Smithsonian Air and Space Museum: Semi-Private Guided Tour

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
(124 Ratings)
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1 star
Linda_p
Jul 25, 2024
Great tour - We really enjoyed Amanda!! She was very informative and personable! Great tour. Highly recommend it.
Review provided by Viator
Sherpa512500
Jul 18, 2024
Great experience with Brenda! - Loved the tour, Brenda was excellent in accommodating our late arrival, going over some of the information again that she covered already before we arrived. She was very patient to keep her pace to what the group can take in. Best of all, she had all the info you need to say your trip to the museum was a success, she is knowledgeable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gregoryk259
Jul 18, 2024
A Tour to Whet the Appetite/A Museum not to be Missed - Brenda did a wonderful job and peppered the presentation with personal anecdotes and information not found in the displays. When we were shut out of the museum because of a lack of passes, this tour was a saving grace and a highlight of our trip. The National Air and Space Museum is undergoing renovation but there is hours worth of exhibits to see and things to learn so don't pass up the opportunity to visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travel206
Jul 16, 2024
Amazing experience with a fantastic guide - I’ve been to the museum many years ago but having Brenda for a guide brought history truly alive. A fantastic tour. Highly recommended for everyone. Thank you Brenda for such a memorable experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X2792mfnancyz
Jul 15, 2024
Air & Space Tour - Ryan was great! Informative and just the right pace. Easy to understand and hear in a crowded museum. Would highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
893shaunab
Jul 9, 2024
Excellent tour with Brenda - We toured the museum with our incredibly knowledgeable guide, Brenda. She reached out the night before we met to make certain we knew how to find her. She started promptly and was friendly. Brenda taught us many things in each room we toured. I brought my 3 kids (ages 9, 12, 16) and they were highly engaged from start to finish. People nearby were stopping to hear her stories and even ask questions. We were so grateful for Brenda’s expertise and patience!!! I would highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nathanz825
Jul 8, 2024
Definitely worth the money spent. - It was great having a guided experience for this museum. It was very crowded & our guide Amanda was amazing at making sure we hit the best parts. She was very knowledgeable & the stories added to the experience which my son really enjoyed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Batonrougewanderer
Jul 7, 2024
Great guide and great museum - Tim, did an outstanding job. We were very pleased with the tour and Tim. We look forward to using Babylon Tours again. While it is unfortunate that the entire museum is not open yet, Tim did a great job showing us some important details of what was displayed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maurice_l
Jul 6, 2024
Great tour and an outstanding tour guide! - The last time I visited Washington DC and the Air and Space Museum was back in 1978, so it has been awhile. I tried and failed to get passes to the Museum, so I saw the ad for Babylon Tours of the Museum and decided they were my best shot. Great call! Our tour guide was Christopher. He was very knowledgeable and engaging. Christopher called everyone in our group by their first name and would do a back and forth with all 7 people in our tour group. I will admit I was nervous about doing this tour. Turns out, that nervousness was unfounded. Christopher texted me at 8:30am with a picture of himself and where he would meet us for the tour. He arrived a few minutes early and he looked exactly like he did in the photo. Turns out he takes a daily selfie every day so he can be easily recognized. He brought a lot of knowledge and enthusiasm to the tour. I would definitely recommend Babylon's tour of the Air & Space Museum. If your lucky, you'll get Christopher as your tour guide. You won't be disappointed. I wasn't and neither was my grandson. The tour price is well worth it. Believe me, the day passes for this Museum are snapped up early.
Review provided by Viator
Frank_h
Jul 14, 2024
Bad - Not very good boring 😴 😕 lots of people counting her the guy people in the way 🙄 we hade handy cap person it was not easy for her also the guy was very good 👍
Review provided by Viator
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1 Adult
September 2024
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