Three huge floors filled with a variety of
fascinating objects make up this paean to American culture. The first
floor focuses on science and technology, including hands-on experiments
and exhibitions on transport, electricity, and machinery. The second
floor is home to the famous Star-Spangled Banner, while the third floor
features a stirring tribute to the American presidency. The museum
re-opened its doors in 2008 following major renovation work, which is
ongoing until 2014. Call ahead for information on the latest exhibits.
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An amazing quantity and
variety of events, both entertaining and enlightening, are available to
the public at the museum. These include musical events such as live
concerts and seminars by jazz artists, photographic exhibitions on
periods in 20th-century American history, lectures on culture and the
arts, and more. Following the museum’s re-opening in 2008 a new program
of events is underway, so phone ahead for information. Some events
require reservations, and some require tickets.
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Façade
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The Main Street Café,
Palm Court Coffee Shop and Gelato Bar, and Subway are all located within
the museum and offer a variety of sweet and savory treats.
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Top 10 Exhibits
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The Star-Spangled Banner
The
flag that inspired the national anthem is strikingly large – originally
30 by 42 ft (9 by 13 m) – but sadly worn. Created by Baltimore
flagmaker Mary Pickersgill in 1813, it has been painstakingly repaired
and is now displayed on public view.
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Within These Walls…
A
two-story colonial house from Massachusetts has been rebuilt within the
museum, to explore the 200-year history of the families who lived
there.
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The Price of Freedom: Americans at War
This
gallery explores the nation’s military history, from the French and
Indian War in the 1750s to recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. The
exhibition features a restored Vietnam-era Huey helicopter, and a World
War II jeep.
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First Ladies at the Smithsonian
The
First Ladies’ gown gallery has long been a favorite exhibit. In dim
lighting to protect the fabrics, visitors experience a voyage back in
time through women’s fashions.
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John Bull Locomotive
The
oldest, operable, self-propelled locomotive, the John Bull was built in
England and brought to America in 1831. It transported passengers
between America’s major cities.
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America on the Move
Multimedia
presentations and other theatrical techniques tell the story of
America’s transportation from 1876 to 2000, including this 1950 Buick
Super sedan.
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Communities in a Changing Nation
This
exhibit explores the ever-changing world of 19th-century America,
revealing the everyday experiences of workers in new factories, of
Jewish immigrants, and of enslaved and free African Americans.
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Gunboat Philadelphia
In October 1776, the Philadelphia
was sunk by the British during a battle on Lake Champlain in New York,
and rested on the bottom of the lake until it was recovered in 1935. It
came to the museum in 1964, complete with its equipment and the 24-pound
ball that sent the gunboat to the bottom.
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The American Presidency
The
portable desk Thomas Jefferson used to write the Declaration of
Independence and the top hat Abraham Lincoln was wearing the night he
was assassinated are highlights of this exhibition featuring 900 objects
from the presidential office.
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Spark! Lab
Here,
kids aged five and over can experience and participate in a number of
activities relating to the museum’s exhibitions. Passes for lab
experiments are easily obtained.