AttractionWashington, DCSmithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington
National Air and Space Museum Entry Rules and What to Pack
Checked Source: National Air and Space Museum entry and guidelines page (airandspace.si.edu, opens in a new tab), National Air and Space Museum what to expect page (airandspace.si.edu, opens in a new tab)Verified by BC
Short answer
The National Air and Space Museum screens all visitors with a metal detector and may inspect bags, and asks visitors to minimize bags. Bottled water, cameras, strollers and mobility aids are allowed. Food and other drink, selfie sticks, tripods, monopods, knives, scissors, tools, signs and aerosol cans are not.
Every rule at National Air and Space Museum
An item that is not listed is not mentioned in the official pages we checked. Each row links to the page its rule came from.
Bag policy in detail
All visitors go through a security checkpoint that may include additional bag inspection. The museum asks visitors to minimize bags and personal items. It gives no bag size limit. The pages do not mention backpacks and purses.
- Bag: Inspected, minimize bags
- Water bottle: Bottled water allowed
- Outside food: Not allowed, bottled water excepted
Food and drink
Bottled water is on the allowed list. Food and drink are not allowed, and the museum asks visitors not to bring outside food. Bottled water is permitted. The pages do not mention coolers.
Cameras and electronics
Personal photography on a cell phone or camera is allowed. Selfie sticks, tripods and monopods are not. Selfie sticks, tripods and monopods are not allowed. The pages do not mention camera lenses, drones, laptops, tablets and power banks.
Strollers and family items
Strollers and mobility aids are on the allowed list. The pages do not mention a medical bag process.
Umbrellas, blankets and comfort items
The pages do not mention umbrellas, blankets and seat cushions.
Signs, flags and fan items
Placards, signs and banners are not allowed. The pages do not mention flags and binoculars.
Medical needs and accessibility
The pages describe no separate medical bag process, so ask the venue before the event if you need to bring medical items.
Security screening and arrival
Everyone goes through a security checkpoint with a metal detector-like machine, which may include bag inspection. Free timed-entry passes are required for all visitors.
Bag storage and lockers
The pages read describe no lockers or bag storage.
Museum visits
Once you exit, you cannot re-enter without a separate timed-entry pass. The museum also has a Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia with its own guidelines page.
Prohibited items
From the official entry page. Staff can also refuse anything they decide could affect safety.
- Outside food
- Tripods
- Signs
- Food and drink, apart from bottled water
- Selfie sticks, tripods and monopods
- Knives, including pen knives and pocket knives
- Firearms, ammunition, weapons and explosives
- Scissors and tools
- Aerosol cans
- Pets other than service animals
Questions about National Air and Space Museum
All visitors go through a security checkpoint that may include additional bag inspection. The museum asks visitors to minimize bags and personal items. It gives no bag size limit.
Bottled water allowed. Bottled water is on the allowed list.
Food and drink are not allowed, and the museum asks visitors not to bring outside food. Bottled water is permitted.
Strollers and mobility aids are on the allowed list.
Personal photography on a cell phone or camera is allowed. Selfie sticks, tripods and monopods are not.
Placards, signs and banners are not allowed.
Sources
- Entry and Guidelines | National Air and Space Museum (opens in a new tab)
airandspace.si.edu, read
- What to Expect | National Air and Space Museum (opens in a new tab)
airandspace.si.edu, read
Checked on October 5, 2026 against the sources above. Venues can change rules without notice, and rules can differ by event. Confirm with the venue for your date. Next review: October 19, 2026.
Change log
First check: 21 rules read against the National Air and Space Museum entry and guidelines page and what to expect page for the museum in Washington.
See something wrong? Report a wrong rule or read how we verify.
Not affiliated with National Air and Space Museum or its operators.