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.

Smithsonian Museums and the National Zoo Are Temporarily Closed
As a public health precaution due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), all Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C metropolitan area and New York City, including the National Zoo are temporarily closed to the public.

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.

The National Postal Museum welcomes comments, suggestions or questions during these difficult times. Please email us at npm@si.edu or reach out to us via Facebook or Twitter.

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

street map of Postal museum

Learn more

Today in Postal History

June 6, 1853
The clipper ship "Carrier Pigeon" runs aground off the California coast on its trip from Boston to San Francisco. The captain and crew were saved but much of the cargo, including mail, was lost.

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.