Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

You don't even have a ticket yet, and you're already met with one of the biggest dinosaurs in history right in the lobby—you know this place is special. The sheer quantity of fossils, from reptiles to dinosaurs, is truly impressive and of high quality. For me, what really made this museum special was the butterfly exhibit and the minerals. For a small upcharge, the butterfly exhibit is absolutely worth it due to the incredible diversity of butterflies in such a compact space. We easily spent over 30 minutes watching them fly around us. Honestly, we should've dipped our fingers in honey before entering in hopes of having one land on us! Bring colorful clothes if you can. Also, I highly recommend buying tickets for this experience in advance, as it operates on timed entry slots.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is an incredible place to explore, no matter your age. From the moment you walk in and see the giant African elephant in the rotunda, you know you’re in for something special. The exhibits are fascinating and well-organized—from dazzling gemstones like the Hope Diamond to lifelike dinosaur skeletons, ocean life, mummies, insects, and more. There’s something for everyone, and it’s easy to spend several hours here without realizing it. It’s also family-friendly, with interactive displays and hands-on learning areas that kids will love. The fact that admission is free is just the icing on the cake! Highly recommended for anyone visiting Washington, D.C.—a fun and educational experience that’s well worth your time.

A very beautiful and informative museum with plenty to discover for both kids and adults. The dinosaur exhibition is an absolute highlight – the massive skeletons are truly impressive and offer a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life. The only downside is the small saltwater aquarium. Saltwater fish cannot be bred in captivity and are taken directly from coral reefs. As a major museum with an educational mission, this practice should not be supported – it really needs to be reconsidered. Overall, still a highly recommended visit full of exciting and educational exhibits.

I absolutely loved this museum—honestly, I don’t even know where to start. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is a place where you could get completely lost for hours, and still feel like you haven’t seen enough. Every section is packed with knowledge, beauty, and wonder. It’s not just a museum—it’s a journey through time, science, and the incredible story of life on Earth. I visited the Ocean Hall, the Gems and Minerals section, the Dinosaurs, and even saw real ancient mummies. Each exhibit felt like stepping into a different world. I was especially fascinated by the history of ocean animals—their evolution, extinction, and how life began on Earth. There’s so much depth and detail in every corner, and it’s presented in a way that’s engaging and easy to absorb. Unfortunately, the live butterfly exhibit was closed during my visit, but I did get to see other live insects, which was still super interesting. I also loved that there were interactive touch screens in many sections—some had quizzes, others had deeper insights into specific displays. It made learning feel fun and personal. If you’re someone who’s even slightly curious about nature, evolution, Earth’s history, or ancient civilizations, this museum is a must. It’s more than just a tourist spot—it’s a place where you walk out feeling like your mind just expanded. Rating: 5/5 – A magical, educational, and unforgettable experience. I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Got to see some pretty interesting stuff! Navigating the museum was super simple and for a weekend, it was not that busy at all. Everything was free which is really nice and paints a good picture for tourists. Super cool stuff that you won’t see anywhere else.

You will not find any more information on the natural history of our earth than here at the Smithsonian National Museum of National History. There are seemingly endless artifacts, art displays, and other items to see from all over. Came here on a Thursday morning and while busy, it was completely manageable. With it being free, there is nothing to complain about. Make sure to check it out if you're in DC!

Prepare to spend the whole day or 2 half days to truly explore and immerse yourself in the wide array of exhibits at this FREE museum. My favorite is the gems collection and minerals collection. Who knew looking at rocks can be so engaging! Early or later in the day might be better. And maybe the weekends since you will definitely run into things of school children during the peak hours.

🚨 No tickets necessary. Please note, that it does get VERY BUSY. THE NEGATIVE: I was super excited to attend this museum, but it was sadly a let down 😔. For being a National Museum, it wasn’t as grand as I had hoped. I was thinking there would be more stuff. THE POSITIVE: looking at all the gems and diamonds was really cool. Really liked the mammal section.

