From the Smithsonian:
“WHAT: Visitor access to three Smithsonian museums on the National Mall will be modified due to event-related access requirements associated with the Freedom 250 Grand Prix.
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 21–Sunday, Aug. 23
WHERE: Museums with modified access are:
National Air and Space Museum
National Museum of the American Indian
National Museum of Natural History
On Saturday, Aug. 22, and Sunday, Aug. 23, three Smithsonian museums on the National Mall will be located within the Freedom 250 Grand Prix’s ticketed-access zones, known as Stripes and Stars perimeters. Entry to these areas requires a valid Freedom 250 Grand Prix event ticket.
On Friday, Aug. 21, visitors to the three museums will not need a Freedom 250 Grand Prix event ticket, but they will need to go through a metal detector at the Grand Prix gates to access the museum entrances.
National Air and Space Museum
The National Air and Space Museum will be located within the Stripes ticketed-access perimeter.
Aug. 21:
No Grand Prix event tickets are required.
Visitors will enter the museum through the nearest Grand Prix gate.
Visitors should secure same-day, free timed-entry passes to the museum via a QR code that will be on signs near the museum’s entrance. Passes will only be released the day of and cannot be reserved in advance.
Aug. 22–23:
Grand Prix ticket required. Accessible only to visitors with a Freedom 250 Grand Prix Stripes-area event ticket and full screening/bag policies will be in effect.
Visitors should secure same-day free timed-entry passes to the museum via a QR code that will be on signs near the museum’s entrance. Passes will only be released day of and cannot be reserved in advance.
Gate 5 is the closest Grand Prix entrance to the museum.
National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian will be located within the Stripes ticketed-access perimeter.
Aug. 21:
No Grand Prix event tickets are required.
Visitors will enter the museum through the nearest Grand Prix gate.
No Smithsonian timed-entry pass required.
Aug. 22–23:
Grand Prix ticket required. Accessible only to visitors with a Freedom 250 Grand Prix Stripes-area event ticket; full screening/bag policies will be in effect.
No Smithsonian timed-entry pass required.
Gate 6 is the closest Grand Prix entrance to the museum.
National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History will be located within the Stars ticketed-access perimeter.
Aug. 21:
No Grand Prix event tickets are required.
Visitors will enter the museum through the nearest Grand Prix gate.
No Smithsonian timed-entry pass required.
Aug. 22–23:
Grand Prix ticket required. Accessible only to visitors with a Freedom 250 Grand Prix Stars-area event ticket; full screening/bag policies will be in effect.
No Smithsonian timed-entry pass required.
Gate A is the closest Grand Prix entrance to the museum.
All Other Smithsonian Museums
All other Smithsonian museums will remain open during regular public hours with no additional access requirements.
Visitors should anticipate road closures, modified pedestrian routes, transportation impacts and additional travel time associated with event operations in the National Mall area.
SPECIAL GRAND PRIX OFFERINGS (Aug. 22–23)
Arts and Industries Building
DJs and family-friendly activities, including keychain making, will be offered from noon to 6 p.m. Beer, wine, canned cocktails, pre-packaged snacks and hot dogs will be available for purchase.
National Air and Space Museum
Mars Café: “Brick Yard Pizza” topped with Italian sausage, roast red peppers and wild mushrooms, and “Checkered Flag and Spoked Wheel Cake Pops”
National Museum of the American Indian
Mitsitam Native Foods Café: “Burn Out Wings” dressed in a chipotle-lime glaze and served with jicama, carrots and celery sticks, and “Checkered Flag and Spoked Wheel Cake Pops”
National Museum of Natural History
Atrium Café: “Speed Zone Burger” and a “PIT Stop BBQ Sandwich”
Ocean Terrace Café: “High-Octane Latte” featuring a double shot of Peet’s Espresso, chocolate and caramel
Both locations: “Checkered Flag and Spoked Wheel Cake Pops”
National Museum of American History
America’s Table: “Racetrack Bundle” featuring two signature hot dogs, chips and a soft drink, and “Checkered Flag and Spoked Wheel Cake Pops”