📍 United States

SMITHSONIAN TREASURES: NATIONAL MALL'S MUSEUM CONSTELLATION

Moon rocks beside dinosaur fossils, presidential relics guarding democratic memory, world cultures converging on the Mall. Washington, capital of knowledge.

≈ 15
Days
0
Km
12
Stops
📖 9 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore the National Mall and enter Smithsonian museums, from the Hope Diamond to the legendary Spirit of St. Louis aircraft. Pass through First Ladies' gowns, then discover African American collections and Asian art. In Washington, each gallery opens a door to history, and the walk between museums becomes a visit itself.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Washington Smithsonian Institution Building

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6 photos
Day 1
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Discover

1
Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle)
🎯

Activities

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Discover the introductory exhibitions on the history of the Smithsonian Institution
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Consult general information about all the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall
2
Day

Washington National Museum American History

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3 photos
Day 2
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Discover

1
National Museum of American History
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Activities

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Explore the collections on the political, social and technological history of the United States
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Observe the emblematic objects related to national symbols and American popular culture
3
Day

Washington National Air Space Museum

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9 photos
Day 3
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Discover

1
National Air and Space Museum
🎯

Activities

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Browse the galleries dedicated to aviation, spacecraft and space exploration
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Observe historic aircraft, space capsules and interactive flight devices
4
Day

Washington National Museum American History

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3 photos
Day 4
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Discover

1
National Museum of Natural History
🎯

Activities

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Visit the halls dedicated to biodiversity, minerals, fossils and ecosystems of the world
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Observe the famous specimens of gems, dinosaur skeletons and large mammals
5
Day

Washington National Museum American History

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3 photos
Day 5
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Discover

1
National Museum of African American History and Culture
🎯

Activities

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Follow the historical journey of African Americans from the beginnings of slavery to contemporary times
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Explore the galleries dedicated to African American culture, music, sports and public life
6
Day

Washington National Museum American Indian

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10 photos
Day 6
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Discover

1
National Museum of the American Indian
🎯

Activities

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Discover the history and cultures of indigenous peoples of the Americas through objects and documents
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Browse the exhibitions on traditions, arts and ways of life of indigenous nations
7
Day

Washington National Museum American History

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3 photos
Day 7
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Discover

1
National Museum of African Art
🎯

Activities

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Observe works of traditional and contemporary African art, sculptures, textiles and ritual objects
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Study the artistic themes and styles from different regions of the African continent
8
Day

Washington National Portrait Gallery

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3 photos
Day 8
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Discover

1
Renwick Gallery
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Activities

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Discover the official and artistic portraits of prominent figures in American history
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Browse thematic exhibitions on presidents, artists, scientists and public figures
9
Day

Washington Renwick Gallery

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6 photos
Day 9
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Discover

1
Smithsonian American Art Museum
🎯

Activities

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Explore exhibitions dedicated to contemporary art, design and American art crafts
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Observe installations and works highlighting contemporary techniques and materials
10
Day

Washington Smithsonian American Art Museum

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5 photos
Day 10
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Discover

1
National Postal Museum
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Activities

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Browse collections of American paintings, sculptures, photographs and decorative arts
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Compare major artistic movements in the United States from the 19th century to the contemporary period
11
Day

Washington National Postal Museum

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10 photos
Day 11
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Discover

1
Smithsonian's National Zoo
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Activities

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Study the history of the American postal service and philately through stamps and archives
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See postal vehicles, mailboxes and devices related to mail delivery
12
Day

Washington Smithsonian National Zoo

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10 photos
Day 12
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Discover

1
National Museum of Asian Art (Freer Gallery and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery)
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Activities

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Discover enclosures dedicated to different animal species and conservation programs
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Observe the diversity of habitats presented within Washington's urban zoo
13
Day

Washington National Museum Asian Art

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Day 13
🔍

Discover

1
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
🎯

Activities

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Explore the Asian art collections displayed in the underground galleries and on the Mall
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Observe works from East, South and Southeast Asia
14
Day

Washington Hirshhorn Museum Sculpture Garden

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10 photos
Day 14
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Discover

1
Arts and Industries Building
🎯

Activities

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Browse exhibitions dedicated to international modern and contemporary art
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Visit the outdoor sculpture garden and monumental works around the circular museum
15
Day

Washington Arts Industries Building

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7 photos
Day 15
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Discover

1
Arts and Industries Building
🎯

Activities

→
Discover the temporary exhibitions in this historic Smithsonian building
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Admire the Victorian architecture of the oldest museum building on the Mall

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