Overview

The National Museum of Natural History is a leading natural history museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., administered by the Smithsonian Institution. It houses vast scientific collections, public exhibitions and educational programs, and is open to visitors nearly every day of the year with free admission. Over time it has become one of the most visited museums in the United States, drawing millions of visitors annually.

Collections

The museum's repositories contain more than half a billion specimens and objects documenting the diversity of life, the history of Earth, and human cultural artifacts. These collections are central to scientific research, conservation, and public interpretation.

  • Botanical specimens (plants, seeds, and preserved material)
  • Zoological collections (insects, mammals, birds, fishes and other animals)
  • Fossils and paleontological material that record ancient life
  • Minerals, gems and rocks, including famous gemstones and meteorites
  • Anthropological and cultural objects that illuminate human history

Exhibits and notable displays

The museum presents a mix of permanent halls and rotating special exhibitions. Permanent galleries explore topics such as paleontology (fossils and the evolution of life), earth sciences (minerals, geology and meteorites), biodiversity, human origins and cultural history. Public highlights often include an Insect Zoo that offers live demonstrations and interactive learning, an on-site theater that has shown large-format films, and a gem and mineral hall that has displayed famous gems. Exhibits are designed for a wide audience, from young children to scholars, and combine specimens with multimedia interpretation.

History and architecture

The institution and its collections grew from 19th- and early 20th-century scientific collecting and the Smithsonian's mission to increase and diffuse knowledge. The main building on the Mall reflects early 20th-century museum design adapted over decades to accommodate expanding collections and contemporary exhibition needs. The museum's spaces have been renovated periodically to improve conservation, research facilities and visitor experience while retaining historic features.

Research, curation and education

Beyond display, the museum is a major research center. Staff scientists, curators and collections managers study taxonomy, ecology, paleontology, geology, anthropology and related fields. Collections serve as primary scientific evidence used in taxonomy, conservation assessments and environmental studies. The museum also organizes educational programs for schools, families and the public, supports graduate research, and collaborates with institutions worldwide to share specimens and expertise.

Visitor information and resources

The museum welcomes millions of visitors each year and offers resources for planning visits, academic research, and online exploration. It is free to enter and open most days; specific hours, accessibility services and current exhibitions are posted by the institution. For more information, online catalogs and outreach programs, consult the following resources:

Whether approached as a destination for hands-on learning, a scientific research center, or a guardian of irreplaceable specimens, the National Museum of Natural History plays multiple roles: stewarding global collections, advancing scientific knowledge, and providing public access to the natural world.