Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all Washington, D.C. places

Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Museums

U.S. Navy Museum

The only museum providing a complete overview of U.S. naval history, this official Navy site preserves artifacts and artwork from the service's creation to the present day.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
U.S. Navy Museum
www.history.navy.mil, website_hero_img_www.history.navy.mil

What is the U.S. Navy Museum known for?

It is the only naval museum that chronicles the history of the U.S. Navy from its creation to the present and provides an overview of U.S. naval history.

Is it free?

Yes, admission to the museum and its programs is free.

What do I need to bring to visit?

All visitors must have a valid photo ID to enter the Washington Navy Yard to visit the museum.

What are the hours?

The museum support center is open on Saturdays, with additional dates available under its Hours of Operation.

How do I get there?

The museum is located in Southeast Washington, D.C., and is within walking distance of the Navy Yard Metro (Green Line) and the Eastern Market Metro (Blue/Orange Lines).

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Established in 1961 and opened to the public in 1963, the National Museum of the United States Navy serves as the primary institution for interpreting naval heritage. It is the only one of 14 Navy museums across the country that chronicles the history of the U.S. Navy from its inception to the modern era. The museum's core mission is to collect and display naval artifacts and artwork to educate both the general public and naval personnel. Currently, the museum is in a state of transition. While a new facility is being developed on E street parcels, the Museum Support Center continues to host private tours and events. This support center is located within the Washington Navy Yard, specifically utilizing Building 76, although Building 70 is now closed. Because the site is an active military installation, visitors must present a valid photo ID to enter the yard. Looking forward, the Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, formally announced the site for a new museum building in October 2024. This future facility will be located just outside the historic Washington Navy Yard at the intersection of Tingey Street and M Street. This strategic move is intended to provide the public with unfettered access to Navy history without the restrictions of a secure military base. Located in Southeast Washington, D.C., the current site is bounded by the 11th Street Bridge and the Anacostia River. The museum is architecturally accessible and offers free admission to its programs and exhibits, ensuring that the legacy of the sea is available to all visitors.

Visitor tips

  • You must bring a valid photo ID to enter the Washington Navy Yard; you will be denied entry without one.
  • Check the official hours for the Museum Support Center, as it is open on Saturdays and select other dates.
  • If you are using public transit, the site is within walking distance of the Navy Yard (Green Line) and Eastern Market (Blue/Orange Lines) Metro stations.
  • For those driving, look for paid public parking available on M Street.

Nearby context

The museum is situated in Southeast Washington, D.C., nestled between the Anacostia River and the 11th Street Bridge. It sits within the historic Washington Navy Yard, a secure military environment that contrasts with the nearby public bustle of the Navy Yard Metro area and Eastern Market.

Sources

Evidence and links