The Smithsonian and other Washington, D.C., museums are open right now, and our nation’s capital is looking forward to welcoming visitors back. Here’s a list of the new hours and links to the websites for those that require advance ticketing.
The Hirshhorn’s Sculpture Garden is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while the plaza and building remain closed. For more information, visit the Hirshhorn’s website. George Washington’s Mount Vernon is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; non-members should buy tickets online. Guests and staff are required to wear face coverings and must stay socially distanced.
International Spy Museum is open daily. You must get advance tickets and abide by social distancing guidelines and mask requirements. Read more safety info.
Museum of the Bible is open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets, face masks, and social distancing are required. Use complimentary styluses on touch screens. Read more “Thou Shalts”.
Much to the joy of many visitors, the National Portrait Gallery has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry, and safety protocols, visit the museum’s website.
Also open again is the Smithsonian American Art Museum and its Renwick Gallery. For more information regarding hours, timed entry, and safety protocols, visit the museum’s website.
To visit the Kreeger Museum you must get advance reservation tickets. The National Building Museum is now open Friday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the museum’s website. If you are ready to test the pilot in you, go for the full-motion flight simulator at Dream Aero, open from 12 to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Visit its website for more information. Tudor Place has reopened, with hours on Friday and Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the estate’s website. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is now open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit the museum’s website.
The Phillips Collection has reopened with its new centennial exhibition, Seeing Differently: The Phillips Collects for a New Century. Glenstone is open for visits to the Gallery building and grounds. Outdoor dining at the Patio is available in a limited capacity on visitor days (Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Scheduled visits are required, and admission is free. Visit the museum’s website for more information.
The Lincoln’s Cottage has reopened for self-guided tours from Wednesday through Monday. Advance tickets are required. Ford’s Theatre also reopened, but the Petersen House and Aftermath Exhibits will remain closed for now. For more information regarding tickets and safety protocols, visit the Ford’s Theatre website.
The Dumbarton House has reopened and the gardens are gorgeous. Hours are Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Dumbarton House’s website.
The National Gallery of Art has opened its West Building. For more information regarding hours, timed entry, and safety protocols, visit the museum’s website. The Sculpture Garden is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily with limited capacity, while the East Building remains closed. Planet Word has reopened. Hours are Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the museum’s COVID-19 guidelines and to reserve passes, visit Planet Word’s website.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is open. For more information regarding hours, timed entry, and safety protocols, visit the museum’s website.
Also open once again is the National Museum of the American Indian. For more information regarding hours, timed entry, and safety protocols, visit the museum’s website.
The National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry, and safety protocols, visit the museum’s website. Also open is The National Museum of Women in the Arts. Visit the museum’s website for more information. And the ARTECHOUSE is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and welcoming visitors back.
You can again see Dorothy’s Red Ruby Slippers at the National Museum of American History. For more information regarding hours, timed entry, and safety protocols, visit the museum’s website.
The National Archives and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum are open again. For more information regarding hours, timed entry, and safety protocols, visit (the Archives) the museum’s website and (the Memorial) website.
Last but not least, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry, and safety protocols, visit the Smithsonian unit’s website.
The American Museum of Natural History is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Before visiting, check timed entry and safety protocols on the website.
Big Bus Tours and Old Town Trolley Tours are back and taking visitors around our nation’s capital.
Big Bus Tours and Old Town Trolley Tours are also back, roaming our nation’s capital and offering daily tours. Visit their websites for departing hours and check their safety policies.
Dining
Restaurants are open at full capacity, and most have some outdoor dining, carryout, and delivery options. Check the status on outdoor dining options, including beer gardens, patios, and rooftop restaurants, as well as popular takeout and delivery options.
Sports
Currently, professional sports may operate pursuant to a waiver. Anticipated capacity is for 10,000 fans at Nationals Park and 5,000 at Audi Field:
- Washington Nationals (Tickets) at Nationals Park. Regular season ends September 29.
- D.C. United (Tickets) at Audi Field. Regular season ends November 7.
We are excited to see so many D.C. museums, tours, restaurants, and sports arenas open once more and hope that you get to visit soon.
For all there is to see and do at our nation’s capital, check out Renee Sklarew’s book The Unofficial Guide to Washington, D.C.
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