During Your Visit
Reminder: Free Timed-Entry Passes are required to visit the Museum in DC.
Jump to a Section: Health and Safety Security Screening Accessibility Amenities Know Before You Go
Health and Safety
First Aid: Please contact the nearest security officer or staff at the Southwest Airlines Welcome Center for assistance.
Security Screening
We're committed to your safety. You will pass through a security screening on entering the building. Security officers are located throughout the building to protect the Museum, its collections, and most importantly, our visitors. Please feel free to ask them for assistance. A Security Desk is located by the Museum entrance/exit.
Add Time to Your Visit: Give yourself ample time to visit the Museum. Lines to enter the Museum tend to be longest during peak season (March - August), holidays, and weekends. You can help expedite your entry into the Museum by reviewing our list of prohibited items in advance and minimizing bags.
- tripods
- monopods
- selfie sticks
- guns
- knives
- pen knives
- pets
- food and drinks
- scissors
- aerosol cans
- tools
- smoking
- placards, signs, or banners
- service animals
- mobility aids (canes, walkers, etc.)
- strollers
- cameras
- bottled water
Accessibility
The National Air and Space Museum is committed to ensuring all visitors feel welcome. Below are just some of the accessible services we offer.
For questions related to accessibility and museum resources, contact us :
Phone: 202-633-2211 from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm ET
Email: NASM-VisitorServices@si.edu
Parking and Entrances: A limited number of designated accessible parking spaces are located on Jefferson Drive across from the Museum. Visitors with disability hang tags or license plates can park for free at metered spaces controlled by the DC government along Independence Avenue, SW. Check the DC government website for any changes to their parking procedures.
Central Smithsonian Accessibility Office has an accessibility map that depicts accessible entrances, curb cuts, designated parking and more for Smithsonian facilities on the National Mall.
Exterior Access Ramps: The Museum has a wheelchair accessible ramp on the Independence Avenue SW , just west of the intersection with 6th Street SW.
Interior Elevators: An elevator is available at the entrance to the Innovations gallery and the The Wright Brothers & The Invention of the Aerial Age gallery.
Wheelchairs: A limited number of standard and bariatric wheelchairs are available for loan while visiting the Museum. Please visit the Security Desk to inquire about availability. Wheelchairs are provided on a first come, first served basis. Visitors are welcome to bring their own mobility devices.
Service Animals: Service animals are welcome at the National Air and Space Museum. Emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not considered service animals under the guidelines of the ADA.
Restrooms: All restrooms in the Museum are accessible.
Sensory Bags: Sensory bags includes noise reduction headphones, fidget toys, and other tools to help make the museum more accessible for neurodiverse visitors. These bags can be checked out at the Southwest Airlines Welcome Center on a first come, first served basis.
Pre-Visit Materials: Prepare for your visit with a social narrative, that shares what to expect.
The Smithsonian Office of Accessibility also provides resources and general museum visiting tips for visitors of all ages.
Exhibits: The Museum provides assistive listening solutions in the following ways. Some of our media pieces (videos, audio, and computer interactives) have sound and have induction loops. You can identify them by a blue and white sign located with the particular media piece. Select other pieces use ListenTech.
Shopping & Dining: All Museum stores, dining facilities, and water fountains are accessible.
Public Programs
Advance reservations, other than our free timed-entry passes, are not required for self-guided visits or to participate in any of our walk-in programs.
Requesting Accommodation: Two-week advanced notice is requested to reserve an individual program or accessibility services. When requesting an accessibility service, please specify the mode of communication required (e.g., for sign language: ASL, PSE, or Signed English).
- For visitors who are blind or have low vision, we offer sighted guide descriptive experiences and discovery stations with models and tactile components.
- Sign language interpreters can be made available for public programs or evening lectures with advance notice.
