Skip to main content

## Search

My Visit

Donate

Smithsonian Institution

## Site Navigation

- Visit   - Hours and Locations
  - Entry and Guidelines
  - Maps and Floor Plans
  - Dining and Shopping
  - Accessibility
  - Visiting with Kids
  - Group Visits     - Group Sales
- What's On   - Exhibitions     - Current
    - Upcoming
    - Past
  - Today's Events
  - Online Events
  - All Events
  - IMAX & Planetarium
- Explore   - Art & Design
  - History & Culture
  - Science & Nature
  - Collections     - Open Access
  - Research Resources     - Libraries
    - Archives       - Smithsonian Institution Archives
      - Air and Space Museum
      - Anacostia Community Museum
      - American Art Museum
      - Archives of American Art
      - Archives of American Gardens
      - American History Museum
      - American Indian Museum
      - Asian Art Museum Archives
      - Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, African Art
      - Hirshhorn Archive
      - National Anthropological Archives
      - National Portrait Gallery
      - Ralph Rinzler Archives, Folklife
      - Libraries' Special Collections
  - Podcasts
  - Mobile Apps
- Learn   - For Caregivers
  - For Educators     - Art & Design Resources
    - Science & Nature Resources
    - Social Studies & Civics Resources
    - Professional Development
    - Events for Educators
    - Field Trips
  - For Students
  - For Academics
  - For Lifelong Learners
- Get Involved   - Volunteer     - Behind-the-Scenes
    - Digital Volunteers
    - Smithsonian Call Center
    - Visitor Information Specialist
    - Docent Programs
  - Citizen Science
  - Work with Us     - Office of Human Resources       - Working Here
      - Employee Benefits
      - How to Apply
      - Job Opportunities
      - Job Seekers with Disabilities
      - Frequently Asked Questions
      - SI Civil Program
      - Contact Us
    - Affiliations
    - Global Partners
- Support   - About Membership
  - Become a Member
  - Renew Your Membership
  - Make a Gift
- About   - Museums and Zoo
  - Research Centers
  - Cultural Centers
  - Education
  - Our Organization     - Leadership       - Secretary Bunch
      - Advancement
      - Communications
      - Administration
      - Education
      - Museums and Culture
      - Science and Research
    - Board of Regents       - Members
      - Committees
      - Reading Room
      - Bylaws, Policies and Procedures
      - Contact
      - Schedules and Agendas
      - Meeting Minutes
      - Actions
      - Webcasts
    - General Counsel       - Legal History
      - Internships
      - Records Requests         - Reading Room
      - Tort Claim
      - Subpoenas & Testimonies
      - Events
    - Equal Employment Office       - EEO Complaint Process
      - Individuals with Disabilities
      - Special Emphasis Program
      - Supplier Diversity Program         - Doing Business with Us
        - Policies and Procedures
        - Additional Resources
    - Sponsored Projects       - Policies         - Animal Care and Use
        - Human Research
      - Reports
      - Internships
  - Reports and Plans     - Annual Reports
    - Metrics Dashboard       - Dashboard Home
      - Virtual Smithsonian
      - Public Engagement
      - National Collections
      - Research
      - People & Operations
      - One Smithsonian
    - Strategic Plan
  - Newsdesk     - News Releases
    - Media Contacts
    - Photos and Video
    - Media Kits
    - Fact Sheets
    - Visitor Stats
    - Secretary and Admin Bios
    - Filming Requests

# Entry and Visitor Guidelines

                - Share IconShare Icon                   - 
                  - 
                  - 
                  - 
                  -
                -                   - 
                  - Print
                  -      
Today, Friday, January 19, the following Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., are open: 
- National Air and Space Museum
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- National Museum of American History
- National Museum of Natural History
- Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Virginia

All other D.C. museums, including the National Zoo, are closed today. 
Admission
**Admission is free**of charge at all locations except the **Cooper Hewitt** in New York City.

Most museums are **open every day of the year except December 25**. The Cooper Hewitt in New York is open every day except Thanksgiving and December 25.

