Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Reviews

Excellent museum. Filled with natural history from different aspects of life. Underwater, prehistoric., polar, aviary sharks birds dinosaurs. I enjoyed the visit!

Great experience visiting during the holiday season. Museums were not busy and easy to browse around. Loved this museum and you can’t beat free.

There is a reason that the National Museum Of Natural History is consistently ranked as one of the most popular museums not just on the National Mall but in all of Washington, DC. The collection of taxidermied animals of all species from across the globe is astounding. The ability to get nearly nose-to-nose with a bull moose or stare directly into the eyes (albeit glassed over) of a kangaroo with a joey in its pouch is something most would never experience. Although, some of the exhibits have started to show their age and some animals are exhibiting some wear and tear. It’s quite possible that some of the animals have been there over 30 years and some of the other educational exhibits could use an upgrade into the 2020s decade. Regardless, this museum is not one to be missed for both DC natives and visitors alike.

Large museum that does not require reservations. Lots of classes. Many different departments: mammals first men minerals with magnificent jewelry African dinosaurs (we wonder why?). Allow several hours.

If the weather is bad, or if you are a museum fan, a visit is definitely worth it.

There are many interesting themed areas, great dinosaur displays and currently an exhibition on the history and development of cell phones, which I found very interesting.

Admission here, as for many other museums in Washington D.C., is free.

It's a bit of a mixed bag. It's free, so the price is great, the queues to get in can be long but they move quick so that's good. There's a bunch of really nice exhibits, and some that are fairly rare, the Hope diamond for instance, and the pretty good collection of dinosaur skeletons, and skeletons in general actually. There are two issues, first, it's very busy so be prepared to take your time, be patient as others want to look and take photos and read the info panels etc.
Secondly, there doesn't seem to be any natural flow to the layout that we could figure out. This means you can bounce around a bit and not be entirely sure you've seen all the galleries. We noticed this immediately, and heard others comment about it on our way around.
Look, they're minor issues, it was great fun, we love museums, and this one is pretty good. It's just I think it's worth while knowing about so you can do some research before hand, and/or have the right expectations.

This was a great place to spend an afternoon. The museum is free and has many exhibits. There is plenty of exhibits to entertain kids and adults both

An amazing museum easy to visit, with plenty of extraordinary pieces that will hold the attention of both kids and grownups.

What a great educational experience - whatever your age.
The exhibits are interesting and often interactive.

Really enjoyed walking through the museum . The Hope diamond was amazing . Restrooms clean . Didn’t use the cafe so can’t comment on that .

We found this museum to be a little smaller than the Natural History Museum in New York, but no less interesting. In particular, there are many different dinosaur skeletons on display here, which I have never seen before. The museum is beautifully designed in the old building and offers plenty of space for visitors. The butterfly garden was unfortunately closed, but would have been very worthwhile. A diverse museum with a beautiful, bright and not overcrowded cafe. We can highly recommend this.

Went on our last day and we a bit rushed so probably didn’t give it enough time.

Went straight to the Hope diamond and then worked our way from there. Quite a lot of stuff is similar to the Natural History museum in London, so if you are restricted timewise I’d choose to go to the Museum of American History or the Space and Air museum.

Very well organized museum with a lot to see. Didn't watch very much though because we didn't have time, but the TVs are easy to find and good little films and animals and nature that you easily get stuck on!

This museum is huge so you may need to stay at least 3 hours. We stayed only 1/2 hr as we were in a rush and it was our second time. The kids enjoyed that little bit we had though, especially the dinosaurs.

By far the best natural history museum in the country. We had read that most people take 2-3 hours to complete the museum, but that is totally false. We spent that much time and only saw 3 exhibits. We saw the gems- so many amazing rocks and meteorites. The biggest diamond in the world is there, too (didn't get pictures because there were too many people). We also visited the ocean exhibits that taught a lot about pollution, global warming, etc. on the impact of the ocean and the domino effect that has. It also discussed some ancient ocean life that was cool. The last exhibit we saw was the African one that showed a bit of what life has been/is like for these people over many hundreds of years. I wish we would have had more time to see more of the exhibits- dinosaurs, animals, Egypt, etc. But we had another place to be after 2.5 hours. You could probably spend the whole day here, to be honest.

One of the best museums ever visited. You can cover anything from the Big bang, prehistoric dinosaur era, world history, space exploration while getting informed about wild life and various natural habitat on the planet. Good way to spend a day(half a day) in NYC

I felt quite upset at seeing the last passenger pigeon and the skeleton of several Stellar's Sea Coes displayed as one - but in awe of the coelacanth. Gives you an idea of the range of exhibits. I was interested in the Bone Hall but it could do with a refresh (there are 5 kiwi species and you mentioned a tuatara....) but please don't change it too much as the idea of comparative anatomy and lots of different animals was a good one. And please show the name of the mummy on display - as he would have wanted us to say his name so his soul could live forever.

This is one of the most popular museums on the mall. There are a huge number of exhibits. The descriptions are good. The place was over run by children when I visited. It is free so how could I complain. My only negative comment is that there are perhaps too many exhibits for the space.

This museum is fantastic - so many different areas of interest to explore. The building itself is also gorgeous just to be inside. We went on a Saturday morning, right when it opened and it was already busy - so I can imagine it gets very crowded throughout the day.
We enjoyed the rocks and minerals area, the evolution of man area with all the skulls, and the cafeteria was also good for a little morning fuel.

Every time I've been to DC, I make it a point to visit this museum. I'm a huge natural history museum buff (even though I have many still to visit on my personal list), and this is one of the best in the country. But...maybe don't visit it EVERY time you go, because it starts to get repetitive after a while.

Highlights:
The Mammal Hall is, without a single doubt, some of the best taxidermic display work I have ever seen, and I've seen quite a bit. An extremely immersive exhibition of mammals across the world (and organized by continent, no less), this is simply an amazing and highly educational display that makes this museum worth seeing by itself. Full stop. The Ocean Hall and Fossil Halls are also really high up there in worthiness, and the newly renovated trip through time in the Fossil Hall on the first floor is ASTOUNDING. Seriously, museum designers across the world? Take notes, because this is a stellar set of displays.
By far the busiest area in the museum is the Hope Diamond, which is worth seeing...once? Like, only once. I'm not a huge gemhead by any means, but it's also worth seeing for the history and legends that surround it. But again, check it out and wade through the crowd one time, and you're good.
Finally got to go to the Human Evolution hall this last visit, and it's also FANTASTIC. Seriously, I have seen few museums with this quality in display and education, and this hall is an absolute highlight.
But that said...most of that is on the first floor of the museum. Going upstairs is certainly worth it too see some of the exclusive items collected by the museum, amongst other things (like the Orkin Insectarium, for starters), but if you're going to spend time in any part of this museum, it's likely to be on that first floor.

I love this museum, and I'm likely to return when I inevitably go back to DC, because it is stellar. But I'm weird like that. If you end up going here, expect about a 4-hour trip to get through the whole thing, and take the time to check out all of the diverse halls and displays. And, uh, don't plan anything else for that day that's too energy-intensive. Trust me, you'll be wiped after a while.

The number one option in my opinion for museums to see in DC. This is the can’t miss if you have children to see the Dino fossils and the hope diamond. They will love all the history available here.

We came here with a school tour group so we didn’t have as much time as we would have liked. Still we got to see some great exhibits. The highlights for our family were the dinosaurs and gemstones. The Hope Diamond is definitely a sight! Spend as much time here as you can or that you care to - there’s so much to take in.

Impressive in scale and scope! Made my list of top 3 museums in DC along with the National Gallery of Art and the National Portrait Gallery. Truly fascinating for all people of all ages. We greatly appreciated the healthier lunch offerings at the salad bar too.

The smithsonians are all very very fun. Plan ahead, wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Although there are cafeterias, they are not very good. The food trucks outside are extremely expensive and also not the greatest. There are a lot of things to see at the smithsonian's. Pick what you would like and move to the next museum. Have fun!!

Bit of a wet afternoin so came to the Smithsonian. It was not a disappointment. Throughly enjoyed ourselves learning about the exhibits

This tour of the Smithsonian can come as a guided tour or stand alone which is what we chose. It has replicas of various animals and also of microscopic organisms important to humans. The gift shop has lots of gifts to choose from and there is an outdoor garden one can view.

Haven’t been to the DC Natural history museum in years and boy have they revamped it. Exhibits show a fantastic array of wildlife, with powerful storytelling and the minerals exhibit is curated beautifully. Worth a visit for any family - and best of all it’s free!!

Most sections of the museum are on a human scale and avoid weariness. Absolutely magnificent and fascinating gemology section. The one on mammals is also worth the detour. The rest is more classic but still very well exposed

Our family of 2 preteens and 3 adults spent a few hours here. It was not hands on enough for the younger grandchild.
As with all the Smithsonian Museums admission is free. Some may require a time entry in advance. It was not too busy in the morning. The staff gave very good programs and explanations.
Food in the museums is very expensive and similar among them.
Personally I like the Field Museum in Chicago better.

The museum is free and timed entrance ticket is not required. We visited the museum on a Wednesday morning, it wasn't crowed at all. I liked the animals section and gem section the most.

It's very interesting. It's great for coming with kids. It is very complete in terms of display. And the building is very nice. You can have lunch. There is great variety, it is self service, therefore very fast.

Chose this museum for two reasons - it didn't require pre-booking timed entry tickets - and I wanted to go to the 'butterfly room'. The exhibits were displayed really well in a beautiful building. We arrived early to avoid the crowds and spent a couple of hours there.

If you aren’t already aware, the giraffe has a short-necked relative called the okapi. Learn more about all creatures great and small at this mammoth museum.

The kids absolutely loved it. They would have stayed all day if we could have. My daughter especially loved the Butterfly Pavilion. A must for anyone interested in natural history!

My wife and I accompanied our daughter and three grandsons on a trip to Washington DC and New York City this past summer. We visited the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, which was fascinating for the boys, ages 13, 11 and 6. The dinosaurs and the minerals were of particular interest to them. The amount of items was overwhelming. It was an extremely interesting museum.

