I've had this problem often in DC museums; the staff are just not nice in these places! I don't know if it's because of the high-profileness of the objects or if they have to deal with school kids all day long or what, but it puts a damper on the whole experience. I felt like I was going to get... More

Up stairs, above the elephant is the Gem collection. People are polite and don't elbow you out of the way to see it but, it's hard not to do. It is not the only impressive bangle or bling in the place. The store here is one of the best, almost a museum of its own. And check out the 3D... More

I've visited the museum twice, and both times I've come away wishing I had more time! There's so much to see that you really need to set aside a good chunk of time to go around. They have a great selection of exhibits and it's all laid out really well. The Hope diamond is worth seeing too, though its not... More

Well laid-out information which anyone can understand and that is one of the points of going to such a museum. I still don't believe I am 60% genetically similar to a banana though ( I don't want to imagine how many 'relatives' I must have eaten!)

Unless you have forgotten that evolution is still a theory don't be too excited about this attraction. The T-rex is great if you have seen Night at the Museum and the jewels are beautiful, but all the human conjecture presented as fact throughout the museum was just too much for us.

This is a must see for anyone traveling with children. There is something for everyone. Exhibits are, of course, world class. From the bones of just about everything, to the Hope Diamond, it is a great American treasure. The day I was there, it seemed like every school group in the US was making a field trip to the museum,... More

Great collection and variety of displays. Really neat was transforming your own face to a Neandrathal version of yourself .

This is a museum favorite for kids of all ages! This was by far the most entertaining of all of the Smithsonian Museums on our DC trip. Great experience, but steer clear of the cafe as it is way overpriced.

The Smithsonian has several museums, but I think this is one of my favorites. The famous Blue Diamond is housed here, but so much more! They have a wonderful IMAX Theatre, so when you arrive, be sure to check the showtimes first, so you can attend the movie of your choosing.