Visit **Hours and Locations** for details and updates.
Passes/Tickets
These locations **require passes or tickets** for entry:
- **African American History and Culture Museum** (free)  |  FAQ
- Air and Space Museum in D.C.  (free)  |  FAQ
- National Zoo  (free)  |  FAQ
- **Cooper Hewitt in New York City** ($)  |  FAQ

All other locations **do not require** passes or tickets for entry.
Passes/Tickets FAQs- African American History and Culture Museum
- Air and Space Museum in D.C.
- National Zoo
- Cooper Hewitt in New York City 
Know Before You Go
The safety and security of the Smithsonian's visitors, volunteers, staff, and collections is of the highest importance. As the nation's most beloved collection of museums and galleries, we work hard every day to ensure the preservation of our country's treasures for the enjoyment of generations to come. 

Please review our health and safety, security, and policy measures. 
Passes/Tickets FAQs- African American History and Culture Museum
- Air and Space Museum in D.C.
- National Zoo
- Cooper Hewitt in New York City 
Know Before You Go
The safety and security of the Smithsonian's visitors, volunteers, staff, and collections is of the highest importance. As the nation's most beloved collection of museums and galleries, we work hard every day to ensure the preservation of our country's treasures for the enjoyment of generations to come. 

Please review our health and safety, security, and policy measures. 
Visitor GuidelinesHealth and Safety Measures 
Our current health and safety measures are based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local governments. These measures may change in response to changing CDC COVID-19 Community Levels, so we encourage visitors to regularly check our website before their visit for the latest guidelines.

We ask that all visitors follow these safety measures to protect everyone’s health. Visitors should also be aware that our museums get crowded, especially during peak visitation times. Visitors who wish to avoid crowds are encouraged to plan their visit during weekdays.
If Sick, Stay Home
We ask all visitors who are sick or feel unwell to please stay home. The Smithsonian is open 364 days a year and we look forward to welcoming you when you are healthy.

Visitors are encouraged to wash and sanitize hands frequently during their visit. Hand-sanitizing stations will be available throughout our facilities.
Masks
Masks are not currently required to visit. While not required, all visitors who feel more comfortable wearing a face mask during their visit are encouraged to do so.
Security Screening
At many of our museums, you'll be greeted upon entry by one of our security personnel who will conduct a thorough hand-check of all bags, briefcases, purses, and containers. We encourage you to limit the number of personal belongings and bags you bring into our facilities to increase your speed through security checkpoints.

Visitors are required to walk through a metal detector at the following museums: 
- Air and Space Museum and its Udvar-Hazy Center (DC and VA)
- African American History and Culture Museum
- American Art Museum
- American History Museum
- Natural History Museum
- Portrait Gallery
- Postal Museum
- American Indian Museums (DC and NY)

Those who are unable to go through the metal detector will be hand-screened with an electronic wand by security personnel. Bag checks will be conducted by hand or via an X-ray machine.

We ask for your patience, cooperation, and assistance in keeping America's treasures safe.

Visitors should not leave personal belongings unattended, nor leave them stored at one museum while visiting other sites.
Prohibited Items
The following items are prohibited at all museums:
- Sharp items such as knives (including pocket or "Swiss Army" style knives), screwdrivers, scissors
- Firearms
- Pepper spray and Mace.

See Prohibited Conduct for additional information.
Lockers/Storage
We encourage you to limit the number of personal belongings and bags you bring into our facilities as they will be subject to a thorough search. Limiting the items you bring will increase your speed through security checkpoints.

The following museums currently offer visitor lockers/storage:
- African American History and Culture Museum
- American Art Museum/National Portrait Gallery (F Street entrance only)
- American History Museum
- Asian Art Museum (Freer and Sackler)
- Hirshhorn Museum
- Natural History Museum
- Postal Museum
- Udvar-Hazy Center (VA)

Visitors should not leave personal belongings unattended, nor leave them stored at one museum while visiting other sites.
Lactation Rooms
The following Smithsonian sites have dedicated lactation rooms. Please check at any information desk for specific locations and for options at those sites not listed here:
National Air and Space Museum (DC location)National Museum of African American History and CultureNational Museum of American HistoryNational Museum of Natural HistoryNational Postal MuseumSmithsonian's National ZooPhotography Policy
The Smithsonian permits still and video photography for **noncommercial use only** in its museums and exhibitions, unless otherwise posted.