Expensive for what you get. Convenient place, since the only reasonable alternative is food trucks without any place to sit. Food was ok, mostly chicken strips and hamburgers / hot dogs. Plenty of seating. Refillable fountain drinks.

What a fantastic museum! Something for all
Interest ! Only downside was it was crowded! Best part was it’s Free!

Not really museum enthusiasts, but this one is free and definitely worth a visit.
Lots of things to see and experience.

The museum itself is great, but the organization at the entrance is really useless. Even though you have to make a reservation with a time slot, we still had to wait 45 minutes. On a busy Sunday afternoon, only 3 cash registers were open. When you see how many people work in the museum, there is still a manager who is not doing his job!!!

Perhaps you should keep a museum open longer if there are longer queues. For a city that never sleeps, the opening hours of all public museums are very sad

Nice exhibits with many different full sized stuffed animals. I didn’t realize the size of some until I saw the display. Very cool gem exhibit with the hope diamond. No tickets needed so there will be a long line at opening.

This was my second visit - first was back in 1980. It's even more impressive now! You could spend hours. Definitely bring the kids.

What can you say? It's the Smithsonian! Everything about all Smithsonian museums is EXCELLENT. And it's free. So educational. We took our daughter 50 years ago when she was 7 and she still remembers it.

Museum itself is amazing. Crowds aren't. You have a certain number of people who actually want to see and experience the museum and you have large school groups who are just stoked to be out of class. It wouldn't be a problem if chaperones kept kids calm and respectful.

It is the most amazing museum. You could spend an entire day here and still not see everything. It is absolutely a must see.

Enjoyed DC for the Fourth of July and on any visit I try to include a Smithsonian stop. There is so much wonderful content for all including adults of all ages. I always learn and am inspired. I especially enjoy the growing content of great female accomplishments.

Massive collection of many items. They have dinosaurs, gems, stones, ocean, and many other areas. For me, the gemstone gallery was the most exciting. Hope diamond on display wasn’t even the most beautiful item in the collection for me. A quick walk through with no reading takes 1-2 hours, half day with some reading I’d recommend 4+ hours, but you could make a full day out of this museum if you like to read a lot. They even had my favorite bird - the Shoebill on display!

One of the must-see museums in Washington D.C. Well-organized and also the world's largest natural history museum. Highly recommended!

If you see nothing else here go to the gems and minerals exhibit. It was incredible! I was disappointed that the butterfly section was closed.

Great time! Favorite exhibit was the gem stones and the First Lady gowns/information. Also loved the big Dino’s/elephant and the Whale

Got there late so we could only do 1 floor and that took more than two hours when they started closing up. It’s amazing but I wish they had more restrooms and restaurants.

I've been coming to visit this museum since I can remember and it has exhibits for all ages. It was wonderful watching my son get so excited by the sharks and whales, reminding me of when I was younger.

My wife and I particularly enjoyed the cell phone exhibit. At first I thought it was odd to be in this museum, but then I understood after the exhibit. Natural history includes the human history of communication and the cell phone has had the largest impact on human communication in history. Both the effects on us as humans but also the planet regarding the resources needed to make the billions of devices.

Everything in the USA is big and its museums are no less. This is a museum where you would quietly need 2 or 3 days to visit it in conditions. Grande falls short. The museum is excellent and the collections have spectacular. Unexpectedly, what surprised me the most was its geological and jewelry collection, as they are not things you would expect to find in a natural history museum. It may sound anodyne, but go to the stone rooms, they are a real sight, much better than dinosaurs.
The only catch was the number of people there, but especially the number of families with young children totally out of control. People forget this is a museum, not a playground. It is not an appropriate place for young children.

We arrived at 9:45am for the 10am opening and entered through the doors on Constitution Ave.

Our family group was 5 adults and 2 children.

There was NOT an organized line outside but instead just a few hundred people standing in what became a large group/crowd all trying to gain access simultaneously.

Surprisingly, upon opening the doors, the wait was minimal at about 5-7 min.

NOTE: While on a monument tour the night before, a few members of our family were told the museum required tickets to enter. This is NOT the case, admission is FREE and does NOT require tickets. If you would like to hire a private outside guide, you can...saw the cost as high as $100 a person.

The exhibits are great, you can see a large variety of marine fossils, dinosaur fossils, a great safari style display, the hope diamond, and much more.

Disappointment = butterfly exhibit was closed. 😐 You may want to check status before your visit if this is one of the main attractions for your group.

We did a private tour here through Babylon with our 3 children to learn as much as possible! In 2 hours we saw/learned way more than we ever expected! This was our 2nd fav place behind American history museum, with Air/Space being third. Highly recommend!

There is so much to wee and do here, you could spend days and not see everything. No tickets are needed. The food in the cafeteria was good, honestly one of the better meals while here. It was a quick walk from the metro.

This is a very nice Natural History Muaeum. Exhibits are well displayed and described. You can spend all day, or zip through just the areas of interest and save more time for other Smithsonian facilities.

Excellent Tour! Joey and driver Thomas were outstanding. Would highly recommend this tour! We visited all of the major monuments to include the Lincoln, Jefferson, and the Natiobal Archives. Also had a boat ride down the Potomac and stopped for lunch in Georgetown. A memorable experience

This museum shows the evolution of the nature's species including us humans! From the prehistoric period to the Ice Age to the first humans, to the modern age. The human exhibit in particular has an interactive photo booth where you can visualize yourself as an earliest human like the Australopithecus.

It also displays exhibits of animals across different biomes of the world such as polar waters and the tropics. The butterfly garden was pretty, but at the same time the insects exhibit make my skin crawl.

Not only they show animals, but they also exhibits human effects to wildlife such as light pollution, which was pretty informative, and gems!

The world's largest blue diamond, the Hope Diamond is displayed as a necklace, and there are a lot of people surrounding it. The display rotates 90 degrees every 10 seconds or so for each side to be able to take a peek and snap pictures. So pack your patience if you want to see it.

Everything was stunning. Heat was a little high for my liking, however, I'm just a little sensitive to temperatures. Everything that was seen was stunning, and what others have to say about the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History not a lie, at all.

There is something to see here for every member of the family. I especially loved the jewelry and gems.

Almost overwhelming there is so much to see! The dinosaur and mineral sections were our favorites. So many amazing minerals out there. We spent several hours in there exploring history.

This was the busiest by far of all the Smithsonian Museums we visited and for good reason. It had a variety of animals, dinosaurs, gems & minerals, the Hope diamond and even moondust. There was so much to see.

As a Dutchman, for me the ultimate natural history museum is Naturalis in Leiden. Compared to that, I didn't find the collection here very impressive. However, it is still very nice to walk through. It is a very beautiful building, which makes the setting of the exhibitions impressive. Also fun was the part that focused on animal species that occur specifically in America. I was able to see a large part of the museum in an hour and a half. I walked through it quite quickly. If you want to delve deeper into the information, you can easily spend a day here. The advantage of the museum is that it is free to enter, so you can walk in and out in no time. No tickets required. A security check.

Loved the gem area cool rocks. The mama area is ok but just some stuffed animals. The skeletons were interesting and the ocean area was interesting

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.

It is highly worthwhile to visit the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. The written explanations were well done. The museum was spacious. I especially loved seeing all the prehistoric creatures, the insect collections and the rocks and minerals section. We were there all day and didn't see it all.

We were fascinated and lost in the land of a thousand years old, when we witnessed with our own eyes the memorabilia collected by scientists all over the world, and now present in this museum. what a number 1 museum in the world, great for broadening knowledge and understanding more about history.

As the weather was poor, I decided to visit the museum, and it seemed everyone else had the same idea. As it ws free to enter, not time slots and Spring Break, it was organised chaos when you were inside. I didn't see as much as I wanted to due the vast amount of visitors, a shame really.

This wonderful museum is ruined by the lack of any regulations on capacity. It’s so crowded it’s impossible to see anything, and even worse it’s dangerous. Tons of people with babies in strollers, even double strollers that crowd the floors and cause complete gridlock. Please get a clue from the national zoo which requires a (free) entry pass and caps admittance and/or the national aquarium which does not allow strollers. Something needs to be done before there is an injury!!

Fantastic museum that I have been going to since childhood. At the present moment it's half closed so I was able to see what was open in one day about 5 hours. I especially like the W lright exhibit where I learned some things I never knew before about the Wright brothers.

Loved visiting this classic museum again. Best part for me was the Mammals exhibit. Beautifully posed animals that you might never see anywhere are here, representing many species.
Another favorite is the dinosaur exhibit. The skeletons of many dinosaurs are creatively displayed representing their daily lives.
A must see is the the Gems and Minerals Hall. So many unusual and unique mineral types are beautifully displayed. Not to be missed is the room with the absolutely gorgeous diamond and precious gems exhibits. Breathtaking! Enjoyed reading the history of these exquisite gems also. The world famous Hope Diamond was not on display as it’s case was broken. We were sorry to miss it this trip as it is the crown jewel of the collection without a doubt.
Another special exhibit is the live butterfly enclosure, where you can see all varieties of gorgeous butterflies and moths. One suggestion: Get your timed tickets for this exhibit early as they always sell out.
You can easily spend the entire day here. There is so much to see for all ages.

There is so much to see in this museum that a 1/2 day was not enough. A fave spot is the mineral collection with the Hope diamond.

The Smithsonian Natural History Museum is definitely a must visit! The building is very comfortable with nice air conditioning which makes it a great escape from the heat while exploring so many interesting exhibits There is so much to see and learn about from ancient fossils to gemstones 💎 animals and human history Every section offers something unique and fascinating for all ages The best part? It’s completely free no tickets are needed You just go through a quick security check at the entrance and walk right in Highly recommended if you’re in DC and want to enjoy a fun 🤩 educational!

We visited on a Friday afternoon in May. It was quite busy but still able to see everything we wanted to. So much to look at and we presented.

Enjoyable and informative museum. It was extremely busy the day we went so we always felt rushed. The food and drink is outrageously priced but the admission is free so I guess it evens out.

