About Department of the Interior Museum
The Interior Museum is closed until 2011 for renovations. Tucked away in a historic 1930s-era building, the U.S. Department of the Interior Museum highlights Interior's role in Indian affairs, public land management, wildlife programs, and geologic research. Natural history specimens, nineteenth century surveying equipment, expertly crafted dioramas, videos, and photographs document the agency's changing mission from 1849 to the present. While the Museum is closed for renovations, it is still offering public programs on the first Wednesday of each month. For a full program schedule, please visit www.doi.gov/interiormuseum. The Interior Museum also offers tours of the Main Interior Building. Over fifty New Deal era murals by artists including Gifford Beal, Maynard Dixon, John Steuart Curry, and Allan Houser decorate the Main Interior Building's walls. The tour lasts about an hour and is available by appointment. Contact the Museum two weeks in advance at 202.208.4743 for a reservation.
How to Get There
The Department of the Interior Museum is located on the first floor of the main Interior Building at 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC. The Museum is accessible from both the C Street and E Street entrances; the E Street entrance is wheelchair accessible. The Museum is only a few blocks from the White House and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and other neighborhood museums. Metered parking is available on adjacent streets. To reach the museum by Metro, take the Blue or Orange line to the Farragut West station. Exit at 18th Street and walk five (5) blocks south to the Main Interior Building on E Street.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Department of the Interior Museum
Heading to Department of the Interior Museum? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Department of the Interior Museum?
No central reservation system listed for Department of the Interior Museum. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/204085) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Department of the Interior Museum?
The Department of the Interior Museum is located on the first floor of the main Interior Building at 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC. The Museum is accessible from both the C Street and E Street entrances; the E Street entrance is wheelchair accessible. The Museum is only a few blocks from the White House and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and other neighborhood museums. Metered parking is availa…
How do I contact Department of the Interior Museum?
You can reach the park at phone: (202) 208-4743.
References & Official Resources
