Oct 7, 2019
Enédio Rezende | Oct 7, 2019

There is no public parking facility at the Smithsonian on the National Mall. On-street meter parking options are available but please be advised to carefully check the days and hours of enforcement posted on the parking meters and curbside signs.

Is parking lot near by

Cathy Mazur | Oct 7, 2019
Paralis Dimi | Oct 7, 2019

Yes

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We are planning a trip to the Smithsonian museums...one question..can u smoke anywhere on the grounds?

Lee Kyle | Oct 7, 2019
Enédio Rezende | Oct 7, 2019

You can't smoke into exhibit buildings, but some buildings have garden. https://www.si.edu/visit/security

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Hello anybody there?

Billie Day | Oct 7, 2019
Lee I loved it so full very soulful Ju | Oct 6, 2021

Yes their is

THE ATTRACTIONS OF SEPTEMBER

Teresinha Sato | Oct 7, 2019
Lourdes Hulett | Oct 7, 2019

I don't go out im sorry

Is the actor Roy Rogers horse trigger on display?

Sydney Smith | Oct 7, 2019
Ruby C | Oct 7, 2019

It was not open at the time I was there, sorry

What ia the smithosonia?

Oziel Nascimento | Oct 7, 2019
Diva Willis | Oct 7, 2019

The Smithsonian Institution is the national museum of the US. It is free to visit.

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How long is the tour?

Marcia Zambrano | Oct 7, 2019
nor ramle bachok | Oct 7, 2019

78 hours

Are the Smithsonian Museums open on Sundays?

Wil Prigge | Oct 7, 2019
Sheri S | Oct 7, 2019

Yes they are open 364 days a year

Is the hope diamond open to the public

Connie Clark | Oct 7, 2019
Tom M | Oct 7, 2019

It's been there every time ive been there, im sure you can call to make sure..

Will the Smithsonian be opened on Easter Sunday

Mary Farmer | Oct 7, 2019
Kevin Ulrich | Oct 7, 2019

Yes! They are open everyday of the year except Christmas day (December 25).

I've been told that my grandfather has a ship model in the Museum. Who can I contact to confirm this? Thank you.

Betty Murphy | Oct 7, 2019
太郎君 | Oct 7, 2019

I am an ordinary tourist. I do not know the details. I am sorry.

When and why did the Smithsonian stop traveling?

leger leger | Oct 7, 2019
太郎君 | Oct 7, 2019

2001

What is admission cost to museums

Phyllis Harriman | Oct 7, 2019
Sheri S | Oct 7, 2019

There is no admission costs.....its free to enter.

The entrance Has some cost?

Julio Díaz Yong | Oct 7, 2019
Toby Ratcliffe | Oct 7, 2019

No

How you think a civilised future will see the smithsonian's work?

Fabricio Fercher | Oct 7, 2019
Susan Armstrong | Oct 7, 2019

I think they will love for all the info it has

is it true freddie mercury's mustache is up for display here? or was it just a myth.

ᒍᗩY | Oct 7, 2019
Francisco Bratsis | Oct 7, 2019

That is a myth

what is the value of Calendars dated from 1933-1945 with pictures by F. Molina Campos ?

Belinda Waller | Oct 7, 2019
かもめチャン寝るYSL823GD | Oct 7, 2019

Excuse me I can't read English (ABC)

So the museum will not be open on the 3rd of Jan. Is that what they are saying?

Leann Werk | Oct 7, 2019
Sheri S | Oct 7, 2019

Yes, Smithsonian employees will be furloughed.

What is your view of Giants

Michael Hulley | Oct 7, 2019
Tenzin Phurbu | Oct 7, 2019

Giants trash after trading Odell Beckham Junior

For me that they always knew I was under their watch, tried to get me straight jacketed for that instead of quietly telling the DA and my PD, not hard right, so that's one of many slippery things that have me not like I was for last 2 years,trusting

Bret Alan O'Neal | Oct 7, 2019
John Cova | Oct 7, 2019

I think you really need to go get some help (mentally) really there is people who can help you.

its free? and if not how much the ticket?

lona c | Oct 7, 2019
Marija Matejic | Oct 7, 2019

Its free

Is the Institute open during the National Day of Mourning for President Bush?

