Soon, you’ll be able to visit Smithsonian museums without reserving passes online.
Beginning on July 20, you won’t have to plan ahead to visit museums on the National Mall. The Smithsonian is getting rid of the timed-entry pass requirement for many of its museums in D.C.
The city's museums reopened on a staggered schedule this summer as D.C. lifted more of its COVID restrictions across the city. Several museums, including the popular Air and Space Museum, will be reopening in late July and August and will not require timed passes either. All museums in the District will also be allowed to operate at full capacity.
One of the exceptions to the new rule is the National Zoo. Visitors will still need to get timed-entry passes but will no longer have to get passes to visit the zoo’s panda exhibit. The National Museum of African American History and Culture, the newest museum on the Mall, will also continue to require timed passes.
D.C. has lessened restrictions and made a concerted effort to welcome tourists and locals back to the city. Most of the private museums and attractions operated by the National Park Service have also reopened. The rest of the Smithsonian museums are scheduled to open as follows:
- Friday, July 30 - National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution Building
- Friday, August 6 - Anacostia Community Museum
- Friday, August 20 - Hirshhorn Museum
- Friday, August 27 - National Postal Museum
All museums will return to normal operating hours 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (8:30 a.m. for the Castle) and some cafés, gift stores, theaters, and exhibits may remain closed. The Smithsonian is still requiring everyone over the age of 2 to wear a mask if they have not been fully vaccinated. As always, if you are feeling sick, please stay home.
