The Smithsonian Bag Policy 2025 - Key Details

The Smithsonian in Washington DC isn't a single museum rather it's a sprawling complex of cultural and scientific institutions. The Smithsonian was founded in 1846 and is named after its founding donor, British scientist James Smithson. It was originally known as the United States National Museum but has since changed its name to honor its founder.

Known as The Smithsonian Institution, there is a collection of museums, research centers, and educational facilities that make up the Smithsonian facilities. While the bulk of the facilities are located in Washington, D.C., there are also facilities in New York, NY, and Chantilly, VA. The National Museum of Natural History is often the most popular and most visited. This museum is located at 10th St. & Constitution Ave., NW in Washington, D.C., and is bigger than 18 football fields. It is the largest natural history collection in the country and the world. This museum focuses on the "story of our planet", taking visitors from the beginning of the earth billions of years ago to the present day. Not only are there exhibitions and collections but there are also activities throughout the museum.

Here in Washington, D.C., visitors can explore collections, science, nature, history, culture, art, and design. There are often special events and temporary exhibits on display. And let's not forget, Washington, D.C. is a treasure trove of attractions, monuments, museums, and history to explore. Other highlights include the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the National Mall, the United States Capitol, The White House, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the International Spy Museum, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial to name a few.

Because of all the attractions, the dining, shopping, and family-friendly activities sometimes go overlooked but be sure to explore each of these too. You won't be disappointed!

But before you make your way to the institution and start your day of exploration, make sure you're aware of the Smithsonian bag policy. You don't want to find yourself with prohibited items and no place to stash them. We'll also highlight how we can help with temporary bag storage in Washington, D.C., making your day a lot less stressful.

Bag Policy at the Smithsonian: What You Need to Know Before You Visit

The Smithsonian’s bag policy varies according to which institution you’re visiting. The strictest bag policies are at the following Smithsonian locations:

• Air and Space Museum and its Udvar-Hazy Center
• African American History and Culture Museum
• American Art Museum
• American History Museum
• American Indian Museums
• Natural History Museum
• Portrait Gallery
• Postal Museum

At these Smithsonian Museums, all bags are subject to search by security staff. Even though there are no specific size limitations, visitors are strongly encouraged to arrive light and limit the number of personal belongings. Doing this will help you speed through security checkpoints. When you arrive at the Smithsonian security measures are in place and you will go through a thorough search of your bags. All personal belongings including purses, briefcases, bags, and containers will be searched.

The Smithsonian's museum visitors are required to walk through a metal detector. If they cannot do that, they will be screened with an electronic wand. Bag checks also include the use of an X-ray machine. Once you pass through the security screening, you cannot leave personal belongings unattended for safety measures.

Worth noting that only a few of the museums offer coat or bag storage on-site, but there isn't a ton of space so you can't count on that being available when you arrive. Instead, we encourage you to book temporary luggage storage with us in Washington, D.C., so you can explore all the museums you want without worrying about your bags.

Store Your Bags with Bounce and Make the Most of Your Visit to the Smithsonian

While there may not be a strict bag policy in place, the staff encourage visitors to arrive light to speed up the entry process. There's also the fact these museums are massive, which means a lot of walking. Carrying bags with you won't be comfortable, and keeping track of them at all times can be stressful. Add to the fact that many of the indoor attractions in Washington, D.C., do have bag policies in place, carrying around items with you just isn't ideal.

Not to worry, we're here to solve the problem with temporary luggage storage that is probably a lot more affordable and convenient than you thought. All you have to do is download the Bounce app and then choose the location you want to make a reservation for. Our bag storage starts at $4.10 per bag, per day in Washington, D.C., and with our 24-hour flat rate fee, you won't have to worry about racing through the exhibits and attractions. Your price stays the same all day long, there is no fear of it going up.

All our bookings also include protection of $10,000. And if you have any questions at all, our 24/7 support is here to help!

Policies to Keep In Mind When Going to the Smithsonian

Here's a look at some rules and policies that will help prepare you for your visit to the Smithsonian. If you have additional questions, you can speak to a museum staff member beforehand, or security personnel when you arrive.

Outside Food Is Allowed at the Smithsonian

There is no rule against bringing food and bag lunches to the Smithsonian. Keep in mind that there are no designated spaces where you are allowed to sit down and eat the food you brought with you. You should also be aware that many of the exhibits in the museums are extremely sensitive, so food and drink are not permitted in individual halls and galleries. For a smooth visit, it’s best not to bring any food with you.

The individual institutions that make up the Smithsonian often have their own restaurants. The African American History and Culture Museum is home to the Sweet Home Cafe, which offers dishes inspired by African-American cuisine. The American History Museum has the Jazz Café and Eat At America’s Table. The National Zoo has three different restaurants. With the variety of food each institution offers, it might be a good idea to plan your visit depending on where you want to be at mealtime!

Take All the Photos and Videos You Want at the Smithsonian

Still and video photography are both permitted inside the Smithsonian as long as it's for personal use. The use of tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks is not permitted. Keeping America's treasures safe is always a top priority, as well as the safety of all guests.

Final Useful Tips When Going to the Smithsonian

There are some general rules to also be aware of at the Smithsonian. Here are a few:

• Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the grounds of the Smithsonian, which includes e-cigarettes. You also aren't allowed to carry lighted cigarettes either. This rule is meant to help protect the collections in each facility, all the historic buildings, and to protect visitors.
• Visitors cannot carry firearms of any kind on the Smithsonian premises, even if they have a permit. This includes Swiss army knives, pepper spray, and firearms.
• Pay attention to the signs in the different museums and institutions. Often the Smithsonian prohibits flash photography to protect valuable and fragile items from damage. Many items cannot be touched, so be aware of any signage around you and follow it.

The Smithsonian permits service animals in the National Zoo and the Smithsonian museums. Not allowed are therapy, emotional support, comfort, and companion dogs who are still in training but aren't yet considered a service dog in the ADA guidelines. Other animals aren't permitted.

Bounce Helps Ensure You Don't Run Into Baggage Issues at the Smithsonian

If you're planning to explore the Smithsonian, we encourage you to think ahead and be aware of what personal belongings and bags are allowed inside. For any items that don't adhere to the bag policy, we're here to help with convenient and affordable luggage storage. Storing your bags elsewhere doesn't just mean you'll get through security faster, it means you can enjoy the complete Smithsonian buildings without being dragged down with heavy baggage.