The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum is dedicated to the preservation, study and presentation of postal history and philately. The museum uses exhibitions, educational public programs and research to make this rich history available to scholars, philatelists, collectors and visitors from around the world.
The National Postal Museum remains temporarily closed. To view the status of the Smithsonian’s other museums and Zoo, visit www.si.edu/museums.
The health and safety of Smithsonian visitors, staff and volunteers is a top priority. We are closely monitoring the coronavirus situation and maintain ongoing communication with local health officials and the Centers for Disease Control. Due to the rapidly changing nature of the situation, we are not announcing a re-opening date at this time and will provide updates on a week-to-week basis on our websites. Follow the Smithsonian on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for immediate updates @smithsonian.
In the meantime, we invite the public to explore the Smithsonian’s online resources by visiting www.si.edu and museum websites for more information on virtual exhibitions, online collections and educational resources.
Plan a Visit
TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Open every day (except December 25)
10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Admission is always free!
2 Massachusetts Ave., N.E.
Washington, DC 20002
Learn more
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August 3, 1998
The US Postal Service issues a stamp honoring film director Alfred Hitchcock.
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Current Exhibitions
The museum's galleries explore America's postal history from colonial times to the present. Visitors learn how mail has been transported and the wonder of stamps.
Learn more about objects in the museum’s collections. From the tiniest stamps to a full-sized bus, the museum is home to a wide variety of fascinating objects.
Special Topics
Browse these pages to discover resources organized by topic, such as African Americans in the Postal Service and Philately, Airmail Service, or Civil War.
For Researchers
The Museum supports a wide variety of research projects. Our efforts are a resource and point of reference for research and wider investigation by historians throughout the United States and the world.
Stamp Collecting
The Museum celebrates the beauty and lore of stamps. A stamp is much more than the physical evidence that postage has been paid. Stamps can be miniature works of art, treasured keepsakes, and rare collectibles.
For Educators
The Education & Visitor Services Department provides teachers and students with activities. Our programs foster creative thinkers and provide opportunities for developing 21st century skills.
The National Postal Museum’s virtual exhibitions galleries present America’s postal history from Colonial times to the present, through the unique lens of postal history and stamps.
Museum Tours
Docent-led tours are an excellent way to see the highlights of the National Postal Museum. The museum has regular free tours for visitors.
Preservation
The Preservation Department focuses on the preservation, rehousing, conservation and exhibit preparation of the National Postal Museum’s collection and loan objects.
Public Programs
Public programs at the National Postal Museum provoke thinking about postal history, philately, and related topics for diverse audiences.