The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia is open daily.
See our COVID-19 message for more information.
Things to Know Before You Go
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. Washington, D.C. is currently in the CDC’s Low Community Level category. During this time, we are implementing the following safety measures:
We are asking all visitors who are sick or feel unwell to please stay home.
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 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.
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.
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.
We are no longer be accepting timed-entry passes.
We encourage you to limit the number of personal belongings and bags you bring into our facilities as they will be subject to a thorough search. Limiting the items you bring will increase your speed through security checkpoints, helping us all maintain a safe social distance. Please note that we do not offer coat or bag storage.
Give yourself ample time to visit the Museum including extra time for entry and parking.
All visitors must pass through security screening upon entry. The fewer carry-on items you bring inside the Museum, the faster your entry (and visitors behind you). Before you visit, please review the list of prohibited items, which include pocket knives and tripods. Visitors carrying prohibited items will not be allowed inside the Museum, so please leave them at home or in your car.
A visit to the Smithsonian usually involves a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes and layers of clothing.
Connecting to our WI-FI is easy. Just choose SI-VISITOR, open a web browser, and accept the terms of service.
Food and drink are not permitted inside the Museum. If you bring food, you must consume it outside. Only bottled water is permitted inside the Museum.
You are welcome to take photos for personal use (and share them on Flickr!). However, the use of tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks is prohibited with the exception of their use by the media or press which requires prior approval. For professionals, please see our photography and filming policy.
A limited number of standard and bariatric wheelchairs are available for use while visiting the Museum. Sanitized wheelchairs are provided on a first come, first served basis, and stationed to the right after entering the Udvar-Hazy Center. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own mobility devices. We do not provide strollers or motorized wheelchairs.
The Udvar-Hazy Center has long ramps and high overlook walkways. Please use care and do not allow children to play on them. Never carry children on your shoulders.
We recommend you print floor plans at home before coming to the Museum.
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.
First Aid is available. Please contact the nearest security officer or the John L. Plueger Family Welcome Center for assistance.