Smithsonian National Museum of American History — Attraction in Washington

walking in i was like this is too many people. so many all around. smelled bad. strange smells. i saw a metal detector and was like oh thats a good idea. except i had a lot of metal on me and it didn't even go off so maybe that says something about the quality of security at this place. also, wife had a big bag and the guy said no big bags and she just walked in with the big bag and guy said nothing. lots of sad exhibits about bad stuff. star spangled banner good except thought there were 13 stars and there were really 15 stars. why? wife said she knew everything about this star spangled banner and i asked why are there 15 stars and she said i dont know. flag awesome though. i thought it would be a tiny flag like one that homeless people hand out on toothpicks but it was really big. you don't like the old timey bikes, eh? just cuz you don't know how to ride em. these bikes are only stationary. you can't ride em. they had a jar of old ginger. what was that for? i don't know, taught me nothing about american history. i really liked the cranking room with the tower with shiny lights. there were three teenage boys cranking that tower as fast as possible and staring at those lights. they were even fighting about those lights. i think they were having a light-off. i liked that they asked my opinion on the museum experience and i gave it to them straight. i told them i was getting my museum on. they had really cool skateboards. they had rodney mullens, first stacy peralta prototype and they had kermit the frog and george washington's outfit. at one point i stood in a giant clamshell and watched tiny clips of hit movies from the past 100 years. they had crazy old grover and i think he was in a fire. i was really worried, he looked real rough. there was a mini prince guitar for kids to act like they were playing a real guitar. heard a guy say "jam on it son" while his son played the little guitar. wife liked voting rights and was really mad people weren't respecting the voting rights. saw a guy with an awesome table but he had a really weird giraffe statue but also like a bird. see attached photo. it was like a freakazoid. really liked pop up guitar book. i feel like most magazines should have pop up instruments that you can play. there should be a book thats just pop up instruments and there could be musical tubes and little speaker buttons you press and a radiostromic cord gadget that goes waawomwompabadoo. its in the magazine. they had that in the past, i wish it was in the future. i saw a little tv playing through a crack in the door and you had to bend down and peek at it to see anything and you couldn't hear anything. i liked a lamp with fish on it and i made a funny fish pun about it but i don't remember what it was. it had fish in the name and everyone laughed at my joke but i can't remember. it was funny. oh i remembered, it was artificial lighting and i said arti FISH al lighting. good museum but wife mad about pushy people. wife said her favorite time was when people got too close to her and she was like maverick in top gun and she kept slammin on those brakes so they would run into her and she really liked that. worth it though, should just go early before everyone gets there and read it all. reading is power and run straight to the george washington statue! i was going to end this but you should go there because at the statue because you will see a little guy behind him creeping and then maybe another kid creeping behind the little guy creeping behind george washington's armpit. also why is george washington's shirt off? made me really uncomfortable. and why is he in a toga? and why is his neck so long? i thought he had a regular neck but i guess not. and why does he have a sword? is he supposed to be greek? go see greek...

As seen by a couple of previous reviews that I have written, I am a massive history and am engrossed in just about everything regarding the topic of history.

On a recent trip to the Eastern United States Coast, I had the very much glorious pleasure of visiting this immaculate historical museum in Washington D.C.

When I entered this said museum, I was flattered, and also overwhelmed with the amazingly large amount of exhibits that were featured in this museum, in a similar vein to that of the History Colorado Center in my homestate's capital of Denver, which I have also previously been to.

I first went to the first floor to visit the 'Lighting a Revolution', 'Power Machinery', and the 'American Enterprise' exhibits, which were amazing, and very informative in their own half. I also enjoyed the fact that they even had several old scalar models, signs, and even old machines and artifacts on display for all these exhibits that were donated by other museum benefactors in the past, I also liked the fact that there was an imported Japanese McDonald's sign in the American Enterprise section that dated back to the 1980s', which intuitively I found to be culturally unique in its own half.

After I visited these said 3 exhibits, I also paid a visit to the 'Entertainment Nation' exhibit hall, which was awesome, and also culturally important to how we, as a nation have progressed in terms of our enjoyment of entertainment. On display in this exhibit were amazing benefactorially donated artifacts from the world of Sports, Music, Movies, Theater, and more. Two of the artifacts that I had an engrossed interest in were Archie Bunker's living room set from the infamous 1970s' sitcom, All in the Family, and also, a Michael Jordan '96 Bulls Jersey from after the Bulls won their 4th title in a 7 year span, which itself is historic for beginning the Bulls second, better, and more culturally impactful three-peat that to many is often considered the greatest championship run of all time for a single team.

After I visited the entertainment hall, I ultimately did not have any more time remaining to visit the other, intuitively engrossing exhibits due to it getting late in D.C.

In general conclusion, this museum is by far the greatest museum that I, as a living person have been to. I, for certain will be returning in the near future to visit the American Presidency, Star-Spangled Banner, and America on the Move halls, and more halls from this...

It’s very nice.

The Smithsonian National Museum of American History offers an incredibly rich and diverse experience that captures the essence of America's past and present. From the moment you enter, the scale of the exhibits and the attention to detail are truly impressive. The museum houses some of the most iconic artifacts in U.S. history, including the original Star-Spangled Banner, Abraham Lincoln’s top hat, and Dorothy’s ruby slippers. Each section of the museum is thoughtfully curated and presents a deep narrative of American life, from politics and innovation to pop culture and social movements.

What makes this museum special is the way it connects big historical events with everyday life. Exhibits like the Greensboro lunch counter and Julia Child’s kitchen bring history down to a personal level. There is also a strong focus on innovation, transportation, and the role of ordinary citizens in shaping the country, which makes the experience both educational and emotionally engaging.

The layout is spacious and well-organized, although it's easy to spend several hours and still not see everything. The museum is family-friendly and interactive in many parts, which helps keep children engaged. Staff and volunteers are welcoming and happy to assist with directions or questions. There are seating areas and a cafe inside, which are helpful when you need a break.

Entry is free, and the building is accessible with ramps and elevators throughout. It can get crowded during weekends or school holidays, so arriving early is a good idea if you want to explore at a relaxed pace.

Overall, visiting the National Museum of American History is a rewarding experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Washington, D.C. or a local returning after years, this museum offers something new and meaningful every time. Highly recommended for anyone interested in how the American story has evolved...