National Museum of American History
Opened in 1964, the National Museum of American History explores the history and culture of America, from the Revolutionary War to today. Closed in 2006 for an $85 million renovation, the museum re-opened in fall 2008 with new exhibitions and updated signature ones. Today, guests can explore three million artifacts that detail the cultural, social, technological and political history of the nation.
Guests can see the Southern Railway steam locomotive 1401 and a 1913 Ford Model T in the America on the Move Exhibit, or Evel Knievel's Harley-Davidson XR-750, a Kermit the Frog puppet and a mask from film The King and I within its popular culture collection. The renovated museum also features a new exhibit for the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that served as inspiration for the U.S. national anthem. The exhibit has a display chamber for up-close viewing and an entry corridor lined with background and history of the flag.
The museum has spaces for reception events of up to 3,500 people and dinner events of up to 500 guests. The National Museum of American History is open daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. It is closed Christmas. Admission is free.
