The Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of Natural History opened in 1910 on the National Mall and was among the first Smithsonian buildings constructed exclusively to house the national collections and research facilities. Its exhibits range from dinosaur skeletons and an insect zoo, to rare gemstones including the famously cursed Hope Diamond.
Among its permanent exhibits are: Butterflies and Plants, including a walk-through living butterfly house; Birds of DC, displaying year-round and seasonal residents of the capital; an enormous African Elephant dominating the first floor; and the Discovery Room, a young person’s interactive paradise.
The museum features more than 125 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts. Among them are the 30 million insects (no, not alive), 4½ million plants, 7 million fish in liquid-filled jars; and 2 million other cultural artifacts.
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- 10am to 5:30pm daily
- Admission:
- Free
- Metro Stop:
- Blueline or Orangeline to the Federal Triangle Station
- Contact:
- Location: 10th Street and Constitution Avenue Northwest, Washington DC
- Phone: 202-633-1000
- Website: www.mnh.si.edu
