It collects, preserves, and displays the heritage of the United States in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific, and military history.

The museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution and located on the National Mall at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW in Washington, D.C.

[4] He retired from the post in May 2018 and was succeeded by Anthea M. Hartig who was previously chief executive of the California Historical Society.

[7] Skidmore, Owings and Merrill provided the architecture and interior design services for the renovation, led by Gary Haney.

[9] The renovation will also include panoramic windows overlooking the National Mall on all three floors and new interactive features to the exhibits.

These include the John Bull locomotive, the Greensboro, North Carolina lunch counter, and a one of a kind draft wheel.

Landmarks from pre-existing exhibits include the 1865 Vassar Telescope, a George Washington Statue, a Red Cross ambulance, and a car from Disneyland's Dumbo Flying Elephant ride.

The artifact walls are organized around themes including arts; popular culture; business, work and economy; home and family; community; land and natural resources; peopling America; politics and reform; science; medicine; technology; and the United States' role in the world.

From November 21, 2008, through January 4, 2009, an original copy of the Gettysburg Address, on loan from the White House, was on display.

The most recent exhibit is Entertainment Nation which features objects from Judy Garland, Prince, Selena, Muhammad Ali, Star Wars, Sesame Street, Hamilton, and more.

Designed by José de Rivera and created by Roy Gussow, it was one of the first abstract sculptures displayed at a major public building in Washington D.C.

In 1984, the museum moved the work to a site closer to Constitution Avenue until July 2013, when conservators removed it for restoration.

Center staff arrange, describe, preserve, and make collections accessible in support of scholarship, exhibitions, publications, and education.

Programs include an annual symposium, presentations and guest speakers, and often the publication of a book highlighting a particular topic.