The Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History is a must-see Washington, D.C., museum filled with dinosaurs, diamonds, fossils, and wonders of nature.
Washington, D.C.
2-3 Hours
Any
Free
Overview
Located along the north side of the National Mall, this natural history museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution and is one of the most popular of the Smithsonian museums. Best of all, admission is free, making it an easy addition to a Washington, D.C., sightseeing day.
Inside, you can explore an extensive collection of natural science specimens, cultural artifacts, dinosaur skeletons, marine life, specimens of plants, insects, gemstones, and exhibits focused on the diversity of life. With permanent exhibits, special exhibitions, interactive displays, and favorite exhibits such as the Hope Diamond, Hall of Mammals, Hall of Human Origins, and David H. Koch Hall of Fossils, there is something here for visitors of all ages.
The museum’s immense size can be a little overwhelming at first. In fact, there is so much to see that you could easily spend several hours wandering through the galleries and still leave with more exhibits on your list for a future visit.
History
The Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History opened to the public in 1910, although the Smithsonian’s natural history collections began much earlier. The museum was created to provide a place where people could explore the natural world and learn about everything from geology and fossils to plants, animals, human origins, and marine life.
Today, the museum is one of the world’s great natural history museums and houses millions of specimens and objects. Its collection represents an enormous range of the natural and cultural history of the United States and the world.
Over the years, the museum has continued to update its galleries and add new ways for visitors to understand the education of the natural world. Exhibits now combine traditional specimens with interactive displays, multimedia experiences, and immersive environments.
One of the most recognizable features is the building itself, including its distinctive green dome. Once you step inside, the scale of the museum becomes even more apparent.
The sign outside of the museum
Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History Plan
When we visit Washington, D.C., we try to see as many attractions as we can without spending the entire trip rushing from one place to another. With so many world-class museums, historic sites, monuments, and other attractions around the National Mall, we knew the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History needed to be one of our stops.
It also made sense because the museum is right in the middle of the National Mall area. We could combine our visit with other Smithsonian Institution museums and nearby Washington, D.C., attractions rather than making a separate trip across the city.
For us, this was especially appealing because the Smithsonian museums are free museums, so we could visit without adding another admission fee to our travel budget. If you are building a Washington, D.C., itinerary, the National Museum of Natural History is an easy stop to work into a busy sightseeing day.
Getting There
Location
Washington, D.C., is the capital of the United States and is located along the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. The city is packed with famous monuments, memorials, museums, government buildings, and historic sites.
Much of the sightseeing is concentrated around the National Mall, a large green space stretching between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. The Smithsonian Institution operates many of the museums surrounding the Mall, making this one of the best areas in the city for exploring several attractions in one day.
Washington, D.C., is also a great destination for a variety of travelers. You can spend a weekend exploring museums, plan a longer family vacation, or combine the city with a road trip through the Mid-Atlantic. While some travelers may dream about beach getaways, Washington, D.C., offers a completely different type of vacation filled with history, culture, science, and wonders of nature.
Best Time to Go
You can visit Washington, D.C., any time of year, but the experience can vary significantly depending on the season.
Spring is one of the most popular times to visit, particularly when the city’s famous cherry blossoms are blooming. Fall is another excellent option because of the comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage.
Summer brings warmer temperatures and larger crowds, making it part of the peak tourist seasons. If you are visiting during the summer, consider arriving early in the day and planning indoor attractions such as the natural history museum during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Winter can be quieter, although some outdoor sightseeing may be less comfortable. The Smithsonian museums are especially useful during colder or rainy days because you can spend hours indoors exploring the exhibits.
Regardless of the day of the year, check the museum’s current hours and any special exhibition information before your visit.
Stephanie and Casi in the Hall of Mammals
Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History
Who Can Go?
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is designed for visitors of all ages. Families with young children, school groups, adults, science enthusiasts, and travelers who simply enjoy interesting museums can all find something worth exploring.
Children will likely be drawn to the dinosaur skeletons, giant squids, animals, insects, and interactive displays, while adults may spend more time examining the extensive scientific collections, cultural artifacts, fossils, gemstones, and human history exhibits.
The museum is also a good choice if your Washington, D.C., itinerary includes several generations traveling together because everyone can explore at their own pace.
What You'll See
There is a tremendous amount to see inside the natural history museum, so don’t expect to experience everything during a quick visit.
Hope Diamond
The Hope Diamond is one of the museum’s most famous attractions. This remarkable blue diamond is displayed among the museum’s gemstone collection and is something many visitors specifically look for when they visit.
If you have ever heard people talk about the museum’s famous blue diamond, this is the one they mean.
Hall of Mammals
The Hall of Mammals takes visitors through the diversity of mammals and their adaptations. It is a great place to slow down and look at the different species represented throughout the gallery.
Hall of Human Origins
The Hall of Human Origins explores human evolution and our place in the natural world. The exhibit provides an opportunity to learn about human ancestors and how scientists study our shared history.
David H. Koch Hall of Fossils
If dinosaurs are high on your family’s list, make sure you spend time in the David H. Koch Hall of Fossils. The exhibit features fossils and prehistoric creatures, including the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex.
The Deep Time experience takes visitors through Earth’s long history, demonstrating just how enormous the geological timeline is compared with the relatively short period humans have existed.
Sant Ocean Hall
The Sant Ocean Hall explores the world’s oceans and the incredible variety of marine life found beneath the surface. You can see displays related to ocean ecosystems and learn about the animals that call the oceans home.
The scale of the exhibit helps put the diversity of life in the world’s oceans into perspective.
