Requests for sign-language, oral, or cued-speech interpreters require notice at least two weeks before the event. For more information, please visit the Accessibility Program web page here.

The Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian is the world's largest museum complex and research organization. It is composed of sixteen museums and the National Zoo in the Washington, D.C. area, and two museums in New York City. For general Smithsonian information, call 202.633.1000 (voice/tape) or 202.633.5285 (TTY).

Admission

Admission is free for Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., for the National Zoo, and for the National Museum of the American Indian, George Gustav Heye Center, in New York City.

There is a general admission fee of $12 at the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, in New York City. The fee is $7 for senior citizens and students. Cooper-Hewitt members and children under twelve are admitted free.

Hours

Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., and the National Zoo are open every day of the year except December 25. Most museums are open 10 am-5:30 pm. The Anacostia Community Museum is open daily from 10 am-5 pm. The Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture that houses the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery is open daily from 11:30-7 pm. The Smithsonian Information Center, located in the Castle, is open 8:30 am-5:30 pm.

From early March through early November, the buildings of the National Zoo are open 10 am-6 pm; the grounds are open 6 am-8 pm. From early November through early March, the buildings are open 10 am-4:30 pm; the grounds are open 6 am-6 pm. Note: Zoo dates for changing hours follow Daylight Savings Time.

The National Museum of the American Indian, George Gustav Heye Center, is open every day of the year except December 25. The hours are 10 am-5 pm, except Thursday (10 am-8 pm).

The Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, is open Monday-Thursday, 10 am-5 pm; Friday, 10 am-9 pm; Saturday, 10 am-6 pm; and Sunday, 12 noon-6 pm. The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.

Security Policies

Smithsonian visitors are greeted by security personnel, who conduct thorough but speedy hand-checks of all bags, briefcases, purses, and containers.

Visitors are required to walk through a metal detector at the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History (closed for renovation until Summer 2008), and the National Museum of Natural History. Those unable to do so are hand-screened with an electronic wand by security personnel. In addition, security personnel at the National Air and Space Museum check bags through an X-ray machine.

Large daypacks, backpacks, and luggage are subject to lengthy searches in each building. Consider bringing only a small bag. Do not bring sharp items into the museums. Such items include knives, screwdrivers, scissors, nail files, and corkscrews.