Reviews of National Postal Museum (Museum)

Miriam Almodovar

You can buy stamps from different countries. Love the exhibits.

Gina-Maria Hulin

Really interesting! At the beginning I was not sure if I should come here. It just didn't seem like something I would be interested in. But it really surprised me...in a good way! It is really nicely made and there is A LOT to see. It is really interesting. You should definitely think about coming here!

Magnus Hansson

Didn't expect much, but was pleasantly surprised. In addition to since interesting stamps there was all kinds of exhibits twisting to mail, such as fraud, robbery and terrorism. Well worth a few hours visit

Africa Marsh

Cherry was a great help! My Mom had to renew her passport.

Marvin Jordan

Excellent customer service but no where park comfortably enough keep the kids longer.

Abhilash Kesav

To me this was the best designed (experience wise) museum in the national mall area. I would suggest curious to take a look at it. Kids would love the museum. Pro tip: you could take 6 stamps from across the world as a free gift here.

Milky

kind of boring. finished in thirty minutes. cute if you have some time to waste

Andy McKinley

A wonderful and underrated museum, particularly for young children. Kids will love sitting in the driver's seat of a large postal truck with plenty of buttons to push. There is also an old train cart with a wide assortment of levers and buttons. For the older set, there are displays pertaining to mail fraud and other notable investigations, as well as interesting stamp collections. A great museum that is very rarely crowded- a rarity in DC.

Tyler Riley

We had such a fun time here. Very cool musuem and we will be returning to see it again since there was so much we didn't get to see! Very cool that they had such old things there.

Batmandakh Erdenebileg

It was very interesting experience. Well explained history of postal services and very informative exhibits...

edward Essex

This is one of many of my favorite museums in DC, wanna learn about the US Postal service? Drop by you'll be amazed and it's kid friendly

Jodilyn Owen

We've been called some of the lucky few by greeters at the castle for visiting this museum and they are right! Do not miss the free docent led tour, especially if you aren't an avid stamp historian (which I am not), they tell amazing stories that bring the history of postage to life. I love to send happy it's not your birthday letters and now I'm going to value the delivery of my missives even more! For every time I dreamed of sealing myself in a box and floating to my grandparent's in Honolulu it was especially fun to see someone else had the same thought!

Leslie K.

This is a cool museum and under visited. Yes, Stamp collection is fascinating but you and the kids will also love the mail sorting train car and Owney - the mascot pooch that traveled the country buoying the spirits of the mail carriers. Test your own mail sorting skills and check out the stage coach and airplanes (ergo, air mail). This is a fun and uncrowded museum with interactive displays and trucks kids can climb in. Everyone will enjoy it.

Daniel Kaufmann

Lovely museum, much broader in scope then expected. Great place for kids.

Sam Bartley

I was surprised by how large this Museum actually is! On the outside, it doesn't seem to be that big, considering it shares the building with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but it has quite a few galleries with lots of marvelous objects.

Frank DC Tinsley

The National Postal Museum has a nice atmosphere,great history,and kind people:)

Kim Guilbeau

Don't let the name fool you! This place is so cool! The tour guides really bring it to life and the exhibits are new and very well done and interactive. Great for kids! Be sure to meet Owney the well traveled US Mail mascot!

Melissa Chiou

Really cool museum if you have a chance to visit.

Kent Morrill

Good history of the US from a perspective not always considered. Hidden (in plain sight) gem.

Kipp burgoyne

A very pleasant surprise comprising amazing stamps, interesting historical artifacts, and comprehensive writeups. I highly recommend a two-hour visit.

Scott Hattis

Great experience, I loved the tour given by the volunteer, he was nice and knowledgeable. For anyone that is laid over at the Amtrak union station, it is a great way to consume time. You should allow at least 1 hour 45 minutes to complete the tour, so you leave yourself time to look around. He covers the history of: Air mail, the Pony Express, and a brief history of stamps.

John F Dekowski

Very cool postal info

Rob Macdonald

This was a great museum. The family really enjoyed it. It is very well organized and strategically laid out. We were able to seen one of the original stamps from 1840's and many other rare stamps from around the world. They even had a free stamp collection where you could select 6 stamps to start your collection. This was an interesting process and kept the group busy. They had a section on the history of how the mail delivery has improved over the years. Adding zip codes, sorting and automated processing. There were a number of hands on activities to do. There were many other areas as well - vehicles for mail delivery, history of the mail delivery as the United States expanded in the 1800's. One of the neat history facts was of the lone mascot that traveled the country. The USPS employees made him their own. You need to see it to get all of the details. You will be able to spend a number of hours in this museum. Enjoy!

