The National Museum of Natural History is part of the Smithsonian Institution and houses a national collection of more than 125 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts. Located on the National Mall in Washington DC, this museum is the most visited natural history museum in the world. It is also a research facility dedicated to inspiring discovery about the natural world through its exhibitions and education programs. Admission is free.
The National Museum of Natural History is a favorite with kids, but has plenty to intrigue all ages. Popular displays include dinosaur skeletons, an enormous collection of natural gems and minerals, artifacts of early man, an insect zoo, a live coral reef and much more. See pictures of some of the exhibits
The National Museum of Natural History is a favorite with kids, but has plenty to intrigue all ages. Popular displays include dinosaur skeletons, an enormous collection of natural gems and minerals, artifacts of early man, an insect zoo, a live coral reef and much more. See pictures of some of the exhibits
Visiting Tips:
- This is the most popular Washington DC museum for families. Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Purchase IMAX tickets in advance or as soon as you arrive.
- If you are visiting with kids, be sure to save time for the Discovery Room where there are lots of hands-on activities.
- Allow at least 2-3 hours.
Address:
10th Street and Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20560
(202) 633-1000
See a map and directions to the National Mall
The Closest Metro Stations are Smithsonian and Federal Triangle
Washington, DC 20560
(202) 633-1000
See a map and directions to the National Mall
The Closest Metro Stations are Smithsonian and Federal Triangle
Museum Hours and Tours:
Open daily except December 25. Regular hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The museum extends their hours during the summer months. Please check the official website for updates. Free weekday highlights tours begin in the Rotunda, Tuesday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., September through June.
Most Popular Permanent Exhibits:
- The Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals – The hall showcases the famous Hope Diamond and other treasures of the National Gem Collection.
- Hall of Human Origins - The exhibition tells the story of how the human species evolved over 6 million years, including more than 285 early-human fossils and artifacts, lifelike full-size reconstructions of hominid species and 23 interactive experiences.
- The Sant Ocean Hall – The one-of-a-kind interpretive exhibition demonstrates how the ocean is connected to other global systems and the daily lives of people around the world. See male and female giant squids and an exact replica of a living North Atlantic right whale.
- Butterflies + Plants: Partners in Evolution - Visitors get an up-close look at how butterflies and plants have evolved and diversified together for millions of years.
- Dinosaur Hall – See a Triceratops, the giant Diplodocus and the FossiLab, a glass en closed lab that allows visitors to watch the museum paleontologists and trained volunteers extract fossils from rock and make fossil casts and molds.
- O. Orkin Insect Zoo - The room offers a variety of hands on activities and live insects on display as well as daily tarantula feedings.
- Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals – More than 270 mammals and dozens of fossils are on display in a variety of environments.
Dining at the National Museum of Natural History:
The Atrium Café provides fast food options and the Fossil Café features soups, sandwiches, salads, Gelato and an Espresso Bar.
Live jazz performances are offered in the Smithsonian’s Jazz Café on Friday evenings from 6 – 10 p.m. There is a $10 cover charge. Children under 12 are free. See more about restaurants and dining Near the National Mall.
IMAX Movies:
The Samuel C. Johnson Theater features the latest IMAX movies. The Box Office is open from 9:45 a.m. until the last show. Tickets must be purchased at least 30 minutes before the show and may be purchased up to two weeks in advance. For ticket prices and show times, please call (202) 633-4629 or (877) 932-4629.
