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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW · Washington, DC

Why you should go…

Henry the African elephant greets you in the rotunda, and it only gets bigger from there: the Nation's T. rex locked mid-bite in the fossil hall, the 45.52-carat Hope Diamond glinting in the gems gallery, a live butterfly pavilion, and Ocean Hall's life-size North Atlantic right whale overhead. Admission is free with no passes required, and it's open daily except December 25, an easy add between the monuments when weather turns.

  • #dinosaurs
  • #hope diamond
  • #smithsonian
  • #fossils
  • #free

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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