To escape the heat after a bit of walking, we ducked into the National Museum of Natural History. I hadn't been in years, and stepping inside felt both exhilarating and overwhelming--there's just so much to take in. This museum truly offers something for everyone. From dazzling geodes and gems to fascinating exhibits on marine life, mammals, and dinosaurs, every corner holds a new discovery. You can journey through time, from the age of Neanderthals all the way to the present--and even peek into the future of humans and technology. One of the highlights is a working lab where visitors can watch staff and volunteers carefully unearth fossils, offering a behind-the-scenes look at science in action.

I had a chance to visit this museum during summer solstice and had a great time. The exhibits, fossils, and displays were so cool. Unfortunately, I only had an hour to explore which was not enough time. I highly recommend a a visit to explore all the floors and exhibits. The first floor was easy one of my favorites. I also enjoyed the gems exhibits with all the beautiful stones and diamonds.

One of the must to do with kids in DC! It is so big you could spend all day in you are into it. My family just kinda browsed through and it took about 2 hours. Still my 4 year old enjoyed the gem section, and ocean section. Loves free museums and this one is so well put together.

Came here on 4th of July and it was packed! Some of the exhibits (like the gemstones exhibit) were just too crowded to see and it took forever to see them. Plus, there was no sense of flow in these crowded rooms. My family and I did enjoy seeing the Hope Diamond and the fossil exhibit.

The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History was part of our 4-day trip to Washington DC. As far as museums go, I am biased tending to favor the Chicago Field Museum due to the quality of exhibits and rotating content. What I will say is that the Natural History museum in D.C. has an impressive Gem exhibit. If you're into Gems they have the Hope Diamond and a large collection of precious stones. They have a decent gift shop and cafeteria. This is a touristy area so be prepared for large crowds. Parking is a bit of a challenge too. We found free street parking along Constitution Avenue by the National Mall but if you go during peak hours, exercise some patience in finding a spot. At minimum you will need about 2.5 hours to leisurely see things.

Awesome museum for my 4 and 6 year old. Honestly, I was a bit concerned bringing my children here. They haven't been to many museums so this would be a first for them. This is a great museum to be geared towards young children (and adults will like it too.) We spent two hours here, but ran through some exhibits so I imagine if you have a longer attention span you'd be here longer. My one knock is the cafe had a long line and we decided to skip and go elsewhere (it was cafeteria style so even if what you wanted wasn't popular, you'd have to wait in the same line). In no particular order the kids enjoyed the dinosaur exhibit, gemstones (which has a really neat gift shop), mammals, ocean, and light pollution. I particularly enjoyed the climate change aspect to teach children early about being mindful of the environment. There are a ton of interactive activities to keep the kids entertained. This museum is free and you don't need to reserve a pass ahead of time. It was pretty empty when we got there at 10 and pretty full with camps when we left at noon. It's big enough that it never feels packed.

The Natural History Museum is mind blowing. Every inch of this place is covered in artifacts. My favorite exhibits from best to least are: Gems; Dinos; Hall of Mamals; Hope Diamond!

No line, no wait. Must see items (if you have limited time like me) : Giant African elephant at the lobby Hope Diamond 45.5-carat - not impressed, we saw something bigger than this in UK, the jewel of crown 10 carat The Blue Whale(Sant Ocean Hall) The giant shark next to the cafe.

I remember seeing the Hope Diamond and all of the gems as a child. The gems & diamonds look just as spectacular now that I'm grown-up. The mammals, insect zoo, dinosaurs, fossils, bone hall and ocean creatures were fascinating. The cell phone exhibit was very thought provoking. The lights out exhibit demonstrated how much light power is wasted & the effects of light pollution on us and our world. The global warming demonstration brought the damage & destruction to life. There were gift shops around every corner.

Absolutely loved coming here! The staff is so nice, bathrooms are clean, and everyone who comes here is respectful. I was a bit nervous because it is free entry, so I thought maybe it would be super overcrowded and not taken care of well, but it is well taken care of Lots and lots to see, id recommend starting on the top floor then working your way down to the lower level. There are even more taxidermy with birds in the lower level which werent a very popular area but still interesting to see. They have the butterfly exhibit but unfortunately it was not up and running when we went I will be coming back had a blast

Great museum for a field trip or if you want to see the museum on your own. I would recommend spending at least 2 hours if not more exploring the museum. During my visit we got to see some of the archeologists working.

