Tours/Washington DC/Smithsonian Museum of American History Exclusive Guided Tour
Viator · Private tour

Smithsonian Museum of American History Exclusive Guided Tour

4.9(261)Washington DC1 hour
VIATOR4.7(103)TRIPADVISOR4.9(158)

Description

Join this 2.5 hour exclusive guided tour of the National Museum of American History to learn about the relatively short but immensely rich history of the United States of America. Our passionate guides will take you to some of the most captivating pieces on display at this one of a kind gallery.

Tour Options

SEMI-PRIVATE 8ppl Max. English
  • Save money by booking a group up to 8 guests per guide. This option NOT FOR WHEELCHAIRS.
Private Museum Tour

Itinerary

150 min

From a ragtag group of colonists to one of the world’s super powers, the United States has made quite a name for itself. The National Museum of American History traces this path through a unique collection of objects including the actual banner that inspired the country’s national anthem. Learn about the first president, George Washington, while viewing his sword and discover how Hollywood has helped shape this country when you check out Dorothy’s ruby red slippers. Visit the extensive collection of first ladies’ gowns to the Greensboro lunch counter that embodies the Civil Rights Movement. This tour will help you to understand the exciting and oftentimes controversial history behind this vast country.

Highlights

Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
Wheelchair Friendly (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
Guided Museum Tour
Duration 2.5 Hours

What's included

Included
Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
Wheelchair Friendly (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
Guided Museum Tour
Duration 2.5 Hours
Not included
Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)

Traveller Ratings

4.9
261 reviews
5
247
4
1
3
7
2
4
1
2

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
  • Notes: American History Museum and other attractions or museums in DC may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' or 'No Wait' access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.

Reviews(261)

B
brookst229
July 1, 2026
Good but not as good as it used to be to be

Not as good as it use to be. To much about people and immigration. And not enough about American innovation and technological displays.

J
JOHN_A
June 30, 2026
Bored to tears

We choose guided tours to see as many interesting items as possible in a shorter time. The museum did have some interesting exhibits. However, our guide would spend excessive time at a handful of exhibits (e.g. 20 minutes at the George Washington statue explaining no one likes it, 15 min talking in empty hallway about the Star Spangled banner flag we hadn’t yet seen that was in another room, etc). She was completely oblivious to the fact the majority of the group was bored (looking/wandering away) and ready to move on to other exhibits.

9
973rudyv
June 29, 2026
One of the best museums in the world

If you want to get a good impression of the US, you should definitely visit this museum. In a particularly attractive way, all aspects of American society over the past 200 years are highlighted. If you want to see everything, you need half a day. And all for free

V
Victoria_H
June 27, 2026
Jim was a wealth of...

Jim was a wealth of knowledge. He was able to share the highlights of the Smithsonian and some lesser known facts

H
Helene_K
June 27, 2026
Our guide, Jim, was very...

Our guide, Jim, was very informative and he shared information in a relatable way that was impactful and will stick with you. We enjoyed the experience and would recommend.

S
Susan_H
June 25, 2026
DC with 14 year old Boys

Brenda was our tour guide! Ask for her! She engaged our 14 year old Boys for hours from start to finish. She was able to “read the room” and move on as the boys were loosing interest . There is no way to see it all but she gave us the best for our group. 10/10.

H
Hans_A
June 13, 2026
Maureen was Great! Very...

Maureen was Great! Very informative and accommodating. We had to accelerate our tour and she did a great job hitting the high points.

J
Jason_H
May 26, 2026
Americana and knowledge

My sister and I had an exceptional tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History with Maribeth. She was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and interactive, and did a wonderful job tailoring the tour to our interests. The experience offered a fascinating glimpse into American history and was both informative and fun, especially with all the Americana items that reminded us of our youth. Overall, it was a great tour and one we would highly recommend.

E
Elizabeth S
May 26, 2026
Enjoy Maximum and Personalized Experience in Limited Amount of Time

Leigh was a very knowledgeable and engaging guide who led us through this journey through American history. We learned more than could be provided by the posted descriptions at each exhibit. She welcomed our questions and our request to view specific exhibits and ended our tour with a surprise discovery that we would not have found on our own – a Sterling silver Tiffany bicycle! The museum is extensive and can be chaotic so I highly recommend this tour if you have a limited amount of time and want to have the best experience.

4
463lynetten
May 22, 2026
Great experience and content.

Maribeth Oates was knowledgable and picked wonderful topics for the group. We enjoyed her breath and depth of knowledge in all displays at the museum. I had no difficulty hearing her comments even thought the museum was crowded and noisy. Highly recommend the tour. Thank you.

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