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The National Mall, National Capital Parks - Central, 900 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC 20024
Phone: 202-426-6841 or 202-426-6842
Fax: 202-426-1844
Open All Year
Overview. The National Mall is Washington, D.C.'s "central park." The long stretch of grass, trees, and trails is administered by the National Park Service and is located in the city's midsection, reaching from Capitol Hill to the Potomac River. The 545-acre site, home to the nation's most famous monuments, including the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, also contains museums and tourist attractions.
The Smithsonian, which is made up of fourteen science, history, and art museums, has nine of its buildings along the Mall. The National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of African Art, and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery are located here. The Mall is also home to the Botanic Garden Conservatory, with 1800 species of exotic and domestic plants, and the National Gallery of Art.
What to see and do. The best strategy for planning a tour to this area is to call the National Park Service or visit its headquarters on the grounds of the Washington Monument.
In addition to its famous buildings and monuments, the Mall is a fine urban setting for picnicking, jogging, walking, and taking in the scenery. In April, you can "go fly a kite" at the Smithsonian Kite Festival or join in one of many kite-making workshops. Other activities include daily guided talks with park rangers and the fireworks and National Symphony Orchestra concert presented on the 4th of July. Also in July, the Mall hosts the Festival of American Folklife, sponsored by the Smithsonian, where you can enjoy live performances, food, and music.
The Mall itself is always open. The Lincoln, Jefferson, Vietnam Veterans, and Korean War Memorials are open 24 hours. The Washington Monument is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from September through April, and 8 a.m. to midnight from April through September. The hours for the Botanic Garden Conservatory are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours in the summer. The Smithsonian buildings are open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
The best way to access the park is through the Smithsonian Metro station.
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Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
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