A little bit tricky to get into the museum, you have to go all the way around the fence and search for the only available entrance. The staff is very nice and helpful. The shop closes at 2:30 p.m. so if you want to buy a souvenir, make sure you get there earlier. It is very detailed and has a lot of mini ships and boats. Make sure you also go to the submarine museum which is right next to it! Enjoy =)

My wife and I went down to DC to attend her cousins wedding. We had such a great time at the Navy Yard. So many cool things to see. There is a lot of history here. I wanted to visit the Navy art gallery they have here but we didnt have the time. Theres always next time. Just a side note you do need security clearance to get into this area. We plan on making a trip down for family vacation.

This is super cool. I wish civilians could all visit it, but you will need someone in the military or that works on post to let you in. This also sometimes used as a retirement ceremony venue.

Where else can you walk up to and touch the very vessel that dove to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, 35,799 ft below the ocean surface. The USS Trieste.

Great overview of a lot of history here, and there are artifacts galore so its much more entertaining than just the writing would be.

Great Museums. Beginning of the Navy up to WWII in one building, Modern age in the other. Great models of lots of different ships and planes. Loved the informative displays and the staff was very friendly.

It is too hard to go inside but at there is too good and beautiful so go when you have very many times

This past Pearl Harbor Day (Dec. 7) I paid a visit to the National Museum of the US Navy at the Navy Shipyard in Washington DC. Built in 1799, the Shipyard is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and as a National Historic Landmark, and it is the oldest shore establishment in the US Navy. Being an active military installation, home to the Chief of Naval Operations and several other commands. You will need your identification and will have to pass a security screening to visit the museum. By DC standards it is a small but very interesting museum.

The National Museum of the United States Navy, or U.S. Navy Museum for short, is the flagship museum of the United States Navy and is located in the former Breech Mechanism Shop of the old Naval Gun Factory on the grounds of the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., United States. The U.S. Navy Museum is one of ten official Navy museums, and is part of the Naval History & Heritage Command, the official history program of the United States Navy. The U.S. Navy Museum was established in 1961 and opened to the public in 1963. As one of 15 Navy museums throughout the country, it is the only one that presents an overview of U. S. naval history. Permanent and temporary exhibitions commemorate the Navys wartime heroes and battles as well as its peacetime contributions in exploration, diplomacy, space flight, navigation and humanitarian service. Known for 40 years as the flagship museum of the U.S. Navy, The U.S. Navy Museum celebrates a legacy of educating the public. In the tradition of its predecessors on the Washington Navy Yard beginning in 1865, the current museum features a collection that dates from 1800. The museums collection moved twice before Admiral Arleigh Burke established the current museum, Building 76, in 1963 to create an American naval history museum comparable to those in Europe. The U.S. Navy Museum continues to embody Burkes vision of sharing the Navys history and traditions with the world. 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 Navys 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 Americas earliest federal museums. Listed as one of Washingtons most popular tourist attractions in Morrisons Strangers Guide to Washington, the collection impressed visitors with such artifacts as a gun from Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortess conquest of Mexico, and the sloop Kearsarges original sternpost containing a shell she received during her fight with the Confederate raider Alabama off the French coast. In 1913 the museums artifacts were moved to Building 120, where the museum shared space with the Seaman Gunners 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 Navys 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 Constitutions fighting top, the worlds deepest diving submersible, Trieste, and the khaki uniform of former Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz make The Navy Museums collection second to none. Close to 94,000 individuals visit The U.S. Navy Museum annually. Admission to the museum and its programs is free. The museum is architecturally accessible.

Very helpful staff and very interesting exhibits.

I absolutely loved this place! All the history in one place. From submarines to pl a.s nes, what a great experience!

Great little museum, all about the US Navy difficult to get to with all the secuy (it is on a Navy base after all) dont miss looking through a real periscope

I admit that my angelic/sweet husband agreed to go with me to visit the National Museum of the United States Navy for my birthday yesterday (near the Navy Yard metro in Washington DC). We went on a weekday and fortunately the waiting time to go to one of the buildings of the military base that the museum is on to pass a background check was fortunately faster than we expected (better to allow yourself some time for background check and definitely go on a weekday if you want to enter the navy museum the same day you do the background check). Once inside the Navy museum some of the multiple exhibits that my husband and I obtained the chance to visit: a 240 year multi portrait snapshot of the U.S. Navy ranging from the 1700s to the modern time period, other camouflage techniques exhibit, Finding Position At Sea exhibit, some model exhibits of multiple aircraft carriers that have been part of the U.S. naval fleet, an exhibit featuring a quote by a science fiction author who was a graduate of the U.S. Navy Academy, an exhibition of silverware used for special dining occasions on certain ships for naval officers, an exhibit titled Society of Sponsors that included some of the individuals affiliated with the christening ceremonies of some of the ships that were put into commission for sea service some time after construction, a Fleet Service Schools exhibit, Into A New Eras Exhibit, Pacific Logistics exhibit, Carrier Aviation exhibit, Museum Education Center exhibit, historic Join The Navy portrait advertisement portrait, a store inside the Navy Museum. My sweetheart husband purchased a 2020 Navy Calendar and a navy t-shirt as part of my birthday gifts. The employees that we interacted with both inside the museum and navy museum store were cordial and my amazing husband visiting with me for my birthday was a surreal experience because we both unexpectedly met each other in the navy over 17 years ago.