I have been to other Natural History museums and this is above and beyond. This displays are stunning and interestingly arranged. I highly recommend for adults as well as children. Also Free!

An amazing museum that has a collection of natural history from all over the world! From mummies to dinosaurs. It is quite large and needs time to visit peacefully.

An interesting assortment of animals and nature exhibits. Fun for the whole family. It's a famous museum for a reason.

You'll spend about an hour here.

This is a great museum that you should spend at least a few hours in. The displays are great and the information presented is great. I usually don't love to read heavily at museums but I found myself reading a lot here because it was condensed information and interesting. We loved the oceans area, the clever transition from insects to mummies, and the gems and minerals.

My daughter and I were so excited to go. As soon as we walked in it was like we were at a playground inside the museum. Kids running and screaming and shoving thier way through. All the workers just turned and eye. No teacher or parent had control of their kids!! Very sad to see. No respect for the museum or people. I finally had enough when I saw a little boy rubbing a female statues private parts ! Do not recommend!!

As with many things, you need to allow plenty of time to thoroughly see this museum. There are so many exhibits to see and given we only had an hour till closing, we asked a member of staff what we should see. Following their advice we headed for the dinosaurs, ocean and animals.
There was lots of information and plenty of things to touch. The museum had plenty of space to walk around and seats to take a rest in, surrounded by beautiful objects.
An enjoyable hour, that left me wanting more! One of the best things is that it is FREE

came here with some spare time on a school trip, just excellent - we spent around 2 hours but could have easily spent more time, lovely collection with live butterflies, fossils, taxidermies and crystals - lots of lovely bits and bobs in gift shop - note that the butterfly exhibit is closed on certain days

Was here around 1pm on Saturday Easter weekend and this place was packed. We lasted around an hour and couldn’t take it anymore. Has good things to look at and learn but it can just be too much when packed.

It is a huge and super-interesting collection presenting broadly understood natural history of our planet and life on Earth. You can find everything here from dinosaurs to minerals. Well designed displays, interactive stations, educational vignettes and movies. One day here may not even be enough!

If you love history this is a place for you! Dinosaur bones, The Hope Diamond, Evolution. The set up is easy to navigate and there is a live Butterfly Garden (it is extra but a fun site to see).

Super interesting museum, but don't eat here. There are so many wonderful restaurants in DC and this is not one of them. It was our first day in DC and our 14 year old grandson was trying to be polite, but the only thing he could find that he wanted to eat was a huge slice of pizza for $20. He got it and, as you might guess, was unable to eat it all. We found out there are no take out boxes b/c there is no take out as food it not allowed in the museum. I paid about $11 for one small piece of chicken and three tiny baked carrots for the salad/food bar. At almost $20 a pound, food from the food bar adds up. My husband spent about $25 on a lunch he didn't particularly enjoy.

One of the most detailed and extensive collections of Natural History that I have visited! The museum also includes exhibitions on virtually every time period of Earth's history, exploring every kingdom, biome, and region of the world. Each exhibition contains massive, rare artifacts and specimens, and engages audiences of all ages (detailed explanations for older visitors, interactive displays for younger visitors).

The museum also displays an extensive mineral collection, and anthropological relics.

An exciting museum specifically for kids is going to go crazy, there are no words to describe it here. The hall with the dinosaurs is indescribable, with the butterflies with the rocks and many more that exist

A museum filled with lots of information's from all sorts of categories where life evolves and it’s existence. The museum delivers information either thru reading or visual presentation. One particular show was the evolution of technology were I found a lot of stuffs that I had used when I was a kid to teen to young adulthood. It just bring me lots of great memories. The museum also have shops inside. There are clean toilets. It’s only open until half 5.

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.

It's got a lot to see and explore. The kids loved it, and the new exhibit about cell phones is really interesting. You can spend hours here depending on how much you like to read/learn. It's one of the few museums in DC you don't need a timed entrance ticket, so that's nice.

The museum is amazing. All the rooms are fantastic. We spent more than 4 hours in this museum without seeing the time pass so fantastic, this is our favorite of our stay in Washington. Admission is free and there is no need to book. It is possible to have access to a room with flying butterflies all around us, landing on us... incredible photos in forecast (access for a fee). There is also a cafeteria on site (pizza, burgers...etc).
Visit to do without hesitation.

This was such a fun museum to visit. It was much better than the American history museum we visited earlier that day. I'm not really a person who's into nature or biology, but I still had a great time. My absolute favorite part was the geology section. There were so many cool and beautiful stones to look at. That section was on the top floor, so we went there last a few minutes before closing. I honestly wish I knew where that section was so I could've spent more time there. Overall, it was a great experience for me, but remember, if you're a geology fan, make sure to visit that section first!

We enjoyed several hours exploring this level that spans across two active levels of exhibits. The diversity of the exhibit areas is excellent and the arrangement and interactivity of the exhibits is also great. There is plenty of detailed information, as you would expect. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.

This museum has so much to see and explore that it gets to be information overload if you try to do it all in one day. My favorite exhibit was about the various early human-like beings including information about homo sapiens. The had models of what they may have looked like and showed how tall they were. The video about the ancestor of both apes and humans was cute and informative. There was also a video that educated us that there really is no biological basis for race.
I also appreciated the information about climate change.

Went to the Butterfly pavilion. My experience was incredible associates were friendly and the butterflies were beautiful. It is a must see for any butterfly lover. It will give you more respect for nature, and let you float on her graceful wings. My first time attending this spectacular exhibit exceeded my expectations. It gave me a memorable moment that I will treasure forever!

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in D.C. is a must-see. With incredible exhibits on dinosaurs, gems, and cultures, it's both educational and entertaining. Perfect for all ages!

Free to enter but utterly mobbed with school parties, this is all okay but falls short of many other similar places. It is very child orientated and I was quite surprised how uninspired some exhibits were. The prehistory section was quite disappointing, given how many great items have been found in the USA

Good experience, you should have ample time to visit this place completely, interesting place for children. Free entry, close at 05:30 PM sharp, there fore be there in time.

Need a few hours at least to see everything. Wear comfortable walking shoes. A lot of people to maneuver around. Free to get in! Fun for the entire family.

it was ok. very crowded with middle school/high schoolers on trips with their schools. exhibits were good. most of the skeletons were castings and not original bones.

Have not been since the 80s and was glad to see so much in the museum, not so clear on the development of the science theories anymore so are dated.

Just go! Lots to see for kids and adults. Free to get in. No reservations needed. 4 floors of exhibits. I plan to go again, as I didn't cover much in the 2 hours I was there.

Beautiful Museum! I traveled to Washington, d.c. with my family and it was a pleasant experience for my kids, my wife and I. I’ll bring them back here in the near future!

This is a must see experience! The exhibits are interesting and engaging. My husband and I were particularly impressed with how each exhibit relates back to our planet and people’s role as caretakers of animals and the environment. The exhibit videos are fascinating, especially the one in the Ocean hall.

We have gone to all of the museums, most of them several times and there is always something that we missed seeing before. Really well done.

I have always wanted to go to the Smithsonian museum and when I went it did not disappoint. The Arctic exhibit was my favorite, it was interesting and informative.

If you are someone who doesn't mind large crowds and screaming children then you will love this museum. There is so much to see and learn about. From what I could see from the atrium, it looked like it had some amazing exhibits. As someone who is in the science field, I was really looking forward to this museum. But as someone who is more of an introvert, this was major sensory overload. I really wanted to try to go the butterfly garden but it was closed the day I went. I only made it to the bones area next to it (which was really cool) before I had to leave. It was just too much. Very crowded and loud. It's my fault in planning, I didn't arrive until about noon. If I make it back to DC, I'll be the first one in line when the doors open.

Easily allow yourself at least two hours to explore this multi floor museum with all the different exhibits, and lots to read and interact with. It allows both adults and kids to really enjoy the museum. My only complaint is how obviously political some of the exhibits are, and don’t really have to do anything with history.

Visited this museum with family, it is in Washington DC, it's a very big museum with a number of sections inside like marine life, mummies and fossils, mammals, cell phones, etc. This is a very educational museum especially for kids. My personal favorite was cell phones section and I found very educational, you can exactly understand how the cell phones are made and how they work. Overall it was a very good experience and I can suggest when you visit Washington then this museum should be a must visit place.

Very impressive museum with a great collection of interesting and interesting exhibits, such as the Hope Diamond. We had a great time exploring, and could easily go back to see things we did not see yet. The exhibit covering the mummies was not that impressively for that you really need to he’s Dover to London, Leiden or Vienna. Nonetheless, this museum should be on your itinerary when you visit D.C!

It was a last minute choice and it was without regrets. It was nice to see the animal exhibits. It was a great experience with interesting facts.

This was awesome. So Big. We hit 3 Museum's and this was our favorite over Air and space, and American Heritage. Couple tips.
It is big so if an area is busy just come back. Food Trucks lined up outside for a quick bite. Take a break now and then.

Absolutely amazing museum. A must visit and was one of the many highlights of Washington DC. Everyone will enjoy exploring this vast labyrinth of wonders and have their own highlights but for me it was definitely the dinosaurs and extensive rock section.

There is something for everyone at this museum! From fossils to mummies, there is a lot of information! It is very crowded

Great museum for all ages. There is so much to see - dinosaur bones, exquisite jewels (including the Hope Diamond!), interactive displays, cellphone exhibit, fossils, ancient Egypt display, African history, mammals and so much more...plan to spend at least 2 hours here, 3 hours if you have children who will want to explore. Family friendly, free to get in, come on a weekday for smaller crowds. Handicapped accessible, plenty of restrooms.

Excellent museum, quite spacious in place and themes, so you need enough time to be able to visit and tour in detail the whole museum.

There so very much to see and do. You could spend the whole day and not do it justice. Everything was labeled clearly and it has such a large varieties

My family really enjoyed the experience. It was very informative and the dinosaurs exhibition was very impressive. Recommended.

