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The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

The Smithsonian Institution has 19 varied museums in Washington, DC. But, the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) was someplace we could have spent days aimlessly wandering around. According to the museum’s site, it is “dedicated to inspiring curiosity, discovery, and learning about the natural world”. It opened in 1910 and has been considered one of the best and largest museums in the world.

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

The museum’s space is equal to the size of 18 American football fields. It has an astounding 126 million items in its collection which include specimens, photographs, fossils and artifacts. We spent a few hours here on a Sunday afternoon and only managed to visit a few areas. There were so many things to explore in the natural and cultural world under this impressive architecture.

Natural history museum architecture

The giant stuffed elephant in the rotunda was an impressive sight. It was also a popular place for pictures and a wonderful welcome mascot.

Natural History elephant rotunda

Being a big dinosaur buff, our seven-year-old son practically ran to the fossils and dinosaur exhibit. This area didn’t disappoint with many reconstructed dinosaur bones. Dinosaurs of every shape and size were looking down at us which left my son in awe and speechless. There were so many different types of dinosaurs here and enough dinosaur information to last a lifetime.

Natural History Dinosaurs

We’ve visited a few of these types of museums but this Smithsonian version was well laid out. Each exhibit was well lit and had such detailed information. It was fascinating even for some of us who weren’t dinosaur enthusiasts. Needless to say, our dinosaur fan was so happy to be here  and took quite a few photos of his own to remember this visit.

Natural History dinosaur

We found the Fossil Lab interesting. Workers were in a fish bowl type environment where visitors can see them cleaning up and preserving fossils. Unfortunately, they weren’t working during our weekend visit. I’m not sure how much they can concentrate with the constant stream of guests watching them.

Natural History FossilLab

We briefly wandered into the Hall of Mammals which was a collection of taxidermied animals. Sure, they were either dead or fake but it was a very interesting way to present the animals. Some were behind glass cases while others were out in the open.

Natural History Hall of Mammals

My daughter enjoyed this area while my son didn’t care for the “zoo of dead animals”. There were some interactive things but not enought to hold their attention. I guess if you can’t make it to the National Zoo, this may be the next best thing.

Natural History Hall of Mammals

If you like bones and skeletons, they seemed to have a display for every animal.  The Egyptian mummies were also part of this exhibit. Apparently, we were too engrossed in that exhibit to take a single picture.

Natural History monkey

There were giant teeth exhibits too. We really liked that there were many interactive stations for the kids in the exhibits. It was a fun way to learn in this large scientific classroom.

Natural history giant teeth

Another favorite area among kids was the Ocean Hall. There were skeletons of giant sea mammals hanging in the ceiling and plenty of sea creature exhibits. But, the most bizarre and interesting here was the giant squid immersed in liquid. It was a little creepy with its large eyes open looking at all the visitors. But, kids couldn’t get enough of it.

Natural History giant squid

From the sea to the sky, this museum has got it covered. There was a whole section on the moon and meteorites too. We found this meteorite exhibit from Tucson, Arizona. It was actually two fragments of a single meteorite. One weighed 623 lbs (283 kg) and the other 1,370 lbs (621.5 kg). natural History meteorite

Last, but certainly not the least, my daughter and I found our favorite exhibit when we ventured into the gems and minerals area. We loved all the sparkly items here including the famous Hope Diamond. This diamond is considered the most visited museum object in the world.

Hope Diamond

I admit I expected seeing a diamond the size of a golfball but instead saw a walnut-sized blue diamond surrounded by 16 white diamonds. Nonetheless, it was still impressive. The 45.52 carats dark- blue diamond was very rare and valuable known for its flawless clarity and rare deep blue color.

Another favorite among the females was this emerald and diamond necklace designed by the world famous jeweler, Cartier, This 168 carats from Columbia was a wedding gift from Clarence Mackay, an American financier, to his second wife. It was every bit as dazzling in person. Mackay emerald Diamond necklace

I found the minerals to be the most fascinating. I had never seen or heard of some of these minerals and they were all amazing to look at. We wish we had the chance to touch this actinolite. It looked like hair stuck on a rock.

Natural History Actinolite

It was hard to believe how they originated from with the earth’s surface and found all over the world. My daughter was fascinated with all these colors, shapes and formations.I would have gladly spent more time in the gems and minerals section just to see all the different varieties. There were a few that visitors could touch.

Natural History minerals

You never know what you’ll find at the Natural History Museum. It had such an immense variety of exhibits here kids will never get bored. We loved that it catered to people of all ages and with diverse interests. There’s a little bit of something for everyone here. This museum is a can’t miss attraction and a great outing for the whole family while visiting the nation’s capital.

Museum of Natural History

Visiting National Museum of Natural History Basics and Tips

  • Admission to the museum is FREE. It is open year round except Christmas Day.
  • Some exhibits have minimal fees like the Live Butterfly Pavilion.
  • Give the kids a camera. If there was ever a museum where the kids had so much fun with the camera, this was it.
  • There are a few gift shops, cafes, an IMAX theater to go into for breaks with the kids.

*Have you visited the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History?

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Smithsonian Natural History

33 thoughts on “The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History”

  1. Hi is the blue diamond the one shown in Titanic? I don’t know if in my lifestime I would be able to visit the place but thanks to you at least I know there is a museum like that.

  2. I love Natural History Museums and on a trip to Ottawa 18 months ago John and I spent hours going through Canada’s National History Museum. I haven’t made it to any of Washington’s museums yet and figure I need a few weeks to take it all in.
    SO GREAT TO MEET YOU MARY. You feel real now.

    1. You’d love the Smithsonian museums, Leigh! yes, you definitely need lots of time to explore them. It was so great to meet you too! hope we can meet up again soon.

  3. Hi Mary,
    I haven’t been but its set-up and exhibit are very similar to the Museum of Natural History in New York. My favorite is the dinosaur exhibit. It’s great to see the kids so engaged. I like the pic of my little bro taking pics. I’m with him, I don’t like the zoo the dead animals either. But I’m with you and my little sis on all those blingy stuffs! That Cartier necklace is indeed dazzling.

  4. What a great tour! Love all your knowledge and information about the museum! The one time my husband and I went to Washington D.C. we were sans the kids. We ended up at the Smithsonan that had a travelling Toulouse Lautrec exhibit and The Space Museum. I wanted to see JUlia Child’s kitchen, but we never made it to that one! If we go back with the kids we’ll have to go to this one. Looks like you have to dedicate the entire day to this! Amazing. There is small natural museum in San Fransisco, but nothing like this! I came over from “Oh, the PLACES I’ve been.” We take the kids to Vegas! lol…not AS educational, but fun for the family, if you can believe that. ;)
    Karen

  5. I have only been to Washington once years ago and we didn’t make it to any of the Smithsonian museums. I love natural history museums too and this one looks great! I may have to plan a weekend there soon and take the kids.

  6. This is near the top of my list of things that need to happen soon. This looks fantastic! Thanks for the virtual tour.

  7. Just like you Mary, I surprisingly find myself mesmerized by the gems and different rocks and minerals. Don’t tell the Mrs., but I also use it as ideas for future jewelry purchases!

  8. I have always wanted to go see the Smithsonian! I have to admit that I have not yet visited Washington DC, bad me! What a fascinating place. You are right though that giant squid is a bit creepy. The giant teeth look interesting! I think the fossil lab would be fascinating to go and watch the people at work. Bummer nobody was there when your family went, but something to keep in mind when/if I ever get to Washington DC.

  9. My husband and I were in Washington, D.C. back in the 80s and I think we need to go back for a refresher course. I do remember the Mall and all the wonderful Smithsonian Museums. Love that elephant!

  10. That is a very interesting place to explore, especially for kids. They
    can learn a lot. I would love to make it there one day. When I was a kid,
    I was a huge fan of dinosaurs! :)

  11. I love Natural History Museums and this must be the crème de la crème! The dinosaur section looks immense, and always reminds me of my childhood. Now I love looking and learning about animals and especially how they and we have evolved. I also have to admit… the emerald necklace is absolutely stunning… ahem… one day! ;-)

    P.S. Your kids must be the brightest pupils in their class, you take them to so many fun and interesting places. Reading your posts always makes me wish I were fifteen years younger and you were my mum haha!

  12. Love this post! We are heading to D.C. for a couple of days in a few weeks and the Smithsonian is on our list of places to visit. The last time we visited the kids were too young to remember so I am looking forward to exploring it again. You’ve made me look forward to it even more!

  13. This looks absolutely superb! I have read about this museum and it must be a thrill to be in there! Its huge, very very big too…
    Thanks for sharing Mary :)

  14. Why cant I see my comments? This looks absolutely superb! I have read about this museum and it must be a thrill to be in there! Its huge, very very big too…
    Thanks for sharing Mary :)

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