Khadijah Chaney

Beautiful building and great customer service. Mr. Clarence was very helpful with me sending an important package and he was very friendly.

Michael Valdivielso

I have been here a few times but not lately so take this with a little salt. I never found it crowded and it is easy to get out being right next to Union Station. I felt the exhibits were more for kids and teens and also many of the interactive exhibits, at the time, never seemed to work. Still, after saying that what it does have was interesting interesting as I always find history interesting.

Molly Lag

I'm surprised how Kool a mail museum could be

Kwanini K.

I lovee this one. It’s very cute

Ned M.

Very interesting and sometimes odd exhibits.

wuurks

Very clean and well taken care of museum, but a bit boring

Sandi Rosenbaum

Pleasant surprise near Union Station. History of postage stamps and postal service in architecturally beautiful building, carefully renovated.

marque1313

Our daughter enjoyed this museum the best. It is small compared to the Smithsonian attractions, but it has plenty to keep kids occupied for an hour or so. It is located next to union station so the area can be a bit sketchy. However, If you have ever lived in a bigger city, you will see nothing new. Would definitely return.

Travis McIntire

Great Museum just across the street from Union Station. It's free to the public and overseen by the Smithsonian. Lots of exhibits and especially hands on exhibits for you and your family to enjoy. I thought I'd be in and out in 30 minutes, but ended up needing about 3 hours to see everything..Great giftshop downstairs with a working post office for your mailing needs. Enjoy!

Catherime Wooden

My granddaughters loved it so much .

Beverly Hendricks

Loved visiting the Smithsonian Postal Museum. It's right across the street from Union Station and it wasn't crowded at all. You could also get free postcards, write them and mail them right from there. People who enjoy sending and receiving mail and all postal employees should definitely check it out.

Renee Smith

Stamps Stamps Stamps! The stamp are in pull out drawers, to sided glass framed in oak. Hundreds are drawer. All stamp subjects, countries etc are categorized. Short film of the upside down Jenny. Awesome collection of memorabilia, airplanes, mail bags, history in pictures, Pony Express Stage Coach with horses great you hung from the ceiling. One of my favorite museums.

Mary Spencer

I loved it!! I am a postal worker so I am probably more interested than most people

Chris Pagano

I really liked the architecture of the building. There was alot of interesting information about the postal service.

Karina Olarte

Next to the Union Station! For my surprise, it was very entertaining with a lot of information! It's worth going and expend a few hours here. Also you can go walking to other highlights of the city with no problem. Very organized and beautiful place.

Ebunoluwa Elliot

Doing your business with ease! All you need to make your stop here is adequately provided.

Bill Liu

If you have a nic for collecting anything this is a fun place to be. They also have several interactive component so good for families.

Ed Rockwell

Not very interesting. All stamps are in verticle drawers. I wish it could have been better. One plus... No line!

Stephanie Warren

What a pleasant surprise to come here and enjoyed so much of this museum! It is not in the national mall loop, but it is a bus ride away. It is worth the time. I learned so much about mailing services and technology. There was a scavenger hunt that's even suitable for adults. I got some stamp collection going again thanks to this place. The giftshop downstairs have excellent selectioms of stamps. It also has a functioning post office attached to the shop. I would visit this place again!

Lumpy

Very interesting museum. Great stamp collection and history of postal process.

May Denprasert

Really nice exhibits and kids can get a few of their own first stamps for free! Not at all crowded today, a Saturday afternoon. Gift shops provide stamps of course. You can get a giant grab bag of 500 stamps for under 10$!

Sean ainechi

A meticulously organized massive collection of old stamps and documents from centuries ago. Starting from mail correspondence of a silk road merchants to how the modern US-mail got shaped and sacrifices were made along the way. Footprint of the museum is not big, but it can be easily a full day visit.

suanchoo yeoh

Good interactive museum to get you started on stamps.

