National Museum of the US Navy

I visited this Great museum on 4÷20÷2016 in DC!!! I was shocked by how inclusive and expansive this museum was with many tangible objects which always makes museums much more fun. This museum is free of cost!!! It is somewhat of a hidden gem as it is located on a Naval base so it is pretty empty which is a nice change from all the hectic museums over in National Park. I really enjoyed all of the boats and tools the had on display with a huge range in history complete with descriptions and unique video footage. There is a pretty cool gift shop too. This museum is for anyone who is interested in the Navy’s history; it talks about the navy’s struggles and accomplishment
There is a huge ship that is docked that you can actually take a tour on and check out yourself including sitting in the captains room and seeing the crew quarters. I believe this is what makes the museum actually being able to touch things and experience them. Great stop on the way to a Nats game or when checking out Navy Yard and for the whole family. The interactive displays make it appropriate for all ages. We were able to just show our normal drives licenses and walk directly onto the base from the security window. There isn’t a lot of help from people on the base but the signs clearly marked helped us find the museum and the giant ship also gives it away. There’s a new park that is nearby by the water so we walked there afterwards and sat on some benches. Very nice and relaxing outing

Pretty cool museum, enjoyed learning about naval stuff and it’s history. The museum is relatively clean, bathrooms are good, and they have a water fountain. The information and things to learn are great. I rate it 3.5 stars. There are good seating areas inside. The submarine part by the front is cool. Is a great place for educational field trips.

Shoot me for sounding like a snob but this museum feels a bit like a large-​scale middle schooler’s project on wars and explorers. By this I mean, poster boards with glitter words and peel off stars.
In a nutshell:
–strong smell of moth balls and grandma’s up in here
–the history of diving, ships, wars and northern exploration
–need special military access to enter the grounds
–I especially enjoyed the diving mini exhibits showing how deep sea diving has evolved over the years
–plentiful parking
–no lines

Great museum. Too bad there’s isn’t more convenient access.
Stopped in for what we planned to be a quick Saturday visit. Since its on a military installation, it wasn’t exactly convenient to find or get into. But, once we did, we were amazed at how much we found. Scale models, photos, dioramas, mock-ups…so much to see. Our quick visit turned into 3 hours, and we could have spent more time.
Though the building isn’t glamorous, and if you have the patience and determination to find and get into the place, I think you’ll enjoy all the naval history.

Being from northern Virginia, DC is kind of old hat. We’ve done the Smithsonians, the zoo, the botanical garden, etc. a million times & were just looking for something else on this bitterly cold day. Discovered this gem. Free admission & very empty & open layout so it was nice for the kids and us to wander. Guns to climb on, periscopes to look into. Cute gift shop. During the right seasons (spring & summer?) there’s a ship out front on the water you can tour as well. Museum is 30 years old & looks it, ready for an update, so don’t expect state of the art touch screens, but very cute and quirky great way to spend a couple hours.

Spent 10 minutes walking around the gift shop and entrance and not one person even asked if I needed help. It was like a ghost town in there. I work on the navy yard but will not visit this place again. I’ll make my purchases and donations where people appreciate my visit and business !

A huge pain to actually get in and not straightforward. They need to work on that. I understand, with recent events, the need for alertness. But to make entering so confusing, is not ok. Went to the M street entrance, and was directed elsewhere. Normal IDs do not work. Otherwise, someone who may or may not be there needs to escort you in.
Once you actually gain access, you are greeted with a wealth of knowledge. Almost too much. You need to come here at opening and expect to stay here until closing if you expect to read everything within the two buildings and see everything too, I reckon. Or, at least, a solid chunk of your day. I came here just to walk around a bit and enjoy the visuals, reading stuff here and there, all of which was interesting (even for a pacifist).
Unlike others, staff was friendly enough. just a lot of red tape and hoops to jump through to get in. They need to make directions to the museum more straightforward. Even those blue signs list the museum with an arrow that points to an incorrect/​false entry point.

I was disappointed with my visit to the U.S. Navy Museum. The museum, itself, has potential, but access to the museum isn’t so straightforward. In addition, the staff with whom I conversed were less than welcoming.
The museum desperately needs to update its website (
). The site directs visitors to use the 6^th and M street entrance on weekends. This is not true, unless you want to be approached (in a rather hasty, confrontational manner) by one of the armed naval guards, who will tell you to walk ~one-​quarter to one-​half mile to get to the entrance inside the yard. In addition, the display ship Barry was not open when I visited in the spring. The site indicates it’s closed for winter but I visited in the spring!
Lastly, when I finally made it to the museum, I was not greeted by the information desk attendant – despite the fact it was very slow and he didn’t seem busy doing anything else. I just didn’t feel welcome to the museum. But like I said: the museum has potential. For naval buffs, it has lots of interesting artifacts, educational videos and walk-​through exhibits. The staff simply needs to be better trained to welcome its visitors and the website needs to be updated and regularly maintained.

