Location

The National Museum of American History collects, preserves, and displays American heritage in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific, and military history. Documenting the American experience from Colonial times to the present, the Museum looks at growth and change in the U.S.

The museum collects and preserves more than three million artifacts - everything from the original Star-Spangled Banner and Abraham Lincoln’s top hat to Dizzy Gillespie’s angled trumpet and Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. The collections form a vast and fascinating mosaic of American life.

The museum also hosts a full roster of public programs from demonstrations, lectures, and tours to storytelling and festivals. Music programs offer performances by chamber music ensembles, a jazz orchestra, gospel choirs, folk and blues artists, Native American singers, dancers, and more.

This great institution reopened November 21, 2008 after two years of architectural renovations to shed new light on American history. It has been dramatically transformed and will engage audiences of all ages.