National Air and Space Museum - How was it designated as a National Monument?

And could I have your opinion of the museum, also, if you've been there? Thanks!

The National Air and Space Museum is the most highly visited of the many Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC. It's now divided into two public museums--the familiar one on the National Mall, and an annex, called the Udvar-Hazy, located at Washington Dulles International Airport, some miles west of Washington. Both museums have amazing collections, and are "must-see" places to visit. Amongst the things you would see is the original Wright Brothers "Flyer" from 1904, Charles Lindberg's "Spirt of Saint Louis", and the Apollo capsule that returned the Apollo 11 astronauts from the moon in 1969. All are considered American "icons", meaning objects that are near and dear to the history and to the hearts of Americans.

I've been to both locations many times. I particularly like the large-screen movies shown in the IMAX theater.

I've never heard that the museum was designated as a National Monument, and a quick Internet search didn't uncover anything to support that it was so designated.

It is a "National Museum", like most of the Smithsonian museums, a designation it receives from Congress. While some of the museum's income comes from donations, a lot comes from Congress. (The museum doesn't charge admission to get in, although there are fees if you want to see the IMAX films or visit the planetarium at the building on the Mall).

i went to the one by the mall and spent 3 hrs there and loved it.

It's not a National Monument, and it is a fun museum.......the first 100 times you go

part of the Smithsonian and I always go there when I'm in DC-can never spend enough time there