National Museum of American History

The National Museum of American History is a Smithsonian museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., that documents U.S. political, cultural, scientific and social history; the building opened to the public in 1964. The collection spans a wide range of artifacts from political objects to everyday material culture and iconic national items.

Exhibit highlights include large, conservation-monitored displays that interpret national symbols, political history and technological change. Galleries rotate objects from a collection that covers multiple centuries, allowing visitors to see both long-term artifacts and temporary special exhibitions.

The museum was established in the mid-20th century and has undergone periodic renovations and reorganization of its galleries to improve preservation and visitor interpretation. It is part of the Smithsonian Institution and collaborates on loans and traveling exhibitions.

The museum sits on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., within a short walk of other Smithsonian museums and national monuments, making it a common stop on Mall itineraries.

• Conservation: Many of the museum's major artifacts, including the original Star-Spangled Banner, are on display in conservation-monitored galleries with restricted light levels.

What to See #

• Star-Spangled Banner Gallery: A climate-controlled gallery dedicated to the large historic flag that inspired Francis Scott Key's poem and later the United States national anthem; conservation work is visible and access is managed to protect the textile.
• Permanent and special exhibition galleries: Rotating galleries and permanent displays that interpret political, social and cultural history through objects such as political memorabilia, technological artifacts and items from everyday life in the United States.