Joel Brodnick

Beautiful building Museum okay but they didn't have my stamp of yesteryear that sucks

Eric Miles

Attended a fantastic concert by Mystical Waters featuring Cecily on vocals. What a joy- great music and a great gathering.

David Weiner

Nice. Well worth the 20 minutes to go through it.

Hello_People 52

They were all very kind, and there was so much to do. I highly recommend it.

LARRY KARLIN

What a fun and interesting place to visit. Very informative displays and audios. Cool props.

Cade Herronen - STEM Student

Couldn't send any packages. Worst postal service ever

RanGordon

Great museum for the family. Fun scavenger hunt to complete. Original artifacts and detailed history of the USPS including the first stamp howntheybwere made and hownmail evolved.

Joe Spytek

Always interesting. Amazed they don't have moon landing first day of issue 50th anniversary stam9ed envelope.

Allen Farr

Interesting place with a lot of info about the IS mail system.

Bud Coe

Nice stop at the end of our touring. Kinda of a filler stop but worth it. Wander through our postal history from it's inception in 1792, the pony Express, to sorting today's mail with technology. Coaches, planes, trucks and the like all bring about childhood memories of getting your mail.

Deborah Avery

The interactive areas were great. The postal inspection service area was pretty awesome also. It was great looking at the stamps from the past.

Shannon Kelley

We recently visited D.C. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was very interesting and our family really enjoyed it.

Dan Smith

Very interesting historical perspective of the mail and news delivery methods that shaped the US development, detailed in very nice exhibits.

Felecia Burton

I really thought before going in that this visit would be boring. OMG, I really enjoyed this visit. My favorite was to the Mobil of stamps in the ceiling and the history provided was so AWESOME!!! I plan to return later and spend more time and gather all the history available. "I really was surprised" , this place deserves to be seen again....

Angela Laxson

Great museum, right across from Union station. Had interactive exhibits my kids loved, but interesting enough for adults. Beautiful building that you could roll a stroller through. I thought it wouldn't be that fun, but turns out I highly enjoyed it!

Malaya Rucker-Oparabea

Enjoyable, Educational & Insightful Programs & Exhibits!

Tim Gaul

My 3 year old LOVES this place! A more peaceful but just as interesting alternative to the other Smithsonians.

Jack Chen

The must visit place if you like stamps.

Maia Dawn Elizabeth Rue

My dad is a retired Postal Worker! Lots of educational pieces, a letter from the Titanic and so much more! The stamp collection is huge!

beth laf

This was actually cool. Literally we visited dc on 90 plus degree days. We ducked in here to cool off. I didnt expect it to be very interesting. But it was pretty engaging. The kids loved the planes and model stagecoach. As well as design your own stamps.

Jaycee Chou

I wish we could spend more time in this museum. It more fun than what we expected. We'll definitely go back to visit.

Jane Allen

Really fun museum to visit. Very educational!

Angelique T.

BRAVO!!! AWESOME PLACE.. We have been visiting since my son wasin elementary school. He is now in college and had to visit the museum for credit.

Matthew Wilson

Nicely made, informative, interactive museum. Light themes and historical artifacts make it easy on the brain. Can see most of it in about 90 minutes. You could spend 3 hours if you are extra fascinated by stamps. Not the crown jewel of the Smithsonian institute but worth a trip for persons who have done a lot in DC and looking for something new.

Brian Cavanaugh

Super informative. Highly entertaining. Relatively uncrowded.

Jen Hsu

This was definitely a treat for those who collect or interested in history of stamps. we saw the inverted Jenny, probably the most famous error stamp.

Rob Butler

Very user friendly and welcoming.

King Ratt

Lots of stuff to look at and gain knowledge about.

Laura Garofalo

An extensive collection of postal related items in a very beautiful building. Not the most interesting topic, so we quickly walked through, but if you enjoy stamps and the like, you will like this museum. Not busy at all, so a nice place to work through in peace.

Andrea Wu

I would definitely have liked to spend more time in here, but for the time I did spend, it was really great! There's so much information about the postal system, and I think most people don't think about how our postal system works so it's great that there's a museum to teach about it. I learned a lot in the half an hour I was there, and I definitely want to go back when I have more time so I can learn more! There's a station where they give away free stamps which I thought was really cool. I would definitely recommend coming here, and it's conveniently located as it's right next to Union Station!

