The National Museum of the United States Navy is the flagship museum of the United States Navy located on the grounds of the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Navy Museum collects, preserves, displays, and interprets historic naval artifacts and artwork to inform, educate, and inspire naval personnel and the general public.

The U.S. Navy Museum was established in 1961 and opened to the public in 1963. Permanent and temporary exhibitions commemorate the Navy's wartime heroes and battles as well as its peacetime contributions in exploration, diplomacy, space flight, navigation and humanitarian service.

The tradition of collecting naval artifacts in the United States began in the early 19th century under the command of Thomas Tingey, the first commandant of the Washington Navy Yard. The first artifact collected was a French gun, cast in 1793 at Lyons, captured during the Quasi-War with France, 1798-1801. From this modest beginning, the collection grew as the U.S. Navy fought in more battles and explored the high seas during the early years of the American republic.

As the Navy's collection of artifacts grew, so did the need for a space in which to display them. In 1865, the former Paint Shop opened as the Museum of Naval Relics and Weapons where the Dispensary is today. This museum was amongst America's earliest federal museums. Listed as one of Washington's most popular tourist attractions in Morrison's Strangers Guide to Washington, the collection impressed visitors with such artifacts as a gun from Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes's conquest of Mexico, and the sloop Kearsarge's original sternpost containing a shell she received during her fight with the Confederate raider Alabama off the French coast.

In 1913 the museum's artifacts were moved to Building 120, where the museum shared space with the Seaman Gunner's Quarters and the Recruiting Office. This site is now a parking lot west of the Washington Navy Yard. The building was demolished in 1927, which left the Navy's collection of artifacts in storage for eight years. In April 1935, the third museum opened in building 40, at the north end of the Breech Mechanism Shop constructed between 1887 and 1899. When World War II ended the yard officially changed its name to the Naval Gun Factory, so the museum became the Naval Gun Factory Museum. After gun production ceased, Admiral Burke obtained the entire building in 1961 to house a new, and more complete collection of artifacts.

Today The U.S. Navy Museum is the only naval museum to chronicle the history of the U.S. Navy from its creation to the present. Artifacts like USS Constitution's fighting top, the world's deepest diving submersible, Trieste, and the khaki uniform of former Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz make The Navy Museum's collection second to none.

Close to 400,000 individuals visit The U.S. Navy Museum annually. Admission to the museum and its programs is free.

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Founded: 1961
Category: Museums in United States

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4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Elias Chelala (Chewy) (7 months ago)
The National Museum of the United States Navy is an absolute gem! Nestled within the Washington Navy Yard, this museum offers an incredible journey through the rich history of the U.S. Navy. The exhibits are well-curated and provide a comprehensive look at naval history, from the Revolutionary War to modern times. One of the highlights is the detailed model ships and historical artifacts, which bring to life the bravery and innovation of those who served. The interactive exhibits are engaging and informative, making it a great experience for visitors of all ages. The staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, always ready to share fascinating stories and answer any questions. The museum's location along the Anacostia River adds to the overall experience, offering beautiful views and a peaceful setting. A visit to the National Museum of the United States Navy is both educational and inspiring. Highly recommend for anyone interested in military history or looking for an enriching outing in D.C.!
Luke Nam (8 months ago)
Summary: Informative museum about the US Navy, but roughly 50% of the museum was closed or under maintenance when I visited. I'd recommend visiting later. Security and Arrival: I arrived at 9:45 AM on Saturday, and had to show a photo ID to enter the Washington Navy Yard. No early entry was permitted, as a tour guide must accompany you when walking to the museum. The Exhibits: Lots of ships and uniforms and historical photos. The further back you go in the museum, the more maintenance there is. I found the baseball exhibit particularly cool. The Outdoor Tour: At 10:30 AM, there was a one-hour tour around the Washington Navy Yard, showing historical cannons and buildings. If you want to join this tour (and I recommend you to!), wear long pants or bring bug spray. The mosquitos on campus bite a lot. Shout-out to Mike for being an awesome tour guide!
Kelly Lee (8 months ago)
Few ups and downs Downs 1. Don't look up the museum, instead look up the visitor center and get there, because that's where you will meet your escorts 2. A lot of exhibits are pulled down. I'd say about 30-40% are closed right now 3. Escorts are every 30 minutes whether you want to get to the museum or leave the museum. If you miss, you have to wait 30 minutes Ups 1. It's free 2. All the staff are nice and they would be happy to help you
Derick Wilson (2 years ago)
super easy to get in had a family of 5 you can drive here they have you park by the security. there is someone to escort you to the museum it's completely free. no background check or crazy security procedures needed. you can also uber her no problem. it's not a big museum but it's very nice .
Robert de Vries (2 years ago)
It's a nice place and quite special because it's on an active US Navy Base. They are in the process of moving quite some stuff since they are getting a new building. So what was on exhibit was limited, but nice none the less.
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