Planning a Visit to the NASM Archives

Researchers must make appointments for visits. Please call for an appointment as far in advance of your planned visit as possible, as space is limited and reading rooms may be temporarily closed to accommodate Museum functions. Additionally, some materials may require a few days’ preparation.

Photocopies and microfilm reader/printers are available for a fee to researchers at both locations. Laptop computers may be used in the reading rooms. Digital cameras and small desktop scanners are permitted with prior approval from the Archives.

MAIN ARCHIVES READING ROOM — Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
The majority of the Archives Division collections, including film, video, and microfilm, are accessed through the reading room in the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia..

Location: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air & Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, VA 20151 ($15 parking fee, 6-time parking pass available)

Open: Tuesday-Friday, 10am to 4pm; call 703-572-4045 for an appointment

Closed: Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and all Federal holidays

ARCHIVES READING ROOM — National Air and Space Museum, Washington, DC
General research on most topics can be completed using the technical reference files, available in the Archives reading room located in the National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall. Researchers working here may also make use of the collections of the National Air and Space Museum branch of Smithsonian Institution Libraries.

Location: National Air and Space Museum, Room 3100 (west end of the 3rd floor of the Museum), 6th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC.

Open: Tuesday-Friday, 10am to 4pm; call 202-633-2315 for an appointment.

Closed: Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and all Federal holidays.

Research Policy
The Archives Division’s collections are generally open to anyone with a research need. Access to some materials may be restricted by their donors. Fragile materials may also be restricted to ensure their preservation. Staff will make every effort to inform researchers of known copyright restrictions.