Dive in with deep-sea creatures, stand beneath towering dinosaurs and trace the journey of humankind at this Smithsonian gem.
Explore a world of natural marvels at the awe-inspiring National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC.
What is the Natural History Museum?
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History opened in 1910 to invoke discovery and education of the natural world. Its green dome and immense size (comparable to 18 football fields) are signatures, as well as the 140 million-plus natural science specimens and cultural artifacts that the museum contains.
Where is the Museum of Natural History?
The Museum of Natural History is centrally located in Washington, DC on the National Mall, between 9th and 12th Streets NW.
The most convenient way to reach the museum is via public transportation. Public parking is scarce, but there are parking spaces available for visitors with disabilities. If using Metrorail, take the Orange or Blue lines to the Smithsonian station and use the Mall exit. The Green and Yellow lines are also an option (Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter stop).
When is the museum open? Is it free?
Its regular hours are 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., but hours are extended during the spring and summer with a closing time of 7:30 p.m. The museum is open every day of the year except Dec. 25.
Like all Smithsonian Institution museums, admission is free. No tickets are required.
What’s inside the National Museum of Natural History?
The museum contains some of the most famous artifacts in the world.
- The museum's most photogenic inhabitant, Henry the 11-ton African Bush Elephant, has lived in the main Rotunda since 1959.
- The legendary Hope Diamond is on display in the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals. The stone is known for its fascinating history and rumored curse.
- Q?rius, the museum’s education center, offers teens and tweens a lab where they can make their own scientific discoveries.
- The David H. Koch Hall of Fossils is one of the museum's recently renovated galleries. The 31,000-square-foot exhibit’s theme is Deep Time, borrowed from a scientific phrase that illustrates how Earth’s history has played out over billions of years.
- Other permanent exhibits include an insect zoo and The Sant Ocean Hall, which features an exact replica of a living North Atlantic right whale.
Where can I eat and shop at the Natural History Museum?
On-site dining options include the Ocean Terrace Café and the Atrium Café.
The museum is also a fantastic spot to pick up a souvenir or educational gift. Take your pick from the Gem and Mineral Store, the Gallery Store, the Family Store and the Dinos and More Store.
Are there events at the Museum of Natural History?
The museum puts on regular programming including gallery talks, adult after-hours events, family-friendly "play dates" and even the occasional sleepover. Check the calendar for the latest happenings.
A visit to the Museum of Natural History is only the beginning – keep exploring the incredible selection of free museums and attractions available in the nation's capital.