This was the best stop for us. There is so much stuff packed in such a small building. We got to see the hope diamond! I was in awe of everything on display. You really need to go see this. Th one sad thing was no blue whale hanging in the air and the display from the 90's of the wholly mammoth. But the hope diamond was great. The not so great was having a hard time finding elevators. I am disabled and walk with a cane, they got elevators but they are hard to find and not many signs pointing to them. I would like to suggest to the museum to put in more benches and better signs to the elevator. Oh and the cafe was the best of all the other stops we went too.

Love the smithsonian, love this timeless museum. I could visit this place again and again and again... I should just get a job here!

The National Museum of Natural History is an excellent museum. When you enter from the mall, you will see an elephant in the Rotunda. Note the lack of crowds. That is why it is so nice to visit popular museums during the week when the kids are in school and the adults are working. (I've been here on weekends and school holidays when the museum gets very crowded.)

One interesting artwork is titled "Lucy Selfie". Elisabeth Daynes made an anatomical reproduction of the 3 million year old Australopithecus afarensis using 21st century technology.

Another new exhibit is NASA's Earth Information Center, where you can see how the Earth is changing.

A fabulous museum. Make sure to visit the Gems (see the Hope Diamond and other exquisite jewelry) as well as the amazing mineral collection.

It's unbelievable how big this museum is. Nice temperature, clean toilets and taps for drinking water.

Very interesting exhibitions with good explanations and very diverse. Learned much.

Lots of interesting exhibits, air con throughout the building was a great plus after walking around Washington's National Mall on a very hot day. This was our second visit here but it was just as interesting as our first visit in 2002

Awesome museum for all ages. You could spend all day there if you wanted to. Cafe has decent food. Has something for everyone.

This museum was just ok. We traveled here on a day trip from Harpers Ferry with a 10 year old and a 16 year old. The 10 year old enjoyed some of the exhibits, however she was not blown away. Much of the interactive portions did not work and it did not take long to get through the museum. Worth a visit but nothing special. We have traveled around the world and the US....and this was not one of the top natural history museums that we have visited.

Bring your kids here. Not really for adults on solo travel unless you are looking to see the Hope Diamond, which is neat to see.

My recent visit to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, DC, was a captivating journey through the nation’s past. Located on the National Mall, the museum’s grand yet approachable design welcomes all with free admission, a hallmark of the Smithsonian’s commitment to accessibility.

The exhibits were thoughtfully curated, blending iconic artifacts like the Star-Spangled Banner with interactive displays on civil rights and innovation. The “American Stories” gallery stood out, weaving personal narratives with historical objects to create an emotional connection. I was particularly moved by the Greensboro lunch counter, a tangible link to the 1960s civil rights struggle, displayed with context that sparked reflection.

The staff, especially guide Emma, elevated the experience. Noticing my interest in the suffrage exhibit, she shared lesser-known stories about the movement’s grassroots efforts, adding depth to the display. Her enthusiasm and knowledge made history feel alive and relevant.

The museum’s layout was easy to navigate, though the café felt overpriced for its offerings. Still, at no cost to enter, it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking insight into America’s complex story. Emma’s personal touch made it unforgettable. Five stars.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is truly a treasure. The fact that it’s completely free makes it even more amazing! From the moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by fascinating exhibits that spark curiosity and wonder for visitors of all ages.

The range of collections is impressive. From the iconic Hope Diamond and dinosaur fossils to the mesmerizing Ocean Hall and interactive Discovery Room. Every section is thoughtfully curated and packed with information that’s both educational and engaging.

Whether you’re a science lover, history buff, or just looking for a fun and enriching way to spend the day, this museum delivers. It’s a must-visit spot in D.C. and a shining example of what public institutions can offer. We could have stayed for hours—and we’ll definitely be back!

Great big museum filled with interesting information!
I recommend 3-4 hours minimum! Best for all ages!

Fully ac . Busy , superb gem section , informative. Not as great as NY or London but enjoyable . No lockers . Very busy with tourist . Restaurants were ok . The shops were well stocked but pricey .

We spent about 3 hours wondering around the museum. The most interesting areas were the ocean section, the small area with Egyptian mummies, seeing the royal jewels and life before cells phone which we definitely remember all of that exhibit. Also the evolution section and seeing Lucy was very interesting!

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.

our tour guide, I don't remember his name, was just awesome. He had us go to the Hope Diamond first, as it gets crowded fast. He took care of us on the tour, showing us all the floors and helping us know where we were and where we were going.

My wife’s favorite museum, we visit whenever we are in town. The gem display is her favorite but there is something for everyone with a butterfly enclosure, dinosaur and bison skeletons and a bunch of other neat stuff.
On this visit a few things stood out that are usually not a problem. First, as the end of the school year arrives it seems like every local school is taking a field trip. Nothing says a joy the museum like a few busloads of 5 -7 year olds.
Second, mom’s if you bring your kids read the room a little. Some quotes “Mom, nobody cares,” “literally nobody cares” Johnny was not interested in the Hope Diamond. Oh, and “Blaaaa, Blaaaa, Blaaaa.” might have been my favorite when another mom was explaining the cellular structure of a diamond and graphite.
We have gotten a lot of mileage out of those two moments of kids say the darndest things.
The museum is always a great 3 hour visit.

Fun for the family or by yourself. The staff is nice and helpful and the exhibits are very well done and interesting. It can get very crowded if you go on a weekend because it’s kid friendly and free.

As with most of the museums in DC this one is free and absolutely worth it. It was crowded today when we visited with our 11 and 5 year old boys but they each found things they were interested in and learned a bit along the way. If you’re able to stop anywhere with kids in DC, this is the best spot!

Great museum, lots to do and see. It’s free so expect lines to get in to be super long and it was so busy indoors it was certainly difficult to see all exhibitions. It would be good to time the tickets similar to other museums. Other than the insane crowds it was a very educational and nice museum to visit.

PROS
* Amazing world- class museum in stunning massive building
* Tremendous exhibits of dinosaurs, animals and habitats
* Next to other world- class museums- The National Museum of American History and the National Gallery of Art and directly across The Mall is the National Air and Space Museum
* It is free of cost

CONS
* It is the most visited museum on our National Mall and entry is unlimited and immediate, so it is very crowded
* Aeration and ventilation are sub- par
* Many halls are not brightly lit

"I VISITED THIS PLACE"...
... because I've come to love this museum from my previous visits, and because I wanted to take Princess Place and her cousin with me to see it.

I always focus on the first floor (it's been decades since i went higher), but this time, we saw only he "stuffed animals" and not the dinosaurs.

Our visit was fantastic!!

In the prehistoric human section was a big poster sign of "meet your oldest living relative" so I posed a photo of the placard and with the two of them on each side of me and pointing at me (spoiler alert- that one is not included in my many "helpful" 👍 photos 📷 attached to this review

WAS IT WORTH THE COST?
It is free of cost

WOULD "I VISIT THIS PLACE" AGAIN?
For sure, and I intend to do that in either early November 2024 or early January 2025

ADVICE
* For sure visit this place but be aware and prepared for the crowds and the lack of adequate ventilation
* Use the Constitution Avenue entrance, because school buses use the National Mall entrance
* Of course see the dinosaurs and "stuffed animals" on the first floor, but also the other stuff on the upper floors
* While you are there, be sure to visit also the other world- class museums- The National Museum of American History and the National Gallery of Art are next to it and directly across The Mall is the National Air and Space Museum

FULL DISCLOSURE
"I visited this place" with the plan to write a "helpful" review and to attach "helpful" photos here on tripadvisor, so if these did "help" you, please indicate that by tikking the "thumbs up" 👍 symbol. Thanks.

We spent several hours here, and my 17-year-old daughter wanted to stop and look at absolutely everything. There really is something for everyone, especially if you love science. There are displays of animals, gems, etc. , and there were several curators around answering questions.

So, having failed to get into our #1 choice, we sauntered over two blocks to the Natural History Museum and enjoyed a 3-hour visit to the gems, night lights, solar system, and mammal exhibits. Sort of the Platonic ideal of what a museum is supposed to be.

We had waited years and planned for two years to see the famous museums and buildings in Washington. We flew halfway around the world to Closed!
Tour buses pull up and snap the buildings. I bet there have been many cancellations of tours and accommodation. We couldn’t.
Bars and restaurants and guides must be also out of pocket. I’m not into politics but in most countries people in the institutions don’t rely of votes like this to get paid. It is a sad thing that we will never be back and our memories and stories we will tell be negative.

It is always interesting, fascinating, and educational when you visit this museum. Easy access, free, and a lot of hustle and bustle.

This museum is sensational! Don't stop going. Free entry. It opens at 10 a.m.
There's a lot to see. Inside there is also a restaurant and a cafeteria.

The National Museum of Natural History is an excellent museum. In the "Cellphone: Making Connections" exhibit, I learned all about cellphones and took a selfie as an emoji-head. I also enjoyed the "Lights Out: Recovering Our Night Sky" exhibit. It focused on attempts to bring back dark skies so we can enjoy watching the stars.

Must-see museum in Washington! It's all there, and besides, it's free!
The section on geology and gemstones is probably the most famous and fantastic in the museum. But the other sections should not be underestimated. This is the third time we visit this museum, and each time we come out with new knowledge.

The National Museum of Natural History is a captivating and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., this Smithsonian institution is not only free to enter, but it also offers a world-class collection that spans the natural world — from the tiniest insects to towering dinosaur skeletons.

Highlights:
• Fossil Hall: The newly renovated Deep Time fossil exhibit is a standout. The T. rex and other prehistoric creatures are incredibly well-presented, and the storytelling around Earth’s history is engaging and informative.
• Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals: The Hope Diamond is a must-see, but the entire gem collection is dazzling. It’s easy to spend an hour just exploring this section alone.
• Ocean Hall: Featuring a life-size model of a North Atlantic right whale and fascinating marine specimens, this area is both beautiful and thought-provoking, especially in the context of conservation.
• Insect Zoo & Butterfly Pavilion: Great for kids and adults alike, this interactive area lets visitors get up close with live insects and (for a small fee) walk among live butterflies.

Visitor Tips:
• Go early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and school holidays.
• Wear comfortable shoes — the museum is massive.
• Don’t miss the rotating temporary exhibits; they’re often cutting-edge and deeply researched.
• The museum café is convenient but can get pricey — consider eating at one of the nearby food trucks or restaurants outside.

