National Museum of the United States Navy — Attraction in Washington

I admit that my angelic/sweet husband agreed to go with me to visit the National Museum of the United States Navy for my birthday yesterday (near the Navy Yard metro in Washington DC). We went on a weekday and fortunately the waiting time to go to one of the buildings of the military base that the museum is on to pass a background check was fortunately faster than we expected (better to allow yourself some time for background check and definitely go on a weekday if you want to enter the navy museum the same day you do the background check). Once inside the Navy museum some of the multiple exhibits that my husband and I obtained the chance to visit: a 240 year multi portrait snapshot of the U.S. Navy ranging from the 1700s to the modern time period, other camouflage techniques exhibit, Finding Position At Sea exhibit, some model exhibits of multiple aircraft carriers that have been part of the U.S. naval fleet, an exhibit featuring a quote by a science fiction author who was a graduate of the U.S. Navy Academy, an exhibition of silverware used for special dining occasions on certain ships for naval officers, an exhibit titled Society of Sponsors that included some of the individuals affiliated with the christening ceremonies of some of the ships that were put into commission for sea service some time after construction, a Fleet Service Schools exhibit, Into A New Eras Exhibit, Pacific Logistics exhibit, Carrier Aviation exhibit, Museum Education Center exhibit, historic Join The Navy portrait advertisement portrait, a store inside the Navy Museum. My sweetheart husband purchased a 2020 Navy Calendar and a navy t-shirt as part of my birthday gifts. The employees that we interacted with both inside the museum and navy museum store were cordial and my amazing husband visiting with me for my birthday was a surreal experience because we both unexpectedly met each other in the navy over...

We visited a few days ago and had a wonderful time! The Navy heritage and history command that operates this is a very small command compared to many with, I am sure, a budget to match. In spite of this I think they are doing a great job even though some of the outside exhibits are looking a little overgrown. People just need to understand that these buildings are on an active Navy base and it will require the understandable processes to access as with any other military installation, just as it should.

All you need to do is a little research of your own prior to going. The visitor entrance is at the 11th and O street gate, you will need to go inside the gate and check in at the visitor center on the right, all personnel who are 18 years or older will need to have a valid government (state or federal) photo ID to gain access. Once this process is complete, an escort from the command will escort you in to the buildings. There is limited parking available (this is Washington DC after all), I would recommend taking the Metro Green line or the Metro Circulator bus.

The ship does have limited days that it is open for viewing as others have noted, again, just plan ahead as we did.

There were multiple interactive areas that our younger kids thoroughly enjoyed, being able to touch actual revolutionary war guns and the Trieste was just amazing!

A hidden gem among so many other well known museums in DC, we can highly recommend a visit here for anyone who has an interest in the Navy or an "Old Salt" Sailor like me who just wanted to show the kids some of the things their old...

What a gem! We made a point to visit here while in D.C. My daughter is a huge fan of World War II Naval history and this was the place to be for her. Much of the museum is dedicated to World War II. Many gun turrets are displayed (manufactured in the museum building?). There are displays for many aspects of the Navy in World War II including Midway, Coral Sea, Japanese artifacts, ship navigation, and large detailed models of various World Ware II ships. I learned many little insights at these displays.

There is also early Navy history at the front of the museum. The fight top from USS Constitution, an example of USS Constitution gun deck and construction display are very interesting and educational.

My only complaints are some artifacts could have more detail (some did have QR code to learn more!), and the models inside glass cases were difficult to see due to reflects from light sources and nearby museum artifacts.

We were the only ones in attendance. It takes effort to register and access the Navy base to get to the museum. I recommend filling out paperwork from website ahead of time.

If you are interested in Navy history, I highly recommend...