Hours and Admission

Admission is free of charge at all museums and the zoo except the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City. Timed-entry passes are only required at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Zoo, and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City. All Smithsonian museums and the zoo are closed on December 25. 

Keeping Us All Safe 

New safety measures are in place to protect the health of our visitors, staff, volunteers, and collections based on guidance from the CDC and local governments:

• All visitors ages 2 and over are required to wear face coverings indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Face coverings should fit properly, covering the nose, mouth, and chin with no large gaps on the outside of the face, and they should have at least two layers. Face shields are not permitted as a substitute for a face covering but may be worn over a face covering or mask. Bandanas, single-ply gaiters and face coverings, and masks with an exhalation valve are not permitted. 
• All visitors ages 5 and over are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to visit New York City museums. (See Key to NYC)
• We’re providing hand-sanitizing stations for visitors throughout our facilities and conducting more frequent and enhanced cleaning. 
• We’re recommending that visitors maintain a safe social distance between households or groups. 
• We’ve installed protective safety shields at bag-check screening stations and registers.
• We’re evaluating our exhibits, interactives, and indoor spaces on a case-by-case basis. Some of these features may be closed or operate at limited capacity.
• Our staff will stay home when sick, wear face coverings, practice social distancing, and wash hands and practice good hygiene.

More Tips & Guidelines »