National Museum of American History
add photosThe National Museum of American History is one of the Smithsonian Institution museums located on The Mall. There are many unique exhibits and artifacts highlighting the interesting history of people and places in the United States.
10 Reviews for National Museum of American History
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"Go during the week"
If you go during lower traffic times, the waits won't be so bad. We did stand in line for the pop culture exhibit, and I'm not sure it was even really worth it. I love the first ladies' exhibit and the hall of american presidents had some interesting exhibits as well, but there will be a line. My favorite though was America on the Move with old cars, trains, a look at the first interstate systems, etc. There was a lot to play on and see.
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"America, this is Your Museum!"
Absolutely breathtaking! You will undoubtedly be in awe of everything you find here. It may be crowded, but it is a must-see at least once in every American citizen's life. Historians can't do justice to things you must witness first hand--speaking of hand, want to know how large Lincoln's hand was? Find out here! Such an amazing place to visit; I will be bringing my family here again soon!
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"Great Smithsonian"
This is one of my favorite Smithsonian's. It has some great things you don't want to miss. For Julia Child fans, you can see her actual kitchen. Also, there are a number of pop culture items that rotate through. Also, don't miss Abe Lincoln's hat, and dorothy's ruby red slippers.
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"Crowded and Lines"
We've tried several times to head to this museum. On both visits, we were met with long lines and crowded spaces. The first time, the museum had just re-opened after being renovated, it was too crowded to even enjoy any of the exhibits. My daughter, then 6, was not very impressed with anything other than Oscar the Grouch and Dorothy's Ruby Red Slippers. She wanted to do something, not just look at stuff while standing in lines for most of the visit. We left shortly after arriving and headed next door to the Natural History museum. On this visit, there was a line from the front door to the road just waiting to get in. We walked right on by and headed next door. I would like to visit this museum at some point, but right now, it's just not worth the headache of waiting in lines or dealing with crowds.
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"American History Museum depends on the kid"
I was really excited to hear that this museum was re-opening after being closed for some time for remodeling and enhancement. Shortly after moving back to the DC area, we took our two kids (4 and 1) and some out of town guests to see the new and improved American History Museum. I can't say I was blown away by the changes (or those I noticed) -- I hope the artifacts are better protected for all that time and money!
The lighting was fairly even, but dim in some spots, so visitors with vision problems may suffer. Accessibility for those with mobility issues is better than average for many DC attractions. Parking, as always, is a challenge -- take public transit if you can, or be prepared to walk.
Our guests are history buffs, including the 14 year old. For them, the museum was a favorite before the renovation and remains so. They didn't notice a lot of difference, either, to be honest. There are a number of powerful and important artifacts and displays for anyone who is the least bit curious about virtually any genre of history: cooking, building, trains and cars, wars, music, the Presidency, and so on. My hubby and son love Julia Child's kitchen; my personal favorite was visiting Mr. Roger's sweater, but it wasn't on display on our last trip.
I was truly hoping for more hands-on experiences and interactive displays with the new opening, but I didn't see much more than before. Two smallish kids areas are available on the lower floors for smaller visitors. My kids enjoyed the Invention at Play area, but haven't made it to the science-themed one yet. Very nice and efficient cafeteria on the lower level as well.
Great for readers and those who understand what history is, with some areas to make it easy on little visitors. Not a great stop for those with just young kids.
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"A great place"
In all the times I've been to D.C. in my life, I had never made it into this museum. I've always wanted to visit here and was glad to have the chance with my family.
What I really love about this museum is the mixture of history and pop culture. We were enthralled with Abraham Lincoln's hat, my husband puts that at the top of his favorite things we saw in D.C. They also had a historic American Flag on display which was such an amazing thing to see that we were speechless.
We loved seeing Oscar the Grouch, Dorothy's Ruby Slippers, C3PO from Star Wars and so much more. There was a great hand's on kids exhibit that the kids really enjoyed playing in.
We went in April during our spring break and it was a bit crowded. At the popular attractions there were lines and you had to be patient to get near enough to see the attraction. The kids were patient though and we had a wonderful day.
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"Not much for kids"
I was expecting much more to interest the kids at this museum, but we finished quickly and there wasn't a lot to interest them. The Pop Culture exhibit was way smaller than I expected and the kids only knew a couple of the things there - Kermit the Frog and Oscar the Grouch. I did enjoy the First Ladies' Inaugural Gowns and the kids played in a small kids' space while I wandered through. I would save this museum for teenagers +.
1 family found this helpful
"This one's for kids!"
Growing up in DC, this was always my favorite museum as a teenager. I was a bit hesitant to take my littler kids there (3 and 5), but they have plenty to do. The first flag exhibit really caught their attention (Star Spangled Banner), especially the live role-play outside the exhibit. Most of all the invention exhibit on the lower level is REALLY engaging! Lots to touch and feel, things to climb on. Great activity for our kids!
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"Plan on at least half a day..."
This is such a fun place. As an adult I never get bored going here. There's just so much to look at that brings back memories and educates. My favorites - the first lady exhibit, the ruby slippers, mister Rodgers sweater and Archie Bunker's chair. Kids love the dollhouse and toy exhibit. There's a restuarant in the museum if you get hungry.
2 families found this helpful
"The Recently Renovated American History Museum--A Little Lackluster"
We recently visited the newly renovated Museum of American History. Always my favorite as a little girl, the long wait revealed a big disappointment. The very famous "First Ladies" exhibit has been drastically altered--it is a long wait for a glimpse of only a few dresses and artifacts. The relics you might remember from the old museum--the Ruby Red Slippers, Kermit the Frog, etc., are now relegated to the hallways of the basement.
Maybe your kids will be more impressed--I would suggest getting up early, and getting this museum out of the way first. Many of its current exhibitions are a little too heavy for kids 10 and under. The "Bittersweet Harvest" exhibition is a little to heavy for little ones.
If you have small children like me, I suggest going straight to the First Ladies exhibition (there will be a line, for sure but your kids won't be tired if you do this first), then scoot down to see the Ruby Red Slippers, Archie Bunker's Chair, Kermit the Frog and end with the very kid friendly, "America on the Move" exhibition.
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