Air and Space Museum: free timed passes, hours and best time to visit

How the timed-entry pass works

Admission is free, but every person who enters, at any age, needs a free timed-entry pass booked on the official website. One person can reserve up to nine passes. The time tells you when you can enter, not how long you can stay. Smithsonian members have a separate pool. Check the website for when new dates are released, as the schedule can vary.

Hours and closures

Open daily 10am to 5:30pm, closed December 25. Because of the phased renovation some galleries have opened at different times; according to the official site, At Home in Space opens October 30 and Modern Military Aviation on November 11, 2026. Check the status before you book.

What costs money

• The Northrop Grumman Planetarium and Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater are paid; check prices and showtimes on the official site.
• Parking: the museum has no parking of its own; use public transport or nearby garages.
• Food and souvenirs at the museum's cafés and shops.
• Access to the galleries themselves is free.

Best time to avoid crowds

• Arrive at 10am with your pass already booked, and you will walk in with almost no security line.
• The most popular galleries, such as Destination Moon, fill up mid-morning and in the afternoon.
• Weekends, school holidays and spring are the busiest times.
• Book early for high-demand dates.

Getting there

The museum is on the National Mall at 600 Independence Ave. SW. All visitors enter through the Jefferson Drive doors. The nearest Metro station is L'Enfant Plaza. With the AnyArt app you can scan aircraft, spacecraft and objects to hear their story without renting an audio guide.