Museum

National Postal Museum

Check tickets & tours

Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.

The National Postal Museum, part of the Smithsonian, is a treasure trove for stamp enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Housed in the historic City Post Office building near Union Station, the museum traces the evolution of mail delivery from horse-drawn wagons to airmail. Highlights include the world's largest stamp collection, a restored 1930s railway mail car, and interactive displays where visitors can sort mail or design a stamp. It offers a unique look at how communication has shaped America.

Don't miss

  • View the world's largest stamp collection, including rare issues like the Inverted Jenny
  • Climb aboard a restored 1930s railway mail car and see how mail was sorted on trains
  • Try sorting mail at an interactive station and learn about the Pony Express

More attractions in Washington

Planning your trip to Washington? See where to eat, more attractions, or build a Washington itinerary.