Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
The Wright Flyer, Apollo capsules and Space Shuttle-era icons, free on the Mall.
The call
Worth it if you are watching the budget and you only have one day.
Why
- 01
Standing under the actual Wright Flyer and the Apollo 11 command module is a real thrill, especially for anyone who grew up on space.
Our read - 02
The catch: it's been in a multi-year phased renovation, so galleries close and reopen unpredictably, and free timed-entry passes are required at peak times.
Our read
Is it a fit?
Go if
This is your first trip to Washington DC
An iconic, free anchor for a Mall day, just check which galleries are open.
You are watching the budget
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum earns the spend, even on a tight budget.
You only have one day
Short trip or not, keep Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
You are traveling with kids
With kids, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is an easy yes.
Think twice if
You care about the visual experience
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum offers some beauty & photography, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
You want something active
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum offers some adventure, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
Plan it well
- Cost
- Free (timed-entry pass)
- Timing
- Right at opening to beat the timed-entry crush
- Booking
- Free timed-entry passes via the Smithsonian site at peak periods
- Allow
- 2–3 hrs
- Accessibility
- Fully accessible with elevators and step-free galleries
Consider instead
Sources and method (3)
- Multi-year transformation began in 2018; five new galleries plus a redesigned Mall entrance and the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater opened July 28, 2025, with the remaining galleries due to open July 1, 2026 (the museum's 50th anniversary in DC). airandspace.si.edu ↗
- Admission is free but free timed-entry passes are required to visit, reserved online via the Smithsonian. airandspace.si.edu ↗
- aip.org ↗