Most museums are open every day of the year except December 25. The Cooper Hewitt in New York is open every day except Thanksgiving and December 25. Check the museum and zoo listings below for hours and updates. Four museums require free entry passes or tickets: All other locations do not use passes/tickets for general admission. When is the museum open? The National Museum of Natural History is seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except December 25 and January 20. Will there be security screening? For everyone’s safety, all visitors are required to go through screening during the security process. Please visit the Smithsonian’s security information page for more information on prohibited items. All There is no MARC service on 4th of July. Smithsonian museums are open every day of the year except for Christmas Day. I'm not sure what the "whatnot" is. :) From the spring, when the 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival will reflect the spirit of America; to the summer, when the monthlong Smithsonian 250th Festival will reflect the nation’s cultural landscape; to the fall, when Trust for the National Mall plans an outdoor exhibition; there are special experiences year-round. Metro announces July 4 service plans and free fares after 5 pm Ring in the Fourth of July with Metro! Heading to a barbecue or fireworks on the National Mall? Don’t stress about holiday travel. Let Metro get you where you need to go. To mark the occasion, fares will be FREE on Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess from 5 p.m. until the system closes. During the afternoon, Metro is also The July Fourth weekend is approaching; here's what you should know for your travel plans to Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Enjoy fare-free Metro rides on July 4 starting at 5 p.m. Get to the fireworks with ease! The museum is open seven days a week, except Dec. 25, between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, and passes are not required. For more information, go to Here's the schedule for the July 4th Independence Day celebrations on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. July 4th Service Information Advisory Effective: 7/4/24 - 7/4/24 Independence Day Parade Bus Detour Information Red Line Express Shuttle Holiday Service Available The system will close at midnight on Independence Day. Check our Stations page or Trip Planner for station-specific last train times. From day to night and Beyoncé to parades, here’s what to do for the Fourth of July on the National Mall and beyond. There will be free Metro fares for all from 5 p.m. until close on Metrorail, Metrobus, and MetroAccess on Friday. Smithsonian Museums All Smithsonian and other museums are now fully open again. Check out the excellent page What’s Open in Washington DC for more information. July 4th is a busy day, so expect to wait on a security line to get into the most popular museums. Is There Access for Handicapped and Disabled People on July 4th in Washington DC? Smithsonian Museums, check here for specific museum hours. The national monuments and memorial sites will be open, but beware of traffic from the fireworks (multiple roads closed). SEE MORE | Every year, hundreds of thousands of people head to downtown D.C. on July 4, to enjoy not only fireworks but also the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, the National Independence Parade, A On July 4th, many of the Smithsonian museums are open, although some may have reduced hours or be closed altogether. It is important to check each museum’s website or contact them directly to confirm their operating hours for this day. July Culture Guide: 47 Things to Do in the DC Area Catch Beyoncé live, check out the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and attend a book talk on DC's Latino immigrants. While all Smithsonian museums remain open during federal holidays, some may have altered hours or special events on certain days. For instance, the National Museum of American History might host special programs on July 4th, while other museums might observe different hours. Headed to the National Mall or downtown D.C. on the Fourth of July? Here’s what to know about road closures, the best Metro stations and accessing the fireworks viewing area. Find information to plan your trip around town on July 4, including directions, closures, security, and safety tips. Share your DC Fourth of July experience on social media! Stay informed with alerts and fun-facts about the DC monuments. View photos and videos of Independence Day festivities and preparations on the National Mall.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |