Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
The story of flight and space under one roof on the National Mall - the Wright Flyer, the Apollo 11 command module and more, free to all.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
The National Air and Space Museum on the Mall holds the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world, and it is free, like all the Smithsonian museums. Here hang the original Wright Flyer, Lindbergh's Spirit of St Louis and the Apollo 11 command module that carried men back from the Moon, the icons of human flight.
What you actually see
- The Wright Flyer - the aircraft of the first powered flight in 1903.
- The Apollo 11 command module - Columbia, which returned from the first Moon landing.
- The Spirit of St Louis - Lindbergh's transatlantic aircraft.
- Rockets and space - the missiles, capsules and space exploration halls.
When to go
Year-round; a fully indoor museum, free and central, ideal for any weather. A free timed entry pass may be needed in busy periods, so check ahead. It is undergoing renovation, so some halls may be closed.
Honest expectations
It has been undergoing a long renovation, so parts may be closed and displays changed, so check what is open. It is free but may require a timed pass in peak times. It is hugely popular with families, so it can be crowded.
Nearby
The other free Smithsonian museums line the Mall; the memorials and the Capitol are alongside.
What to pack for Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
