Smithsonian: Air and Space Museum and Mitsitam Café

Cafe at National Museum of the American Indian

While I could have easily spent a full day at the Smithsonian American History Museum, a D.C.-area friend had recommended the Mitsitam Café at the Smithsonian American Indian Museum as a “little known gem.” I decided to make my way there for lunch.

The cafeteria serves native-inspired foods that span the American continents. I got a buffalo burger and fry bread.

The menu also includes options like wild rice and ceviche.

This is definitely a place I’d like to come back to and try more things!

National Air and Space Museum

When I walked down Independence Avenue to the south entrance of the Air and Space Museum, I was discouraged to see a line over 100 feet long to get in. I had started back toward our hotel, when I looked back and saw that the northern entrance – along Jefferson Drive – didn’t seem to have a line! Sure enough, about five minutes later I was in the museum!

So keep in mind that there is more than one entrance, especially since, as Stephanie later told me, the Air and Space Museum is the most popular of the Smithsonian museums.

Immediately upon entering, I saw display spaces festoooned with replica and original air and space craft – a lunar landing module, the “Spirit of St. Louis,” the front half of the fuselage of a 747, rocket nozzles as big as my living room.

In the past I had wanted to be an astronaut, so I was particularly intrigued by the exhibits showing relics of the U.S. space program in the 60s and 70s – toolkits, suits, windowed hatches, flight manuals, and the like. There’s even a very official and ornate “certificate of merit” presented to the first chimpanzee sent to space by the U.S., which I found both ridiculous and moving. While I was certainly impressed by the spacecrafts themselves, oddly, it was these historic bits of ephemera that captivated me the most.

The guided tour moved a bit too slow for me, so I bailed out to cover more ground.

Marty met up with me about an hour into my museum visit, so that was a nice surprise. We toured the World War II fighter aircraft exhibit together. I especially appreciated the naval aircraft display that replicated both the deck and interior of an aircraft carrier.

Unfortunately, our time soon ran out at the Air and Space Museum. We went to the food court with the biggest McDonald’s I’d ever been to. There was a large seating area and lots of windows to let in light. Fortunately, we went as the day was winding down, so we didn’t have to wait in line long.

I enjoyed sitting in the gradually-emptying mega-McDonald’s and debriefing the museum sights with Marty.

September 7, 2017September 5, 2017

Smithsonian: American History Museum

I arrived at the National Museum of American History just in time for a guided tour. The group was small – only me – but the docent/tour guide was still more than happy to take me on the full tour.

It started with a walk through the first floor exhibit on the history of transportation in the US with early trains and automobiles on display.

My tour guide mentioned that, at any one time, there is way more stuff in storage at the Smithsonian than there is on display.

One thing that’s always out, however, is Julia Child’s kitchen, rebuilt piece by piece. It reminded me of the end of the movie Julie and Julia, where a scene in this historic kitchen fades into today’s museum display.

Combat Zone

One standout section for me was the display on the history of war in the United States. It was more realistic than idealistic, providing insight into the enormous human toll war has had on our country.

I was also profoundly moved by a display of items left at the Vietnam Memorial including notes from loved ones and friends. I looked at the dates of the “boys” that died. Some of them were born about the same time as my father. I thought about all the friends, fathers, and uncles that those in my generations never grew up knowing.

Counter Protest

A section of the lunch counter from the Greensboro sit-in during the Civil Rights era of the 1960s was on display, somewhat unceremoniously, in a clear space between larger exhibits. If I hadn’t known it was a display, I might have just thought it was a closed (and very dated) snack stand.

When I saw the placard and description, I stood there a long time, trying to imagine how it would have been to sit there in protest years ago.

It’s easy to idealize the moral stands of the past; with the benefit of reflection and history, most would agree the Greensboro sit-in was necessary. However, in the moment, with hostile people around clamoring for “peace and order” and to “stop trespassing,” it would have been easy to flinch or doubt oneself.

History doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s made up of the mundane things of life, uncertainties and all. I stared at the lunch counter and marveled in its reality. It was gathering place with ugly pastel-colored seats. A place where people sat down to eat and drink coffee. A place where people sat down to protest a kind of oppression I will never know.

With the voices of so many marginalized populations still asking for a place at the table to speak, it doesn’t feel like it was all that long ago.

August 17, 2017March 28, 2018

Make a Plan to See Smithsonian Museums in D.C.

If you’re traveling to Washington D.C. for the first time and your list of things to do includes “see the Smithsonian,” you might be in for a surprise.