Final Thoughts:

Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a family with curious kids, or just someone exploring D.C.’s cultural landmarks, the National Museum of Natural History is a must-visit. It’s both fun and intellectually enriching — the kind of place that inspires wonder and curiosity about the natural world.

The Bahrain National Museum is a captivating journey through Bahrain's rich history and culture. From ancient Dilmun artifacts to traditional crafts and pearl diving exhibits, each display is thoughtfully curated and informative. The modern architecture, interactive exhibits, and bilingual descriptions make it accessible and engaging for all visitors.

Highlights include the Dilmun Civilization section, traditional crafts, and contemporary art exhibits. The friendly, knowledgeable staff enhance the experience, and the museum shop offers unique souvenirs.

A must-visit for anyone in Bahrain, the museum provides a deeper appreciation of the country's heritage. Highly recommended!

This was a very fun museum if you like all things Science. It's a little chaotic so bring patience. There is lots and lots to see. I would dedicate a few hours for this museum. It also had a great cafe, good sandwiches if you need a lunch break.

This Smithsonian museum seems to be the most popular, as it’s always crowded. It is a well organized and fascinating museum, hence the popularity. There’s something for everyone - gemstones, fossils, origins of humans, ocean life - really a terrific museum. We spent nearly 4 hours here and still felt like we could stay longer. There’s a nice cafeteria with basic food options (burgers, desserts, etc) and a nice gift shop. Situated near other Smithsonian museums and the Capitol. There’s also food trucks nearby.

It's a place one should have on the priority while visiting Washington DC. Keep atleast 2 hours for a satisfactory visit.

It is just a cool, fun way to learn more about different species, animals and humanity itself. It is a must in every Washington trip

A very good experience visiting this museum, part of Smithsonian and devoted to the various subjects relating to life, ecosystems, but also crystals. For example, you can see the famous Hope diamond and a few other gemstones of bewitching beauty.

The tour was very informative and the tour guides were phenomenal! We never felt unsafe and we observed a high volume of police officers in the area.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is full of interesting exhibits ranging from geology to insects. I enjoyed the minerals section when I visited. Some of the other exhibits were being revamped, so I didn't get to see those. The exhibit on cell phones and electronics was very cool and I'd recommend you stop by. Note that prices in the food court are outrageous.

As is the case with all museums in my opinion you out of it what you put into it. If you can take your time and appreciate what you are seeing you will have a great day. Word of warning do not attempt more than one or two Smithsonian museums in one day it is more than most people can handle. Take your time and plan for multiple days.

This was alot of fun. There was alot to see. We went in the middle of the day and it was notbsuper busy. Took about 2 hours to go through.

The museum is located at the National Mall. Unlike the other museums, this one has free entry which doesn't need booking for a time slot. After climbing up the large staircase in front. you go through a security check to get inside. You can purchase a museum map for $1 at the information center.
There are three levels of displays which are all labelled clearly. I really enjoyed the Fossil Hall. As the name implies it houses all the dinosaur related items including the bones. There is also an active fossil lab where you see the paleontologists at work. The displays all lead into the others so you can wander around the museum and see everything. Each area has a theme and it was nice going through them. The Hope Diamond is also located in the geology area with the other minerals. The ocean and animal displays were also nice. They also have a butterfly garden which looked to require tickets but it was closed when I came.
There are a couple of souvenir stores inside and the one on the lower floor (I took the escalator in the Ocean exhibit), which has the Constitution Ave entrance, was bigger but split into two stores. There is also a cafeteria here and another on the floor above it.
I really enjoyed walking around and exploring the exhibits. There is plenty to see and probably something to interest for everyone.

Our 4 year old loathed the museum. It is our fault she expected a zoo. So at every exhibit she would proclaim how everything was dead and got increasingly irritated as we worked our way through the museum. We gathered quite a crowd since her reactions were quite humorous. So if you have young children that only know zoos this may not be for you. We tried explaining what it is and even how Night at the Museum was filmed here all to no avail! It is a great museum just not if you expected live animals!

This is a great museum! Anyone who has seen the "Night At The Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" movie will recognize the parts shot in this museum. The exhibits are numerous and varied and there is something for everyone. The big draw is likely the Hope Diamond. You just have to see the Hope Diamond in person. Pictures truly do not do it justice and cannot capture it's raw beauty. You can spend as little as an hour here skipping around, or you could probably spend weeks if you wanted to see every single thing and read and watch everything available. I'd definitely go again.

This place is so cool! Words don’t do it justice and I’m usually not one that is interested in natural history. I could go back over and over again. The staff at the front desk are so friendly and helpful!!

The museum is very large with lots to see for adults and young and very interactive, it is free and I recommend you to book before

We went to multiple museums on our visit to DC and this one stood out as my favorite. So many different and unique areas to enjoy!

Lots of fascinating things to see here. My favorite museum in DC. There were way too many people in there at once. I loved the gem exhibit. The cell phone exhibit was our least favorite.

Met our expectations and then some. The Hope Diamond, the fossil and oceans exhibits was impressive.

I visited here with my husband, and this was one of the highlights of our visit to DC. The exhibits are excellent, and awesome inspiring from the moment you walk through the door. I especially enjoyed the Hope Diamond and other jewellery.

The museum was ok, with coverage of many places around the world. Many of the display animals looked very fake whilst others were realistic. Better for kids rather than adults.

Great place to visit! Staff and volunteers were friendly and informative. If you love history, make it a point to visit!

It's a very big museum. There is no walking route, which on the one hand is an advantage because you can decide where you want to go. On the other hand, this also makes it a bit confusing, because the museum is very large. The food and drink in the museum is not very good and extremely expensive. Now all of New York is very expensive, but this took the crown. A wrap, a muffin, a can of water and a can of Coke cost $35 here

This is one of my favorite DC Museums and I’ve now been here twice, the last time a few weeks ago. There is so much to see and experience, from an incredible fossil collection to the hope diamond itself. My favorite remains their remarkable mineral collection.

We also took the opportunity to do the butterfly experience. It cost extra (not too much, I think about $10 per person) and that was also great fun. You buy tickets right there and it was only a minute or two wait before we got to go in and interact with the butterflies.

This is my favorite Smithsonian by far! The dinosaur exhibit alone sparks wonder and amazement for all ages, and the ocean section, rock section, and really each and every room and display makes you appreciate nature in a city where you're most often considering history and government. The larger than life displays of the dinosaur skeletons and the whale bones and/or sea creature models are jaw dropping!

I've been to this museum on numerous trips to DC and it is always a highlight of our trip. This time we went back in order to avoid some rain. They thankfully are no longer doing times ticket entry, so it was a smooth entrance. Be forewarned there will probably always be a school group or five visiting, but the 3 floors of exhibits allow for you to mostly avoid crowds. I obviously wouldn't recommend going on the weekend if you don't like kids, but the weekday not on a school break is doable.

The exhibits are well done and will have something for everyone. From bodies and bones to fish and other animals, you will dive into the world of nature. Over time, taxidermy does start to show it's age so in the near future some of the animals may need to be redone or repaired, but in the grand scheme of things they are still holding strong.

The bathrooms are mostly clean. It depends on what time you go of course, but with school groups they can quickly get dirty. The staff is very pleasant upon entry and are used to big crowds. They still run everything smoothly with such a large turnout.

I'll continue to go when I am in downtown DC as I feel like you learn something new every time.

Absolutely amazing. I lost track of time. Especially good for me was the geological and gemstones exhibitions. Highly recommendable.

This is an amazing museum with so many wonderful exhibitions. My favorite was the mammals and fossils. Give urself 3-4 hours at least. Plus is it’s totally free and no timed pass is required for entry

This is a great museum and was well laid out. However, we were concerned that many of the exhibits are in fact NOT "natural." We understand that you may not want taxidermy throughout the place, but the fake plastic models were a bit of a let down.

All in all, it was nice visit full of interesting artifacts and information.

We visited the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History last month our recent trip to DC. What a great museum! We thoroughly enjoyed the gems area (Hope diamond!).

We love visiting the Smithsonian museums as they house amazing exhibits and are free so everyone can visit them. This was our first visit to the National Museum of Natural History and it was a very nice experience! There are lots of varying exhibits here including plant and animal collections, dinosaurs, space exhibits, and the famed gem collection. While it was neat to see the Hope Diamond, we actually enjoyed seeing all of the other gems and rock specimens; they were so varied in their colors and structure and the exhibit is very well organized. This is a really nice museum overall and I highly recommend it!

We spent a couple of hours here. The most enjoyable parts were the Mammals and Rocks/Minerals/Gems section, including the Hope Diamond. The dinosaur exhibit has been completely redone after being closed for many years, but quite frankly we found it not as well done as it was before; gone are the large-scale models of dinosaurs, replaced with just skeletons; and the written content/organization is difficult to follow and not as good. Nevertheless, this museum is still a staple of DC museums, and the price (free) is of course right!

It's beautiful, it's pretty crowded, but it's worth it. There is a lot of information about animals, fossils and insects. My kids loved it.

This museum has plenty of information regarding the Natural Sciences, especially ecology, geology, technology and other fields.

When visiting WDC this is an excellent museum to visit. Good idea to preview and decide where you want to spend your time here

The whole museum is super interesting — however make sure to visit the gems exhibit on the second floor — OMG!!!! It’s worth visiting just to see these magnificent pieces — from a pair of Marie Antoinette’s diamond earrings to the Magnificent Hope Diamond all I can say is Wow! WOW! WOW! Enjoy all the bling bling.

Me and the hubby went there on Saturday morning and spent a good chunk of the morning exploring the halls of this building. Of course the very first thing to great us was HENRY! When we got to the Dinosaurs my husband was like a little kid in a candy shop. We definitely recommend a visit this great museum!

The museum was great! The exhibitions interesting and entertaining. We probably wondered around 3 hours in it. Really loved the exhibition of the diseases!