Loved this museum. Huge variety of US history items. A HUGE interior.

Nice museum, little awkward getting in since you have to to through Base security. Not really small kid friendly. Not a lot of hands on exhibits.

Before showing up, recommend checking out how to get onto base if not in the military, there are rules! This is a really nice Naval Museum complete with an old naval rail gun. If interested in naval history, this is a very good place to visit! There used to be an old naval destroyer, the USS Barry (DD-933), docked here and was open to the public. Sadly, the USS Barry has been moved to the Philadelphia Navy Yard to be scrapped.

An excellent place to spend an afternoon reviewing our countrys Naval history.

Great museum! Kids loved it. Since it is on an actual Navy base, you will need to fill out forms and get fingerprinted before entering. But, you will have an awesome museum all to yourself

Different types of displays with historic artifacts from the Revolutionary War to the Cold War.

One of the most interesting places I have been.

It was a great place for a Navy retirement ceremony! Joe

My wife and I visited your location today as a courtesy of my Dad who served in the Navy.... we were both totally impressed with all the information you provided to us.... this is a must see for not only veterans but for the younger generation of this great nation... thank you from the son of a Navy veteran.

A lot of naval history and love the Corsair, but it is lacking a lot. The museum looks dated but there is a lot of scale models or ships and what not. Make sure you go to the Marine Corps museum after this because if you go before,you will be let down expecting a similar experience!

If you love modle ships you have to see this museum. Lots of other interesting items (historical) items. Kid friendly too, they can sit on turrets and move them around.

If you are resident in the US but a foreigner they want your SSN as well as your passport to get into the base. Once you are there the Museum is pretty cool. Not as crowded as the Smithsonian Museums.

A background check or other arrangement is necessary for entry if you dont have a security clearance (uncertain of which types), but the background check service is only available on weekdays. civilians without clearances need not bother coming on a weekend, despite the navy yard being open.

The historical artifacts alone are worth going to see! Add to that the exhibits, many with real newsreel footage from WW2 and after, and the Museum is one outstanding learning experience! Its like stepping back in time to see how the Navy evoved from its humble 6 frigate beginnings!

This Museum contains the whole history of the US Navy every war as a section and it is very cool.

Really neat Museum Id never heard about.

Compact and full, well worth a stop to see some Navy history. Needs a ship to complement the building. Interesting gun barrels and Japanese target material out front.

The battleship is no longer there. It was taken out to sea and sank to become a reef. Also without a military ID you can not access the museum on Saturday. Drivers license is not valid on weekends.

This museum seems to be very informative and well organized. I was here for an event so I didnt have time to read and absorb too much info but I will definitely be returning before I leave the area. The staff is friendly and helpful as well and the park which neighbors it is just beautiful.

Great for a quick stop. Small museum with good displays appropriate for all ages. Surrounded by restaraunts so makes a good place to stop before or after lunch.

I visit the museum regularly and share memories when I had my grandfather (Pearl Harbor WWII vet) visit for the first time. It wasnt until then that he opened up and shared that day with me. I will never forget and will always appreciate the best generation of our time.

Always enjoy visiting and sharing the history with friends and family.

I enjoyed the museum and was very enjoyable to read the facts about all the ships background and THEIR capabilities out on the ocean plus their contribution during war times and showing their strength in peace time. Great facility and I hope its open to the public to also learn of the U.S. States Navy.

When you get there its really cool. But to get there you have to take a interview and sign paperwork that takes about an hour but its worth going because they have models and the actual Trieste submarine there which I did a report last year but When I was there a wire short recited and acadentaly caused the fire alarm to go off but its one of the best museums Ive been too.

Great museum for Naval history fans. Note must enter at 11th & O street gate. Need to fill out paperwork for a base pass. Can get form online.

A very informative museum about all of U.S. naval history. Wouldnt bring young kids, but great for anyone willing to read about our complete naval history.

