Jump to a Section: Health and Safety      Security Screening      Accessibility       Amenities      Know Before You Go     

Health and Safety

The following safety measures are in place to protect the health of our visitors, staff, and volunteers based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local governments. We ask that all visitors, including those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, follow these safety measures to protect everyone’s health. 

Please note that we may adjust our safety guidelines based on changing CDC COVID-19 Community Levels. We encourage visitors to regularly check our website before their visit for the latest guidelines. 

• If sick, stay home. We are asking all visitors who are sick or feel unwell to please plan to come another time.
• Practice good hygiene. Visitors are encouraged to wash and sanitize hands frequently during their visit. Hand-sanitizing stations will be available throughout our facilities.
• Masks are not required. Masks are not required to visit the Museum.  While it will not be required, all visitors who feel more comfortable wearing a face mask during their visit are encouraged to do so. 
• Please practice social distancing. The Smithsonian welcomes millions of visitors each year. We encourage visitors to maintain a safe social distance of six feet or more between households and groups when possible, but our museums get crowded, especially during peak visitation times. Visitors who wish to avoid crowds are encouraged to plan their visit during weekdays.
• Proof of vaccination is not required. Visitors are not required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to visit. Special events and some programming may require guests to provide proof of vaccination. 

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.

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 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.

Pre-Visit Materials: The Smithsonian Office of Accessibility also provides resources and general museum visiting tips for visitors of all ages. 

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 audio-described, docent-led tours, 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.
• Morning at the Museum: a free, sensory-friendly program for families of children, teenagers, and young adults with disabilities who are neurodiverse, autistic, or have other sensory processing disorders or cognitive disabilities. On select dates, families are invited to visit a Smithsonian museum before the public opening for a special experience. To register for Morning at the Museum or to request information, email access@si.edu.
• 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, a small café, will be open to visitors. 

Store: Take home a piece of air and space history from the Museum Store or shop online.

Theaters: Purchase tickets in advanced or at box offices for the Planetarium show. 

Baby Care/Nursing Rooms: Download the free Mamava app on iOS and Android to unlock our Mamava pod or ask for assistance at the Southwest Airlines Welcome Center.

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