Smithsonian's National Postal Museum

Museum · NoMa

Smithsonian's National Postal Museum

Museum · NoMa

2 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

Highlights

Step into the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, where postal history comes alive through interactive exhibits, rare stamps, and a charming dose of Americana.

2 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 Get directions

postalmuseum.si.edu

@nationalpostalmuseum

@afar

"Part of the Smithsonian Institution since 1993, this circa-1914 former Beaux Arts post office is the world's first major museum devoted to postal history and philately (stamp collecting). It is an interactive museum that tells the history of America's mail service since before the American Revolution. Highlights include a dog named Owney, mascot of the Railway Mail Service; Amelia Earhart's flight suit; the Pony Express Gallery; and the National Philatelic Collection, the world's oldest intact stamp collection and the Smithsonian's second largest collection with over six million interesting and iconic stamps that include the Elvis Stamp. Uh-huh, thank you very much!"

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Andrew Lam

Google

I dropped by this museum as I was early to Union station and was pleasantly surprised by the artwork and sheer amount of history offered. There were rooms with expandable shelves. My favorite section was the makeshift forest designating the paths the mail carriers went through to send to the local tavern. Alas, I had run out of time, but was able to take home some antique stamps for free. Overall I enjoyed this museum more than I anticipated and would visit again to read in more detail.

Michael

Google

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ First-Class Experience at the Postal Museum! The Smithsonian National Postal Museum really delivered an unforgettable experience! From the moment I arrived, the staff went the extra mile to ensure a special delivery of hospitality and knowledge. The exhibits are truly first-class, showcasing everything from vintage mail trucks to rare stamps and the history of the Pony Express. Pro Tip: Don’t “stamp” around carrying your bags—use the FREE lockers on the bottom floor! It’s the perfect place to “parcel” your stuff while you explore D.C. Plus, the location is spot on—right next to Union Station, making it easy to drop by during your travels. The interactive displays and the incredible airmail exhibit really flew above my expectations—I felt like I was riding shotgun with those brave pilots! And the stamp collection? Signed, sealed, and delivered as one of the best parts of my visit. 📸 Be sure to postmark your memories with some great photos—the museum is full of picture-perfect spots, from the stunning atrium to the immersive exhibits. I highly “recommend this address” for anyone visiting D.C.—it’s free, fun, and absolutely worth the trip. You’ll leave with your heart stamped with history! #Smithsonian #PostalMuseum #DeliveringHistory #LocalGuide #StampOfApproval #FreeDC #SignedSealedDelivered

Ricardo Albuquerque

Google

Very nice experience! Museum is free and very informative. Highly recommended and definitely makes you appreciate the postal service history in our country and the technology innovations made along the way.

Trish

Google

Gorgeous building, and the exhibits are all wonderfully immersive and well thought out. You can learn about the evolution of postal services, peruse the extensive stamp collection (+international stamps!) and educate yourself about the role postal services have played in each era of the US’s history. The exhibits are equally fun for kids and adults, for laypeople and experts.

Maryam Al Shamsi

Google

Very beautiful and creative exhibits.. really enjoyed our time and didn't feel bored everything was interesting and made us want to read all the details and experience everything there. The gift shop was cute and got some nice magnets We were able to get postcards and send them from the post office there.

Kazi

Google

Loved it. Offered a new perspective of how the postal service carries us through time and history. Displays were curated well! Learned a lot and felt like a great place to take kids as well (it has many interactive parts). Bathrooms were well maintained, and the museum was overall not very crowded when we visited. Not a huge museum, but a memorable and lovely one.Would recommend for all ages.

Mr. Sallack Does Art!

Google

This is a great museum. Lots of fun interactive elements. The way everything is laid out is enganging and informative. There is so much history here, and the way it's presented makes you appreciate the USPS

Deborah Long

Google

Who can complain about a free museum? Care was taken with these exhibits and they made the experience as interesting as possible for the subject matter. You won't need to spend a lot of time here but I thought it was worth a visit.