Smithsonian Museums & National Zoo is always free — general admission never costs anything. Most museums are walk-in; some use free timed passes on busy days — check each museum's page Verified on Smithsonian Museums & National Zoo's own page, last checked 2026-09-04.
| Free day | Always free |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Everyone |
| Reservation | Most museums are walk-in; some use free timed passes on busy days — check each museum's page |
| What's included | Free admission at all locations except Cooper Hewitt in NYC |
| Regular adult price | Free |
| Source | si.edu · checked 2026-09-04 |
Smithsonian Museums & National Zoo doesn't need a calendar — general admission is free every day it's open.
Eligibility: Everyone. Free admission at all locations except Cooper Hewitt in NYC. Skipping the ticket window here saves Free per adult.
Worth knowing: Cooper Hewitt in New York is the only Smithsonian that charges admission — everything on the National Mall, and the Zoo, is free.
National Gallery of Art (always free) — or see the full free museum days in Washington guide.
↥ Check another museum → Browse all free museum & zoo days →
All Smithsonian locations are free — 17 DC-area museums plus the National Zoo. The only exception that charges is Cooper Hewitt in New York City.
Most museums are walk-in; some use free timed passes on busy days — check each museum's page
Free admission at all locations except Cooper Hewitt in NYC
Free. That's what a well-timed visit saves you.