The Smithsonian Institution is not a single sight you can check off in an afternoon. It’s a collection of 19 different museums of varying sizes, research centers, gardens, galleries, and a zoo. There’s just way too much stuff to see it all in one trip, let alone a day.

In fact, a couple of the museums aren’t even in D.C., they’re in New York. A few more are scattered throughout the D.C. metro area. However, most of them (13 or so) are clustered right around the National Mall.

I’m calling them the “Mall Smithsonians” for short.

In the coming weeks, Phillip will be sharing what it was like inside the Mall Smithsonians he was able to visit during our short D.C. trip – specifically, the American History Museum, Air and Space Museum, and café of the Native American Museum.

But, first, I wanted to give you some practical information about how to tackle the Mall Smithsonians.

Depending on how much time you have, you’ll probably want to pick 1-3 museums and prioritize the parts of each you want to see most. Choosing what you’re interested in is the easy part, though. Figuring out how to get there, when you can go, and where you can eat or find wifi or store your stuff gets a bit more confusing.

So here are some tips to help you make the most of these Mall museums.

6 Things to Know about the Mall Smithsonians

1. Admission is free.

Donations are, of course, accepted and appreciated.

Since you’re not tied to paying a daily entrance fee, you can be more flexible in how you experience the museums.

You don’t have to spend the whole day in one museum…

If you’re short on time, stop in for an hour or two. Or just long enough to see whatever you were dying to see before leaving town.
If you’re tied up during the day (with business, a conference, or other obligations), check the hours. You may be able to do an evening visit.
Go museum hopping, seeing just the exhibits you’re most interested in at each.

You don’t have to see it all in one day…

Take your time checking out a museum you’re particularly interested in. Come back the next day if there’s more you want to see.
Instead of one long day, break a visit up into two weekday afternoons or weekend mornings, when crowds are typically lighter.
Leave when your (or your kid/s, travel companion/s, etc.) energy begins to wane, knowing you can pick up where you left off after a nap, a change in activity, or another day.

There are a few activities that do require free or paid tickets (like the IMAX theaters), but these are the exception rather than the rule.

2. They’re open daily.

Mall Smithsonians are typically open every day, unless it’s Christmas (December 25) or if they’re closed for renovation.

Most have opening hours from 10am to 5:30pm (exceptions below).
In addition, some have extended hours on certain days or close early for special events. Double check the Smithsonian Special Hours Calendar to see what’s up before you go.

3. Large bags are not recommended.

Some museums (noted below) have storage lockers available for smallish items (like maybe under-your-airplane-seat sized bags).
For larger luggage, ask if you can leave it where you are/were staying (most hotels and Airbnbs will allow guests to store luggage before check in or after check out).
Otherwise, your best bet is the Tiburon Lockers Baggage Check Counter at Union Station, Gate A ($6/hour). (From there, you can take the DC Circulator to the Mall.)

4. You’ll need to go through security as you enter.

Bags will be checked either by hand or X-ray machine, even if you’re planning to store them in a locker.
During peak times, this can cause lines, especially at the Air and Space Museum. So, even though you don’t have to pay admission, you may have to wait to get in.

5. Many of the museums have a café or food court.

You can also bring your own food for a picnic on the Mall’s lawn or in the Portrait Gallery’s courtyard.
As long as everything is sealed up well, you can carry food and water with you in your bag or store it in a locker.
Map of food vendors on the National Mall – with menus. Or check the list below.

6. Parking: don’t count on it.

None of the Mall Smithsonians have their own designated parking.
The Smithsonian Parking Map (PDF) lists other local lots.
Consider alternative transportation, like the DC Circulator (which stops near all the Mall-area Smithsonians) or the Metrorail (which has a stop – literally called “Smithsonian” – that exits onto the Mall itself in the middle of a bunch of museums.)

With this in mind, driving (and attempting to park) in the area may be more trouble than it’s worth – unless you need a place to stash your oversized luggage (see #3).

Museum by Museum Guide

Here are the Smithsonian museums located around the National Mall listed geographically, roughly west to east – from the Washington Monument to the U.S. Capitol Building (Smithsonian National Mall Map PDF).

I’ve gathered information about each to help you with planning:

Nearest Metrorail stop/s and where to exit*
Nearest Capital Bikeshare rental station/s and station number/s*
Hours (if different than 10am to 5:30pm)
Important things to note (closed to the public, requires a timed ticket, etc.)
If there are cafés (or food courts, carts, kiosks, etc.), wifi, storage lockers, and/or bike racks on site.
Other features (garden, planetarium, etc.)