To reserve a tour or form more information contact the National Air and Space Museum's Reservation Office:
Phone:(202) 633-2563 (from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday)
Email: NASMTours@si.edu
Other Resources
- Aira: This free app connects you with sighted agents who provides visual descriptions on-demand. Subscription is free when visiting Smithsonian and connected to our Wi-Fi. Learn more and download the app.
- Central Smithsonian Accessibility Office: Information, resources and visiting tips for visitors to any Smithsonian museum is available through the Central Smithsonian Accessibility Office.
Phone:
202-633-2921 (voice)
202-633-4353 (TTY)
202-633-4352 (fax)
Toll-free: 1-888-783-0001
Email: access@si.edu
Amenities
Southwest Airlines Welcome Center: Let our friendly staff help guide your visit, answers your questions, and provide assistance.
Food: The Mars café, located at the lower level and open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, is your coffee and full espresso bar destination, featuring locally roasted “bird friendly” artisan coffees and specialty teas. Additionally, we feature a selection of seasonally inspired sandwiches, warm pizza, salads, and pastries.
Be aware that we handle and prepare egg, milk, wheat, shellfish, fish, soy, peanut and tree nut products, sesame products and other potential allergens in the food production areas of our facility. A select number of commercial pre-packaged products, with ingredient labels, are available.
Outside food and drink is not permitted in the Museum.
Store: Take home a piece of air and space history from the Museum Store or shop online.
Theaters: Purchase tickets at the box office for the Planetarium show.
Family Care Suite: On our lower level, you will find a family lounge, companion care space, nursing rooms, and a quiet room.
Know Before You Go
Being prepared can make your visit more efficient and enjoyable.
- Reserve free-timed entry passes and tickets early
- Download maps & guides
- Know our photography and filming policy
- No food or drink inside the Museum. Water in a closed container is allowed.
- Smoking is prohibited.
- Free Wi-Fi is available.
- Do not bring prohibited items into the Museum.
More Questions? Contact Us
Phone: 202-633-2211 from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm ET
Email: NASM-VisitorServices@si.edu
Reminder: Free Timed-Entry Passes are required to visit the Museum in DC.
Jump to a Section: Health and Safety Security Screening Accessibility Amenities Know Before You Go
Health and Safety
First Aid: Please contact the nearest security officer or staff at the Southwest Airlines Welcome Center for assistance.
Security Screening
We're committed to your safety. You will pass through a security screening on entering the building. Security officers are located throughout the building to protect the Museum, its collections, and most importantly, our visitors. Please feel free to ask them for assistance. A Security Desk is located by the Museum entrance/exit.
Add Time to Your Visit: Give yourself ample time to visit the Museum. Lines to enter the Museum tend to be longest during peak season (March - August), holidays, and weekends. You can help expedite your entry into the Museum by reviewing our list of prohibited items in advance and minimizing bags.
- tripods
- monopods
- selfie sticks
- guns
- knives
- pen knives
- pets
- food and drinks
- scissors
- aerosol cans
- tools
- smoking
- placards, signs, or banners
- service animals
- mobility aids (canes, walkers, etc.)
- strollers
- cameras
- bottled water
Accessibility
The National Air and Space Museum is committed to ensuring all visitors feel welcome. Below are just some of the accessible services we offer.
For questions related to accessibility and museum resources, contact us :
Phone: 202-633-2211 from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm ET
Email: NASM-VisitorServices@si.edu
Parking and Entrances: A limited number of designated accessible parking spaces are located on Jefferson Drive across from the Museum. Visitors with disability hang tags or license plates can park for free at metered spaces controlled by the DC government along Independence Avenue, SW. Check the DC government website for any changes to their parking procedures.
Central Smithsonian Accessibility Office has an accessibility map that depicts accessible entrances, curb cuts, designated parking and more for Smithsonian facilities on the National Mall.
Exterior Access Ramps: The Museum has a wheelchair accessible ramp on the Independence Avenue SW , just west of the intersection with 6th Street SW.
