Where is Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum,Washington, D.C., Aircraft, spacecraft, and Apollo exhibits?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is located in Washington, D.C., USA. It lies between Constitution Avenue and the National Mall and is situated in the downtown museum area. It is famous for its collection of historic aircraft, spacecraft, and exhibits on aviation and space exploration.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Location Map,Washington, D.C., Aircraft, spacecraft, and Apollo exhibits

Where is Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Located inWashington, D.C., Aircraft, spacecraft, and Apollo exhibits
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Top Attractions Inside Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

  • Spirit of St. Louis – Charles Lindbergh’s historic plane that completed the first solo transatlantic flight.
  • Wright Flyer – The first powered airplane, marking the birth of aviation.
  • Apollo 11 Command Module – Spacecraft that carried astronauts to the Moon in 1969.
  • Hubble Space Telescope Model – Full-scale replica highlighting astronomical discoveries.
  • Milestones of Flight Gallery – Iconic aircraft and spacecraft showcasing aviation history.
  • Planetarium & IMAX Theater – Immersive experiences exploring space and science.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Facts

Official NameSmithsonian National Air and Space Museum
LocationIndependence Avenue SW, National Mall, Washington, D.C., USA — Smithsonian Institution / National Mall Museums
Latitude & Longitude38.8882° N, 77.0199° W
Total AreaMain building (National Mall) ~161,000 sq ft exhibit space; includes aircraft, spacecraft, and IMAX theaters
Established / OpenedJuly 1, 1976
Managed BySmithsonian Institution / National Air and Space Museum
RegionNational Mall / Washington, D.C. / Smithsonian Museums
Address600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20560, USA
Zip Code20560
Area Code202
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptAviation history, space exploration, aircraft & spacecraft exhibits, scientific discovery, aerospace engineering, STEM education
Main Sections / AreasMilestones of Flight Hall, Space Race & Apollo Exhibits, Aviation Hall, Spacecraft Hall, IMAX Theater, Udvar-Hazy Center (in Virginia), Planetarium, Education & Exhibit Galleries
Famous AttractionsWright Flyer, Spirit of St. Louis, Apollo 11 Command Module, Lunar Module, Space Shuttle Discovery, Boeing B-29, Concorde, missiles & rockets, historic aircraft and spacecraft
Annual VisitorsApprox. 6–7 million visitors per year
Entry Fee TypeFree Admission – Paid ticket required for special IMAX shows, simulators, or planetarium programs
Ticket Price RangeIMAX & Planetarium shows: ~$5–$10 per person; Special exhibitions may vary
Ticket OptionsFree general admission, IMAX tickets, planetarium tickets, special exhibition passes, guided tours
Best Time to VisitWeekdays and early mornings to avoid crowds; Spring and Fall for more comfortable weather around National Mall
Nearby AirportRonald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – ~5 miles; Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – ~26 miles
TransportationMetrorail (Smithsonian Station), buses, taxis, walking, bicycle access, parking nearby
Official Websitehttps://airandspace.si.edu

Distances from Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum to Nearby Landmarks

  • National Mall – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Smithsonian Castle – 0.4 km (0.25 mi)
  • National Museum of Natural History – 0.3 km (0.2 mi)
  • United States Capitol – 1.6 km (1 mi)
  • Lincoln Memorial – 3.1 km (1.9 mi)
  • Washington Monument – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Smithsonian National Museum of American History – 0.4 km (0.25 mi)
  • Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture – 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
  • National Gallery of Art – 0.6 km (0.37 mi)
  • Vietnam Veterans Memorial – 2.9 km (1.8 mi)
  • Korean War Veterans Memorial – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Jefferson Memorial – 3.5 km (2.2 mi)
  • World War II Memorial – 2.8 km (1.7 mi)
  • Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden – 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
  • United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – 0.7 km (0.4 mi)
  • National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center – 38 km (23.6 mi)
  • Smithsonian National Postal Museum – 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
  • Old Post Office Pavilion – 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
  • Union Station – 1.6 km (1 mi)
  • Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian – 1 km (0.6 mi)