I was totally blown away from the sheer amount of detail and information that this museum presented. Beautiful and unique piece of art and work with great detail and explanation amongst each piece. i’d recommend this spot to anyone that’s visiting or are locals

Absolutely disgusting!!!! Waste of time and would recommend not going. Better off watching animal planet. Felt like cattle moving through the halls or a third world country.

Excelent and very impressive museum. I do really recommend, it is free entrance. There are a lot of things to see, great environment and big place.

Another of our destinations on this rainy day in DC, this museum offers something for everyone. Every display is informative and current with the latest science and discovery, and presented interactively. Every aspect of the history of the natural world is addressed or at least touch in this vast complex. We especially enjoyed the earth formation display, leading to the magnificent gem displays. The huge evolution of animal life with fossil display, immortalised in the films Night at the Museum, is fantastic. Fans of Egyptology can do much better elsewhere, such as the ROM in Toronto, but it’s still a decent display. Staff are all friendly and helpful. And the really wonderful thing is that you don’t need a reservation and it’s absolutely free of charge. We loved it.

A lot lot to experience in such a short period of time. Not even my first time but I still got my mind blown. A very fun and educational environment.

I haven't been there yet, but by the pictures i can tell it is going to be awesome! it looks sooo cool!

This is an outstanding museum, guaranteed to have something for everyone. Our fave was the gem & mineral hall, just beautiful exhibits. Be prepared for crowds and have lots of time available. Recommend eating elsewhere though.

Very nice clean museum. On the day we went it wasn’t to crowded, we got to see everything we wanted to. Best of all it is free!!

Was in a rush tryin to explore DC in one day so was only able to pop in here to have a little look but wow it looked amazing. I would've loved to have been able to see more and read the signs etc. Full of history and interactive. Amazing that it's free too!
It was very busy in there but the museum is so large I'm sure it wouldn't be much of an issue the more you go around.

We absolutely loved this museum. Our only complaint is that we didn't have 2 days to see it. The exhibits are breathtaking..

An amazing experience! No entry ticket is required. There are tons of food trucks right outside before or during your visit.

There were 3 gift shops. One was right outside the fossils/dinos exhibit. The other two were at the entry.

Everywhere you turned it seemed like there was more to see: from the Hope Diamond to gemstones, to fossils and animals to mummies.

It s a very beautiful museum.anyway with many interesting exhibits but I think the prehistorical di o skeletons are amazing. How must it have been to find one complete skeleton after another in Montana, Wyoming etc etc, hundreds of million years old? Wow.

Our visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History was definitely one of the highlights of our Washington DC trip. We stayed until closing, eager to explore every exhibit the museum had to offer. The girls were especially drawn to the displays tracing human history. They loved learning about how people lived long ago and seeing the different artifacts up close.

For me, the gem and mineral exhibits were absolutely fascinating. Seeing the Hope Diamond in person was a real treat. It truly lives up to the hype. The museum offered something for everyone in the family, making it a perfect stop. We all left with big smiles and plenty of new facts to share.

Outstanding.

A place for everyone. We had all ages in our group. And loved the exhibits. I wish there were more hands on, but I fear that Covid has ruined this for the world. However the museums do their best to include and inspire with other senses like sound and sight. Be prepared for some areas to be more crowded than others. Get here early if you can as it seems the crowds were worse in the afternoon.

Favorites are the Gem section on the 2nd floor to see the Diamonds. The dinosaur exhibit and Butterfly garden are a must see. We loved it all.

The family bathroom is bigger and often cleaner. The bathrooms on the first floor are more crowded. The cafe was terrible. Avoid it. We did not like our sandwiches so went to the lowest cafeteria and found fantastic pizza and salads. We had to actually go down two floors. The lower floor looks like is designed for large groups of school children but the tables were much cleaner and there was more space for us.

We loved our day at the museum and spent all day there.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is one of the most visited museums in the world. It opened its doors in 1910 and is part of the Smithsonian Institution, allowing everyone to enter for free. This museum focuses on the natural world and has an incredible collection of over 146 million items, including plants, animals, fossils, minerals, and human-made objects. It’s not just about showing off these collections; the museum is also important for scientific research and education, helping people learn about how life has evolved and the variety of life on Earth. The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, making it easy for anyone curious about nature to visit.
Exploring the museum is like traveling through time and different environments. One of the coolest parts is the Hall of Fossils, where you can see the amazing skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex up close, making you feel like you're standing next to a real dinosaur. In the Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals, the Hope Diamond shines brightly with its stunning blue color and fascinating backstory, capturing everyone's attention. The Ocean Hall features a giant model of a North Atlantic right whale, showing off the incredible beauty and diversity of ocean life. The museum is designed so that it's super easy to navigate, with fun interactive displays and hands-on activities that keep visitors of all ages interested.
My visit to the National Museum of Natural History was something I will never forget. The enormous size and variety of the collections made me feel tiny compared to the greatness of nature and history. I was especially impressed by the Fossil Lab, where scientists were busy working on real fossils, letting visitors see the discovery process up close. It was really cool to witness how much work goes into studying and preserving ancient life. I was also surprised by how engaging the exhibits were—I thought they would just be simple displays, but instead, I found realistic dioramas, interactive touchscreens, and even virtual reality experiences. This museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the natural world, whether you love dinosaurs, gemstones, or creatures from the deep sea. It’s an amazing place to learn, and the best part is that it’s totally free!

Would highly recommend! There were A LOT of people there but tonsssssss to see, we could have easily stayed for 3hrs if we were not weaving in and out of people.

WOW. The gems are incredible! Hope diamond! the display area has been recently renovated and is incredible. The dinosaurs are really neat too.

Amazing place to visit w kids. You need to plan hours to visit. The fossils are real with a place to see scientists work. Visit early… the line does move fast.

A very nice museum.
Very busy, but that makes sense with free admission. There's a lot to see, a lot to do. Unfortunately little in the Dutch language, but our boys (6 and 8 years old) had a great time.
The food in the restaurant is expensive and not good. Lunch is better served elsewhere.

there are lots of exhibit inside, the room that shows the large diamond is very crowded, many ppl want to see the big diamond, besides, there are lots of exhibits, you can spend half even a whole day here. it's free and no time-ticket required.

We weren't planning on visiting the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, but we had some extra time and decided to pop in. Being a summer afternoon, it was really bustling, so we didn't stay very long. However, it's still an excellent museum with lots of great exhibits. The Hall of Human Origins and the Ocean Hall were particular interesting.

An amazing museum with tons of great exhibits. We especially enjoyed the fossils. Entry is free and does not require a scheduled timeslot (the Air and Space Museum does though) but just know it gets crowded quickly.

Lots to see. Crowded in some spots but don't go on a holiday or weekend if you want to enjoy the exhibits without squeezing in.

This is an ok museum. Other Smithsonian's are much better. This one is cool if you have young children that like sea life/animans in general. The gem exhibit is always crowded, but worth the visit. I went through this museum wiht my 16 year old in an hour.

Huge museum. Spend a whole day here. Very well laid out and comprehensive. Might be too much for a kid to do and absorb in one day.

We visited while in DC for the week. It's been a while since my last visit...like 40 years. I had mixed feelings.

The good: we loved the gemstones and minerals exhibits. Many of the wildlife exhibits were quite well done. If you're after an immersive exhibit of the natural world, this is a good example.

The bad: FAR too much space is devoted to evolution theory presented as fact. It reads like propaganda. As someone who visited a long time ago, I was disappointed that the giant pendulum had been removed at some point. It was hugely popular when I'd last been. The museum was pretty crowded when we went in right as it opened. But within an hour it was overrun by countless hoards of children running amok in their matching shirts. Museum employees did nothing to admonish the semi-involved chaperones for not controlling their groups.

My advice: go early, as soon as it opens if you can. Be prepared to deal with ever-increasing crowds, the longer you stay. So prioritize your visit. The food in the restaurant is mediocre and really expensive. It cost us $40 for a burger, chicken strips and a couple of waters. You're better off ordering from one of the dozens of food trucks parked outside.

The Museum is huge and it is worth booking a day for the visit, if you can not return at another date because the entrance is free and, in this museum, there is no need to reserve.
Choose the thematic room that draws the most attention and start the visit without worrying about the weather, it is worth observing everything that interests but if you want to be more directed at the most important pieces at the reception you can "contract" a guide to take you to a guided visit to the museum.

I loved visiting this museum, even though I visited the similar museum in Manhattan. I preferred some different attractions there, such as the mummy and the vast collection of stones, from meteorites to precious stones from around the world.

I visited the Museum of Natural History in July 2024. Since I visited here last year carefully (around 3 hours), I focused on my favorite areas this time in a quicker visit. This included the primate section in the Mammal Hall, the mass extinction events and climate change in the Fossil Hall (where the dinosaurs are) and the Hope Diamond. I also ate lunch in the museum cafeteria which has the best macaroni and cheese in Washington DC. I never get tired of visiting the Museum of Natural History.

It was very informative and very family friendly. There is a little something for everyone. It is huge and if you want to see everything and really read about it and look at it. It takes at least 3 to 4 hours to get through everything. Definitely something I would recommend seeing if you're in the area. The butterfly exhibit is closed on Sunday and Monday and we couldn't see it. That's my only upset.

Great place to see and learn about nature. Lots of exhibits and short movies. Especially like the gems and diamonds exhibits. Well worth the 3 hours.

Second time visiting the Smithsonian musuem, there are so many things to see and do and plus its all FREE!

You will probably need a few days to really engross yourself in the museum and all it has to offer. It was a fantastic experience and if your in DC a must see along with "oh, I don't know, a couple hundred other things in our nations capitol..."

Loved this place took so many pictures liked the dinosaurs and gems and the nite stars exhibit the gift shop was great and not expensive

In my opinion this is the best Smithsonian Museum. Laid out well and has such a variety of interesting information.

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.

Incredible to see and experience! Beautifully laid out. Wonderful galleries and exhibits. Tons to see! Using the map is helpful!

