Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
4.5
10:00 - 17:30
Monday
10:00 - 17:30
Tuesday
10:00 - 17:30
Wednesday
10:00 - 17:30
Thursday
10:00 - 17:30
Friday
10:00 - 17:30
Saturday
10:00 - 17:30
Sunday
10:00 - 17:30
About
Established in 1910 and located on the National Mall, this prestigious museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, holds the world's most extensive collection of natural history specimens and human artifacts including the remains of dinosaurs and tools used by early man.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Top ways to experience Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: National Mall
How to get there
- Federal Triangle • 5 min walk
- Archives • 6 min walk
Best nearby
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Restaurants
2,027 within 5 kms
Attractions
585 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
12,392 reviews
Excellent
8,329
Very good
2,899
Average
930
Poor
173
Terrible
62
Becky V
7249320280 contributions
Nov 2022
WOW. The gems are incredible! Hope diamond! the display area has been recently renovated and is incredible. The dinosaurs are really neat too.
Written 1 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DrJohn
Lexington, KY159 contributions
Jan 2023
I expected dinosaur bones and rocks, but this museum delivered far more than I expected. It is a place we will visit again and again, as there is so much to see and experience. The crystals and gem collections were impressive and beautifully presented. Although the butterfly exhibit was closed, there was more than enough to see in an afternoon. Highly recommended.
Written 31 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ctimms125
Austin, TX67 contributions
Nov 2022
I am always overwhelmed seeing things that we don't see on a daily basis or at things that we do see and take for granted. This museum is a must-see.
Written 29 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Deana H
24 contributions
Jan 2023
Honestly thought we'd be seeing tons of dinosaur things or stuff that didn't really interest us. We almost didn't go, but the rocks, gems and minerals were AMAZING. The mummies were creepy but cool. The mammals specifically of the animals were very cool. It was great. We went on a Sunday though so many many children around.
Written 23 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kmusikgal
13 contributions
Jan 2023
Met our expectations and then some. The Hope Diamond, the fossil and oceans exhibits was impressive.
Written 19 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dgnyc113
New York City, NY10 contributions
Jan 2023
Awesome Museum with amazing exhibits. Great place for all ages while you walk around and check things out. Gift Shop has some cool/unique things to remember your visit. Even with huge crowds it didn't feel cramped.
Written 17 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ketkout D
Mascara, Algeria2 contributions
Feb 2022
The Smithsonian Museum is the largest and most interesting Museum in the world. In fact, it is a group of museums, the most important of which, in my opinion as an agronomist, is the botanical museum and that of the history of natural sciences. You can also see the aviation and space museum, the Indian museum. The best thing about all of this is that admission to these museums is totally free.
Written 13 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rmpangui
Santiago, Chile146 contributions
Jan 2023
I only had 90 minutes for y visit and the layout and explainations allowed me to pick and see what was of my inerest. A wide variety of items and exhibits offer everyone the chance to see and learn about the topic of their choice.
Written 12 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mark
Macquarie Park, Australia44 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
Outstanding exhibitions. I could have spent hours more there. It was clean and bright and full of information laid out in easy to follow manner. Well worth a visit or two.
Written 8 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Often_on_road
New Jersey419 contributions
Dec 2022
A fabulous museum. Make sure to visit the Gems (see the Hope Diamond and other exquisite jewelry) as well as the amazing mineral collection.
Written 6 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I was wondering how far of distance is it to the National Geographic museum, the holocaust museum and the Natural History museum. Is there parking (even if it cost money) to where I can park at one museum and walk to the other museums or are they far distances from each other. Advice please?
rootsandshoots
Redmond, WA287 contributions
We were able to walk to all three with out a problem(4 adults). Didn’t have a car so can’t advise on parking.
gaeskimo
Ball Ground, GA153 contributions
Trip advisor says temporarily closed, website says open 7 days a week
Sarah61376
Baton Rouge, LA2 contributions
We are heading to DC in a few weeks but missed the window to get the timed entry pass. Does anyone know if you can get a pass the day you are going or if they will let you in without a pass?
ann martin
Las Vegas, NV
Are they open? Their website says temporarily closed? But other comments says call them to verify?
Kimberly E
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Will the museum be open May14-17
mjanedis
McLean, VA83 contributions
It’s free
what is the characteristic object of the museum of natural history washington
Jesus A
Lima, Peru4,846 contributions
The object of the world's most popular natural history museum is to understanding the natural world and our place in it. Smithsonian Institute definition
Idalia K
Silver Spring, MD
What's the fastest entrance to get in?
RogerDeanDC
Washington DC, DC77 contributions
Least crowded entrance is from Constitution Ave. side at 10th Street.
Nearest hotels
Justin W
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ2,947 contributions
There are about a dozen hotels in the area. The InterContinental is the closest. It all depends on what type of hotel you want and how much you are willing to pay and if you want to walk a little farther for a better price. I stayed at the Courtyard in the Mount Vernon section by the Convention Center and that was reasonable, nice and you could walk to everything and it was safe.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History | Washington DC | UPDATED February 2023 Top Tips Before You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 - 17:30
- We recommend booking Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 34 Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History:
- Smithsonian Museum of Natural History - Private Guided Museum Tour (From €87.26)
- Smithsonian Natural History & National Gallery of Art - Semi-Private 8ppl Max (From €165.69)
- Washington DC Hop-On Hop-off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops (From €40.70)
- Day or Night Grand Sightseeing Tour of Washington DC with Stops at 8 Top Sites (From €54.57)
- Big Bus Washington DC Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (From €44.95)
- Hotels near Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History:
- (0.36 km) Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
- (0.68 km) Riggs Washington DC
- (0.78 km) InterContinental the Willard Washington D.C., an IHG Hotel
- (1.04 km) Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
- (0.83 km) Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf
- Restaurants near Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History:
- (0.00 km) Atrium Café
- (0.24 km) Pavilion Cafe
- (0.23 km) Silver Diner
- (0.41 km) Central Michel Richard
- (0.44 km) Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
- Attractions near Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History:
- (0.18 km) Trip Hacks DC
- (0.09 km) The Ellipse
- (0.27 km) National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden
- (0.27 km) Smithsonian Institution Building
- (0.29 km) The National Archives Museum