For the safety of our visitors and collections, the Smithsonian prohibits the use of tripods, monopods, selfie sticks or similar devices in our museums and gardens. This is a preventive measure to protect visitors and objects, especially during crowded conditions. We encourage museum visitors to take selfies and share their experiences—and leave the selfie sticks in their bags.

Working members of the media who need to use a tripod or monopod must obtain permission from the museum's Public Affairs Office and must be escorted by a museum staff member while in the building or garden.
Medical Supplies, Devices, and Equipment
The Smithsonian welcomes guests to bring any medical supplies, devices, or equipment they might need during their visit. Visitors should note that public storage space is not available at all locations. Visitors who bring medically necessary items/equipment should plan to maintain possession of them throughout their visit.

All Smithsonian locations permit the use of manual and motorized mobility devices (e.g., scooters, walkers, wheelchairs) and have at least one entrance accessible to visitors using mobility aids. Visitors who bring a mobility aide or device with them should plan to maintain possession of the item throughout their visit. Devices used strictly for recreational purposes are prohibited.
Service Dogs
Service dogs are welcome at Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo. Emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion dogs are not considered service dogs under the guidelines of the ADA.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is prohibited in all Smithsonian facilities. This includes e-cigarettes.
Prohibited Conduct
Visitation policies at the Smithsonian Institution are designed to protect visitors and staff as well as secure and preserve the collections, facilities, and historic buildings entrusted to the Smithsonian's care.
While on Smithsonian premises NO VISITOR SHALL:- Carry firearms, other dangerous or deadly weapons, or explosives, either openly or concealed on the premises. The prohibition on firearms applies to all visitors, including those with firearm permits,  but not to active law enforcement personnel authorized to carry firearms.
- Display or carry placards, signs, or banners
- Destroy, damage, or remove property
- Climb upon any part of a building
- Use loud, abusive, or otherwise improper language
- Loiter, sleep, or participate in unwarranted assemblies
- Create any hazard to persons or things
- Perform obscene or indecent acts
- Engage in disorderly conduct
- Use, possess, or sell illegal drugs
- Smoke, this includes e-cigarettes
- Bring dogs or other animals, other than service animals
- Take photographs for advertising or any other commercial purpose
- Solicit for commercial or charitable purposes or distribute advertisements, pamphlets, handbills, and flyers
- Damage, deface, pick, or remove any herb, shrub, bush, tree, or turf, or portion thereof, in any Smithsonian Garden or at the National Zoo
In addition to the above, while on Zoo premises, NO VISITOR SHALL:- Kill, injure, or disturb any exhibit or research animal by any means except to secure personal safety
- Pet, attempt to pet, handle, move, or remove exhibit or research animals
- Feed exhibit or research animals, except in strict accordance with authorized signs
- Catch, attempt to catch, trap, remove, or kill any free roaming animals inhabiting the premises
- Go over, under, between, or otherwise cross any guardrail, fence, moat, wall, or any other safety barrier
- Seat, stand, or hold children over any safety barrier
- Throw or toss rocks, or any other missiles into, from, or while on premises
- Bring strollers, baby carriages, or other conveyances, except wheel chairs, into exhibit buildings and public restrooms
- Engage in ball games, or any athletic activity, except in places as may be officially designated for such purposes
- Smoke or carry lighted cigarettes, cigars, or pipes into exhibit buildings, or to have a fire of any kind on the premises

Visitors who violate these rules may be subject to fine or imprisonment. The complete Smithsonian buildings and grounds regulations can be found in Title 36 of Code of Federal Regulations, parts 504 and 520 (National Zoo).
- Hours and Locations
- Entry and Guidelines
- Maps and Floor Plans
- Dining and Shopping
- Accessibility
- Visiting with Kids
- Group Visits
          Footer logo      
Link to homepage
      Footer navigation      - Contact Us
- Accessibility
- Job Opportunities
- Inspector General
- Records Requests
- EEO & Supplier Diversity
- Shop Online
- Host Your Event
- Press Room
- Privacy
- Terms of Use
      Social media links      - Facebook
- Instagram
- Twitter
- YouTube
      Email signup form      Yes, I would like to receive email from the Smithsonian.Deny submitSign up for Smithsonian e-news:        Email powered by BlackBaud (Privacy Policy, Terms of Use)  Back to Top