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    Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

    11,245 Reviews
    #6 of 439 things to do in Washington DC
    Features Animals
    Museums, Natural History Museums
    Closes in 25 min: 10:00 - 17:30
    10th Street and Constitution Ave, Washington DC, DC 20560
    Open today: 10:00 - 17:30
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    Traveller Overview
    4.511,245 reviews
    • Excellent68%
    • Very good23%
    • Average7%
    • Poor1%
    • Terrible1%
    Travellers talk about
    “hope diamond”(1,811 reviews)
    “butterfly exhibit”(282 reviews)
    “gems and minerals”(206 reviews)
    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...more
    Closes in 25 min
    Hours Today: 10:00 - 17:30
    See all hours
    Suggested duration: 2-3 hours
    As featured in Museum Guide for Washington DC
    Contact
    10th Street and Constitution Ave, Washington DC, DC 20560
    National Mall
    Website
    +1 202-633-1000
    Call
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    Ways to Experience Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
    Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley, plus...
    1,392 Reviews
    from US$46.95
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    Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Electric...
    266 Reviews
    from US$69.00
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    Reviews (11,245)
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    Show reviews that mention
    All reviews hope diamond butterfly exhibit gems and minerals human evolution stuffed animals t rex dinosaur bones ocean hall all ages great exhibits great for kids on display my favorite take your time national mall mammals mummies
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    1 - 10 of 9,386 reviews
    Reviewed yesterday
    Highlight of the trip

    This was a great place. We visited 3 times in the week we were in DC. The Hope Diamond was amazing to see... my kids loved the bones exhibit. The insect area was great as well as the ocean area. This is a great place...More

    Date of experience: February 2019
    Thank leilanireiko
    Reviewed 2 days ago
    Definitely a place to see

    This is another attraction that is offered for free, you only need to pay for parking. This however can be quite a challenge to find though as it is only street parking that we could see. Be prepared for street venders to approach you if...More

    Date of experience: August 2018
    Thank FirestormPhoenix
    Reviewed 2 days ago
    Favorite Museum in D.C.

    Mother started taking us to this museum when I was 6 years old. Never remember being bored or inattentive. Have always loved this museum since I was a child growing up in D.C. Always looked forward to the adventure Mom would present each time we...More

    Date of experience: March 2018
    Thank scottssauce
    Reviewed 2 days ago
    Disappointing Visit

    Although I live in the UK at present, I grew up in Northern Virginia, and used to visit the Natural History museum at least once a year. My kids love it too because of the dinosaurs, the sealife creatures and the IMAX theater. When we...More

    Date of experience: December 2018
    Thank Meredith A
    Reviewed 3 days ago via mobile
    Great morning visiting

    We spent time in exhibits on the oceans, early humans, and rocks/gems. It was a cold day so not crowded. This is a national treasure we can visit for free. Take advantage!

    Date of experience: February 2019
    Thank JeanneH203
    Reviewed 3 days ago via mobile
    What a great museum!

    I never tire of of visiting any of these museums! I’ve been going since I was a kid in the 60s. Always a day full of delights and surprises.

    Date of experience: April 2018
    Thank danjax
    Reviewed 3 days ago
    Nice museum

    We have weekend trip to Washington DC. We visited few places. One of them was National Museum of Natural History. it was interesting. My kids love it.

    Date of experience: January 2019
    Thank RainQ3
    Reviewed 3 days ago
    Probably my favorite Smithsonian

    All of the Smithsonians are awesome. This one has a giant squid and the Hope Diamond. Definitely recommend the gems and minerals exhibit, it starts of boring but ends with a sparkle.

    Date of experience: November 2018
    Thank JMDHein
    Reviewed 3 days ago
    Too much for one day.

    Something for everyone. The Gems Gallery is a favorite and includes the Hope Diamond along with examples of hundreds of beautiful and interesting stones, polished and unpolished. Other galleries explore cultures, animals and the earth itself. Pleasant environment that can accommodate a lot of people...More

    Date of experience: September 2018
    Thank Joe M
    Reviewed 5 days ago via mobile
    Amazing

    Went with my kids and had a great time. Easy to navigate and the exhibitions world class. It’s free so don’t miss it

    Date of experience: February 2019
    Thank Iggyxii
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    Questions & Answers
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    Alclarke96
    14 February 2019|
    AnswerShow all 9 answers
    Response from bhessie | Reviewed this property |
    I suppose it depends on luck. We did not have long lines at all when we went in late August. I’m pretty sure most of the buildings close at 5.
    1
    Vote
    Alclarke96
    14 February 2019|
    AnswerShow all 8 answers
    Response from MelbourneMitch | Reviewed this property |
    Every day is different as a function of holidays and weather. But lines are usually short
    0
    Votes
    KM1714
    21 July 2018|
    AnswerShow all 5 answers
    Response from oldkmom | Reviewed this property |
    Honestly, probably about 10 min for the average person. None of them are very far away from each other Also, if you want to go to the African American Museum, they release “tickets” every morning and they go quickly!! Same... More
    2
    Votes
    123456…12
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