Newseum in Washington, D.C.

555 Pennsylvania Ave.,Washington, DC 20001
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Overview

Focusing on the five freedoms of the First Amendment and free expression, the Newseum is considered one of the most interactive museums in the world. Covering everything from the birth of the radio to the Berlin Wall, this Washington DC museum is educational, intriguing, and bold. With 7 levels of hands-on, engaging exhibits, 15 galleries, and 15 theaters, the Newseum is a DC “must see.”

Good To Know

  • This museum focuses on freedom of expression and the 5 freedoms of the First Amendment (religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.)
  • Closed New Year’s Day, Inauguration Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
  • Located between the U.S. Capitol and the White House on historic Pennsylvania Ave.
  • Parking is available onsite at 555 Pennsylvania Ave. Hourly rates apply.

Description

The Newseum, headquartered in Washington, D.C., promotes, explains and defends free expression and the five freedoms of the First Amendment: religion, speech, press, assembly and petition.

Since opening in 2008, more than 7 million have visited its modern building located on historic Pennsylvania Avenue between the United States Capitol and the White House. The Newseum’s seven levels of interactive exhibits include 15 galleries and 15 theaters. Among the most memorable exhibits are the 9/11 Gallery Sponsored by Comcast, featuring the broadcast antennae from the top of the World Trade Center; the Berlin Wall Gallery, whose eight concrete sections are one of the largest pieces of the original wall outside Germany; and the Pulitzer Prize Photographs Gallery, which features photographs from every Pulitzer Prize-winning entry dating back to 1942.

Considered one of the most interactive museums in the world, the Newseum experience also traces the evolution of electronic communication from the birth of radio, to the technologies of the present and the future.

Newseum Reviews

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ShainaX316
Los Angeles, California
"BEST Museum ever! So sad it's gone"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed March 05, 2024
My husband and I still talk about this museum! We spent a full day and a half here, fully immersed in all the exhibits. I can't believe it's closed :(
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ColinLauw
Singapore
"Sad to see it go"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed August 08, 2022
Sad to hear this gem of a place closed down. It was a place to bring my kids to understand what media n freedom of speech meant in USA. Unfortunately for USA, todays media is such poor imitations of the past, belittling each other, bullying n bickering, never listening. Their journalists seemed to learn all the worst things to from their childhood “playground”.
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AndyCworld
"Some interesting museum pieces…."
TripAdvisor user rating 4 out of 5
Reviewed November 15, 2021
A good collection of interesting items. The two best items IMO were the antenna from the top of the World Trade Center and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover’s desk. On this latest visit I couldn’t find the desk so it might have been moved to another museum. The antenna was recovered from the rubble at ground zero in NYC. It spans several floors and can be viewed in its entirety. Very nice addition.
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smiller62700
Indianapolis, Indiana
"Easily my favorite place in DC!"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed November 09, 2020
I have been to the Newseum about 4 times and each time they continue to amaze me with their incredible artifacts, educational resources, and incredible work they put into their museum! They have a great gift shop, incredible exhibits, and it's a place for everyone! One of the times I went, they had Lady Gaga's meat dress and that made my entire trip, lol :)
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kelseybundra12
"It’s a shame it’s closing"
TripAdvisor user rating 5 out of 5
Reviewed July 23, 2020
When I went to visit the Newseum, I was the news editor of my college newspaper. It was so important to learn about journalism, politics, and this country’s history. It was the best museum I have visited. It’s a shame it’s closing/closed.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Newseum

Where is the museum located?
The Newseum is located at 555 Pennsylvania Ave.., N.W., Washington, DC, 20001.

What are the hours of operation?
The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Closed New Year’s Day, Inauguration Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Hours are subject to change.

Is this museum appropriate for all ages?
Yes. In addition, children under the age of 6 can enter the museum for free.

How long does it take to tour the museum?
Touring the Newseum takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on your group and your particular interests.

Is there an orientation film?
Yes. We recommend that all groups begin their tour with a four-minute orientation film that explains the Newseum’s numerous exhibits, galleries, and programs.

Where is the closest Metro rail stop?
The Archives/Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter station on the Green and Yellow Lines is approximately two blocks away. The Gallery Place and Judiciary Square stations on the Red Line are approximately four and two blocks away, respectively.

Are wheelchairs available?
Yes. A limited number of wheelchairs, scooters and walking aids are available on a first come, first-served basis.

Can I take pictures while at the museum?
Flash photography is allowed in most areas of the Newseum, except where it is expressly prohibited. Please consult with staff and signage for details.

Does the museum have a place to eat or purchase food?
Yes. The Food Section, located on the Concourse Level, offers a full selection of hot and cold entrée options. The restaurant seats approximately 150. Since food and drinks are not allowed inside the exhibit areas, no outside food or bag lunches are allowed.

Does the museum have a gift shop?
Yes.

What parking options are available at the museum?
The Newseum offers safe and affordable parking inside our building at 555 Pennsylvania Ave. The garage is open 7:00 am – 11:00 pm, Mon. – Sat. and 9:00 am – 11:00 pm on Sun. Rates are $10 for the first hour and $20 for over one hour, up to a full day. All day on weekends there will be a flat rate of $15. Entrance to the Newseum parking garage is on C Street.