Butterfly Pavilion
The Butterfly Pavilion is another popular experience. Depending on the current schedule and admission requirements, this immersive exhibit can give you the opportunity to see butterflies and other living creatures up close.
Because special experiences can have different requirements than the general museum admission, check the current information before your visit.
Insect Zoo
The Insect Zoo is another fun stop, particularly for kids who are fascinated by bugs. It provides a closer look at the enormous diversity of insects and other small creatures.
For some visitors, this will be a favorite exhibit. For others, it might be the point where they decide they have seen enough insects for one vacation!
More to Explore
The museum’s collection extends far beyond dinosaurs and diamonds. As you explore, you can find natural science specimens, cultural artifacts, specimens of plants, marine life, animals, fossils, minerals, and countless examples of the diversity of life on Earth.
The museum also offers special exhibitions in addition to its permanent exhibits, so there may be something new to discover even if you have visited before.
Looking down into the Hall of Fossils
What to Bring & Wear
I recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes because the museum is of immense size, and you will probably spend much of your visit on your feet.
Bring a small bag with the things you need for the day, such as your phone, wallet, water, and any medications or personal necessities. If you are traveling with children, consider bringing only what you really need because navigating a large museum is easier without a heavy bag.
You may also want a light layer. Even when Washington, D.C., is hot outside, indoor museum temperatures can feel cooler.
If you plan to explore the National Mall before or after your museum visit, comfortable clothing and shoes become even more important.
Where to Go
The Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History is located on the north side of the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
The museum is at Constitution Avenue and 10th Street NW, making it convenient to combine with other attractions in the National Mall area.
Public Transportation
Using public transportation is one of the best ways to reach the museum because parking around the National Mall can be difficult and expensive.
The Smithsonian Station on the Metro is one option, although you should check the current station exits and walking directions before your visit.
The Washington Metro’s Blue Lines, Orange Line, and Silver Lines serve nearby downtown areas, while the Yellow Lines and Green Lines can provide connections from other parts of the region. Federal Triangle is another nearby Metro station that can be convenient depending on where you are coming from.
For many visitors, public transportation is the most convenient way to reach the National Mall, especially during busy tourist periods.
Driving and Parking
If you are driving, be aware that public parking around the National Mall can be limited. Finding a convenient parking space may take time, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
If you have a choice, I would strongly consider using public transportation instead of spending part of your sightseeing day looking for a parking space.
Once you arrive in the National Mall area, use the appropriate Mall exit from the Metro station and follow signs or walking directions to the museum.
The Hope Diamond, one of the most famous displays at the museum
How Long Does it Take?
Plan on spending at least 2 to 3 hours at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History if you want to see several of the major exhibits.
If you have children, enjoy natural history, or want to explore the museum at a slower pace, you could easily spend half a day or longer.
The museum’s size is one reason I recommend looking at the exhibits ahead of time and deciding which ones are most important to your family. Trying to see everything in a short visit can leave you feeling like you rushed through one gallery after another.
If you are visiting Washington, D.C., for several days, you can also divide the Smithsonian museums between different days rather than attempting to see them all at once.
Cost
General admission to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is free. That is one of the biggest advantages of visiting the Smithsonian Institution museums. You can explore a world-class collection without paying a traditional museum admission fee.
Some special experiences, exhibits, or timed-entry attractions may have separate requirements or fees, so check the current information before your visit.
And don’t forget to leave room in the budget for the gift shop if you are traveling with kids. There are plenty of science- and nature-themed souvenirs that can make fun reminders of your visit.
Tips for The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- Go early if you can. Arriving early can make it easier to explore before the museum becomes crowded.
- Expect crowds during peak tourist seasons. Spring, summer, and major holiday periods can be especially busy.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The museum is enormous, and you will cover a lot of ground.
- Prioritize your favorite exhibits. Decide whether dinosaurs, the Hope Diamond, mammals, human origins, marine life, or another collection is most important to you.
- Don't try to see everything. The museum's immense size makes that difficult during a single visit.
- Check regular hours before leaving. Museum hours, special exhibitions, and admission requirements can change.
- Use public transportation when possible. Parking around the National Mall can be challenging.
- Consider the Metro. Smithsonian Station and Federal Triangle can both be useful depending on your itinerary.
- Plan indoor attractions for hot or rainy days. The natural history museum is a great break from outdoor sightseeing.
- Give kids time to explore. Interactive displays and hands-on experiences can be just as memorable as the major exhibits.
- Look for the Hope Diamond. It is one of the museum's most recognizable treasures.
- Visit the dinosaur halls. The dinosaur skeletons and Tyrannosaurus rex are highlights for many families.
- Don't overlook the ocean exhibits. The Sant Ocean Hall offers a fascinating look at marine life and the diversity of life beneath the waves.
- Check for special exhibitions. Temporary exhibits can add something different to your visit.
- Take a break if needed. The Atrium Café can be a convenient place to stop during a longer museum visit.
- Save time for the gift shop. Especially if you are visiting with kids, the gift shop can be an entertaining final stop.
- Combine your visit with nearby Smithsonian museums. Because so many attractions are concentrated around the National Mall, it is easy to build a full sightseeing day.
- Remember that free doesn't mean quick. The museum may not cost anything to enter, but you can easily spend several hours exploring its extensive collection.
- Have a plan, but leave room to wander. Some of the best discoveries happen when you take a detour from your original route.
- Check the museum's official information before your trip. Hours, special exhibits, timed experiences, and visitor procedures can change.