Washington, D.C. is the most popular school trip destination in the country for a reason, and 2027 gives students even more to see. The city spent 2026 celebrating America’s 250th birthday, and several of the biggest exhibits from that celebration are staying open well into 2027.
On top of that, the National Air and Space Museum has finished its eight-year renovation, the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden has reopened, and a few ticketing rules have changed. Here is what’s new, what’s back, and what teachers need to know before booking a 2027 Washington, D.C. trip.
Last updated: November 2026. We refresh this guide every year so you always have the latest before you plan.
What’s New for 2027 at a Glance
- America’s 250th exhibits still open into 2027
- Air and Space Museum fully reopened after 8 years
- Lincoln Memorial Undercroft now open below the memorial
- Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden back on the Mall
- New exhibit schedule at the Holocaust Memorial Museum
- More attractions on timed-entry passes
America’s 250th Exhibits Still Open in 2027
The 250th anniversary celebrations peaked in summer 2026, but some of the best exhibits run into 2027, and most are free.
“The Declaration’s Promise” at the Library of Congress (through July 3, 2027). More than 120 treasures, including Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration of Independence. Students can see the edits and cross-outs that shaped the founding document. Free timed-entry tickets required.
“From These Lands” at the National Museum of Natural History (through 2029). More than 600 objects representing all 50 states, D.C. and the five territories. An easy stop for students to find something from their own state.
“The Spirit of Invention” at the National Portrait Gallery (through June 6, 2027). The Portrait Gallery’s building was originally the U.S. Patent Office. This exhibit connects early American innovation to the inventors who drove it.
“Free and Independent” at the National Archives (April 25 to July 5, 2027). A Declaration celebration timed perfectly for peak school trip season. It pairs well with a stop in the Rotunda to see the Declaration, Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Built for 8th Grade U.S. History
These exhibits put the founding documents, the Patent Office and all 50 states in front of your students in person. They tie directly to U.S. history and civics units, which is exactly when most schools plan their D.C. trip.
Our team builds the ones that fit your curriculum into your itinerary and handles any required passes.
The Air and Space Museum Is Finally Whole Again
After an eight-year, nearly $1 billion renovation, the National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall has reopened its final galleries, just in time for its 50th anniversary. Spring 2027 groups will be among the first school groups to see the full museum since 2018.
- At Home in Space: an interactive gallery on daily life for astronauts in low-Earth orbit.
- Modern Military Aviation: military aircraft and missiles from the modern era.
- World War II in the Air, Living in the Space Age and Futures in Space: opened for the 50th anniversary in July 2026.
- Milestones of Flight, Destination Moon and the Wright Brothers gallery: classics that are back and better than ever.
Free timed-entry passes are required and are released about two months in advance, so this is one of the first things our team books for your group.
The Lincoln Memorial Undercroft
Beneath the Lincoln Memorial, about 15,000 square feet of new exhibit space now tells the story of the memorial and the history it represents. For the first time, original signed copies of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment are displayed together.
Timed tickets are required, which makes it a great planned stop on the Lincoln Memorial and National Mall portion of your itinerary rather than a spur-of-the-moment visit.
Also New On and Off the Mall
Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden
Reopened October 31, 2026, after a multi-year renovation designed by artist Hiroshi Sugimoto. The garden doubles the works on display and adds an underground passage to the museum. Free, outdoors and right on the Mall, so it slots easily between Smithsonian visits.
National Geographic Museum of Exploration
Opened in downtown D.C. in June 2026, with immersive galleries on exploration, science and the natural world that students love. Unlike the Smithsonians it is ticketed, so it works best as a planned stop rather than a drop-in.
Changes at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
This is an important one for teachers. Starting in January 2027, the Holocaust Memorial Museum begins building a new Permanent Exhibition, a project expected to run through 2029. During that time, the museum’s Auschwitz exhibition becomes the main exhibit for visitors.
The museum remains one of the most meaningful stops on a D.C. trip, and our team will plan your visit around the exhibits that are open and prepare your students for what they will see.
Planning a 2027 Visit?
If the Holocaust Museum is a key part of your curriculum, tell us early. We will build your itinerary and student preparation around the exhibits that will actually be open during your trip.
Tickets and Timed Entry: What Changed
More D.C. attractions now use free timed-entry passes, and many sell out quickly in spring. These are the ones that matter most for school groups:
- National Air and Space Museum: free timed passes, released about two months ahead.
- African American History and Culture: free timed passes, up to 30 days ahead.
- Washington Monument: free timed tickets, 30 days ahead, required for everyone age 2 and up.
- Library of Congress: free timed passes required for all visitors.
- Lincoln Memorial Undercroft: timed tickets, released 30 days ahead.
- Holocaust Memorial Museum: timed passes for the main exhibition during peak months.
- U.S. Capitol: tours booked in advance through your member of Congress or the Visitor Center.
- Ford’s Theatre: timed tickets required for all visitors.
Never Miss a Ticket Drop
Most other Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery of Art are still free with no ticket needed. For the attractions that do need passes, timing is everything, and spring passes disappear fast.
The good news: when you travel with Student Adventures, you don’t have to track release dates or set alarms for ticket drops. Our team books timed passes, Capitol tours and ticketed attractions for your group as part of trip planning.
Curious what the booking calendar looks like for your dates? Try the calculator.
Timed-Entry Pass Calculator
Enter the first day of your 2027 trip to see when passes for each attraction become available.
Release windows are approximate and can change. When you travel with Student Adventures, our team tracks and books these for your group.
How We Build the New Experiences Into Your Trip
Every Student Adventures trip to Washington, D.C. is custom built around your students, your curriculum and your schedule. For 2027 trips, our team can:
- Add America’s 250th exhibits that tie directly to your U.S. history and civics units.
- Secure timed-entry passes for high-demand stops like Air and Space, the Washington Monument and the Library of Congress.
- Plan around renovations and exhibit changes so there are no surprises on the trip.
- Balance must-see monuments with new experiences that keep students engaged from morning to night.
On Every Trip
Our full-time tour directors travel with your group the entire trip, so teachers and chaperones can focus on students instead of logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the National Air and Space Museum fully open in 2027?
Yes. The museum completed its renovation in fall 2026, and all galleries on the National Mall are open. Free timed passes are required.
Are the America’s 250th exhibits still open in 2027?
Several are. “The Declaration’s Promise” at the Library of Congress runs through July 3, 2027, “From These Lands” at Natural History runs through 2029, and the National Archives hosts “Free and Independent” from April 25 to July 5, 2027.
When should we book a spring 2027 D.C. trip?
As early as possible. Spring is peak season, and timed passes for popular attractions are limited. Booking early gives us the best chance of securing the dates and experiences you want.
Do we need tickets for the Smithsonian museums?
Most Smithsonian museums are free and do not require tickets. The National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture use free timed passes, which our team reserves for your group.
Plan Your 2027 Washington, D.C. Trip
Ready to see what’s new in D.C. with your students? Our team will build a custom itinerary around the newest exhibits, your curriculum and your budget.
Exhibit dates, hours and ticketing rules can change. We verify every stop when building your itinerary.