My favorite museum ever, I've come So many times and every time it feels like the first time. It was a free entrance and everything about this place is special. If you're in DC, GO VISIT !! It's for all ages and walks of earth. The staff always friendly and welcoming !! Umm yess I'll see you there!

Enjoyed our time here for the most part. All the exhibits were open and beautifully designed, besides the butterfly sanctuary (which was noted on the website of its temporary closure). The floors in the bathrooms were fairly dirty and wet, which could cause an accident. There are 2 cafes, which both have way overpriced food. For a single burger, fries and a soda, you will pay $26. We ordered a PB&J, 2 small snack bars and a Chicken Alfredo dish (which had 2 tiny pieces of chicken in it), and our total was $43.

Had a blast at the museum! Full of stunning exhibits and tons of fantastic information. Several elevators and escalators available inside for those requiring stroller or ADA assistance. 2 dining areas, one on the first level filled with pizza, chicken strips and such. Great for family. And one on the 2nd floor off the ocean exhibit catering to a healthy audience with salad and a coffee bar. Super helpful staff and if you have a national parks stamp book they have a stamp at the first information desk on the first floor!

Wifey and I came here on a recent DC trip. It's basically everything you would think and hope it would be for a National museum. And, it's free. Just show up. And, it's huge. Give yourself at least a few hours. The exhibits are well done and well organized. Bathrooms are available as well as food/snack options. It will be crowded. If crowds make you nervous, tighten the chin strap on your helmet, bite down on your mouthpiece and get in the fight sporto!

What a wonderful museum and it's FREE!! Like a lot of the museums in DC. This is definitely a great one for children, highly informative. A lot things to keep your attention.

I love all of the Smithsonian museums, but this one is one of my faves. I love that there is so much to see and do. Kids love it because it speaks to their hearts. The gift shop, obviously, does not miss. I really like the gems and stones part of the museum. The hope diamond is a huge attraction, but I like other parts of the gems and stones more. I love the animal, their biology, and the history of each of the animals. I also really like how this museum is circular and you really can't miss a single thing. Fantastic museum in the heart of the National Mall. Don't forget that all Smithsonian museums are no charge to enter.

A must go. Anything Smithsonian related is free the Smithsonian natural history museum, the Smithsonian space air Museum, the zoo it's all free. This museum was amazing. Talk about massive and so much to see. Definitely need a full day or multiple days to see it all and take it all in. It's just amazing and I recommend this place for everyone of all ages. I absolutely loved it here. I do homeschooling so it was so nice to bring my kids here and have a fun day of learning

One of my favorite museums to get lost in for hours. So much stuff to see! They also have several stores and cafes to explore if you need a break from all this science education. If youre a fan of animals, dinosaurs, wooly mammoth this is the place to be. Don't forget to check out the space museum! They do require reserving free tickets though...

It was a totally amazing experience. Many levels of interesting history, things to read, watch, and learn from. Many short videos. A gun filled visit for all ages. It can get very crowded, so be patient and courteous. There are stores and a cafe restaurant inside.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History - AMAZING! First of all entry is free to this Smithsonian attraction. It has a great collection of natural history artifacts, human origins, fossils of dinosaurs, ocean animals, sparkling diamonds, Egyptians mummies etc. We spent around 4 hours in the place - kids walked around at their own pace to see all of it. Let me be honest, if the kids are really interested in the Natural History - 4 hours is not enough. There are so much information available for them to process and consume! They do have couple of cafes inside. They are always crowded. Plenty of places to sit and relax during the visit. It's really worth the time if Natural History is something that excites you or your kiddos!

There's so much to see at The Smithsonian museum. This museum is free and doesn't not require tickets ahead of time. I went right when the museum opened and it was chaotic. - They do allow bags into the museum. Some people will be selected for a bag search. - I was yelled at to keep moving upon entering and then yelled at again for moving and not going to the bag check line. Very confusing. - they did allow me entry with my water bottles. Even though there is signage saying no outside food/ drink allowed. Other folks with coffee cups and fast food bags were advised to discard of their items prior to entering. - they do have restrooms. However the ladies restroom was completely out of soap except for one or two sinks. I'm not sure what the deal was with that but they should have someone cleaning and maintaining the Paper towels and soap dispensers in the restroom. - they have a cafeteria area. That has food and coffee for purchase. We were able to eat our packed lunch in that area with no issue. Overall this museum was a nice experience. I wouldn't recommend going right at opening if you can avoid it.