I absolutely loved this place! This museum seems a lot lighter and brighter for some reason. This museum has so many things that a lot of people will enjoy. The dinosaurs bone casts on display are insane in a good way. The gems and jewelry section will get crowed but waiting to see the Hope Diamond and other stones is really cool! I wanted to experience the butterfly exhibit but it was closed. We spent about 3-4 hours in here with no problem. The cafe and the gift shop at the bottom will give you some breathing room for those who don't like crowds.

My daughter, son-in-law, grandson and I went to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History one fine autumn Saturday. The dinosaur collection was a hit with the little one. We also enjoyed the mammal, bird and human history exhibits. There is more to see here than can be accomplished in one trip. Fortunately, the admission is free of charge. The cafe and gift shop are pretty expensive, though. The food at the cafe is so-so, but far better than that at some other museums I've visited.

This place is huge. So much to see. My feet hurt, so I only did one floor then sat at cafe with a coffee and cheesecake. Yum. So many things to see. You could stay for hours. Very nice. Closes early.

We had a blast touring DC. We were able to fit in four of the Smithsonian museums and the National Museum of Natural History was our favorite. The displays were engaging, informative, and visually compelling. The other three museums were a good time as well, but this one is the only one where we lost track of time while taking in everything.

We had not been there for years, so it was humorous to see what effect Jurassic Park has had on the displays.
We grew up with static skeletons, but they've thrown a little violence into the mix with a T-Rex with a Triceratops' skull in his mouth!
I appreciated the clever presentation of the Hope Diamond rotating a quarter turn so that those in front could get their snapshot and leave in time for the new people to get set up for their photo.

This is still an amazing museum after all these years. I first came in Junior High during a summer trip and I have come back since with each of my three kids when I come to meetings in DC. My 13 year old son was on this trip and he gave a teenager's blessing of a half grunt and at least paying attention and not being on his phone. The museum has been updated and I like the modernization of it, yet the bones of the place are still so familiar. It is a great place you have to see at least once in your life.

Extremely well made and equipped. I highlight the fossils session, which presents the evolution of terrestrial beings over billions of years, with videos.

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.

Sooo much to see & experience. Everything from Dorothy’s red slippers to Archie Bunkers chair & so much more. Hard to believe that you get to experience all of this for free. The place is huge so you will be doing a lot of walking, however if you need a break there is a cafe/coffee shop on lower level.

This museum shows how a crystal turns in to a gem. There are exhibits of a variety of crystals and gems. There is this "Diamond of Hope".

Also, there are also exhibits of skeleton of animals, birds

There is a cafe to buy good and it is good in taste. Burgers, Fries, etc

Note: I travelled here in November 2023. I've been here multiple times. It was great. It has rich history and learning. The cafeteria has a hanging Megalodon Shark and it is pretty cool.

How not to come here? Since I saw the movie one night at the museum, I wanted to come here, it's really worth visiting, it's the best, you see real things that you thought were fantasy... I would go again

A great place to visit and learn. So much to see. Nice cafe area too. Took us about three hours to get around the whole museum as a comfortable pace. Lovely gift shop at the end. Helpful and polite staff.
I use a wheelchair and would recommend using the family restroom as they are bigger than the disabled toilets.
Free to enter. Definitely worth a visit.

Great exhibits but they need timed entry in the summer months. Many unruly teens and some with liquids (not water!). No one is enforcing the rules! Air and Space museum is doing it right to control crowds.

The exhibits are interesting, but there is no crowd control, and the way the museum is laid out, everyone has to return to the crowded center before entering a new exhibit. (And the exhibit exits are also the entrances.) There is no flow of movement, and few staff to control the crowds. I overheard many others express the same frustrations. One woman in a wheelchair could hardly move. Plus, there are not enough places to sit, so exhausted people were just perched on sides of exhibits and on the floors. I can’t believe that they allow such chaos around priceless artifacts. To see the $250M hope diamond, you just elbow your way to the front! We cut our time there short and have no regrets.

This museum is located on the National Mall. Admission is free, so you can easily enter. From dinosaur bones to gemstone protoliths, it seems to be almost anything related to nature. The exhibition floor is vast, so you can choose what you want to see and visit. The child was overjoyed at the dinosaur fossil.

...must have visited at the exact same time we did.

Probably should have picked a weekday instead of a Saturday afternoon, as the crowds and noise made it less than enjoyable. Science buffs (of which I'm not) will be more engaged than we were.

The next door Museum of American History (later on a weekday) proved far more interesting and enjoyable.

This is by far one of my favorite museums in the Smithsonian! There is a little bit of everything and so much to see, absorb, and learn! I recommend making this a whole day trip or breaking it into 2 days to get the full experience. I'll never grow tired of visiting the elephant in the lobby!

Loved it. I lost track of time and had fun exploring everything. Quickly learnt to look up, around. Lots of staff available to ask questions, easy to navigate through the different parts.

Excellent. So much to see and do. I loved this one very much!! I can’t say enough good things about it.

Worth every dollar - its display is great, I could spend many hours there, but I didn't have that much time in the end.

A museum filled with lots of informations from all sorts of categories where life evolves and it’s existence. The museum delivers information either thru reading or visual presentation. One particular show was the evolution of technology were I found a lot of stuffs that I had used when I was a kid to teen to young adulthood. It just bring me lots of great memories. The museum also have shops inside. There are clean toilets. It’s only open until half 5.

As good as it gets... super clean, organized, free, in the heart of it all.. can't ask for much more than that. They need to fill that third floor space though

5 because we saw some awesome rocks we probably spent like 1 to 3 hours there and the guids helped us out a lot also visit the hope diamond well its there

A very popular place on a Sunday afternoon. Full of families and a great free place to bring the kids.

The museum is huge with multiple floors. Exhibits are well displayed and information on the items is clear, detailed and informative. Suitable for all age groups.

I was keen to look at the Gems and Minerals section and in particular, see The Hope Diamond, which is absolutely stunning. If you are short of time, it is worth coming into the museum to see the diamond and all the beautiful gems and jewellery on display.

Allow a few hours there is alot to see.

I visited this place last week.
I miscalculated the time it would take to cover this place.

This museum would easily take 7-8 hours to cover in detail but is doable in 4 hours with an efficient museum guide

A must try if you are in the East coast

My favorite out of all of the Smithsonians museums. Make sure to always book your ticket ahead of time if you can, they do give you some cushioning in case you are worried about timing.
First, I'm a huge pop culture person so that section of this museum is where I spent the most time. They have the ruby slippers which I have a tattoo of, they have costumes, pieces of costumes and everything you could imagine. It was so cool to see such things as the original Kermit, the frog, Bill Nye's outfit, Mister Rogers cardigan and shoes. I could just go on.
If you like pop culture like me, this is a must and its FREE!!!

Such a fun place to visit with family and friends! we took the metro downtown and it was so easy to get around. My favorite part of this museum was the Butterfly Pavilion. You had to buy an extra ticket but it was really fun and we smiled the whole way through the garden.

This is an amazing place that takes days to go through everything thoroughly! I have been here once before and visited the mammals section. This time I spent an afternoon checking out the gems and minerals section and spent 3 and a half hours there to see everything in that one section. The Hope diamond stood out to me - that is a very popular attraction at the museum! They had a wide variety of gemstones and minerals there: ruby, emerald, coral, topaz, diamond, quartz, and so many others! Learning about the chemistry behind the colors in diamonds and other gemstones was fascinating to me! I would definitely come back here again to check out other sections in this museum. This place was free to visit. No advanced reservations or tickets needed. The museum has restrooms and drinking water.

A wonderful collection of nature's history, evolution and expansiveness on display. An inviting, entertaining and educational home to national and natural treasures. From dinosaur fossils to live butterflies, and space rocks to the Hope Diamond, this museum has something for any curious mind.

Had an enriching experience in this museum. You will need lots of time in hand to go through each section and exhibits and read half of it. Its a great way for teens and kids to learn. Must visit in DC.

Another fine Smithsonian institute chock with a plethora of displays. My son and I only had time to see two of them during our stay -- Fossils and Humans. Both were fascinating looks at our far past.

The museum was more crowded than the American History museum. Definitely more families with small children. Factor this into your out-of-school visit and consider going earlier or later in the day to avoid crowds.

The museum is easy to see in half a day. The exhibits are well designed and interesting. Be prepared for crowds on the weekend or doing school breaks.

I came to the museum on Dec. 23 with a purpose, which was to see the dinosaur skeletons. I've been studying paleontology independently this year for personal interest, so I didn't attempt to see anything else - that's all I wanted to see that day. I spent 2 hours in Fossil Hall. They have an excellent collection. There's a nice mix of therapods, sauropods, and ornithischians. It was really interesting to me to examine the bone structures and compare what was similar and different between clades. The signs were also pretty good. I personally wish there was more detail because I've been reading up on dinosaurs, but I think they're appropriate for the average person who has no background. I also thought the section where you could watch paleontologists at work behind a glass wall was fascinating. They have a camera hooked up to each paleontologist's microscope with a screen facing the guests so that you can see what they're doing. I loved that. I do wish that there was a docent in the exhibit because I thought of a bunch of questions while looking at the bones. But I had a great visit.

Even arriving at open and staying until close, you’d be hard pressed to see everything in this museum. It’s atleast the 5th or 6th time I’ve been there, but see something I missed before.

So much to see! We wanted to see each wing, so we strolled through very quickly. If you have a certain interest, it's a great museum to delve deeper into that. Our kids like to see live things, so the dead preserved animals did not have the affect that I thought it would. However, the gem wing was fantastic.

This museum is a must-visit! With free admission, it offers an amazing variety of exhibits. The jewelry section is breathtaking—especially the Hope Diamond, which is absolutely stunning! There’s also an incredible dinosaur exhibit and fascinating mummy displays. I spent three hours there, and I still didn’t see everything. If you’re into history, science, or just gorgeous things, this place will blow you away. Can't wait to go back!

Washington is one of my favorite cities in the US, there is a little something for everyone, love the history and the patriotism. I really like that most restaurants are not chain restaurants.
The fact that you can walk everywhere is just great.

Pretty much anything you’ve heard about this place is correct. It lives up to the hype and more. Tons of fun and interesting things to see and interact with. The cherry on top is it being free to enter. Must do.

