Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum
2.5
hour
guided
Group Size
Max 8
Tour Duration
2.5 Hours
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Free Cancellation up to 24 hrs
Highlights generally include (as long the exhibit is not on loan or being restored):
• 1903 Wright Flyer— step back to the dawn of aviation and see the original Wright Flyer, the first powered aircraft that launched the age of flight.
• Neil Armstrong's Space Suit & Columbia Capsule — stand before the spacesuit worn by Neil Armstrong when he became the first person to walk on the Moon. Nearby, marvel at the Columbia Command Module, the only part of Apollo 11 that returned to Earth.
• Spirit of St. Louis — discover the aircraft that made aviation history when Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight in 1927, flying from New York to Paris in the Spirit of St. Louis.
• Jackie Cochran's T-38 Talon — learn about Jackie Cochran, one of the most accomplished female aviators in history. Her T-38 Talon, a supersonic jet trainer, reflects her record-breaking career and leadership in advancing women in aviation.
• Filming Model of the Star Wars X-Wing— see the original screen-used X-Wing model from Star Wars, one of the most recognizable spacecrafts in cinematic history.
For over a century, the world has looked to the United States as a leader in aviation and space exploration.
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum showcase the milestones that shaped the modern world, from the Wright brothers' first flight to the Apollo Moon landing and beyond. With a collection that includes historic aircraft, pioneering spacecraft, and artifacts from aviation's greatest moments, this museum tells the story of human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of the skies. On this guided tour our expert guide will lead you through the museum's most iconic exhibits. Stand before the Wright Flyer, the first powered airplane, and the Spirit of St. Louis, which carried Charles Lindbergh across the Atlantic. Get up close to Neil Armstrong's space suit and the Columbia Command Module, the only part of Apollo 11 to return from the Moon. You'll even explore the influence of science fiction with the legendary Star Wars X-Wing and the Star Trek Starship Enterprise, both of which continue to inspire real-world innovation.
By the end of your visit, you'll leave with a newfound appreciation for the visionaries, pilots, and astronauts who defied gravity and pushed the boundaries of what was possible. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or simply curious about the machines that changed the world, this tour will bring history to life in an unforgettable way.
• GUIDED MUSEUM TOUR (Timed entry tickets included!)
• PROFESSIONAL TOUR GUIDE
• DURATION 2.5 HOURS
• ALL ENTRANCE FEES (TIMED ENTRY TICKETS INCLUDED)
• TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE FOOD AND DRINKS
• TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE HOTEL PICKUP OR DROP-OFF (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
• TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE GRATUITIES (optional)
• TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE LUGGAGE OR COAT STORAGE
It was a very enjoyable and informative tour. Ryan, my grandson and I enjoyed discussing many of the exhibits with Ryan.
26 May 2025
Our guide was Leigh and she did an amazing job. Her enthusiasm for the history at the Air and Space Museum was infectious. Leigh was well organized and knowledgeable. We could not have been happier with the tour. It was just too short......you could stay here a month!
13 June 2025
Meghan was awesome! The tour was so informative and she was able to answer all of our questions. Our favorite part of our trip to DC so far. Thanks so much
13 June 2025
Excelent tour for everyone, especially those that enjoy aviation and space. Our guide Tim was absolutely amazing: he knew everything about the museum and was super fun. Totally recommend it.
23 June 2025
Christopher was amazing!!! His knowledge was extensive, and he went above and beyond. He had so much energy and enthusiasm for the subject, and made the time fly by (no pun intended ?)! I would do this again in a heartbeat!
26 June 2025
Rebecca was an amazing guide! She was extremely knowledgeable and very funny! I highly recommend booking a tour for the museums. Definitely worth it!
28 June 2025
Our guide, Meghan, was very knowledgeable, engaging and she hit the major spots, although the museum was undergoing re-construction and exhibits were limited she managed to do the full 90 minute tour. We enjoyed it very much !
10 July 2025
I liked the tour very much because I was able to understand and learn new stuff about how the first planes were made and about space trips and aircrafts.
16 July 2025
Ryan was great...very creative and informative.He is very, very knowledgeableEnjoy the tour, he is delightful ? ☺️ ?
05 September 2025
A good tour, highlighting key moments in the history of flight. Ryan, our tour guide, was informative and added to the notes shown at each of the exhibits. Would recommend this tour, especially if you are on a tight timetable
10 September 2025
Tim did a great job! We enjoyed sense of humor and his knowledge of all the displays and history of air and space. He took time to answer questions and involved us by asking questions.
07 April 2025
Professional and experienced tour was with Tim and he was a perfect guide. It’s challenging to move through the crowds and still keep the narrative going. Tim was a real pro. Down to earth and loves his job.
12 April 2025
Leigh is an excellent guide. She is very knowledgeable and animated. We enjoyed the afternoon with her. Would love to have her again as a tour guide.
11 May 2025
excellent guide (Tim) . Friendly and knowledgable. We enjoyed the museum and learning about every segment of the museum
30 May 2025
Paul was amazing!!! Me and mom went on and on about him our entire trip. He had a wealth of knowledge, experience, and footage that made our tour just really top notch. He told stories and captivated us for the full 2 hours. I could never say enough good things about Paul and this tour company!
12 June 2025
Leigh was incredibly knowledgeable and kept you interested throughout the tour. Highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting the National Air & Space Museum.
14 June 2025
Christopher is very knowledgeable and happy to share all aspects related to the history of air and space. We enjoyed the time, appreciated learning new information as well as being able to ask questions along the way. A very worthy visit.
14 June 2025
Another amazing Smithsonian museum, this time concentrating on Air and Space. The displays are phenomenal, some are interactive and others are audible. The only disappointing thing is the missing history of Gustave Whitehead the true first in flight inventor. If you don’t know the history, research and you might be surprised.
01 July 2025
Excellent option, I went with my teenage son and it worked perfectly, our Brenda guide has an incomparable energy, I didn't tire of boasting that push with my work team, in the afternoon I talk to them!!! Definitely recommended
09 August 2025
Excellent, very informative and very helpful very small group which had many questions she answered them all she took us to all parts of the museum. We didn’t miss anything.
19 August 2025
