AttractionWashington, DCThe Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington
American History Museum Rules: Bags, Food and Strollers
Checked Source: National Museum of American History visit page (americanhistory.si.edu, opens in a new tab), Smithsonian entry and guidelines page (si.edu, opens in a new tab)Verified by BC
Short answer
The National Museum of American History screens everyone with a metal detector and checks bags by hand or X-ray, with no size limit stated. Water, strollers, cameras and sealed food are allowed, but tripods, selfie sticks, knives, scissors, aerosol cans, signs and open food or drinks are not. Food may be eaten only in the cafeterias.
Every rule at National Museum of American History
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 walk through a metal detector, and bags are checked by hand or X-ray. The page says fewer items mean faster entry and gives no bag size limit. The pages do not mention backpacks and purses.
- Bag: Checked by hand or X-ray, no size limit
- Water bottle: Water allowed
- Outside food: Sealed only, eaten in cafeterias
Food and drink
Water is permitted throughout the building, and spilled liquids should be reported right away. Open containers of food and drink are not permitted. Food and drinks that are closed and secured may be carried through the museum, and food may be eaten only in the designated cafeterias. Brown bag lunches may be eaten on the terrace or the National Mall, and there is no storage for them inside. The pages do not mention coolers.
Cameras and electronics
Cameras are allowed, and photography is encouraged except in the Star-Spangled Banner gallery, where it is prohibited to preserve the flag. Tripods, monopods and selfie sticks are not permitted without prior approval. The pages do not mention camera lenses, drones, laptops, tablets and power banks.
Strollers and family items
Strollers are on the permitted list. The museum does not provide strollers or motorized wheelchairs. Mobility aids such as canes and walkers are permitted, and a limited number of non-motorized wheelchairs are available first come, first served.
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 on the list of items not permitted. 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
All visitors are screened through metal detectors, and anyone who cannot use one is hand-screened with an electronic wand. Groups arriving by bus are urged to leave bags on the bus.
Bag storage and lockers
A limited number of lockers are first come, first served, in small (16 inches high), medium (22 inches) and large (34 inches) sizes, all with a 12 inch interior width and 16 inch depth. Suitcase-sized bags most likely will not fit, and there is no other bag check.
Museum visits
The visit page describes the museum's general rules. The Smithsonian-wide guidelines also ban smoking and vaping, and pets other than service animals.
Prohibited items
From the official entry page. Staff can also refuse anything they decide could affect safety.
- Tripods
- Signs
- Firearms, weapons and explosives
- Knives and pen knives
- Scissors and tools
- Aerosol cans, including pepper spray and Mace
- Open containers of food and drink
- Smoking and e-cigarettes
- Pets other than service animals
Questions about National Museum of American History
All visitors walk through a metal detector, and bags are checked by hand or X-ray. The page says fewer items mean faster entry and gives no bag size limit.
Water is permitted throughout the building, and spilled liquids should be reported right away.
Open containers of food and drink are not permitted. Food and drinks that are closed and secured may be carried through the museum, and food may be eaten only in the designated cafeterias. Brown bag lunches may be eaten on the terrace or the National Mall, and there is no storage for them inside.
Strollers are on the permitted list. The museum does not provide strollers or motorized wheelchairs.
Cameras are allowed, and photography is encouraged except in the Star-Spangled Banner gallery, where it is prohibited to preserve the flag.
Placards, signs and banners are on the list of items not permitted.
Sources
- Visit | National Museum of American History (opens in a new tab)
americanhistory.si.edu, read
- Entry and Guidelines | Smithsonian Institution (opens in a new tab)
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 museum's visit page, which lists what is and is not permitted, and the Smithsonian-wide entry and guidelines page.
See something wrong? Report a wrong rule or read how we verify.
Not affiliated with National Museum of American History or its operators.