It's a pretty big museum but if you're speedy you can get through everything in about one and a half to two hours. There's a good variety of different exhibits and something for everyone. We went on a Friday afternoon around 2pm and it was pretty crowded with school field trips and whatnot so considered yourself warned. It wasn't too hard to see everything; the only thing I really had to be patient with and fight to see was the Hope diamond. But the admission cost is free so it's hard to be mad about it!

Best of all, the museum is free to visit, making it an accessible and valuable resource for locals and tourists alike. Whether you're spending an hour or several, the National Museum of Natural History is an experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the world around us. One of the highlights for me is the butterfly garden, it feels magic to be surrounded by colorful and beautiful butterflies, make sure you wear colorful clothes if you want them to sit on you. If you go on Tuesday it will be free of charge!

The Smithsonian museum of natural history is the best of the best. There's truly no place like it on earth. The exhibits are kept up-to-date, they're extremely relevant, and everything is easy to interpret. The building itself is enough for a visit, not to mention the most amazing natural history artifacts anywhere.

This is one of my favorite spots to visit and one that I took for granted when living here. There are always fantastic exhibits and watching fossils being uncovered is fun for families. Educational, fun, and free! What more do you want?

We had a brief visit to this Smithsonian before our timed entry to another museum. We enjoy this place too. The mineral/gem hall and the insect area are favorites of mine. You'll see The Hope Diamond and plenty of royalty jewelry to ogle at. There are also gems and mineral in their raw form. There are live insects, a butterfly garden in the vicinity, large fossils, tribute to the ocean, caveman and taxidermy animals. Another interesting place to visit.

Washington, D.C., is hot as hell in the summer and best way to cool off is by hanging out at the museums. We really enjoyed the Smithsonian today! Happy Yelping :)

The museum is free and there are no lines. This museum is a must when you come to DC. It is very rich in information and artifacts. From insects, to gems , to dinosaurs , rocks and much more. If you can spend more hours you will learn a lot pf things. They have cafeterias and shops all around.

If you're a science enthusiast like me, you'll want to reserve plenty of time for this attraction. Similar to all the other Smithsonian museums, you can easily spend the whole day here if you choose to read everything. Unfortunately, our time was limited to just a couple hours and I felt very rushed. We missed out on some of the main exhibits like the Hall of Geology (gems), Ocean Hall and Hall of Fossils (dinosaurs) which was a bummer... but we did our best to see as much as we could! We explored the following areas: 1) Hall of Mammals: There are 274 mammals to view, many of them paired with fun facts to read. While I know some visitors may be sensitive to taxidermy, all the animals were respectfully displayed and looked completely lifelike. 2) Bone Hall: It was amazing to compare the skeletons of various land and sea animals. Where else can you get a clear view of the vertebrae of a giraffe and a field mouse? 3) Insect Zoo: Although there are live critters like grasshoppers and spiders behind the glass, I couldn't look away! The camouflaged leaf and stick bugs were so cool and blended right into their surroundings. There's also a butterfly pavilion which you can walk through for a cost (adults are $8). 4) Cellphone Unseen Connections: An insightful exhibit about the impact that all of our phones have on the environment. I was shocked to find out that the average phone contains 65 elements on the periodic table. We breezed through the Hall of Human Origins, which I would have loved to see in more depth to get a glimpse into human evolution. I highly recommend fitting this museum into your Washington DC itinerary!

How can you not love this national treasure? Another visit done, and I do wish they'd allow a bar and sleepovers. All kidding aside, there are so many fantastic exhibits here. This is where learning happens. It's easy to lose track of time at this place. They have dinosaurs, geology, animal science, and far more. This is one stop shopping of educational fun. If you visit DC, this is a must visit. All of the docents here are phenomenal. They are friendly and professional. May I also add knowledgeable. They have such pristine gems, like the Hope Diamond. Also space geeks will, absolutely be enthralled by meteorites. Will be returning soon. By all means spend a day here. It's simply the best.