This place is one of the least visited museums in DC. You need to get access prior to visiting. Great models and naval relics here. Good museum!

Wow... what an incredible assortment of Navy history spanning the breadth of the Navys rich history. Full of surprises at every turn.

Pretty good museum. Lots of interesting things here. There are lots of model boats here too which makes it an interesting experience as well. You can also sit and move around these big guns that would normally be found on ships which is something you probably can’t do anywhere else. The only thing holding me back from giving it a five is that there are lots of spots where something used to be that they took out of the museum and just have a little sign that says that there isn’t anything there. Overall I think it is nice and would recommend it because it is a neat experience.

Such a well-planned museum

Highly informative museum that was surprisingly kid friendly with a number of exhibits/artifacts that could be touched or climbed on.

Cool and leave you amazed at some parts. Cant say this is something I will return to, but at least one visit is simply a must if you have never been here. No need to bu fan of something specific in order to enjoy.

Really awesome. Took my nieces they loved it

Great museum, and good size, not overwhelming. We loved the scavenger hunt!

Yet another gem in DC.

Wonderful and worthwhile museum. Take time to listen to the recordings of firsthand accounts from soldiers from various ways as they will touch your heart. Note: You have to stop at security and be approved for entry.

A lot of historical artifacts and great artwork of navel history. It is housed in a old ship building hanger. Layed out to trace the history of our Navy from before the revolution to the present.

Great place to visit. It is in a Navy installation, so make sure you bring your ID card. Not real large, it took me about 3 hrs to do it all.

This museum tells the story from start to finish. I was treated with respect and was able to interact with some of the displays.

Awesome tour guide!!! Very helpful. Knew everything there is to know about the artifacts...

Tons of cool history here!

Amazing history in this museum. An absolute must see.

Wow! What a great experiece to see this museum. Great for all ages. It is guarded and policed by the Navy. Gated. I visited with some of the Honor Flight vets, and they loved it.

I really enjoyed all of the history in here. There was also a game for the kiddos to play that was similar to an arcade game where you had to shoot down oncoming planes attacking. They have the sub that went 7 miles down to the ocean floor, old guns and ship parts, cannons and uniforms, gift shop, and much more. The bathroom was really nice too!

You will have to be put on hold for processing in order to enter the grounds, as it is a military installation. Provide I.D. and the museum is free.

Amazing staff and museum displaying so much unknown and overlooked Naval History

This museum is small, so you can see everything in a couple of hours, even if you are thorough. There are many interesting permanent exhibits, such as an anti-aircraft gun you can sit in, an an Enigma encryption machine.

Probably nice, but not really open to public. Tried visiting on Veterans Day. Website said it wasnt closed. Arrived to find out visitors center was not open to give access to non military and museum was also not open.

Very interesting and informative history lesson.

Being a Navy veteran it warmed my heart. Loved it

The museum does a great job of tying American history together. Great exhibits.

Came at 11am in a Saturday but could not get into base unless I had a DOD card. All others may only come on a weekday. I spent 2 hours to get here based on Google stating it was open. Very dissapointed.

Beautiful museum that is small, yet an experience worth while

This place is a hidden treasure! And its free!You can spend hours here. It is child friendly. ..hands on and things to climb on! You have to check it the submarine section with real periscopes and DIVE alarm.Small gift shop with lots of Navy and ship stuff.

Lots of history and artifacts. What a great collection.

Very informative and enjoyable. So much history.

As a Navy veteran I want to love this place but it isnt not what it should be. I am happy they are building a new one but it will likely never stand up to the Museum of the Marine Corps, which is completely worth the drive from anywhere that has roads to get there.

The old Naval Gun Factory. An excellent exhibit and history of the U.S. Navy.

Excellent museum tucked away on the Washington Navy Yard. Almost Smithsonian-quality exhibits.Be sure to check out the Cold War Gallery building right across the street, too.Getting on base is complicated if you dont have a DoD ID.

Thank you for treating our Lake County Honor Flight veterans like royalty! They all loved the museums!

Great displays, not crowded and a helpful staff. Remember the newer cold war and newer annex and the outdoor displays. Huge gun on a train!

History plus

Hidden gem. Please visit if you have a chance. Amazing history.

Very historic and full of traditions and events that ll make you get all historic

Great museum but damn near impossible to get into for civilians. You must submit paperwork for a mandatory background check at the O street entrance. The whole process takes well over an hour. The office personnel headed by the vigilant Captain May does not follow its own procedures printed on the background request forms and constantly badgers you for additional personal information that is not required. I am not sure what the Navy’s goal was in building this museum but it definitely wasn’t for sharing its rich history with the public. The museum itself is pretty awesome although I am not sure whether is worth the hassle given all the amazing alternatives available near by. PS: civilian access is only available on weekdays when captain May is available to perform his national security duties :)

Oh my gosh, this place is awesome!!

