Access to museums on National Mall- inauguration weekend

Question

Hello.

I plan to visit the museums on the National Mall on one or more of the weekend 17-19 January preceding the 20 January inauguration.

What barriers or difficulties accessing the museums can I expect?

Will it be possible to cross from one side of the Mall to the other?

Should I expect even greater crowds or rowdiness?

Anything special to be aware of?

I always enter on the Constitution or Independence Avenue sides anyway, so that is less of a problem.

Thanks

Answer

Visiting the National Mall during the weekend leading up to a presidential inauguration (17–19 January) comes with a few special considerations. Security in and around the Mall will be heightened, and while the museums themselves are generally open, access routes and the Mall area may be partially restricted or redirected due to security checkpoints.

Some points to keep in mind:

Expect road closures and fenced-off areas near the Mall, particularly along major avenues and near the Capitol, which may impact pedestrian access between certain sections.
Security screenings and checkpoints could be present at various entry points, which may create longer lines or require extra time to move from one museum to another.
Some streets crossing the Mall may be closed or have restricted access, so walking directly between museums may take a little longer than usual.
Public transportation to the Mall may experience heavier crowds, so plan for extra time if using the Metro or buses.

Regarding crowds and rowdiness:

In general, the crowd may be larger than a typical weekend, with a mix of tourists and people visiting for inauguration-related events.
The crowd is usually orderly, but you may encounter more people than normal, particularly in outdoor spaces and near security checkpoints.
Museums themselves typically maintain normal operations, but expect a busier atmosphere in lobbies and entrances.

Other tips and special considerations:

Entering from Constitution or Independence Avenue remains a good strategy, as you noted, but be prepared for some extra walking or security procedures.
Check each museum’s website ahead of time, as some may adjust hours or have special security policies during this period.
Carry only essentials in a small bag, since bag checks may be required and large bags are often prohibited during high-security periods.
Plan your visit with extra time to accommodate possible delays, and have backup indoor options if certain areas of the Mall are temporarily inaccessible.

Overall, you should be able to visit the museums, but it will likely require some patience and flexibility due to security measures, heavier crowds, and limited crossing points across the Mall. Planning for earlier arrival and leaving extra time between museums will help ensure a smooth visit.