Great museum!!! We were surprised by how inclusive and expansive this museum was with many tangible objects which always makes museums much more fun. It is somewhat of a hidden gem as it is located on a Naval base so it is pretty empty which is a nice change from all the hectic museums over in National Park. I really enjoyed all of the boats and tools the had on display with a huge range in history complete with descriptions and unique video footage. There is a pretty cool gift shop too.
There is a huge ship that is docked that you can actually take a tour on and check out yourself including sitting in the captains room and seeing the crew quarters. Great stop on the way to a Nats game or when checking out Navy Yard and for the whole family. The interactive displays make it appropriate for all ages. We were able to just show our normal drives licenses and walk directly onto the base from the security window. There isn’t a lot of help from people on the base but the signs clearly marked helped us find the museum and the giant ship also gives it away. There’s a new park that is nearby by the water so we walked there afterwards and sat on some benches. Very nice and relaxing outing!

Neat place on the Navy Yard. In addition to the museum, an old destroyer sits nearby which was cool. Some interesting displays!

This is a very nice but small museum. It doesn’t match any of the Smithsonian Institute museums and you shouldn’t go out of your way to come here. However, if you are in the area, then by all means visit this museum. Parking is impossible. The employees on the Yard cannot find parking and there is no visitor spaces designated.

Great museum on the Navy Yard property. Enjoyed walking around and learning about naval history. As others have said, it’s a hidden gem, and therefore often not crowded. The grounds close to the Anacostia River are enjoyable to walk through.

Stop the presses! This is a must see! It is at the Navy Yard a short walk from the Stadium Metro stop. We like to visit before a Nats game. This interactive and well planned museum outlines the history of our nation’s navy evolution. There are several opportunities to sit, touch, or watch specific points of interest. The Gift Shop is well stocked for a museum of this size. A decommissioned ship is outside. So if the museum with the famed Enigma Machine isn’t enough, then prowl inboard the ship. Don’t forget about this wonderful review of our history!

Good free addition to your DC visit! Nearby the Nationals ballpark and a Metro stop. Didn’t finish checking everything out, so I came back the next day.

I can hardly think of a more fun, involving, well set and breathtaking museum like the National Museum of the US Navy. What makes this attraction so compelling is its location in a historic place, its diversity of exhibits, and most of all the people behind the show which work hard to make this a must see for not just Navy and Historic Naval Ship folk, but anyone looking to explore history.
The displays are hidden all the way in the back of the Navy Yard, and if someone does not either have a guide, or previous knowledge of how the operation works, one could very well miss out on many exhibits and experiences within the exhibits.
The first and foremost item of this museum are the people behind it represented by the Naval Historical Foundation. If you wish to get the most out of your visit, it is a good idea to join this association well beforehand. You make a tax deductible gift and get the attentions of the group. However, now you have secured the best part. You can access their executive a few weeks in advance who will not only get you clearance to enter on a special «VIP» list, because this is still US Navy territory and closely guarded, but a real parking spot just for you!
The Naval Historical Foundation building houses the oldest library in the United States, which is older than the Library of Congress and chock full of any kind of book on naval or military history you can imagine. Also, because the NHF is central hub to most historical, particularly naval or military authors, you will form a great connection to access all sorts of rare volumes as well as free new books hot off the press. You will also see their complete photograph archive which could easily consume more time than most people have left on this earth.
Departing this fine collection, if you call ahead you might get someone in NHF to give you a guided tour of the yard. Oh where to start? There are all kinds of old naval artifacts outside from conning towers to naval rifles to propellers and pieces of armor from various ships. The main museum is located just by the Anacostia river in the old Naval Gun factory where you can still see the cranes for the massive naval rifles that used to serve the old foundry. It is full of models and displays detailing the history of the US Navy and can take hours to enjoy, especially with children who love mounting on the guns inside where climbing is indeed allowed.
In another nearby building you will find the newly opened cold war gallery which houses displays of cold war items, more models, and a mockup of a submarine control room. This latter item is of particular interest because from time to time they will use it to run simulations for certain science classes that sign up to help teach children physics through active use of the principles involved.
The next item would be the museum of naval art next to there, but my time was limited and I just took a brief peek; it’s worth visiting however because it has more than just your usual stiff upper lip portraits.
There is a «display ship» known as the USS Barry docked right there, but you have to leave the Navy Yard through a gate that only lets you out and will not let you back. You can get back in, but it’s a bit of a walk and not recommended for small children. This ship is interesting to see, but unfortunately the tour is very limited in what you can see. It is possible for a more complete, guided tour, but again, it is best to contact the Naval Historic Foundation in advance and put you in touch with the USS Barry’s executive who will welcome you and let you into things like engine rooms, gun turrets and fire control directors usually closed to the public.
The best part of it all is that the setting is conducive to meeting wonderful, like minded people, the social aspect of being here and talking history, and that on the spur of the moment, if the museum is doing something, to be invited for something special that most mortals would never be able to see (I am sworn to secrecy). You might, once or twice in a lifetime, if you come at the right time and know the right person, obtain access to the Dahlgren Naval Surface Weapons center where parts of dead old ships slowly fade away, supposedly including a pair of the Prinz Eugen’s guns.
I highly recommend a visit to not just the National Museum of the US Navy, but to make the visit complete, all its accoutrements starting with the Naval Historical Foundation, its people and its database. This is a great place for children as well because there are plenty of things to crawl over, move, touch and just marvel. There’s even food and restaurants if you get hungry and have a kiddy emergency. Even if you’re just casually interested in the subject, the kid inside of you will not help but smile. I am still vibrating from my wonderful visit here and look forward to visiting as often as I can in the years to come.

