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Smithsonian Institution Building

1000 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington DC, DC 20013-7012 (National Mall)
202 633 1000
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As featured in Washington DC on a budget
Ranked #3 of 229 attractions in Washington DC
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Type: Museums, Zoos
Activities: City walk sightseeing
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: 1-2 hours
Owner description: The world's largest museum and research complex is actually comprised of 15 specialty museums, and other affiliates, with subjects that vary from... more » Owner description: The world's largest museum and research complex is actually comprised of 15 specialty museums, and other affiliates, with subjects that vary from African Art to the postal service, sculpture to space exploration. « less
Useful Information: Activities for older children, Activities for young children
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2,059 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    1,627
    334
    70
    24
    4
Date Rating
Littleton, Colorado
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 June 2013 NEW

I grew up roaming the museums, especially American History and Natural History; so I'm sad to see all the corporate influence and commercialism which has invaded the Smithsonian. There are still some wonderful exhibits, but there does not need to be a gift shop on nearly every floor and rides that make you think of a theme park.

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See 7 more reviews by puglover11 for Washington DC
Stone Mountain, Georgia
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 June 2013 NEW

If you're looking for a place to cool off during summer, this is not it. As the plants need to be housed at more of a tropical weather climate. That is my fault though because I didn't think about how warm it would be in there. This would be a perfect place to visit in the middle of winter! :)... More

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See 2 more reviews by Sally S for Washington DC
Sittingbourne
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 June 2013 NEW

The Smithsonian is an impressive building, full of pseudo-historic character. We did not go in but visited museums in the same location.

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See 7 more reviews by Roger S for Washington DC
Metairie
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

The natural history museum is great for both adults and children. They have a variety of things to see for all ages. Definitely would recommend this museum to families. 3D movie was good. Price was a little high but then, the entire museum is free to see if you are on a budget.

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See 2 more reviews by Jeanne D for Washington DC
Cedartown, Georgia
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

Basically an eating place with information. The castle is a pretty place to take pictures and the flowers around it are gorgeous.

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See 4 more reviews by lyarb6 for Washington DC
Patoka, Indiana, United States
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

Wow, I really loved this place in D.C. This place was a little hidden gem in the heart of D.C. I would recommend that you look at EVERYTHING. This is one of those places that really tries to give you everything, while making it look nice and not being boring at the same time. You know what I mean?

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See 2 more reviews by Cai C for Washington DC
West Hartford ct
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
35 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 June 2013 NEW

This was a short visit. My wife had to go to the bathroom. She went here. We went pass a long line. There is a scale model of the mall with the museums highlighted. There was also a panel about the building I read. This was the best place in dc I have been to. X rating 5.1

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See 6 more reviews by JohnX269 for Washington DC
Detroit, Michigan
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 June 2013 NEW

Went to the American Museum at the corner of the Smithsonian Collection. This is no longer just a collection of things! There are interactive exhibits, shows and other things for kids of all ages. Especially enjoyed the Food in America (1950-2000) exhibit with Julia Child's kitchen.

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See 8 more reviews by DrBob41 for Washington DC
Phoenix, Arizona
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
8 attraction reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 June 2013 NEW

We spent all day for 4 days discovering things in the Smithsonian's!! So wonderful! Wear comfortable shoes!! Be aware that many important documents of early American History are not in the Smithsonian's American History building, but in the National Archives Building.

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See 13 more reviews by shelley p for Washington DC
Abingdon, Maryland
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 June 2013 NEW

Loved air and space museum. I would recommend avoiding the attractions that cost extra. The museum's are free.

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