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%20NEWS%20HEADER%20(33).png "national museums open on 4th of july") |  |
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For instance, the National Museum of American History might host special programs on July 4th, while other museums might observe different hours. Therefore, it’s advisable to confirm specific details on the Smithsonian’s official website or contact the museum directly for accurate information. The National Veterans Memorial and Museum has just been named one of the top places to celebrate the Fourth of July by U.S. News & World Report —and for good reason! This Fourth of July celebrate freedom, courage, and community with us at the National Medal of Honor Museum at our inaugural FreedomFest: A Fourth of July Celebration. Enjoy a day filled with red, white, and blue patriotic festivities, live music, immersive exhibits, family-friendly activities, and delicious summertime favorites served up from the grill. Date: July 4, 2025 Time: 10 am to 8pm Here's the schedule for the July 4th Independence Day celebrations on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. All of the memorials in Washington DC are open every day year round 24 hours. The only exceptions are: 1) the elevator to the top of the Washington Monument closes early on July 4; and 2) the WWII Memorial closes at 4:00 PM on July 4th due to preparations for fireworks launch. Each year, Washington, DC celebrates the Fourth of July with a bang, meaning there are plenty of DC-flavored ways to honor Independence Day. Read below for some of our favorite selections and make sure to check out other summer activities in DC, including where to watch the fireworks on the Fourth. And stay tuned for ways to celebrate America's 250th through July 4, 2026. Join us on the steps of the National Archives as we celebrate America's birthday and salute 250 years of the U.S. Armed Forces. Enjoy live music, performances, and the iconic reading of the Declaration of Independence by patriotic reenactors. This family event is free and open to the public. All July 4th activities are free and open to the public. The full schedule can be found at archivesjuly4.org . The National Archives Museum will be open to the public for extended hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 3–5. Timed entry tickets to see the original Declaration of Independence in person are encouraged, but not required. Are any museums in Washington DC open now? Of all the Smithsonian museums and facilities, only four are open daily: The National Museum of Natural History, the National Zoo, the Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center, in Chantilly, and the Smithsonian Institution Building, known as the Castle. All July 4th activities are free and open to the public. The National Archives Museum will be open for extended hours July 3-5 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m ET. Timed entry tickets to see the original Declaration of Independence in person are encouraged, but not required. “MOMENTUM PARK (OUR)” runs through July 20, open Thursday to Monday each week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is on the West Court of the Great Hall in D.C.’s National Building Museum. On Friday, July 4, 2025, the National Archives will hold its annual Fourth of July program on the steps on Constitution Avenue, featuring family-friendly activities, historical reenactments—including a reading of the Declaration of Independence—and a salute to 250 years of the United States Military—the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps all turn 250 in 2025—with special performances by Talks, tours, performances, and more at the Smithsonian's museums and Zoo. As crowds are expected to flood the National Mall for the Fourth of July, the National Park Service and U.S. Park Police said they’re focused on safety. The July Fourth weekend is approaching; here's what you should know for your travel plans to Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The National Mall will be closed between 14th Street and the Lincoln Memorial from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 for a security sweep. All visitors entering that area after 1 p.m. will be screened. Due to limited access and safety concerns caused by construction, the Lincoln Memorial, including the steps and access ramp, will be closed on July 4. The Washington Monument will close at 1 Many museums in Washington DC are open on July 4th, but it's important to check each individual museum's hours and restrictions due to the holiday. Some museums may have limited hours, while others may require timed tickets or reservations. Thankfully, all the museums around the Mall are open on Independence Day, and what better way to celebrate freedom than seeing the Star-Spangled Banner at the National Museum of American History How to spend Fourth of July on the National Mall, plus details on fireworks and community events in Maryland and Virginia. Exhibits, parades, and plays in DC, Maryland, and Virginia this July. Visit the National Air and Space Museum's new gallery, attend a Citi DC Open game, and more.
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