Hidden deep in the Navy Yard, this is actually a nice place to visit off the beaten path. Free admission, and a cool history of war ships and such. Located in one big hangar-​like building, there is a combination of hands on exhibits and reading of our naval history that you probably haven’t known before.
There is parking in front, but could be tricky finding it — get good directions at the gate.

This is a great muesum filled with some great artifacts. It really covers the topic of the development of the Navy from its foundings more than 230 years ago up to present day. While it lacks the bells and whistles that you see other muesums in DC, the staff is incredibly knowledge and is happy to answer your questions.
If you visit, you should also plan accordingly to have time to tour the Display Ship Barry which is also stationed at the Navy Yard and open for touring.
They are also in the process of expanding the museum to cover more recent conflicts, but there isn’t a date for opening that yet.

Naval Museum is a pretty interesting place. The museum has items from Antarctica and the North Pole. The Museum has submarines, old weaponry, cannons, pistols, masts and pictures. The museum also has multimedia displays and maps of expeditionary trips.
It wasn’t crowded at all.
Will definitely go back.

This museum is located on a U. S. Navy base (the Washington Navy Yard) but it is open to the public. Admission is FREE. If you do not have a military ID card, then you need to call ahead for an appointment and they will arrange for you to come on base to go to the museum. If you have a military ID card, then you can just drive right in whenever you want.
Because of its secluded location on the Washington Navy Yard, this is a truly hidden gem. The first time I took my boys here, they were 5 and 3 years old, and they had a ball. I’ve taken them back a couple of times since then, and each time I’ve had a hard time dragging them out of the museum when it was time to go.
There are three main elements to this museum.
The first is the actual building. Inside the building, the exhibits are arranged in chronological order from the American Revolution closest to the doors going back through the Civil War and on through WWI then WWII and Korea at the back. Just off the foyer to the left is a special exhibit on submarines with two functional periscopes sticking out the roof of the building. They have constructed raised platforms around the periscopes so that kids can stand and look out the periscopes and turn them around themselves. Just off the foyer to the right is a nice gift shop with all sorts of Navy memorabilia — clothing, toys, posters, pictures, books, trinkets, etc.
The second part is in the courtyard outside the museum, in between the museum and the waterfront. In the courtyard you will find many large displays of guns (even one really big gun in a railroad car), anchors, and armor plating that they used for testing the old battleship 16″ guns.
The third part is the old destroyer, USS BARRY. The destroyer is moored right there on the waterfront and open for tours. It’s also a popular spot for retirement, reenlistment, and promotion ceremonies.
The top three things that my kids liked and refused to leave without some form of bribery (ice cream, pizza…):
— The periscopes in the submarine section.
— Climbing all over the WWII 40 mm Anti-​Aircraft gun.
— Sitting in the Captain’s Chair on the mock-​up bridge of the WWII destroyer.
For a more interactive or educational visit to the museum, stop at the information booth near the entrance and get one of the question sheets. There are several questions on the sheet for you to walk around the museum and find the answers to. I think it’s geared toward school field trips, but you could offer your kids a prize or a treat if they found the answers.

Hubby really loves navy boats so we had to go there. No matter that’s in one of Washington DC worse neighborhood: Anacostia, in the SE side. I’m like wtf. So we take a cab there. Crazy. There’s a Navy Yard Metro stop but then you gotta walk 20 min & we didn’t want to do that.
You need special permission to be on the Navy Yard. You just have to call them at 202−433−6897 and tell them your name & that you want to go to the Navy Museum. So we get to 11^th & 0 Street Gate on a Weekday Wed 10÷3÷07. It’s different gate on Weekends.
Went straight to the sign that’s for Expected Visitor’s.otherwise the other line was hella long.
Got a parking pass for the Security person, whatever. said hubby name & guest. So we get inside the Navy Yard.
We wonder around cuz we didn’t have a physical map, we found the Navy Art Gallery — it’s tiny but interesting.
Then found the Navy Museum — tons of navy boats and other stuff. Also there’s a shop inside.
We also got to tour around the Navy Ship Barry — DD-​933. It’s cool.