*More info in our post on transportation tips for the National Mall!

On the Mall –

National Museum of African American History and Culture

1400 Constitution Avenue, NW

Metro: Federal Triangle or Smithsonian (Mall exit)
Bikeshare: 15th St & Constitution Ave NW, Bike station 31321
Requires timed ticket.
Café

National Museum of American History

1300 Constitution Avenue, NW

Metro: Federal Triangle or Smithsonian (Mall exit)
Bikeshare: 10th St & Constitution Ave NW, Bike station 31219 or Smithsonian-National Mall / Jefferson Dr & 12th St SW, Bike station 31248
Cafés on lower level and 1st floor
Wifi in Welcome Center and cafés (free)
Lockers available
Bike racks outside

National Museum of Natural History

10th St. and Constitution Ave., NW

Metro: Smithsonian (Mall exit)
Bikeshare: 10th St & Constitution Ave NW, Bike station 31219 or Smithsonian-National Mall / Jefferson Dr & 12th St SW, Bike station 31248
Butterfly Pavilion – tickets $6. Free admission on Tuesdays with timed ticket.
IMAX Theatre – tickets required (about $9-15/adult).
Cafés on ground level, food carts outside
Lockers available
Bike racks outside (Constitution Avenue entrance)

Freer Gallery of Art (Asian art)

Jefferson Dr. and 12th St., SW

Metro: Smithsonian (Mall exit)
Bikeshare: USDA / 12th & Independence Ave SW, Bike station 31217 or Smithsonian-National Mall / Jefferson Dr & 12th St SW, Bike station 31248
Closed to the public until October 14, 2017.
~~Lockers available~~

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery (Asian art)

1050 Independence Ave., SW

Metro: Smithsonian (Mall exit)
Bikeshare: Independence Ave & L’Enfant Plaza SW/DOE, Bike station 31633
Closed to the public until October 14, 2017.

National Museum of African Art

950 Independence Ave., SW

Metro: Smithsonian (Mall exit)
Bikeshare: Independence Ave & L’Enfant Plaza SW/DOE, Bike station 31633
Lockers available
Bike racks outside (between African Art Museum and Sacker Gallery, outside Haupt Garden gates on Independence Avenue)

Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle)

1000 Jefferson Dr., SW

Metro: Smithsonian (Mall exit)
Bikeshare: Independence Ave & L’Enfant Plaza SW/DOE, Bike station 31633 or Smithsonian-National Mall / Jefferson Dr & 12th St SW, Bike station 31248
Smithsonian Visitor Center
Daily hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm. It opens earlier than the other museums, so you can start there and get oriented.
Café, food carts outside seasonally
Wifi (free)
Bike racks outside

Hirshhorn Museum (international modern and contemporary art)

Independence Ave. and 7th St., SW

Metro: L’Enfant Plaza (Maryland Ave. exit)
Bikeshare: L’Enfant Plaza / 7th & C St SW, Bike station 31218 or Independence Ave & L’Enfant Plaza SW/DOE, Bike station 31633
Sculpture Garden – open 7:30 a.m. to dusk
Café (dessert and coffee)
Wifi (free)
Lockers available
Bike racks outside

National Air and Space Museum

Independence Ave. and 6th St., SW

Metro: L’Enfant Plaza (Maryland Ave. exit)
Bikeshare: Maryland & Independence Ave SW, Bike station 31243
Open until 7:30pm on select dates.
Entrances on Independence Avenue and the Mall/Jefferson Avenue. If lines are long at one entrance, try the other.
IMAX Theatre – tickets required (about $9-15/adult).
Planetarium – tickets required (some shows are free, others may be about $9/adult).
Observatory
Food Court (First Floor-East Wing), food carts outside
Bike racks outside
Wifi (free)

National Museum of the American Indian

4th St. & Jefferson Dr., SW

Metro: L’Enfant Plaza (Maryland Ave. exit)
Bikeshare: Maryland & Independence Ave SW, Bike station 31243
Café, espresso bar
Wifi (free)
Bike racks outside

Near the Mall –

Renwick Gallery (contemporary craft and decorative art)

1700 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Metro: Farragut West or Farragut North
Bikeshare: 17th & G St NW, Bike station 31277
Barrier-free access at 17th Street entrance.

Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery

8th and F Sts., NW

Metro: Gallery Place-Chinatown (9th St. exit)
Bikeshare: 7th & F St NW/Portrait Gallery, Bike station 31232
Both museums are inside the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture.
Daily hours: 11:30am – 7pm
Kogod Courtyard – bag lunches allowed.
Café
Wifi (free)
Lockers and self-check coat room (near the F Street Lobby) available

National Postal Museum

2 Massachusetts Avenue, NE

Metro: Union Station (Mass. Ave. exit)
Bikeshare: North Capitol St & F St NW, Bike station 31624
Lockers available
Bike racks outside

Have anything to add? Did you use this on a trip to D.C.? Leave a comment and share your experience!

August 11, 2017May 23, 2023

National Mall Transportation Tips

The National Mall in Washington D.C. is bigger and more spread out than many first-time visitors expect.

While seeing the sights usually means a lot of walking, you may want to switch it up at some point. Here are a few other transportation options.

Car

Traffic often gets very congested as you get close to the Mall. However, it can be an even bigger challenge to find parking once you get there.

Sights around the Mall tend not to have designated parking.
You may be able to find street parking, but it’s tricky.
There are several parking garages in the area with varying rates.

Car + Metro

To avoid the traffic, leave your car at your hotel and take the Metro in.
You can also park in Metro lots for about $5/day and pay with your SmarTrip Card.
Metro lots are free on weekends and federal holidays!

If you’re still in the trip planning stage, be aware that many of the hotels closer to the Mall charge guests for parking.

Metrorail

Washington D.C.’s Metro (subway/underground) system is a really convenient way to get to and from the National Mall.

Get a SmarTrip Card (used for paying fares) at Metro station fare machines or order online ahead of time.
Fare: $2-6, depending on time of day and how far you’re traveling.
All six of D.C.’s Metro lines have stops on or near the Mall. (PDF map and info.)
More information for new riders.

Bus

DC Circulator

The National Mall route goes from the Lincoln Memorial to Union Station, then around the other side of the Mall and Tidal Basin, back to the Lincoln Memorial.
Route maps are available online, as a printable PDF, or via mail. There’s also an interactive map for finding the stop closest to you.
Frequency: Every 10 minutes from 7am to 8pm (9am start time on weekends).
Fare: $1 per ride. Pay with cash or a SmarTrip Card.
Order in advance for a 1-day pass ($3) or 3-day pass ($7).
Not a guided tour, just a (cheap) transportation option – although it might be a good way to get at least a visual overview of the Mall.

Big Bus Tours

Commentary via recording or live tour guide.
3 different hop-on/hop-off routes available.
Tickets: $39-49 for 1 day.
Wifi on board.
Sightseeing bus recommended by Destination DC.

Bicycle

There are bike racks throughout the Mall to lock up your bike while you visit a museum, monument, or gallery.

Rental

You can rent a bike for short rides via Capital Bikeshare.

Day passes are $8.
The station map shows real-time bike availability.

Have you been to D.C.? How did you get around?

– Resources for Finding Your Way in D.C. –

December 1, 2016May 23, 2023

National Christmas tree

The U.S. National Christmas Tree in Washington D.C. isn’t seasonal. The decorations are. But the tree itself is a living thing, planted in the President’s Park, permanent enough to be a dot on National Mall maps.

It’s located in the middle of the Ellipse (a big lawn south of the White House), surrounded by the “Pathway of Peace.” During the holiday season, it’s lit up like….well, you know…with model trains and miniature buildings at its base and 57 smaller trees decorated for each U.S. state and territory (plus the District of Columbia) with handmade ornaments from schoolchildren and artists.

– Visiting The National Christmas Tree –

The National Christmas Tree lights are on nightly from approximately 4:30-10pm during the month of December.
The Pathway of Peace is open 10am-10pm.
30-minute music and dance performances take place on a nearby stage for 2 weeks in December.
It’s free to see the tree and watch performances.
There’s an annual lighting ceremony and concert. Watch the 2015 lighting online. (The 2016 ceremony will be televised later this week.)
The National Tree has a Twitter account. It loves Christmas, music, and, apparently, Gilmore Girls.

Getting There

Transit: The closest stops are the same ones you’d use for the White House – either Federal Triangle (blue, orange, and silver lines) or Metro Center (red, blue, orange, and silver lines).
Parking: There’s a parking garage at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Rates vary but plan for about $10/hour weekdays, $15 for weekday evenings or all day on weekends and holidays. Access via 13½ Street (off Pennsylvania Avenue) or 14th Street. Open to the public but visitors and vehicles are screened upon entry.
Street parking is limited.
We ended up walking from our hotel.