Visit Us

Reserve Your Tickets

NMAD is open on Tuesday and Thursdays. Free timed-entry passes are required to visit. Entry times are 10:00 am and 12:30 pm.

reserve your tickets

Prepare for Your Visit

Location

The National Museum of American Diplomacy is located at the 21st Street Entrance of the Harry S Truman building at 330 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20006 (the glass building on 21st Street between D Street and C Street, NW). Visitors must reserve timed entry tickets to visit the museum.

Security Information

All visitors must provide a valid REAL ID, such as a U.S. driver’s license or a passport. College and student IDs will NOT be accepted. Individuals under the age of 16 are not required to present a photo ID. The name on the ticket must match your ID.

Visitors are required to walk through metal detectors and to put any bags through a separate metal detector conveyor belt. Luggage or large bags will not be allowed into the museum and cannot be left in the entry lobby. There is no coat check. Please review the conduct on federal property information prior to visiting. No re-entry after admission.

Please see Frequently Asked Questions to prepare for your visit.

For State Department Employees

State Department employees can access the museum without an appointment through the 21st Street entrance of the Harry S Truman building.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the museum located?

The National Museum of American Diplomacy (NMAD) is located at the 21st Street Entrance (between D Street and C Street NW) of the Harry S Truman building U.S. Department of State, 330 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20006.

The museum is accessible via the Metro. The nearest Metro stations are Foggy Bottom (Blue, Orange, and Silver lines), a 12-minute walk to the museum, and Farragut North Station (Red line), an 18-minute walk to the museum.

What are the museum’s hours and how do I reserve a ticket?

The museum is open to the public every Tuesday and Thursday with a reserved ticket obtained online through the museum’s website. Entry times for the public are 10:00AM and 12:30PM. The museum is closed on federal holidays and for special events. Tickets allow visitors to spend 90 minutes exploring the museum. Check website for updates.

All ticket confirmations are made with the understanding that tickets may be cancelled at any time due to a diplomatic event or security alert. Should this occur, every effort will be made to contact you as soon as possible.

What security procedures should I expect?

Visitors will first show a valid government issued Real ID or passport for entry. Visitors under 16 years-of-age do not have to show ID.

Visitors are required to be screened through a metal detector and to place handbags, tote bags and backpacks on a conveyor belt screeding detector. No suitcases are permitted in the museum and cannot be left in the entry foyer of the museum. Bags and laptops are allowed in the space but will slow down the check-in process.

To expedite security checks, please avoid bringing any large backpacks or bags when possible. Please plan for about 5-10 minutes to get through security. No coat check is available. Information on conduct on federal property can be found here. No re-entry after admission.

Is there an admission fee?

There is no charge for admission.

Can I take photos and videos in the museum?

Video cameras and photography are permitted in the museum, no flash photography please. Selfie sticks and tripods are not permitted in the museum.

You are invited to share photos and memories of your museum visit on social media. Tag us on Facebook, X, and Instagram with @NMADMuseum.

Is parking available?

Onsite parking is not available; however, parking is available at:

Statesman Garage: Located at 2028 G St. NW.

Columbia Plaza Garage: Located at 2400 Virginia Ave NW.

2200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Garage (2200 Penn Garage): Located at 950 22nd St. NW

2000 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Garage: Located at 820 20th St. NW

Elliott School Garage: Located on 19th St NW (between E and F St NW)

The museum is accessible via the Metro. The nearest Metro stations are Foggy Bottom (Blue, Orange, and Silver lines), a 12-minute walk to the museum, and Farragut North Station (Red line), an 18-minute walk to the museum.

What items are NOT permitted in the museum?

It is not permitted to carry firearms, other dangerous or deadly weapons, or explosives, either openly or concealed on the premises. The prohibition on firearms applies to all visitors, including those with firearm permits.

The following additional items are not permitted in the museum:
- placards, signs, or banners
- tripods, monopods, or selfie sticks
- knives
- pen knives
- pets (unless a registered service animal)
- open containers of food and drinks
- scissors
- aerosol cans, including pepper spray and Mace
- tools
- smoking, including electronic cigarettes
- More information on prohibited items and behavior can be found here.

Is food/drink allowed?

Food and beverages are NOT permitted in the museum space.

Is there a map of the museum?

Yes! Please view our visitor map here.

How do I arrange a group visit?

Please reserve a ticket for each member in the group by visiting NMAD’s website. Public hours are every Tuesday and Thursday. Entry times are 10:00AM and 12:30PM. Entry times can accommodate up to 40 people. Tickets allow visitors to spend 90 minutes exploring the museum.

NMAD offers daily activities, including exhibit talks, during visiting hours.

NMAD offers daily activities, including exhibit talks, during visiting hours. Questions on arranging group visits can be directed to NMAD’s Education & Programs team at nmad-programs@state.gov.

What exhibits are currently on view?

Exhibits highlight the work of the Department of State and the importance of diplomacy in our lives. Please check the website for updates.

Exhibits rotate quarterly and annually.

Do you work with student groups?

Yes! NMAD offers many educational experiences and resources for schools. Student groups can schedule a visit using this form. Questions on educational programs and resources can also be directed to NMAD’s Education team at nmad-programs@state.gov.

Is the museum accessible?

NMAD is ADA-compliant. Elevators, restrooms, and water fountains are available. NMAD can provide a loaner wheelchair upon request. There is limited seating available on both floors.

All exhibits utilizing audio have subtitles. Braille, audio guidance, and tactile elements are not currently available for exhibits.

Service animals are welcome. Visitors can expect low noise levels and natural light conditions.

What public programs and events does the museum offer?

NMAD offers monthly programs for the public based on the museum’s collection, exhibitions, and the work of the Department of State. Information on upcoming public programs can be found on our website, joining our mailing list, or visiting our social media channels @NMADmuseum: Facebook, X, and Instagram.

How do I register for a public program or event?

You can register for a public program by following the registration link found on the event page located on our website. Questions on events and program registration can also be directed to NMAD’s Education and Programs team at nmad-programs@state.gov.

Is the museum appropriate for children?

The museum welcomes visitors of all ages. Exhibits are recommended for ages 12 years old and up.

How can I donate artifacts or objects to the museum’s collection?

The museum welcomes offers of objects for the museum’s collections. Please email us at NMAD@state.gov, and include photographs and information about the object(s). We do not accept items dropped off or mailed without prior review and acceptance.

Do you have volunteer opportunities? If so, what types of volunteer positions are available?

At the moment, NMAD does not have volunteer opportunities. Please check the website regularly for updates.

How do I contact the museum?

For museum inquiries, please email us at NMAD@state.gov.

For educational programs and events inquiries, please email us at nmad-programs@state.gov.