The Smithsonian Bag Policy Guide - Everything You Need to Know

The Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. is less a single museum than 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 these facilities are located in several different cities and states, The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., houses the most items. And it's not just a big deal in the United States, The Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. is the world's largest museum, research, and education complex.

Here in Washington, D.C., visitors can explore collections, science, nature, history, culture, art, and design. There are often special events and temporary exhibits also 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, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial to name a few.

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.

Smithsonian Bag Policy

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 (DC and VA)
• African American History and Culture Museum
• American Art Museum
• American History Museum
• American Indian Museums (DC and NY)
• 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. To move through the security checkpoints smoothly, staff encourage museum visitors to arrive light. All personal belongings including purses, briefcases, bags, and containers will be searched.

Smithsonian's 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 they are limited and there isn't much room.

Bounce Offers a Better Alternative When It Comes to Luggage

Rather than deal with the bag policy, security screening, and having to carry around potentially heavy items, we offer convenient and affordable luggage storage service. We have temporary luggage storage locations in Washington D.C. that you can book through our user-friendly app. All bookings include $10,000 protection, and your items will be stored in areas off-limits to the public.

Another huge benefit is our 24-hour flat rate fee. This means you can take all the time you want in the exhibit buildings and you'll know the price will stay the same. As we said, it's about affordability and convenience so you can enjoy your time exploring.

Additional Policies and Tips at The Smithsonian

Here's a look at some additional tips and information 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.

Smithsonian Food Policy

There is no rule against bringing food and bag lunches to the Smithsonian. However, you should be aware that there are no designated spaces where you are allowed to sit down and eat the lunch you brought with you. You should also be aware that many of the exhibits in the museums are extremely sensitive, and so food and drink are not permitted in individual halls and galleries. For an easy 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 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 lunchtime!

Smithsonian Video, Photography, and Audio Recording Policy

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. This is to protect exhibitions and other visitors.

Service Animal Policy

Service dogs are allowed in the National Zoo or the Smithsonian museums. Also 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.

Smithsonian Rules

• 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 beloved collection in each facility, 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.

Making the Most of Your Visit to The Smithsonian

Just like the museum staff does, we encourage visitors to think ahead and book luggage storage with us. This will ensure that you're not dragging around heavy items and instead, you can explore the exhibits in-depth.