Three Smithsonian Museums Along the National Mall in Washington, D.c., Will Have Modified Access Next Week Due to the Freedom 250 Grand Prix

C., will have modified access next week due to the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. The National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian and the National Museum of Natural History sit within the race's ticketed-access zone, called the Stripes and Stars perimeters. On Friday, visitors can enter these museums through the nearest Grand Prix gates without needing a Grand Prix ticket.

However, on Saturday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Aug. 23, a Grand Prix ticket will be required for entry.

For the National Air and Space Museum (Stripes perimeter), visitors on Friday must secure same-day, free timed-entry passes via a QR code on signs near the entrance; passes are released only on the day of visit and cannot be reserved in advance. On Saturday and Sunday, a Grand Prix ticket (Stripes) is required in addition to the same-day timed-entry pass.

Gate 5 is the closest Grand Prix entrance. The National Museum of the American Indian (Stripes perimeter) requires no Grand Prix ticket on Friday and no Smithsonian timed-entry pass; visitors enter through the nearest Grand Prix gate. On Saturday and Sunday, a Grand Prix ticket (Stripes) is required, with no Smithsonian timed-entry pass needed.

Gate 6 is the closest entrance. The National Museum of Natural History (Stars perimeter) follows the same pattern: no tickets or passes required on Friday, but a Grand Prix ticket (Stars) is needed on Saturday and Sunday, with no Smithsonian timed-entry pass required. Gate A is the closest entrance. All other museums will remain open during regular public hours with no additional access requirements, according to the Smithsonian.