Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is a world-renowned museum located in Washington, D.C. It is dedicated to exploring the natural world. It is home to a collection of over 145 million specimens and artifacts from all over the globe.

The museum has numerous permanent exhibitions and galleries, such as the Hall of Human Origins, Ocean Hall, the Insect Zoo, and the Fossil Hall. These exhibits showcase the vast diversity of life on Earth, from the smallest insects to the largest mammals, as well as the evolution of life over time. Other popular exhibits in the museum are the Hope Diamond and the Star of The Asia Sapphire.

The museum also has a live butterfly pavilion, where visitors can walk among free-flying butterflies from all over the world.

Things to do at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Explore the Exhibits: The museum has numerous exhibits that cover a wide range of topics, from the evolution of life on Earth to the diversity of ecosystems around the world. Some of the most popular exhibits include the Hall of Human Origins, the Ocean Hall, and the Butterfly Pavilion.

Visit the Dinosaurs: The Fossil Hall is one of the most popular exhibits in the museum, featuring a variety of dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and other artifacts. Visitors can see the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex, as well as other favorites like Triceratops and Stegosaurus.

See the Hope Diamond: See the Hope Diamond up close and learn about its history and geology.

Visit the Insect Zoo: The Insect Zoo is a popular attraction for visitors of all ages, featuring live insects and arthropods from around the world. Visitors can learn about the fascinating world of insects and their important role in ecosystems.

Take a Guided Tour: The museum offers guided tours led by expert docents, providing an in-depth look at specific exhibits or themes.

Visit Qrius: Qrius is an interactive learning space that allows visitors to get hands-on with specimens and artifacts, participate in scientific experiments, and learn about the natural world in a fun and engaging way.

Shop at the Museum Store: The museum store offers a variety of gifts, books, and souvenirs related to the exhibits and themes of the museum.