If you can only do one museum this is it. Great collection of natural history - one of the best natural history museums I have been to and amzing that the admission is free. We spent about 2.5 hours but needed more . Would definitely try a weekday when it is less crowded. Plenty of reasonalby priced parking in the nearby office buildings on the weekend. If going on a weekday would recommend the train.

Another good time walking through the various exhibits - my son said the Hope Diamond was disappointing "but maybe cause I am a boy".

No reservations needed. Unbelievable fossils, gems, and displays. Lots of tourists and students so it’s crowded. The stores are fun and the cafe offers a great variety of food choices. Very worth the visit.

So much to explore!!! Be ready for crowds inside. Line outside was not terrible around 10:00 a.m. on 7/3/23. No charging stations for phone so make sure to have battery back up, charging cord/box. There are charging cords for purchase for $18! The only charging kiosks that we came across were in the Smithsonian American History Museum next door, 3rd floor, behind the Hall of Music in a couch/seating area or on the 2nd floor, near the gift shop, there's a brown set of 3 stairs box *think the kind of set up for shoe shining* and there are 2 USB ports at the bottom. Smithsonian has requested charging stations. Plan on more than an hour, peak or non peak times. So much to see!

Rich museum, didactic, interactive, very educational, with examples of various life forms, many species, large, very important for the education of children. I liked the part of human evolution, especially the brain and bones.
Parents should take their children.
The MHN in NY is still unbeatable, but the WDC is very good and organized. Even the shop is educational and, of course, expensive. Entrance to the museum is free.

PROS
* Amazing exhibits in a stunning building
* Taxidermy of wild animals is thrilling
* Dinosaur section is massive and extensive with many exhibits
* Good cafeteria
* Absolutely free of entry charge

CONS
Crowded- it is regularly always crowded and there is never crowd control by the staff

“I VISITED THIS PLACE”…
… to see the two groups that I listed- taxidermy of wild big animals and the dinosaurs and their bones.

It was good but crowded (as always).

ADVICES
This is one of the best museums of this tour in the entire world- of course you should visit.

This is a great place to visit on a rainy day or when you need to get out of the sun. There's plenty to see - so many animals and different habitats to review. Very cool collections of animal skeletons.

Our kids really enjoyed it here, there is so much to see we barely had time to get to the second floor before we had to leave. It get's extremely crowded in areas so if crowds aren't your thing you may not want to go on a weekend in the summer.

This is an awesome to bring ur family to, from the ocean to space, this museum covered it all, u can see fossils n imagine life during prehistoric time, or visit the complete collection of precious gem n their natural form

I will never forget seeing the ruby slippers. Memory for a lifetime. Amazing museum everyone should visit at least once.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is a great museum with tons of things to see. It is free, like all Smithsonians, and is on the National Mall. Some of the most important things I saw were: The elephant in the main rotunda, the hall of dinosaurs, the African history, the gems and the Hope diamond, and the mummies. Overall, I highly recommend coming to this museum. It is my favorite Smithsonian.

This place is full of stuff ranging all over the range of possibilities. We went in Easter break - cos hat was the time we had to go, but its was so busy and crowded that I had to leave after an hour.

This was my first visit to the Natural History Museum and I was very impressed. First heading to see the famous Hope Diamond and some what surprised of the quality and variety of jewellery in the exhibit

The dinosaur exhibit is also very good and informative ed for children.

Put this on your list to visit

My wife and I were a little disappointed, maybe just museumed out. It offered several good exhibits but there were just too many people, especially 8th graders when we were there.

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.

Big or small, this museum is for everyone. One could spend an hour or an entire day. There is so much to see and take in. Again, another free stop. You can bring in a small backback, food and water which was fantastic.

WOW is an understatement. You could probably spend a week here and not see everything. It is incredible the collection displayed..

The National Museum of Natural History is one of my all-time favorite museums in Washington, D.C. I’ve visited many times over the years, and it never disappoints. The exhibits are beautifully curated, interactive, and engaging for visitors of all ages. I’m always in awe of the giant elephant in the Rotunda—no matter how many times I’ve seen it, it still stops me in my tracks.

Favorites include the Hall of Mammals and the Ocean Hall, which features lifelike displays in a near-immersive setting, with massive sea creatures suspended from the ceiling and walls. The Hope Diamond, located on the top floor, is definitely worth a look—but personally, I could spend hours exploring the second floor alone. It’s the kind of place where you never run out of things to see or learn.

Tips: Admission is free (as with all Smithsonian museums). Open seven days a week. You’ll go through security before entering, so give yourself a little extra time.

Whether it’s your first visit to D.C. or your tenth, this museum is always worth a stop.

This is typical of many, many other Natural History museums we have visited around the country.

There are a few unique items such as the Hope Diamond, but if you have been to other similar museums, you may choose to spend time elsewhere.

They had really unique pieces. The gem/rock exhibit was really cool. Some speciments were over 3 million years old. They also had a lot of really cool bones. I can see spending 4-5 hours here.

The Hope diamond, hundreds of geodes, skeletons of dinosaurs, and unusual creatures of the past and present--all are here in the middle of D.C.Wonderful for young kids, teens, and adults. Good information presented throughout.

Our first visit without kids and we felt like kids ourselves as we sought out our favorite halls in this amazing museum. The gems and mammals are my favorites. Being up close to such natural wonders brings me joy!

There are so many cool things to see. I loved the big dinosaur skeletons — especially the T. rex, it looks so real! The gem and mineral section was also super shiny and beautiful. The Hope Diamond is very famous and really pretty. The museum is big, so wear comfy shoes. I spent about 3 hours there and still didn’t see everything. It was a bit crowded, but not too bad. If you like nature, science, or just want to see something cool, I totally recommend this museum.

We went on a weekday and it was perfect. Very well maintained and easy to navigate around. My daughter was fascinated by the Hope Diamond and all the gems. Worth a visit everytime you are in the area!

Best museum I’ve ever been to. Beautiful, rich and informative exhibits, and all free. We were 2 adults and 2 kids (10 and 12) and split up to indulge different interests. Would have gone back if we’d had more time. Recommend swinging by early for butterfly tickets.

Probably the best museum in Washington. A huge collection of dinosaur fossils will fascinate young and old alike. The same applies to stuffed animals from all continents. Upstairs, you can also find a beautiful collection of precious stones, including ornaments from Napoleon.

For context, my family and I have been to large museums all over the world. This is my 3rd time to this museum. We love that it’s free (well, my federal taxes…) and accessible to all. But there needs to be some suggested or organized flow to the museum. It is so crowded and with people bouncing off each other it detracts from the experiences. Have people start at the top and work down, put down some wayfinder colors or arrows. Be like IKEA. There is a better way to help people enjoy this more. And at lunch time they should have more than 2 registers open (but the food is fairly decent but of course pricey, lunch for my family of 5 was $120).

Babylon Tours with Christopher was fantastic! The best thing aside from his incredible sense of humor, was the amount of knowledge and time he took with us. Avid biology buffs, we loved knowing what the process was about how specimens were acquired and what was model and what was fossil. Amazing! We saw almost everything in the museum and it was worth the money - now we can go back at a slower pace and enjoy reading everything. Thank you Christopher!!

There is a lot to see and something for everyone. Whether you prefer nature or birds from ocean animals to diamonds and gems this multi level museum has everything historic with every detail taken into consideration.

Was in DC for a few hours and needed to kill time. Free entrance and well organised. A lot to learn there as well plus covered a lot of the history aspects. Even if you’re not a learner there’s a lot of visual history to appreciate as well as feel. Finished the whole place in three hours which isn’t too long as well. Plus the view of the Monument and Capitol is awesome.

We aranged a tour of the Smithsonian Natural History Museum with Babylon Tours. Although we were 40 mins. late our guide, Amanda met us at the entrance. She was friendly and very knowledgeable and informative about the exhibits. It was a very enjoyable tour. An excellent tour guide.

Give yourself an hour, give yourself the whole day. Being that it’s free, go more than once. There is so much to see and it would take days to read it all. So many exhibits for all ages.

I’ve been to the museum of natural history in London and New York as well as the RoM in Toronto and this really is on par with them all. The information is presented in an easy to understand format with countless exhibitions displayed from the collection. It is a great place to spend the day!

Our visit to this museum was very average. Yes, it is free, well displayed, and without timed entry. However, the result is overcrowding and masses of humanity that detract from your experience.

The museum has the standard fare of natural history displays; fossil record and requisite "human origins" timeline/extinction/new species displays, minerals/geodes, cultural displays, insect zoo, etc. Honestly, if your city/region has a respectable natural history museum, you've seen/heard this before.

The items we felt are unique to this site include the Hope Diamond, more dinosaur fossil reconstructions than most regional museums have, actual mummified remains on display.

Of note, the museum and displays have a large theme of human impact on the changing environment (ie global warming). Regardless if you are pro/against this politically, we all can take away the irony of some 20 food trucks sitting idle just outside the museum entrance, spewing carbon emissions from their idle engines and generators, peddling eats and treats to museum guests and staff! I mean...is there not a better option than continually pumping out carbon emissions directly in front of the natural history museum??

We enjoyed 4th of July, one of the best experiences that I had in USA.

It was perfect to see fireworks
To see American family cultures
I had very excited exposure to American cultures that I didn’t had before.

The short and sweet of it...totally incredible, fabulous, amazing, outstanding, breathtaking, entertaining, enthralling...just go and visit...don't hesitate.
We spent a couple hours...heck, you could spend a couple days...

You'll need the full day to tour this museum, so much to see! Gems and minerals exhibit surprised me the most - amazing stuff! If you arrive before opening at 10am you will likely be waiting in line (line moves very quickly) but we arrived at 10:15 and walked right in, beating the initial rush.

Stunning Museum! Don’t miss the gems and minerals. The Hope Diamond is the attention getter, but so many amazing pieces. Dinosaur fossils were good, but Denver Museum of Nature & Science has especially good dinosaur fossils

Hands down my favorite site to visit in this city! It has all of the iconic collectibles you want to see when you go. If you don't visit any other Smithsonian museums on your trip you have to see this one.