Greg Ehlert | Oct 7, 2019
Mike Clark | Oct 7, 2019

I don't think anyone knows the answer because he just died so it's hard to know but I think it will be open but they will close early.

King James wright Norway estate Google plus with steeling f/special agent federal judge Dr Alice p wright grandmother Swedenboig justices department Louis law go now has well USA government Abraham porth broward county courthouse caught on homelands

Edmund Callahan | Oct 7, 2019
Rico & Pine | Oct 7, 2019

National helpline 1-800-662-HELP

Where can I go to have an African basket, ivory letter openers, and wooden with metal rings around neck appraised or authenticated. They were given to me over 35 years ago and I have been curious for years.

Alice Ireland | Oct 7, 2019
Mike Clark | Oct 7, 2019

This is the Smithsonian Museum I don't think they know

Can I get tickets for the Holocaust Exhibit in line?

Pat Bernauer | Oct 7, 2019
Foster W. Krupp | Oct 7, 2019

That museum is not part of the Smithsonian Institution, so I would call or write to them.

hi, I have an $20 old coin of gold that is related to 1900 year Do yon know how muchis it & how can I sell it?

Habib Kakoie | Oct 7, 2018
CARLOS RAUL “TATO” CARNERO | Oct 7, 2018

I'm sorry. You must enter the page to communicate with them. By this means it is impossible. Cheers

how much is the cost of visit to the smith institution offices

Gurumtet Ruth | Oct 7, 2018
muneeb sharieff | Oct 7, 2018

The Smithsonian museum visits are free.

What is your number to report a problem with your billing. You charged me $66.00 and I received 0 magazines. I’m going to drop the subscription and report this to BBB since No one can ever respond to any billing issues. I want my money back.

Laurie Miller | Oct 7, 2018
John Cova | Oct 7, 2019

You should of went to BBB in the first place to check their credibility !

Do you have electric wheel chairs for rent

Dennis Bambrough | Oct 7, 2018
chuck Milles | Oct 7, 2018

No

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Will the smithsonian museums be open on Saturday March 3rd, 2018

Lynn Jason | Oct 7, 2018
Dawn Jackson | Oct 7, 2018

Yes, they will be.

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Do the museum have elevators.

Ed Lloyd | Oct 7, 2018
Janet Gioffre'-Harrington | Oct 7, 2018

Yes. Ramps and elevators.

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I ran across original invitations for George W. Perkins and Darwin P. Kingsley. It says something about their elections as 2nd and 3rd vice president. How do I find out more about this?

Charles “David” West | Oct 7, 2018
bernard5821 | Oct 7, 2018

Try to contact the Smithsonian information department. Tell them what you have and they'll make a recommendation((s).

What are the hours

Sybill Customer | Oct 7, 2018
Foster W. Krupp | Oct 7, 2018

10:00 AM - 5:30 PM at most of the museums.

Is the Smithsonian open Chistmas Eve and Christmas Day?

Kevin Weiner | Oct 7, 2018
Jevarion Taylor | Oct 7, 2018

No

How much are tickets

Patrick Blackwell | Oct 7, 2017
marc koser | Oct 7, 2017

Its free

Where do you park?

Kay Komitsky | Oct 7, 2017
Jamie Ballard | Oct 7, 2017

You don't. Street parking in downtown DC is very limited and first come first serve. There are no parking garages that are nearby. The closest would be about five blocks away and costs around $30+ per day. Your best bet is to park at one of the outlying Metro stations and take the Metro to L'Enfant Plaza, Smithsonian or Archives Metro station to access the Smithsonian Museums.

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