Browse By

Freebie Alert: Smithsonian Museums Are Free

Often when I am traveling I have a list of things to do.  I have an idea where I am going to eat; the things that I am going to see; where I am going to go.  I know how much they cost and generally when I am going.  Usually I have a hole where I am looking for something else to do and I don’t want to bust my Budget.  That is when I look for “Free Things” to do!  For my Friends with Children you know exactly what I am talking about because $20 becomes $100 with 2 kids by the time you pay for 4 adults or even 2 adults and 2 kids and add in Parking you have spent about $100 before anyone has eaten!  So here is “Something for Free!”

smithsonian

Did you know the Smithsonian Museums is Free?

The Smithsonian Museums are Free!  Yes that includes the new African American History and Culture Museum.  The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum and research complex and includes 19 museums and galleries and the National Zoological Park.

There are 17 Smithsonian Museums in Washington DC, plus the National Zoological Park and 2 additional Smithsonian Museums in New York City.  The Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are free and open every day, with the exception of Christmas day.

Because the Smithsonian is federally funded, all the museums that fall under the umbrella have free admission.  This is true for Smithsonian exhibits that are held outside the Smithsonian as well.  Smithsonian exhibitions and events can be found in the S. Dillon Ripley Center on the National Mall, Julia Child’s kitchen outside Washington D.C., the Museum of the American Indian and the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York City.

These museums are genuine American treasures.  Please check the official website for hours of operation: https://www.si.edu/Visit/Hours

List of Smithsonian Museums and Zoological Parks:

D.C. Metro Area

African American History and

Culture Museum

African Art Museum

Air and Space Museum

Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center

American Art Museum

American History Museum

American Indian Museum

Anacostia Community Museum

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

Freer Gallery of Art

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

National Zoo

Natural History Museum

Portrait Gallery

Postal Museum

Renwick Gallery

Smithsonian Institution Building,

The Castle

Arts and Industries Building

New York City

American Indian Museum Heye Center

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

The following two tabs change content below.

Bill Collins

Bill Collins is a former Army Officer turned veteran traveler. I have traveled to 34 different Countries mainly concentrated in Central & Latin America and have spent the last 16 years exploring the Caribbean Islands.

Latest posts by Bill Collins (see all)