Visiting with Groups

Group Visit at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Group Reservations

Some locations require group reservations or passes. Visit the websites below for details:

Group Tours

Some locations offer group tours, which can be arranged by appointment only. Visit the websites below for details:

    Field Trips

    school bus in front of a museum

    Need information on planning and scheduling a field trip? Many locations provide self-guided tours and additional educational resources to support your visit. Visit Smithsonian Field Trips for more information.

       

      Dining

      For assistance with/information on group dining at the following museums, please visit the group sales page for more information.

      • African American History and Culture Museum
      • Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center
      • American History Museum
      • American Indian Museum (DC)
      • Natural History Museum
      • National Portrait Gallery
      • Smithsonian American Art Museum

      Please note: No accommodations are available for eating bag lunches within the museums except in the Kogod Courtyard at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery.

      Public Transportation

      Metrobus and Metrorail Washington's bus and subway system link the city with communities in nearby Maryland and Virginia. Every subway station is equipped with an elevator and/or escalators. For information on Metrobus and Metrorail schedules as well as parking at Metro stations, call 202.637.7000 (voice) or visit the Metro website. DC Circulator operates commuter buses around the National Mall and monuments on its red line/National Mall route. For rates and schedules, visit the DC Circulator website or call 202.962.1423.

      Parking

      The Smithsonian does not operate any parking facilities except at the National Zoo and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Parking is available for free at the Anacostia Community Museum.

      Tour Bus Parking Near the National Mall
      There are several areas where tour buses can park on a first-come, first-served basis. For information on bus parking sites, contact the National Park Service Mall Operations Office at 202.426.6841. On-street parking for buses is available at the Anacostia Community Museum.

      Car or Van Parking Near the National Mall
      On-street parking for cars and vans on Jefferson and Madison Drives on the National Mall is limited and the metered 3-hour regulations are enforced. Parking is available in nearby commercial lots and garages. Reserved parking near the museums can be purchased in advance through ParkWhiz.

      Parking at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
      Free tour and school bus parking is available. Car or van parking costs $15 per vehicle; free after 4 p.m. There is a 30 minute grace period if you are just dropping off passengers.

      Parking at the National Zoo
      Visit the Zoo's website for information on parking and online reservations.