Smithsonian Air and Space Museum: Semi-Private Guided Tour
4.9
81 Ratings
Washington
Embark on a semi-private guided tour of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and discover the fascinating history of flight in the United States, from the Wright Brothers to the moon landing. Explore iconic artifacts like the Wright Flyer, Apollo 11 Columbia capsule, and even filming models from Star Trek and Star Wars.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • National Air and Space Museum - (PLEASE NOTE: The Air & Space museum is currently under massive construction and will remain as such for multiple years. This means that Many of the exhibits we describe may NOT be on display. We adjust our tour based on the changing stages of this renovation, and the exhibits that are available to us. here is a link for their website if you would like an updated list of what you may see during your visit: https://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/now-view
    Thank you for understanding.)

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum doesn’t just cover extraterrestrial exploration. It covers everything from the early history of flight to the Space Race and moon landings. Learn what it’s like to be an astronaut today with one of our expert guides – there’s even freeze dried ice cream in the gift shop to get the full experience. You’ll see the first plane to take flight as well as the Spirit of St. Louis. Check out objects that have been to the moon and back like Buzz Aldrin’s space suit, moon boots, the Apollo 11 Command Module, and real moon rocks. Discover the history of the world’s foremost space program and the technology and innovation that made it possible to land a man on the moon.

Highlights of the tour generally include:

— Wright Flyer (original)
— Neil Armstrong Apollo 11 spacesuit (original)
— Lunar Module (backup)
— John Glenn’s Mercury capsule (original)
— Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis (original)
— Chuck Yeager’s Bell X-1 (original)
— Hubble Telescope (test vehicle)
— Skylab, America’s 1st space station (backup)
— Space Shuttle’s mid deck (model)

What's Included
  • Small Group Museum Tour
  • Professional Tour Guide
What's Not Included
  • Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
  • Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)
  • Tour is NOT available for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
Additional Information

Our 2-hour semi-private (up to 8 guests) museum tour takes you on a journey through American aviation history, culminating with the lunar landing. Step into the exceptional collection at the National Air and Space Museum that encompasses the internationally acclaimed U.S. space program.

Notable features typically include (subject to availability):
-1903 Wright Flyer
-1909 Wright Military Flyer
-Spirit of St. Louis
-Jackie Cochran T-38 Talon
-Alan Shepard’s spacesuit
-Freedom 7 capsule
-Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit
-Apollo 11 Columbia capsule
-Film model of Star Trek Enterprise
-Film model of Star Wars X-Wing

  • It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
  • A maximum of 8 people per tour allowed
  • Minimum numbers apply. This tour will not run without a minimum of 2 guests to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
  • Notes: Air & Space Museum and other attractions or museums in DC may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with ‘Skip the Line’ or ‘No Wait’ access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.
Location
7TH ST & MARYLAND & INDEPENDENCE AVES. SW nb
Meet your guide outside Independence Ave SW entrance to the Air & Space museum, by the Continuum sculpture.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(81 Ratings)
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Dolly_m
Mar 21, 2024
Awesome guide - Loved that Chris talked about the lesser known details that were not on the signs He even followed up with a picture my grandson asked about… the LEGO spacesuit
Review provided by Viator
B3196jofrankf
Mar 19, 2024
Air & Space with Maureen! - This was a great experience. Maureen was our tour guide and she is everything DC! She is EXTREAMLY knowledgeable about the Air & Space Museum, and has a real passion for sharing this! Highly recommend Maureen!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K249ykdamienm
Mar 19, 2024
Great guided tour - Maureen did a great job . She got to the meeting spot early. Explained the tour before we got started. She is very knowledgeable. A great guide about aviation history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gloriaay3024gr
Mar 1, 2024
So much to learn - Brenda was a great and was very knowledgeable about the area and the Smithsonian air and space museum. Great story teller, very enthusiastic.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P5497jjellenw
Feb 25, 2024
Fun and interesting tour! - Our tour guide, Richard, was extremely knowledgeable and made the tour lots of fun. Although the museum is under renovations, there is still much to see and learn. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shannahgc
Feb 19, 2024
Very worthwhile! - Rebecca did a great job. She kept things fun and entertaining. She explained many things that we might have missed on our own.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Williamhl1545qw
Feb 10, 2024
Great Tour!! - Had our tour with Brenda! She was very passionate, knowledgeable, and engaging. It was a great experience and we felt it was money well spent!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K7102jwmichaelm
Jan 31, 2024
Amazing tour of Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum! - My fiancé and I had such an amazing tour of the National Air and Space Museum. Our tour guide Amanda was great. She was very knowledgeable and took her time to thoroughly explain all the information to us and answer any questions we had. Her presentation and overall sense of passion for the subject matter truly shined through. I would definitely recommend Babylon Tours and Amanda to everyone interested in an amazing experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
543rethab
Dec 28, 2023
National air and space museum with Brenda - Brenda was wonderful! And it was an insightful tour. She was funny and kept it short. She kept our attention and her stories was very interesting
Review provided by Tripadvisor
100travisf
Dec 27, 2023
Cool experience! - Such a cool museum and place to visit. The tour guide really detailed eax exhibit and a little history in between.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
April 2024
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