Unopened Food And Water Carried Inside DC Museums

Question

Can I carry a cold sealed CVS Pharmacy purchased sandwich and sealed bottled water into DC museums? Both will be bought for later outside consumption in a suitable location.

Answer

Yes — in most Washington, DC museums, including the Smithsonian museums, you are generally allowed to bring in sealed, packaged food (like a CVS cold sandwich) and sealed bottled water, as long as you keep them stored in your bag and do not attempt to consume them inside the exhibits.

However, each museum has slightly different rules about food and drink, so it’s good to know the general guidelines and a few exceptions.

Below is a detailed breakdown of what you can expect when entering DC museums with unopened food and water.

Smithsonian Museums (National Mall museums, Air & Space, Natural History, American History, African American History & Culture, Portrait Gallery, etc.) - You may bring sealed food and sealed bottled water. - You may NOT eat or drink inside the galleries. - Food must stay inside your bag. - Larger coolers or picnic-style bags are not allowed.
National Gallery of Art - Sealed food and water are permitted if stored away. - No consumption outside designated café areas.
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum - Sealed water is allowed. - Sealed packaged food is usually allowed but must remain in your bag. - You cannot eat anywhere except outside the museum.
Spy Museum (non-Smithsonian) - Stricter bag and food rules. Sealed water is typically allowed, but sealed food may be subject to inspection and sometimes not permitted if considered “outside food.” - If allowed, it must stay in your bag at all times.
Capitol Visitor Center & Library of Congress - Sealed bottled water is allowed. - Food of any kind (even sealed snacks) is usually not permitted.

Because you mentioned eating the sandwich later outside in a suitable location, you should be fine at nearly all Smithsonian museums, which make up the majority of the free attractions in DC. Just keep the sandwich and water sealed and tucked in your bag during your visit.

If your itinerary includes the Capitol, Library of Congress, or the Spy Museum, it’s worth checking their most current security rules, as they tend to be the strictest about outside food.

For a normal day visiting the major Smithsonian museums around the National Mall, carrying a sealed CVS sandwich and sealed bottled water will not be a problem at all.

Unopened Food And Water Carried Inside DC Museums

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