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Smithsonian Institution Building

1000 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington DC, DC 20013-7012 (National Mall)
202 633 1000
Website
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As featured in Washington DC on a budget
Ranked #3 of 229 attractions in Washington DC
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 young children, Activities for older children
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2,057 reviews from our community

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    4
Date Rating
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
7 helpful votes 7 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
Senior Contributor
48 reviews 48 reviews
33 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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Bucks County, PA
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW

...half of the exhibits were closed down for updating. But those that were open were very interesting and extremely well-curated. The halls were all full of kids of all ages with families and school field trips, but I guess that's to be expected in our nation's capital. The displays were varied and had different amounts of interactivity, were well-lit and... More

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Brisbane, Australia
Top Contributor
92 reviews 92 reviews
45 attraction reviews
Reviews in 30 cities Reviews in 30 cities
44 helpful votes 44 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW

Didn't have enough time to do all the exhibits but loved what we saw, we will be going back to see the rest.

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See 7 more reviews by wizard60 for Washington DC

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