Gateway to NOAA is a permanent exhibit at NOAA’s headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, showcasing how NOAA takes the pulse of the planet every day.

The exhibit features a number of engaging displays:

• View historic scientific instruments and other tools and artifacts from the agency’s 200-year history.
• Learn about earth observations and the ways NOAA gathers information about our environment on land, sea, and sky.
• Do you know the difference between weather and climate? Get the answer at a Science on a Sphere Explorer kiosk and learn about NOAA’s role in forecasting the weather and understanding climate.
• Read about how NOAA supports safe navigation and commerce, explores the deep sea, and manages and protects coastal and ocean resources across the nation.
• Go behind the headlines with “NOAA in the News,” featuring an interactive Ocean Today touchscreen where you can explore our ocean world.
• Meet NOAA's workforce and learn about different types of jobs at NOAA with a “Faces of NOAA” interactive display.

Hours and Location

The exhibit is located at 1325 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland, just steps from the Silver Spring Metro Station. The entrance is in the courtyard directly adjacent to the Metro under the electronic news "ticker." There is a nearby public parking garage on East-West Highway (MD 410) that accepts credit card payment. The exhibit is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

NOAA follows the federal government’s operating status. To find out if the federal government is open or closed due to snow or other severe weather, visit the U.S. Office of Personnel Management ​website.

Gateway to NOAA is not regularly staffed and easily lends itself to self-guided tours. If you have any questions, please email us at GatewayToNOAA@noaa.gov.