We went on a weekend at close to 4 and it wasn't too bad. It felt like regular day crowded, not like tourist season crowded. And with the arrangement of the new exhibit, you don't have to go through it on a set path anymore - it's an open space and you can walk from display to display as you choose.

Great advice here. My advice is get there right when it opens at 10. Not 10:05, 10. I'm positive I won't see it until Yom Kippur or September or dead of winter in February at 10am on Sunday morning.

Yom Kippur assuming you aren't jewish. Traffic is light because MD doesn't have school and the big school groups haven't started up yet. The best time to do DC.

We went right smack in the middle of the day this past Saturday. Of course, it was packed. But it was still enjoyable, and we had our 4 y/o and infant in tow. Go when you want, don't stress about the crowds. It is what it is.

December 24th is the best day to visit any Smithsonian, with the exception of the trains at the Botanical Garden.

We were there last week and it was crowded, but manageable. Lots of school groups though.

Anonymous wrote:I’m waiting until January and the post-holiday lull.

Yes, that's my favorite time to go to the museums on the Mall. The dead of winter. Bundle up and it's invigorating to walk the Mall at that time of year too. You'll have it all to yourself.

I’m waiting until January and the post-holiday lull.

I went by there pretty early Monday morning and the line was hundreds of people long. I'm guessing it'll ease up by the end of summer but maybe not!

The week before Labor Day is always the best week to go to the Smithsonians.

My plan is to go on a weekday right when it opens. Agree with PPs that it will be busy any day, but figure early beats late at least.

If you go right when it opens, you might be ok. I run on the Mall and the tourist traffic has been pretty heavy for weeks now, because many schools get out way before our schools. But I didn't see lines outside waiting to get in.

It’ll be crowded every day.

The locals and tourists go on the weekends and tour groups from Anywhere, USA go on the weekdays. Pick a day that works for you.

I know school is out in DC and the dinosaur bones just opened back up, but I was hoping to go before the huge crowds really started. Do you all think the Nat'l Hist museum will be a zoo this week or may not for another week or two? Or should I wait until September?