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National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Julia and Paul Child donated their kitchen to the museum in 2001, Richard Strauss

Hours:

  • 10 to 5:30; after May 31, check for extended summer hours; closed December 25

Location:

  • 14th St. and Constitution Ave., NW
    Washington, DC

Phone/Website:

Metro:

Blue Line Orange Line
  • Smithsonian Station (Mall exit) or Federal Triangle

Welcome to the Dollhouse
All the trimmings—in miniature—wreathe the Smithsonian's beloved Victorian-style dollhouse in Christmas cheer
By Owen Edwards December 01, 2010


Courage at the Greensboro Lunch Counter
Fifty years ago, four college students sat down to request lunch service at a North Carolina Woolworth's and ignited a struggle
By Owen Edwards Smithsonian magazine, February 2010


Star-Spangled Banner Back on Display
After a decade’s conservation, the flag that inspired the National Anthem returns to its place of honor on the National Mall
By Robert M. Poole Smithsonian magazine, November 2008


Golden Grail
Few U.S. coins are rarer than the never circulated 1933 double eagle, melted down after the nation dropped the gold standard
By Owen Edwards Smithsonian magazine, June 2008


For Those Ruby Slippers, There's No Place Like Home
The newly reopened Smithsonian National Museum of American History boasts a rare pair of Judy Garland's legendary ruby slippers
By Jesse Rhodes Smithsonian magazine, January 2009


A Look Back: The Kennedys 50 Years Ago
Acclaimed fashion and portrait photographer Richard Avedon brought his portable studio to the Kennedys’ Palm Beach, Florida-compound on January 3, 1961, to take some photos for Harper’s Bazaar and LOOK magazines.
By Megan Gambino Around the Mall Blog, January 20, 2011


Kermit the Frog and Friends Join American History Museum’s Collections
Jim Henson, one of America’s great powerhouses of imagination, has been gone from this earth for 20 years.
By Jesse Rhodes Around the Mall Blog, August 30, 2010


The Joys of Toys on Display at American History
This summer another Toy Story movie is playing in theaters, yet another animated ode to the nostalgia we associate with the playthings of our youth.
By Jesse Rhodes Around the Mall Blog, June 30, 2010


Pop-up Books Are More Than Meets the Eye
Pop-up books? Sure, they sound like kid fare, but as the recent new exhibition at the National Museum of American History proves, they are far more than just that.
By Jacqueline Sheppard Around the Mall Blog, June 17, 2010


It’s Your Turn to Be the Inventor at the American History Museum
Every invention has a story. And the National Museum of American History’s Lemelson Center wants visitors to help tell it.
By Erica R. Hendry Around the Mall Blog, May 19, 2010


May the Fourth Be With You at American History Museum
Today is an unofficial holiday for Star Wars fans everywhere.
By Erica R. Hendry Around the Mall Blog, May 4, 2010


Spotlight on the Dimmer Switch: Handy Home Device Honored by American History Museum
Earlier yesterday morning, an assortment of dimmer switches was donated to the Smithsonian.
By Jesse Rhodes Around the Mall Blog, April 30, 2010


Former Navy Officer Donates a Cane Once Used by President Kennedy
It was pitch black in the middle of the open Japanese waters, where Navy Lt. Cmdr Ted Robinson was serving one night in August 1943.
By Erica R. Hendry Around the Mall Blog, April 23, 2010


Michelle Obama’s Inaugural Ball Dress Comes to the Smithsonian
At last, the long-awaited moment has arrived. The white chiffon, one-shoulder dress that Michelle Obama wore to ten inaugural balls last January will go on view at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History beginning Wednesday, March 10.
By Beth Py-Lieberman Around the Mall Blog, March 5, 2010