Disabled Access at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum

Limited Mobility Access at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum

The Smithsonian Natural History Museum has two entrances. One entrance is on Constitution Avenue at 10th Street NW.  This entrance is equipped with a ramp that is accessible to wheelchairs.  Even if you do not go up the ramp, there are only a few steps to get into the Smithsonian Natural History Museum at this location.

The second entrance to the museum is from Madison Drive.  This entrance is not very accessible for those with limited mobility.  There is a fairly tall flight of steps to climb to gain access to the museum from this side. 

Update:  Disability ramps are now under construction on the Madison Drive side of the Natural History Museum.

 

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Disabled Access at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum -- Parking

There are several handicap parking spots available on Madison Drive near the entrance to the museum. Unfortunately, this entrance requires climbing a tall set of steps. The easy way to access the Natural History Museum is on the Constitution Avenue side.  Unfortunately, there is no parking of any kind near this entrance to the museum.

On-street parking on the National Mall is no longer free of charge.  Three hour parking is available at $2 per hour.  Parking meters only accept credit cards.

Getting to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum for Disabled Visitors

The closest Metro to the accessible entrance on Constitution Avenue is at Federal Triangle on 12th Street.  This is about 3 blocks away from the entrance to the museum.  The Blue, Orange and Silver lines stop here.

If you do not climb steps very well, ask your pedicab, taxi or uber driver to drop you off at the Constitution Avenue entrance to the Natural History Museum.

 

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE TOP THINGS TO DO IN DC

Looking for things to see on the National Mall? Take a look at these things to do while visiting DC.  Here"s how to take advantage of visiting all the monuments and memorials and museums that DC has to offer.

 

Opening Hours at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum

During the summer months from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the museum is usually open from 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM.  During the rest of the year, the museum is usually open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

 

Accessible Way to Get around the National Mall

The best way to get around the National Mall is by Nonpartisan Pedicab.  It is easy to get in and out of a pedicab.  There is a hand rail and foot step.  A pedicab can also take you right to the curb of your destination.  A pedicab can easily accomodate a folding wheelchair if necessary.  Nonpartisan Pedicab is available for rides and tours around the National Mall and Washington DC.  In 2-3 hours, you can easily see all the monuments and national memorials.  Call (703) 231-9882 for more information.

 

Disabled Access Inside the Smithsonian Natural History Museum

Once inside the museum, there are 3 floors.  Each are easily accessible by elevator.  While on each floor, there are no stairs to climb.