Saturday, Sept. 22, marks Smithsonian magazine’s annual Museum Day, during which time participating institutions will offer free general admission. This year, more than 1,400 museums across all 50 states have registered to participate, the largest number in the event’s 14-year history.
“Now, more than ever, we recognize the importance of Museum Day in making our country’s knowledge and culture accessible to everyone,” says Amy Wilkins, chief revenue officer at Smithsonian Media.
The day’s goal is not only to get more visitors inside new museums, but to display the museums’ commitments to inclusion and the advancement of knowledge and dreams, particularly of school-aged children and those in underrepresented populations.
This year’s theme is “Women Making History,” celebrating female trailblazers, and participating museums are invited to support this initiative through special programming and exhibitions.
Click here to download your free ticket, then search for the museum of your choice. Each printed ticket grants the ticket holder and one guest complimentary access to their selected museum on Sept. 22. Only one branded ticket is permitted per email address.
Participating area museums include:
B&O Railroad Museum
Baltimore, Maryland
Hours: 10 a.m-4 p.m.
Chesapeake Children’s Museum
Annapolis, Maryland
Hours: 10 a.m-4 p.m.
College Park Aviation Museum
College Park, Maryland
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dumbarton House
Washington, D.C.
Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Alexandria
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum
Sterling
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Mary Washington House
Fredericksburg
Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Morven Park
Leesburg
Hours: 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
Winchester
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
National Building Museum
Washington, D.C.
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Newseum
Washington, D.C.
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum
Winchester
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, click here.
