National Museum of Natural History
Museum Smithsonian natural history museum with global specimen collections
On Washington’s National Mall, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History draws crowds for dinosaur skeletons, the Hope Diamond, human origins and geology exhibits, plus free admission and rotating scientific displays.
The National Museum of Natural History is a Smithsonian museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., that opened in 1910 and houses extensive natural science collections and public exhibitions.
Exhibition highlights include the museum’s fossil displays (the David H. Koch Hall of Fossils - Deep Time), large gem and mineral collections including the Hope Diamond, and permanent galleries on human origins, ocean science and biodiversity. The museum combines specimen collections, research laboratories and public education spaces.
The museum was constructed in the early 20th century as part of the Smithsonian and has undergone multiple modernizations and gallery renovations to improve conservation, interpretation and visitor flow while retaining its core scientific collections.
Located on the National Mall near 10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, the museum is centrally positioned among other Smithsonian museums and is accessible by Metro; it lies in downtown Washington, D.C.
- Institution and age: The museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution on the National Mall and opened to the public in 1910; many halls have been modernized with recent renovations.
- Signature object: The Hope Diamond is on display in the museum's gem collection; check gallery schedules as some objects are moved for conservation or special exhibitions.
What to See #
- Fossil Hall (Deep Time): A permanent exhibition space that reopened as the David H. Koch Hall of Fossils - Deep Time, focusing on vertebrate evolution and large fossil mounts.
- Gems and Minerals: Displays and rotating exhibits presenting gemstones, minerals and the famous Hope Diamond, part of the museum's gem and mineral collection.
- Hall of Human Origins: Exhibits exploring human evolution, anatomy and the archaeological record, presented with fossil and genetic evidence.
- Butterfly Pavilion: A seasonal live exhibit area housing live butterflies and other insect displays used for education and outreach.
How to Get to National Museum of Natural History #
The National Museum of Natural History sits on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The easiest way is by Metro: take the Blue, Orange, or Silver line to Smithsonian station - the museum is about a 5-10 minute walk across the Mall from that station. Many downtown bus routes also run along the Mall; driving and parking are limited, so transit is recommended.
The museum’s main entrance faces Constitution Avenue between 10th and 14th Streets NW; from the National Mall pedestrian routes are straightforward and usually under 10 minutes on foot from nearby stops.
Tips for Visiting National Museum of Natural History #
- Arrive at opening on weekdays to see the Fossil Hall and the Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals (home of the Hope Diamond) before school groups and tour buses arrive.
- Use the Mall-facing Constitution Avenue entrance for the most direct access to the main halls and to cut walking time-once inside, head to popular exhibits first then circle back to quieter displays on upper and lower floors.
- Many visitors overlook temporary and smaller-specialty exhibits; check the museum's daily map on arrival and reserve timed-entry or special exhibit tickets in advance when available to avoid lines.
Best Time to Visit National Museum of Natural History #
Best visited in shoulder seasons or weekdays for smaller crowds; summer and school holidays are busiest.
Weather & Climate near National Museum of Natural History #
National Museum of Natural History's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1041 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
