National Postal Museum

Welcome

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.

Plan a visit

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

street map of Postal museum

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Today in Postal History

worker holding a pneumatic mail tube
March 1, 1893

The first pneumatic mail service begins in the US, carrying the mail in tubes below city streets. The service begins in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a line between the central post office at 9th and Market Streets and the Chestnut Street Station.

View Calendar of Events
Highlights Tour
Mar 1 2020 - 11:00am - 11:45am

Look for our friendly volunteer at the Welcome Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum.

Learn more
Highlights Tour
Mar 1 2020 - 1:00pm - 1:45pm

Look for our friendly volunteer at the Welcome Desk for a 45 minute tour of the highlights of the museum.

Learn more

Highlights

Stagecoach on exhibit in the museum's atrium 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.
collage of several objects including two stamps, truck, suit, poster, and a photo of mail clerks Search the Collection

Search the collection to discover philatelic and postal history objects tracing the evolution of the postal services.
Log post office Object Spotlights

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.
Negro Leagues stamp artwork 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.
A group of researchers looking at stamps in the library 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 Collection stamp 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.
A girl looking through a magnifying glass 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.
Museums Historic Lobby decorated for a gala Host an Event

Host your next historic event at the National Postal Museum. Corporations, associations, organizations and members of the general public have the opportunity to host a reception or dinner at a premier venue adjacent to highly acclaimed exhibitions.
Painting of two Native Americans dancing Virtual Exhibitions

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.
a docent leads a tour in a stamp exhibition 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 staff working on objects in the lab Preservation

The Preservation Department focuses on the preservation, rehousing, conservation and exhibit preparation of the National Postal Museum’s collection and loan objects.
a large group of visitors attending a program in the museums atrium Public Programs

Public programs at the National Postal Museum provoke thinking about postal history, philately, and related topics for diverse audiences.