Visiting with Groups
The Smithsonian welcomes group visits. Most museums are located along the National Mall in Washington, D.C., six others and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are nearby, and two are in New York City. While four locations require entry passes or tickets, admission is free at all locations except Cooper Hewitt in New York City. Visit Group Sales for discounts on dining and other paid attractions for groups of 10 or more.
Bringing a school group? Visit Smithsonian Field Trips for more information.
Entry Passes/Tickets
Four locations require group entry passes or tickets. Visit the websites below for details:
- African American History and Culture Museum (free)
- Air and Space Museum (DC) (free)
- Cooper Hewitt Design Museum (New York) ($)
- National Zoo (free)
All other locations do not use passes/tickets for general admission. View the full Museums and Zoo list.
Group Tours
These museums offer guided tours or group reservations that can be arranged by appointment only. Tours typically require 10+ visitors. Visit the websites below for details:
- African Art Museum
- Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center (VA)
- Anacostia Community Museum
- American Art Museum and its Renwick Gallery
- American Indian Museum (New York)
- American Latino Museum Gallery at the American History Museum (email)
- Asian Art Museum (guided) | (self-guided)
- Cooper Hewitt (New York) ($)
- Hirshhorn Museum
- Portrait Gallery
- Postal Museum
- Smithsonian Gardens
School Field Trips
Need information on planning and scheduling a field trip? Many locations provide self-guided tours and additional educational resources to support your visit. Visit Smithsonian Field Trips for more information.
Dining
The following museums offer groups of 10 or more discounted dining vouchers:
- African American History and Culture Museum
- Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center
- American History Museum
- American Indian Museum (DC)
- Natural History Museum
- National Portrait Gallery
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
View the full list of dining and shopping options »
Please note: No accommodations are available for eating bag lunches within the museums except in the Kogod Courtyard at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery.
Public Transportation
Metrobus and Metrorail Washington's bus and subway system link the city with communities in nearby Maryland and Virginia. Every subway station is equipped with an elevator and/or escalators. For information on Metrobus and Metrorail schedules as well as parking at Metro stations, call 202.637.7000 (voice) or visit the Metro website.
Parking
The Smithsonian does not operate any parking facilities except at the National Zoo and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Parking is available for free at the Anacostia Community Museum.
Tour Bus Parking Near the National Mall
There are several areas where tour buses can park on a first-come, first-served basis. For information on bus parking sites, contact the National Park Service Mall Operations Office at 202.426.6841. On-street parking for buses is available at the Anacostia Community Museum.
Car or Van Parking Near the National Mall
On-street parking for cars and vans on Jefferson and Madison Drives on the National Mall is limited and the metered 3-hour regulations are enforced. Parking is available in nearby commercial lots and garages. Reserved parking near the museums can be purchased in advance through ParkWhiz.
Parking at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Free tour and school bus parking is available. Parking costs $15 per vehicle; free after 4 p.m. There is a 30 minute grace period if you are just dropping off passengers.
Parking at the National Zoo
Visit the Zoo's website for information on parking and online reservations.