Smithsonian National Museum of American History Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max
About this activity
Explore the Smithsonian National Museum of American History on a 2.5-hour semi-private guided tour for up to eight guests. Museum admission is included. See the Star-Spangled Banner, Greensboro Lunch Counter, Lincoln’s top hat, and ruby slippers.
Highlights
- The Star-Spangled Banner
- Greensboro Lunch Counter
- George Washington’s Uniform and Sword
- Abraham Lincoln’s Top Hat
- Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers
Full description
Follow an expert guide through the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in a group of no more than eight. See artifacts from the Revolution, the Civil Rights Movement, presidential history, and American pop culture. Museum admission is free to the public and included with your guided visit. Featured objects may be unavailable while on loan or under restoration.
Discover the stories behind American history’s most recognizable objects on a guided museum visit. Begin with the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired the national anthem, then explore presidential legacies through George Washington’s uniform and sword and Abraham Lincoln’s top hat. At the Greensboro Lunch Counter, learn how a peaceful 1960 sit-in helped change the course of the Civil Rights Movement. First Ladies’ gowns and Dorothy’s ruby slippers open a window onto American culture beyond politics. Your guide connects these artifacts to the people and choices that shaped the country. The semi-private group is limited to eight guests; museum admission is included, though the Smithsonian is free to the public. Exhibits can change when artifacts are on loan or under restoration.
Included / Excluded
- Semi-private guided visit inside the museum
- Group limited to eight guests
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Museum admission included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Optional gratuities
- Temporary exhibitions
- Food and drinks
- Luggage or coat storage
Itinerary
Constitution Avenue museum entrance
Meet your guide at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW.
Smithsonian National Museum of American History guided visit
Explore the Star-Spangled Banner, Greensboro Lunch Counter, George Washington’s uniform and sword, Lincoln’s top hat, and Dorothy’s ruby slippers with your guide. Displays may vary.
Meeting point
Start Location
1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC, USA
1300 Constitution Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC, USA
Important information
Know before you book
- This semi-private tour is limited to eight guests.
- Please provide a mobile phone number with country code for day-of-tour contact.
- Full refund when cancelled at least 24 hours before the tour starts.
- This semi-private museum tour is wheelchair accessible. Please contact Babylon Tours in advance if you need assistance.
Know before you go
- Meet your guide outside the National Museum of American History at 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560.
- Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
- Your guide will facilitate museum entry.
- Bring a valid photo ID or a clear photo of it.
Cancellation policy
Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
Reviews
We booked this tour to get as much as possible out of our time at The Met. What we didn’t know we were getting was a personalized experience full of captivating stories about the artists' lives and the people who brought the art to the museum. Robin was a wealth of knowledge and a highlight of our trip to New York!
Spent a great day with Charlie he was very engaging and shared lots of information and entertaining stories with us. He took great care of us and we would recommend him for any future tours.
Mark, tour guide for the Metropolitan Museum is an outstanding teacher: engaging; entertaining; professional; personable; experienced and deeply knowledgeable as a result of a lifelong passion and relationship with the Met. He loves what he does and cares deeply about sharing his knowledge and insight to spark curiosity and inspire his clients--his students--to understand context and meaning of each piece or work of art reviewed. My wife, a retired professor emeritas and myself both left thoroughly impressed and grateful to have been taught by best and most captivating guides we have had the privilege of meeting on one of our many travels and adventures. Hire the best. Hire Mark. Worth every penny and every minute of your time you can afford at the Met. Like us, you will look forward to coming back for another teaching session from Mark. In my case, hopefully we will be back on my birthday next year! (Thanks again Mark!)
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Additional information
This semi-private guided museum visit is limited to eight guests. Museum admission is included, although the Smithsonian is free to the public. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early. Security screening may involve a wait; large bags and suitcases are not permitted. Exhibits can change when artifacts are on loan or under restoration.