Awesome Museum practically hidden on the Navy Yard. Definitely worth half a day if you are in DC.

Great place to visitSmall museum not over whelming.

Interesting if you enjoy museums and the Navy. Too hot inside, they need to turn down the heat!

Amazing! I always think off D.D. John Paul Jones....I have not yet begun to fight! Still have photos of D.D. Barry

We visited a few days ago and had a wonderful time! The Navy heritage and history command that operates this is a very small command compared to many with, I am sure, a budget to match. In spite of this I think they are doing a great job even though some of the outside exhibits are looking a little overgrown. People just need to understand that these buildings are on an active Navy base and it will require the understandable processes to access as with any other military installation, just as it should.All you need to do is a little research of your own prior to going. The visitor entrance is at the 11th and O street gate, you will need to go inside the gate and check in at the visitor center on the right, all personnel who are 18 years or older will need to have a valid government (state or federal) photo ID to gain access. Once this process is complete, an escort from the command will escort you in to the buildings. There is limited parking available (this is Washington DC after all), I would recommend taking the Metro Green line or the Metro Circulator bus.The ship does have limited days that it is open for viewing as others have noted, again, just plan ahead as we did.There were multiple interactive areas that our younger kids thoroughly enjoyed, being able to touch actual revolutionary war guns and the Trieste was just amazing!A hidden gem among so many other well known museums in DC, we can highly recommend a visit here for anyone who has an interest in the Navy or an Old Salt Sailor like me who just wanted to show the kids some of the things their old man used to do!

Hard to get into if you dont have a military id, and its showing its age in places, but its a really great museum. And the difficulty of getting in means youll pretty much have the place to yourself.

NOTE: This museum is not open to the general public. Admission requires a Military ID or arrangements made well in advance of visit.Do not make trip to museum without researching the requirements first.

A great little museum, especially for military history buffs who geek out over seeing cannons and masts of ships.

GreatHarms wayWw2. Navy ships

The curators are super nice, just ask and they know their stuff

Best Navy museum with the best artifacts! Go Navy!

Great museum that no one knows about. Worth a trip, but best to go on a weekend or take Metro.

Nato Navy personal and they refused us entry.....sad actually looks like a nice place to visit. I guess if your nor past or present US military NO access.

Walked to base from Navy Base-Ballpark Metro stop. 85° day. We get to the gate at M St near 6th St SE. Were told (nicely, although he *was* carrying an M-16) we would have to walk all the way down M St to 11th St, then down to the O St gate, where we have to go into the office for proper documentation to visit the Museum. Fifteen minutes later, we arrive at the O St gate. There were about 30 people ahead of us, some civilian, some military, all looking for different clearances, and all waiting around, looking bored, as if theyd been there for hours. There are *two* people (civilians) working with typewriters and paper forms. We were rudely told itd be close to an hour before we could be seen, then it would take 30-45 minutes to get clearance. We ended up calling an Uber and going to the Newseum instead. The Marine Museum in Triangle was a *much* better experience! If the Navy has any brains, that new museum will be much closer to the Mall and much easier to visit than in the middle of a highly-restricted base.

Great museum, it contains a rich collection of naval history. If you love ships this is the place for you.

Great exhibits and methods of showing US Navy over the years

Facilities are outdated and most of the artifacts /exhibits are WWII or earlier. Still a great gem in the Navy Yard. Plan at least two hours to absorb everything in the building.

Be sure to devote a good four hours or so to take in all of the current exhibits.

This is an excellent museum and is well worth the effort of the walk from the Navy Yard Metro Station and persevering with the security process. I visited on the afternoon of 4 October.As a UK national my drivers licence was essential but was enough to do the business and the form filling wasnt too bad. The only difficult bit (well not really)was figuring out my weight in pounds instead of stones and pounds. I was the only visitor (apart from one lady and her small child)at the time and it was a real plus after the teeming hoards of the Washington tourist areas.The museum staff couldnt have been more helpful (and the guy who took my picture next to the IJN Yamato shells)especially the lady running the souvenir shop and even more especially the young lady who gave me a personal tour of the post WW2 building - and saw me safely to the Metro station afterwards.The quality of the exhibits is excellent and a credit to the US Navy and the museum staff. Ditch the rest (apart from Arlington and the National archives) and go and see this.

Nice small museum of the Navy.

Too much security for easy access. We gave up and were not able to see the museum.