Catalina Ottolina

Well done display. Must stop by if you're close by. They have the history of our postal service, and an antique mail train car children love entering into. Best of all? They have made most everything wheel chair and stroller accessible. Also cool? It still serves as an actual post office.

Lindsay White

This is my favorite museum I've ever been to! It has an amazing history of sending and receiving mail and postage, and it has stamps from all over the world. There are a lot of interactive exhibits and it was incredibly informative! HIGHLY recommend!

Sometimes W

Surprisingly interesting. In addition to stamps, they have mail carried by the Titanic, the Hindenburg, etc. They have one of Amelia Earhart's flight suits, and an exhibit on the Pony Express. Also, it was the least crowded of all the museums I visited in DC.

Susan M.

This is in a less congested spot than the other Smithsonian Museums. My husband and I were glad we made the stop. Thoughtfully

Ethan Miller - STEM Student

I couldn't even mail my package, what kind of postal service is this? They are wasting all of my time when I have errands to run and I have to mail this package to my family.

Aparna S

Love it...awesome place for kids to explore...Remember kids section is one floor down...than main floor...they have big truck parked where kids can enter...and also exploratory route for post shown as cave....and guess what it's completely free..

Jamie Ballard

This is probably the smallest Smithsonian Museum in DC. While small, it does have some interesting exhibits that you wouldn't expect. Ones that stand out are the Amelia Earhart, Titanic and moon landing displays. If you have an hour or two to kill, it is worth the visit, especially since you can grab lunch across the street at Union Station once you've finished.

Shandra Carlsen

Who doesn't love mail? This is great history on an overlooked but important societal institution!

Christopher Royal

space. Experience to be enjoyed. Historically entertaining. It's something to bring the family to and maybe even get a badge for you girl scout / boy scout. And it's really economical to have a destination in DC to have. Near so many forms of transportation as well.

Eric Korotkin

Really cool museum. They have artifacts one would never think of like a full mail criminal history section that includes stuff from the Anthrax incidents as well as the Unabomber artifacts. The stamp collection is epic and entertaining. The only downside here is security is super slow and limited in numbers, but I would definitely recommend this museum for anyone, families included.

zelda wafer

The museum is nice. Good to have an interactive piece with one of the staff. If you work with the postal service or have an interest in mail history then this is your place.

hello julie

It's a small museum, but there's plenty to do and to see and their gift shop has some interesting finds (e.g., first edition Disney and Harry Potter stamps) and other local memorabilia that make great gifts. Great for families with small kids. You can also "design your own stamp" and start your own collection for free.

Angela mayhew

Nice tour and not a super busy attraction. It's next to union station so it's convenient to get to it.

Ross P

I was told it's fantastic. It's ok. There's some nice interactive bits and cool models. The mail is truly crazy tbh. Just imagine all that parchment

Daniel Toro

Cool great for kids and parents friendly staff.

Renee Davis

Cool place to your. Always a special event for the kids.

Jenifer Murphy

This is an underrated gem. Kids will love the interactive exhibits and it is a very manageable size for younger families. Adults will appreciate history and social commentary provided by stamps. Don't miss it!

Pavel Esaulov

Museum describes both history through the post stamps and the history of post delivery. Take couple hours to dive into the history of USA.

James Beltran

Only went to the national postal museum because it was next to a union station. I was blown away by how fascinating this museum is. You will learn about how the post office evolved in delivery methods, the impact it had with those out west, mail fraud, stories about the postal system, and much more.

Vicky Sammons

I took an 8 and 10 year old here and they said was their favorite museum Interactive while explaining the history. Only disappointment was the girls created their own stamp which were to be emailed to me. Almost a week later I still have not received them.

Anthony Smith

Great place to learn the history of the postal service.

Rececupp

Right across from Union Station. The exhibits are interesting with many being hands on. The architecture is beautiful.

Maxim Shugaev

Really nice place to visit if you're at the Union station ( just next building).

Naomi Kane

They have stuff a post office should...and real customer service by nice professional humans

Fatmata Sesay

Thomas was great to work with. Efficient and courteous

Priti Patel

Such a gem of a museum, can't believe it took me this long to visit ._. See the rarest stamp in the world and the journey mail has taken. Definitely a must visit!!

