Getting to the Museum
Public parking is limited around the National Mall. The easiest way to get to the Museum is via public transportation. The nearest Metro stop is Smithsonian on the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines, located one block east of the Museum. For more information on Metro and bus routes, visit the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s website.
Getting Through Security Quickly
When arriving at the Museum, all visitors and their belongings must pass through security screening. To expedite the process, follow the instructions from our staff. Visitors are allowed to bring bottled water into the Museum. If you do bring a water bottle, have it in your hand while passing through security, and be ready to take a sip.
Review our building policies before your visit to find out which items you can’t bring inside with you.
Find out which items and activities are not allowed at the Museum before your visit
Remember to Pack
Water in a capped bottle to drink during your visit.
Comfortable shoes so you can take your time exploring the exhibits.
A sweater. Our spaces tend to be kept cooler to preserve the artifacts.
Your patience. During our busiest times, entering through security may take 15 minutes or longer.
Your camera, but leave your selfie stick or tripod at home.
Exploring Our Exhibitions
The Museum contains multiple exhibitions. Our Permanent Exhibition, The Holocaust, presents a chronological history of the Holocaust through artifacts, photographs, films, and eyewitness testimonies. This exhibition is recommended for visitors 11 years and older.
Finding the Restrooms
There are restrooms and water fountains located on the Lower Level of the Museum. Additionally, restrooms and water fountains are located near the entrance to each floor of our Permanent Exhibition.
This Section
Resources and tips to assist you before, during, and after your visit to the Museum