Museum · Washington DC

National Air and Space Museum

National Air and Space Museum
Photo: ajay_suresh, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

It holds one of the world's largest collections of aviation and space artifacts. Key items include the 1903 Wright Flyer, the Apollo 11 command module Columbia and the Spirit of St. Louis. Space shuttle Discovery is displayed at the museum's separate Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

Updated September 27, 2026On day 1 of Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York in 7 Days

Visiting National Air and Space Museum: what to know

Tickets
Free, but a free timed-entry pass is required
Time needed
2 to 4 hours
Best time
Weekday mornings
Getting there
Metro to Smithsonian or L'Enfant Plaza station

Washington DC itineraries with National Air and Space Museum

Day 1 of Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York in 7 Days

The National Mall

How National Air and Space Museum fits into a day.
  1. 9:00Lincoln MemorialWashington DC
  2. 10:00Vietnam Veterans MemorialWashington DC
  3. 11:30Washington MonumentWashington DC
  4. 14:00National Air and Space MuseumWashington DC
See all 7 days
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National Air and Space Museum FAQs

Is the National Air and Space Museum free?

Yes. Entry is free, but every visitor needs a free timed-entry pass reserved in advance.

How long to visit the National Air and Space Museum?

Most people spend 2 to 4 hours inside.

What to see at the National Air and Space Museum?

The Wright Flyer and Apollo 11 command module are the main draws.

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