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Naval History and Heritage Command

National Museum of the U.S. Navy

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Visitor Information

Base Access & Directions 

Due to reduced hours at the Museum, there have been changes in order to visit.

Hours of Operation

Since the VCC is closed on weekends and holidays, visitors can gain access if they have the approved access IDs, accompanied by someone that can gain access, or are pre-vetted. In order to be pre-vetted, the form simply needs to be turned into the VCC at least seven business days in advance. Once approved you will be placed on a list and allowed to gain access on the specified date.

Please call 202-685-0589 upon arrival at 11th and O St. Gate for escort. 

Please use this Base Access Pass Registration form.

All visitors must have a valid photo ID to enter the Washington Navy Yard to visit the National Museum of the United States Navy. Visitors without a DoD CAC, Uniformed ID and Privileges Card, USG-issued ID, Federal PIV Credentials, or TWIC or an escort with one of these credentials must report to the Visitor Control Center (VCC) at the primary access gate at 11th and O Streets SE (GPS address is 1022 O Street SE, Washington, DC). The VCC is open weekdays, 6:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Visitors can also be accompanied by a federal employee or military member who will serve as their escort; this individual can escort no more than 10 people at a time and serves as a trusted individual responsible for the group. Neither the Washington Navy Yard nor the Museum escort visitors.

Any visitors age 17 and below (Minors) are not required to complete the "Base Access Pass Registration" (SECNAV 5512/1) or required to take photos and electronic finger printing (Biometrics).  However, minors that want to access any NSAW installation must be accompanied by a vetted adult that is required to complete the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) form 5512/1 (Background Check). 

The 5512/1, once completed and signed by the requesting visitor, acknowledges that the DoN will conduct vetting and fitness determination (background check) for entry on base.   Once favorable vetting has been determined, the VCC staff will complete the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) enrollment process which includes their photo, finger prints, and base restrictions (i.e. Museum only).   Visitor will be issued a temporary DBIDS paper pass that will have a bar code for scanning at the ECP and photo for verification.   This process is the same for both visitors and employees with the exception of those enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) who are auto-enrolled into DBIDS.   

Visitors who wish to drive on base must also have a valid driver’s license, valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance. 

If you have questions regarding access, please call 202-433-3738.  For general questions about the museum, please call 202-685-0589.


GETTING HERE

The National Museum of the United States Navy at the Washington Navy Yard is located in Southeast Washington, DC, bounded by the Anacostia River and the 11th Street Bridge. 

The Museum is several blocks east of the Navy Yard Metro (Green Line) and several blocks south of the Eastern Market Metro (Blue/Orange Lines).

For driving directions, visit the Naval Support Activity Washington page. Please note that parking on base is extremely limited during working hours. Public, paid parking is available at various locations on M Street.

If arriving via Amtrak or MARC, the DC Circulator bus originating from Union Station and various Metro buses provide service to the Yard.

 

<p>Washington Navy Yard Map</p>
Published: Thu Aug 17 10:32:12 EDT 2023