Smithsonian Air and Space Museum: Semi-Private Guided Tour
4.9
90 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
(90 Ratings)
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Brianox9457ib
May 22, 2024
Well worth your time - Taking this semi-private tour was the only way I could see the National Air Space Museum because I didn't know I needed timed entry tickets, and I was too late. The tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable about air and space, and I enjoyed his lectures.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susanhp8350mb
May 19, 2024
Don’t miss the Air and Space Museum! - Ryan did a great job walking us through the history of flight. As an aviation couple, we appreciated the nuances he provided. Definitely worth the visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alana321
May 12, 2024
Excellent guide, recommend - Excellent tour. We saw the most important exhibits, with very clear explanations, and then we could continue visiting the museum on our own.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J2509qmcrystala
May 2, 2024
Semi-private Smithsonian Museum tour. - Maureen was our tour guide and she was phenomenal. She knew so many insane facts I had never heard and guided us so well through the museum. I loved the tour and the museum and would 100% recommend to anyone in DC.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shawnmt120cx
Apr 29, 2024
Air and Space tour learning experience. - Brenda was a wonderful tour guide - did a great job following the air and space story across the decades. And dealt with the crowds while keeping the group together and moving…
Review provided by Tripadvisor
243silvinaw
Apr 28, 2024
Great experience with our semi- private tour guide. - The experience was amazing. The guide tour, Leigh, was excellent and made the experience very excited and vivid with her enthusiasm. I recommend her for this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yelena_l
Apr 27, 2024
Excellent guide, well... - Excellent guide, well structured tour, informative and engaging. We all love it, one of the best tours we took in Washington DC.
Review provided by Viator
John_h
Apr 23, 2024
Mind-blowing - Mind-blowing tour. Our guide, Amanda was the best tour guide we have had in over 60 years of traveling. She was personable, knowledgible, and professionable. We were also lucky enough to have her as our guide in our following tour also.
Review provided by Viator
L6440mcryans
Apr 23, 2024
Well worth it! - Although part of the museum was under some renovation there was still plenty to see. Having a guide made this visit way better than going through it on your own. Maureen, our guide, was full of energy and interesting little facts that we would've missed without her! Can't wait to get back when it's fully open!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Traveller_oldie
May 19, 2024
Always amazing - can’t wait for the new displays. - Always a great and interesting experience. Unfortunately most of the displays were closed due to reconstruction. The Moon and Mars buggies and the Wright Brother exhibitions are the must sees.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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