Luigi Battaglioli

It was a surprisingly cool museum! It was cool to see the evolution of the mail system and the interworkings behind it!

Kanita Mason

Limited hands on activites available. People who work there are nice and helpful. The few activites that they have available are fun for kids.

Jeffery Mitchell

Overlooked, but worth a look. Ok, so that said, wow! Literally - suspended airplanes, trains (you can walk through) and automobiles together with much more in this spacious two story museum. The history of written communication / stamps / postage / air-mail / taxation is more in depth than anyone may passively realize. The museum offers lots of tactile interaction, free items ( stamps /postcards) but the staff make it a place to visit - nice goes a long way anywhere. Go. If nothing else, read about the start of Airmail and learn about the flyers who made it possible and marvel at what we now take for granted . Truly impressive.

jason rojas

Son loves it here. a quick museum so won't take much time

Charles Acree

I enjoyed a documentary film about Wendell, a Postal Carrier in Detroit, who shares his experiences and history changes that provide insight on what is happening in Detroit today. There is a lot to see in the museum that I will return to experience.

MaryAnn Holohean

You will learn things here you never knew you were missing. Great place to share with kids.

Reinhold Hill

Excellent Smithsonian museum. It is a little off the beaten path of Smithonian museums, so it isn't busy, but it is great if you are interested in stamps or in the post office, or history in general. The venue is well air conditioned, so it was comfortable in the blistering heat. It is located next to Union Station.

anthony laudato

Great for kids and adults. Nice mix of unusual history, pop art, & alot of interactive exhibits... It's smaller than most of Smithsonian museums, but well worth a stop with a quick walk through of Union Station after.

Brad Yoder

This museum is a sort of hidden gem. Just off the Capitol Mall, it is right next to the train station. We had a great docent led your, that gave us not only background on the postal service, but on the history of stamps. There are several large stamp collections, and exhibits that show you mail carrier badges, to delivery vehicles (even a plane). I enjoyed the stories and pieces describing the activities of postal inspectors.

Sharon Cheng

Great place to visit...I love the postal stamps...remember to post 1 back to tour home country

Sherry Langlois

I love these museums.

Matthew Henry

A gem! Been to several Smithsonians. I'd argue this one may be the best? Well done, great stories of stamps and history of life impacting change the US Postal Service has had on America.

Kedar Mukherjee

This is the hidden gem of Smithsonian Museums. One gets a vivid description of the evolution of postal services. Extremely informative. The tour was very good. Must visit for all.

Ace Williams

I've lived near DC all my life but never realized there was a Postal Museum. I went on a weekday so our wasn't crowded. The exhibits were pretty interesting. I mean really... stamps... post office...I've passed this place so many times and finally decided to go in. I'll be taking the family there later to help the little ones practice reading. Two levels. And I think there is food inside, if not there are definitely food trucks right outside. Would recommend visiting, it may surprise you.

Joseph Santoro

One of the most underrated gems in the Smithsonian collection! Also, this one is second, only to Air and Space, if you're looking to keep kids interested.

Andrea Morisette

This was amazing! Fun and informative. Great for kids! The staff is incredibly helpful and friendly. The had a scavenger hunt for the kids and all the staff kept asking how the kids were doing and helped give them clues. It was not busy and I think it is not one of the more popular places in DC but I really recommend it for families with school age kids!!!

Andrew Nik

The Museum is very interesting with a number of displays that recreate the atmosphere of the Pony Express and other early innovative mail delivery options. Coming originally from the UK I was interested to learn how 18th Century mail delivery in Britain was subject to the mail being read and how important the privacy of communications was to the founding fathers. There are some quite stunning aeroplanes on show and other vehicles.

michael allen

I came here because it was right next to Union station and I had time to kill before my train back home. It's a fascinating place they have a lot of old stamps,old vehicles and it really tells the history of the post office very well. Just like every other museum in Washington it's free to get in. My favorite was their stamp collection because if you look at it a lot of it is really art. At the end of looking around you can get a free postcard to mail

Black Cobra

Awesome place 2 get history on how stamps & da postal operated

Janine Pandher

Who knew there was so much history in the national postal service? Great exhibits and a lot of interactive displays that hold the interest of adults as well as kids. You can design your own stamp and have a copy emailed to you!

Bill DiGiacomo

Very cool exhibits. Clean, nice, informative.

