There is no cost unless you are going through a tour group. You can get passes on the first Wednesday of every month or get day of tickets by going on the official website. Your best bet is as a walk up on Friday after 1 p.m. That's plenty of time to see the museum.
That $40 fee is for a group option of some sort. Not from the museum. Make sure you are on the actual museum website. It provides instructions for set days and times. I attended on last Sunday. I had to log on a 630am and request a ticket as that's a busy day. Again, weekdays have set rules.
All tickets are free because it is part of the Smithsonian Network. To get your passes for Friday May 3rd you have to log on Wednesday May 1st and get timed passes for that morning. If you wish to go Friday afternoon your party of 3 can just walk up to the museum and walk right in after 1:00 p.m. no timed passes needed for weekday afternoons
Thank You! We look forward to being there on Friday. When I inquired this morning the fee was $40
Thanks! Your answer is awaiting moderation.