Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History on Postcard

"126 Million Specimens of Natural History The National Museum of Natural History has become the steward of one of the largest natural history collections, with over 126 million specimens including hundreds of mammals from Africa, Australia , and the Americas. This museum always tops visitors' lists for its vast collection and the famous Hope Diamond. While the museum is free, some exhibits and the IMAX theater require admission. This museum is always busy, but more so on holidays and weekends. It's best enjoyed early in the day and during the week, if you can."

The Best Museums in Washington, D.C.

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"It’s impossible to miss the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. Set on the National Mall, this 1910 Beaux-Arts building with a soaring rotunda is one of the most visited museums in D.C.—and the world—bringing in 4.2 million visitors in 2019. That’s for good reason: this museum has the world’s largest natural history collection with 146 million artifacts and specimens, including the ones at the recently reopened dinosaur hall." - Amy McKeever, Adele Chapin

10 Best Museums in D.C., from History to Kid-Focused | Condé Nast Traveler

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"Located along the National Mall, this museum is free and offers educational experiences, especially for children who are fascinated by dinosaur skeletons."

Why All Major Museums Should Be Free

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Eric Harker

Google

Had family visit from across the country, and we spent the day at the Smithsonian. It’s amazing that entry is free to explore such incredible exhibits. We had a blast seeing the fossils, ocean displays, and mammals. I wasn’t sure what to expect with the gems and stones collection, but it turned out to be one of the highlights—truly stunning! Overall, it was a great experience and a lot of fun for all of us.

Amber A

Google

Amazing museum. Free to the public. I would recommend getting there when they open because it does get busier as the day progresses. The dinosaur exhibit was fantastic. There are so many prehistoric fossils and true to size replicas. Super neat and informative for all ages. Don't skip the jewel room! By far my favorite with beautiful timeless pieces including the Hope Diamond.🤩

Jorovie Muñoz

Google

Very nice museum to visit while in the city of Washington D.C. or if ever you're in the National Mall area. It features lots of natural history from dinosaurs, sea creatures, and animals to ancient human history and evolution. There are lots of cool displays and exhibits and lots of stuff to learn from just visiting.

Priyanka singh

Google

It is 100% worth to go here once at least. We spent over 5 hours here and hoped we had more time. It is an extraordinary experience and a must-visit for anyone in the area. Whether you're fascinated by ancient creatures, human history, or rare gems, there’s something for everyone. The layout is easy to navigate, and it’s so well-curated that you could easily spend an entire day here and still want more. I highly recommend this museum!

Artsy Aries Inc.

Google

Haha, I probably don’t have to tell you this was a wonderful experience, as always. This museum constantly updates and has been integrating child-friendly exhibits that make it a perfect place to bring the kids. Their gem exhibit and gift shop were a highlight, but so were all the animals and interesting facts about our ancient past.

Michael Whipple

Google

A truly amazing experience! I have always wanted to go to this museum and I finally had the opportunity! My girls loved it as well! It was so great to see exhibitions that I had only been able to see in documentaries and be able to take my time and fully immerse myself. I even got to geek out with other families, sharing my knowledge on some displays and learning from them as well. So much fun! Everything from animals, evolution of humanity, the hope diamond, dinosaurs fossils and so much more! A just see, set aside multiple hours and take your time.

Prasad Kaladi

Google

I recently had the incredible opportunity to visit the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. It was a truly mind-blowing experience! The museum is massive, with exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to deep-sea creatures. I spent hours exploring the different halls, feeling like a kid again as I marveled at the incredible specimens on display. The Ocean Hall was particularly impressive. The giant whale skeletons were awe-inspiring, and the interactive exhibits made learning about marine life even more fun. I also loved the Fossil Hall, where I got to see up-close replicas of ancient dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. The National Museum of Natural History is a must-visit for anyone interested in science or the natural world. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the diversity and beauty of our planet. Entry is free to this museum.

Elena Kulakova

Google

Must visit for everyone. Kids will love the mammal and sea animal part of the exhibition, my favorite part is minerals. But everything is interesting, informative and just amazing. At the museum store you can find great gifts for loved ones.

Eric Harker

Google

Had family visit from across the country, and we spent the day at the Smithsonian. It’s amazing that entry is free to explore such incredible exhibits. We had a blast seeing the fossils, ocean displays, and mammals. I wasn’t sure what to expect with the gems and stones collection, but it turned out to be one of the highlights—truly stunning! Overall, it was a great experience and a lot of fun for all of us.

Amber A

Google

Amazing museum. Free to the public. I would recommend getting there when they open because it does get busier as the day progresses. The dinosaur exhibit was fantastic. There are so many prehistoric fossils and true to size replicas. Super neat and informative for all ages. Don't skip the jewel room! By far my favorite with beautiful timeless pieces including the Hope Diamond.🤩

Jorovie Muñoz

Google

Very nice museum to visit while in the city of Washington D.C. or if ever you're in the National Mall area. It features lots of natural history from dinosaurs, sea creatures, and animals to ancient human history and evolution. There are lots of cool displays and exhibits and lots of stuff to learn from just visiting.

Priyanka singh

Google

It is 100% worth to go here once at least. We spent over 5 hours here and hoped we had more time. It is an extraordinary experience and a must-visit for anyone in the area. Whether you're fascinated by ancient creatures, human history, or rare gems, there’s something for everyone. The layout is easy to navigate, and it’s so well-curated that you could easily spend an entire day here and still want more. I highly recommend this museum!

Artsy Aries Inc.

Google

Haha, I probably don’t have to tell you this was a wonderful experience, as always. This museum constantly updates and has been integrating child-friendly exhibits that make it a perfect place to bring the kids. Their gem exhibit and gift shop were a highlight, but so were all the animals and interesting facts about our ancient past.

Michael Whipple

Google

A truly amazing experience! I have always wanted to go to this museum and I finally had the opportunity! My girls loved it as well! It was so great to see exhibitions that I had only been able to see in documentaries and be able to take my time and fully immerse myself. I even got to geek out with other families, sharing my knowledge on some displays and learning from them as well. So much fun! Everything from animals, evolution of humanity, the hope diamond, dinosaurs fossils and so much more! A just see, set aside multiple hours and take your time.

Prasad Kaladi

Google

I recently had the incredible opportunity to visit the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. It was a truly mind-blowing experience! The museum is massive, with exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to deep-sea creatures. I spent hours exploring the different halls, feeling like a kid again as I marveled at the incredible specimens on display. The Ocean Hall was particularly impressive. The giant whale skeletons were awe-inspiring, and the interactive exhibits made learning about marine life even more fun. I also loved the Fossil Hall, where I got to see up-close replicas of ancient dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. The National Museum of Natural History is a must-visit for anyone interested in science or the natural world. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the diversity and beauty of our planet. Entry is free to this museum.

Elena Kulakova

Google

Must visit for everyone. Kids will love the mammal and sea animal part of the exhibition, my favorite part is minerals. But everything is interesting, informative and just amazing. At the museum store you can find great gifts for loved ones.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

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