National Air and Space Museum in DC
Udvar-Hazy Center in VA
Plan a field trip
Plan a group visit

Two Locations, Countless Incredible Experiences for Learners of All Ages

We welcome groups, from preschoolers to retirees—and everyone in between, to discover history first-hand at either of our world-class locations. 

This page will help you plan a visit for groups of 10 people or more. (For groups less than 10, we recommend you use our Visit page instead). 
National Air and Space Museum in DC
Udvar-Hazy Center in VA
Plan a field trip
Plan a group visit

Two Locations, Countless Incredible Experiences for Learners of All Ages

We welcome groups, from preschoolers to retirees—and everyone in between, to discover history first-hand at either of our world-class locations. 

This page will help you plan a visit for groups of 10 people or more. (For groups less than 10, we recommend you use our Visit page instead). 
Planning a trip for young visitors?

If you’re planning a visit for groups of young visitors, from pre-K through high school, check out our Plan a Field Trip page instead. There you’ll find out about unique opportunities for young learners. 

Plan a Field Trip

In Washington, DC on the National Mall

National Air and Space Museum

Visit one of the most popular museums in the world to explore the history of aviation in space, from the first airplane, to the first people to walk on the Moon, and beyond. 

Get Free Timed-Entry Passes (Required)

Passes Required

All visitors are required to reserve free timed-entry passes to visit the Museum.

Groups of 10 or more can reserve passes through the Group Passes portal.

Food and Drink

Outside food and drink are not permitted in the Museum. Bottled water is allowed.

The Mars Café is located at the lower level and open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The café has limited seating for patrons and food options. Outside food and drink are not allowed in the café.

Parking

Bus parking is not available at the Museum. 

Buses can drop off and pick up at the Independence Avenue entrance.

More Information About Free Timed-Entry Passes

Up to two reservations of 55 per group can be submitted for one day. If you require more than 110 timed entry passes, we suggest that you have a different group point of contact (with a different email address) make any additional reservations.

Group passes are available on the first of the month at noon (12:00 pm ET) two months in advanced. For example, all December group passes will be available October 1st.

In Chantilly, VA Near Dulles Airport

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

View thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including the Space Shuttle Discovery and a Concorde, in two large hangars.

Free guided tours for groups are available by reservation at this location.

No Passes

Passes are not required to visit the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. 

If your group is 250 people or larger, please email our Tours and Reservations Office.

Food and Drink

Food and drink are not permitted in the object display areas of the Museum. Bottled water is allowed.

Shake Shack is open from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays, 5:00 pm on weekends. Please contact Smithsonian Enterprises Group Sales to set up group orders. Outside food and drink are not allowed in Shake Shack.

For eating outside food and drink, a small indoor eating area is available on a first come, first served basis that seats a maximum of 75 people.

Parking

Free parking is available for buses and 16 passenger vans in the Udvar-Hazy Center parking lot.

Daily parking for other vehicles is available for $15 (free after 4:00 pm). There is a 30-minute grace period if you are just dropping off passengers.

Groups are welcome to leave and return. One paid parking ticket is good for the day.

For Groups

Free Guided Tours

Free tours led by our docents highlight the Museum's collections and trace the history of air and space travel.

Currently, these tours are only available at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. 

Request a Tour

Frequently Asked Questions About Free Guided Tours for Groups

How do I reserve a group program?

You can request a program in our reservation software.

We recommend you follow along with our tips page to answer any questions.

When do I need to reserve a program?

Programs should be reserved at least three weeks in advance of visiting the Museum. 

Do I need to reserve a program to bring a group to the Museum?

No, these reservable programs are additional experiences that can enhance a visit. They are not required.

What should I do if I need to cancel my reservation?

If you need to cancel a reservation, please do so as soon as possible by emailing us.

If reserved groups do not alert Museum staff to a cancellation at least 24 hours in advance, your group may not be allowed to reserve future programs.

Additional questions?

Please contact the Tours and Reservations Office by email.

Know Before You Go

Guidelines

Visit tips, guidelines, and policies for group visits. 

Questions?

Please contact the Tours and Reservations Office by email.

Give your guests a special evening in the world's most visited Museum. Host an Event

As a venue for special events, the National Air and Space Museum offers a private, exclusive experience among the icons of flight at the Museum in Washington, DC or the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

 When hosting a reception or dinner, the entire facility is open and event organizers may choose between many interesting event sites. 

 Learn More about Hosting an Event