National Museum Of Natural History
National Museum Of Natural History
5 minutes read•Published on 20-10-2024
Located in Washington D.C., the National Museum of Natural History is a famous museum that is visited by millions of people every year. It's a part of the Smithsonian Institution, which is the biggest museum and research complex in the world. The museum has many different exhibits and collections that have to do with all parts of natural history. These include things like plants, animals, fossils, rocks, meteorites and even things made by people from different cultures. People visit this museum for both learning and fun. This museum helps people understand and value the natural world and how we are a part of it.
Tickets & tours
A selection of the best tours to experience the National Museum Of Natural History with our partner GetYourGuide. These tours offer the best experience for visitors from all around the world.
A short history
The National Museum of Natural History, located in Washington D.C., USA, first opened its doors to the public on March 17, 1910. Its main goal is to collect and display a wide range of plant, animal, and mineral specimens to educate the public and aid scientific research. The museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution, which operates many important national museums in the United States.
The building housing the museum displays a neoclassical style and was built by the architectural firm Hornblower & Marshall. The building work started in 1904 and was done by 1911. Interestingly, the museum was one of the first buildings to be built in an area now well-known as the National Mall, which is a large park where a number of significant monuments and museums can be found.
In the many years since its opening, the museum has added quite a range of exhibits to its collection. A key milestone was the addition of the Hall of Dinosaurs in 1911, which features fossils and the skeletal remains of dinosaurs and other animals, now extinct. This exhibit has always been particularly popular with visitors. Later in the 20th century, the focus of the museum expanded to cover human evolution and environmental issues.
Currently, the National Museum of Natural History draws a large crowd and is known as one of the most visited museums all over the world. It remains a valuable place for learning and researching natural history. Every year, countless people, including groups of students and tourists, explore the plentiful collections that explain and bring our natural world to life.
One reason to visit
The Hope Diamond is a top reason why you should go to the National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. This diamond is famous all over the world and draws many people to the museum because of its large size, color, and interesting past. The diamond, at 45.52 carats, is bigger than a quarter coin. What makes it special is its deep blue color that appears different under various kinds of light. In the past, the diamond belonged to people of royal family and those with a lot of money. Now, it is in the museum. In the museum, there is a special place where the Hope Diamond is shown. In this place, you can learn many things about the diamonds past and how diamonds work in science.
Getting there
When visiting the National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C., it is important to note that the museum is located at 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW. If you are starting your walk from the Washington Monument, start by heading northeast on 15th St NW toward Jefferson Dr SW for approximately 0.8 miles. Then, turn left onto Constitution Ave NW, and continue for around 0.3 miles. After that, make another left onto 12th St NW /Constitution Ave NW. The museum will be on your right side after 0.2 miles. It is crucial to remain mindful of your safety while navigating the city, so remember to follow traffic rules and signals accordingly.
To reach the National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. by bike, start from the Washington D.C. Union Station. Head west on E Street NE towards First Street NE for about 0.1 miles. Then, take a right turn onto First Street NE. Continue on this street for 0.2 miles then make a left turn onto Massachusetts Ave NW. Stay on this road for around 1.2 miles. Take a slight left turn onto 6th St NW and then after about 0.3 miles turn right onto Constitution Ave NW. You'll find the museum on your right after about 0.1 miles. Bike racks are located on the Madison Drive side of the museum. Don't forget to take your lock as bike theft can be common in the city.
To reach the National Museum of Natural History, you can utilize the Washington D.C. Metro system. Firstly, get on the Metro's Blue, Silver, or Orange Line. Exit at the Smithsonian Metro Stop on the Mall's north side. The museum is about a 5-minute walk from there. If you prefer catching the bus, the DC Circulator's National Mall Route is available. It stops directly at the Madison Drive entrance of the museum. Alternatively, Metrobus routes 32, 34, 36, and 39 also pass by the museum. If you are navigating by car, ample street parking is available along Constitution Avenue NW, 12th Street SW, and 14th Street SW.
First, you have to get onto I-495, following the signs for Washington D.C. You will then take exit 17B onto US-50 E towards Washington. Continue on US-50 E for about 20 minutes, then keep right at the interchange to stay on I-395 N, following the signs for Downtown Washington/I-395 N. Take the 7th Street step off I-395 N and continue on 7th St SW. Turn right onto Independence Ave SW and after a few blocks, you'll see the National Museum of Natural History on your right. Remember to look for available metered street parking, as there is no public parking facility for the museum itself. Finally, use the address 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. for your GPS-guided directions.