Tangerine McDaniel

Our first time visiting...museum have some interesting artifacts. Very organized..staff was very friendly...helpful. Admission is free

Again and Again

My clients really enjoys this place

Andrew Walters

Surprisingly one of my top 5 favorite museums in DC. We’d seen pretty much all the museums over the years and decided to check out the Postal Museum, it’s great! The history of postal service is displayed so well and my kids (2 & 5) loved it all, especially the semi-truck cab, and the coloring table.

Natalie Rodriguez

I thought it would be boring, but it really wasn’t. Lots of hands on. Lots of stories told in a novel way. Entertaining and educational. Don’t miss it!

C Brevett

Beautiful Smithsonian museum, free entry, ok for kids

Ryan Sclar

Surprisingly good given that postal service is not a very sexy topic.

John Thompson

Very interesting history of the postal service with things for kids to interact with along with great stamp collection and ideas for collecting on your own.

Zhiming Ke

An underappreciated Smithsonian, and one very often without the buzz and boom of the others. There are no animatronic dinosaurs here, but bizarrely there is a Pony Express mock-up in the lower level with a very off-putting audio tape on replay. Eerie wax figures and fake trees. Also literally thousands and thousands of Post Secret postcards! I remember when the project was big in grade school, funny to see them here of all places.

Trisha Holm

So much to see and very interactive. You can shift through used stamps & they give you an envelope to take up to 6 of them, plus a camera where you can take a photo & create stamp picture that they will email to you. Many different areas to walk through & little videos you can watch by train, sorting activities, & zip code sorting activity. Very cool!

I Contreras

It's free and a good amount of artifacts to explore. I took my son here for his birthday he loves to learn about anything in history. He had been asking to go here for months.We spent an hour an a half he enjoyed it.

Paul Harness

Pretty informative although several exhibition rooms closed during a holiday period

Lisa Barnes

I love this museum! It is not crowded, interactive and fun for all ages. We visited 10 years ago and it made the list to visit again - did not disappoint, even now that the kids are teens.

NADINE Thibault

I really enjoyed this museum! There was a lot of interesting information presented in very creative ways. I, especially, enjoyed all of the interactive activities. There's also a post office within the museum, so I was able to buy and mail a postcard from the museum!

Jasmine H

They had the bugs bunny stamp that i have awesome. Saw benjamin franklin statue. Security was nice after they checked my bag

Hamad R

It is really nice museum showing the history of the US postal services across the history.

JJ Games

This was my favorite museum in DC. Very well organized. The tour guide had great info and was very friendly. There were lots of hands on activities for our kids too.

keith webster

I was at the Library of Congress during the anthrax scare. Walking solo took 2.5 hours, taking a few pics along the way. Lotta stuff in a little space. Kudos to the curators. Kids did little train free. No place like DC in the summer!

Joseph Steinberg

Great museum for those interested in the history of mail service, and for philatelists. This museum houses many mail-related items, as well as multiple collections of rare stamps. Free to visit. You can even send a postcard from the post office in the building and it will receive a special postmark...

Michael Cheung

Very informative, although it is right across the Union Station, there aren’t too many visitors. Would highly recommend spending 2 hours learning about the postal services!

Nick Main

This had the be the most underrated museum I've been to. The exhibits were supprisingly interactive and quite interesting. It might not be an ideal place to take young kids, but everyone else will have a great time.

Chris Morelli

A great Smithsonian museum of the history of the Post Office! Lots of great memories from the past! You even get to bring stamps home as well a post cards. Nicely portrayed!

Joseph Janitz

Loved it it was very interesting and being a postal worker it just show how much relay go in to every pice of mail that you get in your mail box

Christine Kazen

Incredible to visit ! Glad we found this place to visit

Uday Singh

A place not many visit. They have a wide variety of vintage stamps.

Gilman Cuda

Probably the best museum in DC located near the memorial to Holodomor. Houses a collection of all USPS stamps which you can view by year. Also houses some very old, rare, and valuable stamps. Lots of information on topics such as postal police, technology used for sorting, stamps through the ages, postal systems around the world, and a "design your own stamp" station. Also houses an old postal train, taxidermied postal dog, and a gift shop. Nice free postcards with postal themes available near escalators. They also have houses an exhibit from the PostSecret project.