This free museum is awesome and definitely worth checking out if you live in or are visiting DC. The actual museum exhibits take up the second and third floors, with the first floor housing the entrance, cafe, and gift shop. I'm a museum enthusiast, and this one was a treat. There are a lot of gawk worthy artifacts in residence. I wish my group had been directed some with the exhibits though. How they are set up, it makes sense to start at the farthest one, and work your way over, so you don't have to backtrack. Also, the live butterfly area was closed off, which was super disappointing, but may not be an issue for long, fingers crossed. Otherwise, excellent visit!

This is a great museum when you can actually see things . Went there over vacation and was so packed you could barely move around. Every floor was beyond congested. We left.. The hope diamond is cool.

It's always lovely to check out Smithsonian. What an amazing place to visit. I had a good time there while visiting Washington DC. Make sure check out their cafe. Foods are reasonably priced. Like their BBQ ribs plate.

It's another great Smithsonian museum that deserves multiple visits. It's great for all ages, and always captivating. The Butterfly Pavilion is my favorite attraction. Although, I didn't get to see it this time. It's a timed visit and there is an admission fee, but it's well worth it. It's great to see them in all stages in an indoor environment. It's always a great visit. We spent more time in the Hall of Fossils during our most recent visit. It was my first time seeing the giant ground sloth. The fossil exhibit has been reimagined since the last time I was there. It shows the fossilized dinosaurs in their natural habitat, and the lighting is much brighter. There's also fossils of marine, insect, and plant life. It's a larger exhibit that just seems more informative and flows very well compared to previous displays. It's brought new life to the museum. We also viewed the inner workings of the FossiLab in the hallway as we walked to the next exhibit. You get a view of their daily fossil preparations. That day, we saw them going through some interesting ancient fossil leaves. Don't forget to check out the rocks, gems, and minerals exhibit if you haven't already done so. There is so much to see, and always something new to discover at the National Museum of Natural History.

I really hemmed and hawed about whether I was going to visit this museum because I spend most of my time in New York, and the American Museum of Natural History is top notch in my book, with nothing close to comparison. But I had to see for myself. It's a decent museum. Has what you would expect . . . fossils (no clear indication on what is real and what is reproduction/casts). Mammals (but not displayed as cleanly or as interestingly as AMNH). Insects, evolution, animals from various continents/countries. Hall of gems, again not as great as AMNH, but they have the Hope diamond. Small section on Egypt. Some interactive learning exhibits for kids. For the average person, this is going to be a stimulating five star museum. For me, AMNH will always have my heart, and in my opinion, is so much better laid out and visually appealing. And honestly, I prefer the Field Museum in Chicago to this museum as well. Again, seems to have more material and laid out in a more attractive manner. Something about this museum seems a little sterile and worn out. As a younger person, I dreamt about seeing the Smithsonian museums, especially this one. This was before I spent the last several years in New York. Going in, I knew I wouldn't feel the same giddiness. But I ended up speeding through this pretty much, then moving on the National Museums of Asian Art and African Art, both of which I enjoyed much more. I don't need to go back ever again . . . but ya'll will probably like it.

Beautiful museum Great exhibits and free Employees helpful . Would definitely go Back

If you're in Washington DC , the Smithsonian national museum of natural history , it's one you can't miss. Free entrance , and the best and cleanest museum to experience and explore natural history form mammals to Mummies ! Wish they had more exhibitions with mummies but it was good regardless! Museum maps are $1 , but it's for a good cause to fund the Smithsonian Institution.

Stopped by on a Friday morning with my baby sister and Mom for a family day at the museum! We were not disappointed by the exhibits or the awesome staff. Def worth coming to again with more family or friends its nice to just walk around.

This was one of the less interesting Smithsonian stops. Worth the stop primarily because we were on a long holiday in DC. The exhibits were nice enough. It wasn't a crowded as some others. The level of intrigue was lower than many of the others we visited. Still worth a stop if you have the time. I just wouldn't put it near the top of the list.

