Smithsonian and time

Question

We are only visiting 3. Natural history. American history. And air and space. Should this be done on two days or can we do it in one? We are looking to go in April. Week leading to Easter. Wednesday thru Sunday.

Answer

Visiting the three Smithsonian museums you mentioned — the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of American History, and the National Air and Space Museum — can be done in one day, but it will be very rushed, especially if you want to see highlights rather than just walk through quickly. These museums are large and very popular, particularly the Air and Space Museum, which tends to get crowded, especially in April during the week leading up to Easter.

Here are some considerations:

One-day plan: Possible if you are okay with a fast pace and prioritizing must-see exhibits in each museum. Start early when the museums open (usually 10 AM) and plan your route carefully. Allocate roughly 1.5–2 hours per museum.
Two-day plan: Much more relaxed. You could do Natural History and American History on one day, and Air and Space on another, or split them based on proximity and interest. This allows time to explore exhibits thoroughly, take breaks, and avoid fatigue.
Timing and crowds: Week leading up to Easter is a busy period. Visiting midweek (Wednesday or Thursday) can be slightly less crowded than Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
Other tips: Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and consider planning your visit using the museum maps and online highlights guides to focus on the exhibits you most want to see.

In summary, while it is technically possible to see all three in one long day, splitting them over two days will make for a much more enjoyable and less stressful experience.

Smithsonian and time

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