Explore the Wonders of the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum
Discover the rich history of the American postal system at the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum, where engaging exhibits and artifacts await.
The Smithsonian's National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C. offers a unique glimpse into the rich history of postal services in America. With interactive exhibits and engaging displays, it's a must-visit for history enthusiasts and families alike.
A brief summary to Smithsonian's National Postal Museum
- 2 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, Near Northeast, District of Columbia, 20002, US
- +1202-633-5555
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit to coincide with special exhibitions or events for a more enriching experience.
- Check the museum's website for educational programs and workshops that may be available during your visit.
- Don't miss the chance to explore the museum's gift shop for unique postal-themed souvenirs.
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and have ample time to explore the museum's extensive collections.
Getting There
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Bus
From downtown Annapolis, walk to the nearest bus stop on West Street near the State House. Take the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) bus route 70 towards Washington, DC. Stay on the bus for about 30 minutes until you reach the New Carrollton Metro Station. From there, transfer to the Washington Metro's Orange Line towards Vienna. After about 15 minutes, get off at the L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station. Finally, transfer to the Blue, Yellow, or Silver Line and get off at the Capitol South Metro Station. From Capitol South, it’s a short 10-minute walk to the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum at 2 Massachusetts Ave NE.
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Train
Begin at the Annapolis Amtrak Station. Board the train heading towards Washington, DC. The journey takes about 30 minutes. Once you arrive at the Washington Union Station, exit the train and head to the Metro station located in the same building. Take the Red Line towards Glenmont and get off at the Gallery Place-Chinatown Station. Transfer to the Yellow or Green Line towards Branch Ave or Greenbelt respectively, and disembark at the L'Enfant Plaza Station. From there, walk for about 15 minutes to reach the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum at 2 Massachusetts Ave NE.
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Bicycle
If you prefer cycling, rent a bike from a local rental service in Annapolis. Head southeast towards the B&A Rail Trail, which leads directly to the Baltimore-Annapolis Trail. Follow the trail until you reach the outskirts of Baltimore, then navigate towards the Greenbelt area where you can connect to the Washington and Old Dominion Trail. Continue on this path until you reach the National Mall area in Washington, DC. From there, it's a 15-minute bike ride to the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum at 2 Massachusetts Ave NE.
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Walking
If you're feeling adventurous and the weather is pleasant, you can walk to the nearby Washington Metro Station and take public transportation. From downtown Annapolis, walk to the nearest bus stop on West Street to catch the MTA bus to the New Carrollton Metro Station, then transfer to the Orange Line towards Vienna. After getting off at Capitol South, take a scenic 10-minute walk to the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum at 2 Massachusetts Ave NE.
Discover more about Smithsonian's National Postal Museum
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