Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Washington D.C. · United States · Founded 1964
Good for: History Enthusiasts · Families · First-timers
1964
Opened
1.8 million+
Collection Objects
2–3 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington D.C., United States — opened in 1964, the National Museum of American History holds some of the most iconic objects in the United States — from the flag that inspired the national anthem to pop culture artefacts, military history, and Julia Child's kitchen. Open Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (closed December 25). Admission: ✓ Free admission. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (2–3 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Opened in 1964, the National Museum of American History holds some of the most iconic objects in the United States — from the flag that inspired the national anthem to Abraham Lincoln's stovepipe hat.
It is a museum of things rather than fine art — pop culture artefacts, military history, innovation, and everyday American life displayed across three floors on the National Mall.
Julia Child's entire home kitchen was moved intact to the museum. Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz and Muhammad Ali's boxing gloves share galleries with Edison's light bulb and the Greensboro lunch counter.
Free admission makes it one of the most accessible museums in Washington, though it draws large crowds during school holidays.
2–3 hours highlights route
A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Smithsonian National Museum of American History without museum fatigue. · 2–3 hours
- 1
The Star-Spangled Banner
📍 Flag Hall, second floor
The 30-by-34-foot garrison flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem.
- 2
Abraham Lincoln's Top Hat
📍 American Democracy gallery
The stovepipe hat Lincoln wore to Ford's Theatre on the night of his assassination — one of the most powerful objects in American history.
- 3
Julia Child's Kitchen
📍 Food: Transforming the American Table
The entire Cambridge, Massachusetts kitchen where Child filmed her television shows — pots, knives, pegboard, and all — reassembled exactly as she left it.
- 4
Greensboro Lunch Counter
📍 American Democracy gallery
The section of the Woolworth's counter where four African American students staged a sit-in in 1960 — a landmark object of the civil rights movement.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define Smithsonian National Museum of American History — and why they matter.
The Star-Spangled Banner
Mary Pickersgill · 1813
📍 Flag Hall, second floor
The 30-by-34-foot garrison flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem. Displayed in a climate-controlled chamber.
Abraham Lincoln's Top Hat
Washington hatmaker · 1860s
📍 American Democracy gallery
The stovepipe hat Lincoln wore to Ford's Theatre on the night of his assassination — one of the most powerful objects in American history.
Julia Child's Kitchen
Julia Child · 1961–2001
📍 Food: Transforming the American Table
The entire Cambridge, Massachusetts kitchen where Child filmed her television shows — pots, knives, pegboard, and all — reassembled exactly as she left it.
Greensboro Lunch Counter
F. W. Woolworth · 1960
📍 American Democracy gallery
The section of the Woolworth's counter where four African American students staged a sit-in in 1960 — a landmark object of the civil rights movement.
Collections & highlights
- • The Star-Spangled Banner
- • American Democracy and political history
- • Innovation and invention — Edison, Bell, Silicon Valley
- • Popular culture — entertainment, sports, music
- • Julia Child's kitchen and American food history
- • Military and wartime history
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous object?
The Star-Spangled Banner — the 30 × 34 foot flag that flew over Fort McHenry in 1814 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem that became the national anthem.
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend 2–3 hours. The Flag Hall, American Democracy, and the pop culture galleries are the most popular stops.
How long should I spend at Smithsonian National Museum of American History?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is Smithsonian National Museum of American History best known for?
Opened in 1964, the National Museum of American History holds some of the most iconic objects in the United States — from the flag that inspired the national anthem to pop culture artefacts, military history, and Julia Child's kitchen. It is a museum of things rather than fine art, and that makes it one of the most immediate and engaging museums in the country. Key highlights include The Star-Spangled Banner — the flag that inspired the national anthem, Abraham Lincoln's stovepipe hat, Julia Child's home kitchen.
How do I get tickets for Smithsonian National Museum of American History?
✓ Free admission Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://americanhistory.si.edu/
Is Julia Child's kitchen really her actual kitchen?
Yes — the entire kitchen from her Cambridge home was disassembled, moved, and reassembled in the museum exactly as she used it, including every pot and knife.
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