Interior Elevators: An elevator is available at the entrance to the Innovations gallery and the The Wright Brothers & The Invention of the Aerial Age gallery.
Wheelchairs: A limited number of standard and bariatric wheelchairs are available for loan while visiting the Museum. Please visit the Security Desk to inquire about availability. Wheelchairs are provided on a first come, first served basis. Visitors are welcome to bring their own mobility devices.
Service Animals: Service animals are welcome at the National Air and Space Museum. Emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not considered service animals under the guidelines of the ADA.
Restrooms: All restrooms in the Museum are accessible.
Sensory Bags: Sensory bags includes noise reduction headphones, fidget toys, and other tools to help make the museum more accessible for neurodiverse visitors. These bags can be checked out at the Southwest Airlines Welcome Center on a first come, first served basis.
Pre-Visit Materials: Prepare for your visit with a social narrative, that shares what to expect.
The Smithsonian Office of Accessibility also provides resources and general museum visiting tips for visitors of all ages.
Exhibits: The Museum provides assistive listening solutions in the following ways. Some of our media pieces (videos, audio, and computer interactives) have sound and have induction loops. You can identify them by a blue and white sign located with the particular media piece. Select other pieces use ListenTech.
Shopping & Dining: All Museum stores, dining facilities, and water fountains are accessible.
Public Programs
Advance reservations, other than our free timed-entry passes, are not required for self-guided visits or to participate in any of our walk-in programs.
Requesting Accommodation: Two-week advanced notice is requested to reserve an individual program or accessibility services. When requesting an accessibility service, please specify the mode of communication required (e.g., for sign language: ASL, PSE, or Signed English).
- For visitors who are blind or have low vision, we offer sighted guide descriptive experiences and discovery stations with models and tactile components.
- Sign language interpreters can be made available for public programs or evening lectures with advance notice.
To reserve a tour or form more information contact the National Air and Space Museum's Reservation Office:
Phone:(202) 633-2563 (from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday)
Email: NASMTours@si.edu
Other Resources
- Aira: This free app connects you with sighted agents who provides visual descriptions on-demand. Subscription is free when visiting Smithsonian and connected to our Wi-Fi. Learn more and download the app.
- Central Smithsonian Accessibility Office: Information, resources and visiting tips for visitors to any Smithsonian museum is available through the Central Smithsonian Accessibility Office.
Phone:
202-633-2921 (voice)
202-633-4353 (TTY)
202-633-4352 (fax)
Toll-free: 1-888-783-0001
Email: access@si.edu
Amenities
Southwest Airlines Welcome Center: Let our friendly staff help guide your visit, answers your questions, and provide assistance.
Food: The Mars café, located at the lower level and open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, is your coffee and full espresso bar destination, featuring locally roasted “bird friendly” artisan coffees and specialty teas. Additionally, we feature a selection of seasonally inspired sandwiches, warm pizza, salads, and pastries.
Be aware that we handle and prepare egg, milk, wheat, shellfish, fish, soy, peanut and tree nut products, sesame products and other potential allergens in the food production areas of our facility. A select number of commercial pre-packaged products, with ingredient labels, are available.
Outside food and drink is not permitted in the Museum.
Store: Take home a piece of air and space history from the Museum Store or shop online.
Theaters: Purchase tickets at the box office for the Planetarium show.
Family Care Suite: On our lower level, you will find a family lounge, companion care space, nursing rooms, and a quiet room.
Know Before You Go
Being prepared can make your visit more efficient and enjoyable.
- Reserve free-timed entry passes and tickets early
- Download maps & guides
- Know our photography and filming policy
- No food or drink inside the Museum. Water in a closed container is allowed.
- Smoking is prohibited.
- Free Wi-Fi is available.
- Do not bring prohibited items into the Museum.
More Questions? Contact Us
Phone: 202-633-2211 from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm ET
Email: NASM-VisitorServices@si.edu