Most museums on the National Mall make you feel small. The National Museum of American History asks a different question: what did you grow up with? It has serious national treasures, but we spent the last hour of a Saturday in May in front of a glass case, pointing at Elmo.

The long modernist exterior of the National Museum of American History on the National Mall
The museum’s long, low front on the National Mall

The building opened in 1964 and is part of the Smithsonian, so entry is free. That makes it easy to visit. You do not need to plan a whole day. You can walk in late in the afternoon, see one gallery and leave.

Visitors crossing the bright central atrium of the museum
The central atrium, with galleries running off every side

Entertainment Nation

The gallery to see is Entertainment Nation. It tells the story of the United States through what people watched, heard and played. The labels are in both English and Spanish.

Elmo and Oscar the Grouch displayed in a museum case
Sesame Street behind glass, with Elmo and Oscar the Grouch

It is hard to stay serious in here. Elmo and Oscar the Grouch share a case. A few steps away is Lamb Chop, Shari Lewis’s sock puppet. She is smaller and more worn than you might remember.

The sock puppet Lamb Chop on a display plinth
Lamb Chop, the star of Shari Lewis’s television shows
Kermit and Fozzie Bear in a round display case
The Muppets get a case of their own

There is newer pop culture too. Captain America’s shield stands on a stand, a yellow protective suit from Breaking Bad is nearby, and C-3PO and R2-D2 have their own case. It is all displayed with the same care as everything else in the building.

Captain America's round shield on a stand in a museum gallery
Captain America’s shield
A yellow protective suit in a dark display case
A yellow protective suit from the Breaking Bad display
C-3PO and R2-D2 in a display case
C-3PO and R2-D2

Back out on the Mall

When the museum closes, you are right on the Mall. The Washington Monument is close by, and the Capitol sits at the far end of the grass. It is a great place for an evening walk.

The Washington Monument against a blue sky with clouds
The Washington Monument, a short walk from the museum doors
The United States Capitol seen beyond trees across the Mall
The Capitol at the far end of the Mall

Practical Info

  • Where: National Mall, Constitution Avenue between 12th and 14th Streets NW, Washington, DC.
  • Cost: Free, like the other Smithsonian museums.
  • Hours: Usually 10am to 5:30pm. Check before you go.
  • Getting there: Federal Triangle and Smithsonian Metro stations are both a short walk away.
  • Allow: An hour for Entertainment Nation alone, or half a day for the whole museum.

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