Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
Museum documenting the history of aviation & space exploration, with displays of vehicles & more.
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is rated 4.6 / 5 from 48,979 Google reviews and sits about 1.5 km (19 min walk) from Union Station station.
General overview
About Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum preserves and interprets the history of aviation and space exploration. The National Mall building features landmark aircraft, spacecraft, historic artifacts, interactive galleries, and attractions such as the Albert Einstein Planetarium. The museum has been undergoing a major multi-year renovation, so gallery availability may change.
- Original 1903 Wright Flyer
- Apollo 11 command module Columbia
- Spirit of St. Louis
- Lunar and planetary exploration artifacts
- Historic aircraft, spacecraft, engines, spacesuits, and aviation technology
- Albert Einstein Planetarium
- Central Washington, DC location near the National Mall and L'Enfant Plaza
Things to do here
National Mall museum galleries
Explore aviation and space exhibitions spanning early flight, military aviation, commercial aviation, space exploration, planetary science, and technology. Some galleries may be closed or under renovation.
Wright Flyer and early aviation collection
See the 1903 Wright Flyer and other artifacts related to the development of powered flight.
Apollo and space exploration exhibits
View spacecraft, spacesuits, lunar exploration artifacts, and objects associated with NASA missions, including the Apollo 11 command module Columbia.
Albert Einstein Planetarium
Large-format astronomy and space presentations are traditionally offered separately from general museum admission and may require a paid ticket.
Special exhibitions and public programs
The museum periodically offers temporary exhibitions, lectures, demonstrations, family activities, and educational programs.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
The museum's companion facility near Washington Dulles International Airport displays very large aircraft and spacecraft, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, SR-71 Blackbird, and Concorde. It is a separate location with separate transportation and parking arrangements.
Allow time for security screening and arrive near the beginning of the timed-entry window. The museum is on the National Mall near L'Enfant Plaza and is readily reached by Metro, bus, bicycle, walking, or rideshare.
Reserve a free timed-entry pass in advance, especially for weekends, holidays, school breaks, and summer. Book planetarium or other separately ticketed experiences when available.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Most asked
How to reach
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is about 1.5 km (~19 min walk) from Union Station station on the Washington Metro.
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum from Union Station station?
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is about 1511 m (roughly 19 min walk) from Union Station station on the Washington Metro. Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum rated?
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum has a Google rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 48,979 reviews.
What's near Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, National Gallery of Art, Marriott Marquis Washington, DC.
Is Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible restroom, wheelchair-accessible seating.
Is there parking near Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum?
Google lists these parking options near Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum: paid street parking.
Is Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum good for children?
Yes — Google lists Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum as good for children.
Is admission free?
General admission to the National Mall museum is traditionally free, but a free timed-entry pass is generally required.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes, visitors should plan to reserve a timed-entry pass in advance. Requirements can change, particularly during renovation and high-demand periods.
How long should I spend there?
Allow at least two hours for major highlights. Three or more hours is better if you want to explore multiple galleries and attend a planetarium presentation.
Is the whole museum open?
Not necessarily. The National Mall building has been undergoing a multi-year renovation, and galleries may reopen in phases or close temporarily.
Is the planetarium included with admission?
General museum admission is free, but planetarium presentations have commonly required a separate paid ticket.
How do I get there by public transportation?
The museum is near L'Enfant Plaza Metro station and is also accessible from Federal Center SW and National Mall bus routes. Walking from other Mall museums is convenient.
Where can I see the Space Shuttle Discovery?
Space Shuttle Discovery is displayed at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, not in the National Mall building.
Can I bring luggage?
Do not rely on luggage storage. Large bags and suitcases may be refused at security, so travel light.
Are photographs allowed?
Usually, personal photography is allowed in many galleries, but follow posted restrictions and staff instructions.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 23, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.