Plan a Group Visit
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.
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.
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. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Guided Tours for Groups
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.
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.
Please contact the Tours and Reservations Office by email.
Know Before You Go
Visit tips, guidelines, and policies for group visits.
Please contact the Tours and Reservations Office by email.
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.
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.