I have fond memories of coming here as a young child. I did not enjoy it as much this visit as this museum is very much geared towards children, but it was still nice to walk around as it is a large and free museum. The information is very simple general knowledge, so it's phenomenal and very educational for kids. The one exhibit I really enjoyed was the cell phone exhibit, as there was a lot of interesting information that I had never read about before. The National Gem Collection was very nice, and they have the Hope Diamond. The butterfly "garden" was extremely disappointing as it was so tiny, and you can't go inside without purchasing a separate ticket. The museum is still worth a visit if you have kids or are just an adult who wants to take advantage of a free museum.

This place is so beautiful and amazing! Occasionally I have one of those proud to be American moments and this place invokes that in me for sure. There are so many displays and items to see that it can be a little overwhelming. The amount of people coming through can also be a little stressful if you have COVID flashbacks. I took my time and made a plan to see some of my favorite items. That included the diamonds and gems. The hope diamond was a little underwhelming but some of the other displays in the area were FANTASTIC!!!!!! Some of the crystals were so pretty. It was neat to be up close. The dinosaurs were another highlight. I read quite a bit and felt so enlightened by the end of it all. If you have never been be sure to go check this place out. Highly recommended for sure!!!!

Amazing experiences for sure. Couldn't do it all in a day. Too many old and new exhibitions to count. But the ape taking a picture of the ape taking a selfie was ironic as hell and too on the nose. At least I shaved sooooo there's that in my defense

OK, wow where do I start? I went to all of the museums in the area. By the way they're all free so that's a big plus. There's plenty to look at you. Don't have to worry about parking if you're traveling with the metro. It's very safe. You can be there for about two hours. The weather was perfect. I'm not really a museum person, but I did it anyway and I had a great time so shout out to all the staff to make this possible. Thank you.

I Absolutely loved this museum. Checked in at the info booth for a map $1 So bummed the interactive butterfly exhibit was closed! I was able to peak thru a small window and see the beautiful butterflies fluttering around in their own element. The insect exhibit was interesting though, and I was able to hold and pet a hissing cockroach and large grasshopper in the palm of my hand : D The gem stone exhibit was amazing! Beautiful, insane jewelry on display. One of a kind to die for. Being a bird lover, I enjoyed the birds of DC exhibit. Two long sections of various birds displayed and beautifully organized. Love So much to see, check it out!

Here Today! My group wanted to stop at Smithsonian National Museum, I wanted to see what's in the gift shop teheheeehee! I wanted to get my Godly best friend a nice gift, not no ordinary t-shirt, hat or mug but something special from my heart. As I looked in the jewelry case, a staff member offered her assistance. I welcomed the fact that she didn't rush or pressure me but helped me decision. After she got my choice out the case, I continued to look around and changed my mind again. The staff member didn't get annoyed and respected IM A WOMAN AND WE CHANGE OUR MINDS :)~ I'm into crystals so choosing the exact one is important. They offered nice options and responsible pricing. Here Today! There Tomorrow!

This was my favorite museum to come to when I was a child. Loved coming back and seeing all the exhibits and updates. Very clean and well done. We went the Saturday after Christmas so naturally it was crowded. But we got to see and do everything there. Fun time for all ages!

Not sure on how I feel about this one. The displays are nice, and the halls are expansive, but that's where it looses it for me. Very confusing layout, no staff to assist you, and no maps of the facility available. Not sure if we saw everything, but it felt like we were going in circles seeing the same stuff over and over. Would be better if there were directional arrows pointing you in a general organized direction. There are multiple museums to see, efficiency would not be a bad thing.

What's better than gaining knowledge without paying? Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is a three-storey building filled with artifacts and history. This is definitely my favorite museum in DC. I have to applaud the curator(s) of this museum. The displays are beautiful, and most importantly the design and flow of the exhibitions are very well-thought-out. The extensive information on each section is educational and enlightening. This museum may be overwhelming for a young kid of about 7 years of age. But distractions from interactive screens help after reading a ton of words. I read almost every display in the museum, and spent 4hrs in there. I would highly recommend to visit the museum after a good full meal.