If you’re living the American dream on vacation and passing through Washington DC, don’t forget to visit the world-famous National Museum of Natural History!
The National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC is one of America’s most famous museums. With its millions of objects and specimens spread over more than 30,000 m² of exhibition space, it attracts more than six million visitors every year. It’s one of Washington’s most popular activities, and to make sure you have the best possible visit, we’ve compiled all the information you need!
History of the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
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Before visiting the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, a little history is in order. The museum opened in 1910, and was the first Smithsonian monument built to house and display the nation’s collections.
The museum’s history has not been without controversy, and numerous blunders on the part of directors and administrative secretaries have made the headlines. Nevertheless, the museum has always recovered, attracting more and more visitors every year.
Today, this place of culture and history employs over 1,000 people, including staff and researchers, and boasts 30,000 m² of exhibition space and 110,000 m² reserved for temporary exhibitions and, above all, research areas.
Note: You may have a feeling of déjà-vu as you enter the ground-floor lobby of the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, and if you’ve seen the Night at the Museum films, then that’s perfectly normal. After all, these films were partly made inside the Museum.
What to see and do at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington?
Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Tinnaporn Sathapornnanont
If you’re thinking of visiting the National Museum of Natural History in Washington and wondering what you’ll find there, the answer is simple: over 35 million objects tracing both the history of Man and the Earth, as well as over 126 million specimens of plants, animals, minerals and fossils.
The stones and minerals collection
The National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., boasts a wide range of collections spanning the different periods of history, but the most impressive are the mineral and fossil collections, as well as the exhibition room devoted to the marine world.
The Stones & Minerals collection holds over 35,000 different minerals, as well as 35,000 meteorites and 15,000 stones, of which one in particular catches the eye: the Hope Diamond. This diamond, weighing just over 45 carats, is infamous for its curse, which is said to have caused the tragic demise of all its owners since 1792.
The dinosaur section
The Dinosaur section is packed with complete specimens of these ancient predators that walked the Earth millions of years ago, including the most famous: the Tyrannosaurus Rex. Some of the skeletons here are life-size reproductions, while others are real fossils on public display, and this is one of the must-see sections when you visit the National Museum of Natural History in Washington.
Ocean Hall
Finally, the Ocean Hall, totally dedicated to the marine world and its exploration, is packed with fish and impressive creatures, but it goes without saying that the two centerpieces of this part of Washington’s National Museum of Natural History are the giant female squid on display in the middle of the Hall, and the fifteen-meter-long, 55,000-kilo North Atlantic whale suspended from the hall’s ceiling.
Live specimens
Nevertheless, one of the aspects that sets this museum apart from other natural history museums is probably its collection of live specimens, and the various activities offered in connection with them. For example, you can get up close and personal with tarantulas feeding at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., get up close and personal with butterflies in the butterfly pavilion, and observe many other insects and animals.
How do I get to the National Museum of Natural History in Washington?
Although it’s possible to get to the National Museum of Natural History in Washington by car, it’s advisable to avoid personal vehicles for several reasons. Firstly, the city’s heavy traffic is likely to slow you down and waste precious tens of minutes, but moreover, the lack of parking spaces in the vicinity of the museum remains a major drawback.
Bus and metro are the preferred means of transport, but here’s the museum’s exact address if you want to take the car: 10th Street and Constitution Ave, Washington, DC 20560.
Metro
You can take the blue, green or yellow subway to Federal Triangle Station or Smithsonian Station to get closer to the museum. However, you’ll still need to walk for a few minutes before reaching the monument.
Bus
Numerous buses pass near the museum:
- Bus X1, stop Constitution Ave NW & 10th St NW
- Bus 33 and 37, 10th St NW & Pennsylvania Ave NW stop
Please note: If you’d like to walk around the National Mall before visiting the museum, you can take the following buses to the Independence Ave & 12th St SW stop: 230, 250, 630, 725, D-300, G-100 and M-100.
Opening hours & Admission to the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
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SCHEDULES
- Weekdays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Closed on December 25
Please note: in summer, the schedule changes slightly and from Thursday to Saturday, you can visit the museum until 7:30 p.m. instead of 5 or 5:30 p.m. For guided tour times, we advise you to consult the official museum website or the organization you have chosen for the occasion.
RATES
Admission to the museum is free, but to get the most out of your visit, we recommend that you choose a guided tour to obtain more information and anecdotes about the specimens on display in the various exhibition halls of the National Museum of Natural History in Washington.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How long does a visit last?
A: Generally speaking, you should allow between two and three hours to see most of the rooms, but if you want a complete visit and to attend the few activities taking place on site, then we advise you to book a full day to visit the National Museum of Natural History in Washington and to get there between 10 and 11 a.m. to have time to see all the rooms without rushing.
Q: Is it possible to eat on site?
A: If you’re planning to spend the whole day on site, so as to get the most out of all the halls, you can eat in one of the restaurants, or bring your meal with you. Please note, however, that you won’t be able to keep it during your visit, and that you’ll need to leave your bag in a locker.
Q: Is there parking at the Museum of Natural History in Washington?
A: No, but there are a few pay-and-display parking lots within a 600-meter radius if you want to drive there, although the subway and buses are much simpler solutions.
Q: Is it possible to enter the museum with a stroller?
A: Yes, it is possible to enter the building with a stroller.
Q: Is the museum suitable for children?
A: Yes, in fact, activities are organized for children on the first floor of the museum, and it’s usually the youngest visitors who enjoy the different rooms the most, especially the dinosaur and underwater sections.