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Smithsonian's NMNH

National Museum of Natural History

Science Museum and History Museum
Northwest Washington, Washington
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9.2/10
4,038
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    Has a stamp of approval from Michelin Travel & Lifestyle and Wired
    • Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
    • Wired
  • Tips
    Emily E.
    "Love the Hope Diamond."(34 Tips)
    Parker T.
    "Amazing rocks and minerals, some of the most famous gems"(13 Tips)
    Devin S.
    "Really enjoying the butterfly exhibit and just about everything else"(12 Tips)
    Matt L.
    "Awesome museum, I just wish the dinosaur exhibit was completed :("(39 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon384 Tips and reviews
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  • The Travelerheart icon on user image
    The TravelerMarch 18, 2019
    This museum is fantastic, kids will absolutely love it and adults too. Allow at minimum 2 hours to walk through and see the exhibits. And don’t forget there’s a line to get in so allow time for that
    Upvoted 1 week ago
  • Nikki C.heart icon on user image
    Nikki CopenhaverJuly 28, 2015
    The geology exhibit was actually one of the coolest attractions. I though it was going to be the section that I was least interested in, but the museum's collection of gems and crystals is amazing!
  • Rodrigo V.
    Rodrigo VeraDecember 8, 2014
    This museum is very well maintained and clean. There's a visitor services desk for guests needing directions and a guide map. My favorite part was the area that covers human origins
    Upvoted Jan 13
  • Edward D.heart icon on user image
    Edward DelfinoAugust 28, 2018
    If for no other reason, you should come in to see the precious stones, which are beautiful and include the Hope Diamond, a blue diamond weighing about 45 carats. Admission is free.
  • Paul F.heart icon on user image
    Paul FraitesApril 20, 2017
    Besides being free, you can give a $1 donation for their map. I highly recommend it, the museum it's really fun to walk. My favorite section was the metal and mineral stones! Go to the gift shop!
  • Dave L.heart icon on user image
    Dave LepkowskiFebruary 2, 2018
    The exhibits inside this museum are very good and awesome even though they unfortunately discontinued the imax theater back in September
  • John (.heart icon on user image
    They have a great spot with benches to sit and relax to recharge your gadgets on the second level just outside the cafe, so bring your USB chargers! 🔌
  • USA TODAY
    USA TODAYAugust 12, 2013
    One of the best places in the world to see dinosaurs. It's also the most popular museum in D.C. for families, so get there early to avoid the crowds. Read more
  • Richard E.heart icon on user image
    Richard EfthimSeptember 21, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    Q?rius is the coolest place for teens and adults with Ober 8000 objects toy can take to a table to study like real scientists. Research quality microscopes. Expect to spend an hour here! Worth but it!
  • _
    _November 6, 2014
    Hands down one of my favorite museums where hours would be lost. Definitely check out the ocean hall if you are limited in time and the Hope Diamond by Harry Winston!
  • Khrystal K. D.heart icon on user image
    Khrystal K. DavisMarch 12, 2016
    Don't miss the hope diamond and other jewels. The kids loved the aquariums and fossil skeletons. We ate in the cafe, and the food was pretty good. There was a large selection.
  • Jake S.
    Jake SmithAugust 14, 2019
    If you’re separating from your group, choose a meet up spot that ISN’T “in front of the elephant”.
  • Aniruddha M.heart icon on user image
    Aniruddha MandkeJuly 28, 2015
    One of the most fascinating places ever. Best way to spend an entire day with family or kids. Do look into their suggested routes within museum - it helps make things interesting.
  • IWalked Audio Tours
    IWalked Audio ToursOctober 12, 2012
    Most popular Smithsonian museum with 7.4MM visitors/yr. Inside is 45.5 carat Hope Diamond & 65MM yr old Triceratops named “Hatcher” (for paleontologist who discovered him). Full site history via<LINK> Read more
  • William S.heart icon on user image
    William StudartApril 29, 2022
    This is one of the most amazing museums I’ve ever been. A shame the butterfly walk was closed though. Learned so much, 2-3 hours should be enough to walk through everything.
  • Mark B.heart icon on user image
    Mark BJune 26, 2015
    Very popular museum that is free to public. One of the busier museums. Definitely recommend the IMAX movies.Get a Smithsonian Membership: family is $12. Gets you discounts in gift shop and IMAX movies
  • Hypercriticalheart icon on user image
    HypercriticalJune 4, 2016
    Pro Tip💡Major 🔑 whatever you like. Briefly scan through #Foursquare tips before you enter. Then walk the museum like a boss 👑 (with pink diamonds in your crown🤔)
  • USA TODAY
    USA TODAYJune 22, 2012
    For something so lovely, the 45.52-carat jewel of the Smithsonian Institution has a sinister tale. Several owners of the blue diamond have suffered misfortune, including Marie Antoinette. See it here. Read more
  • Alejandro M.
    Alejandro MariscalJuly 1, 2013
    You can never go wrong with this museum! It's filled with the worlds natural artifacts that you see on TV and are actually able to see first hand! They offer a good grip of hands on activities for all
  • Angela P.heart icon on user image
    Angela PiscitelliFebruary 24, 2017
    The Gems exhibit is a must see! The insect zoo has hands on demos that are informational as well as fascinating. Good family outing!
  • Maureen G.
    Maureen GJuly 7, 2013
    Butterfly exhibit, they land on the people including this one that stayed on this little boy's foot .the flowers are vert pretty but it is a hot 15 minutes.
  • Nico P.heart icon on user image
    Nico ParkerFebruary 12, 2019
    I've seen some pretty disappointing museums, but this was definitely not one of them. This is a fantastic place to visit for anyone who loves nature or history or both.
  • AFAR Media
    AFAR MediaAugust 4, 2014
    The museum offers a tremendous look at both the history and current technology in the field of aerospace and is fascinating regardless of your age or knowledge of physics. Read more
  • Mariah E.
    Mariah EismanMarch 12, 2014
    Down by the entrance from Constitution Ave is the brand new hands on discovery center, Qurious. Open from 2-5 PM, Mon-Fri & Weekends. Lots of hands on activities for students!
  • Amber D.heart icon on user image
    Amber De WildeJanuary 14, 2016
    a very nice museum with a lot's of interesting facts. It also shows you how you would look like as a homosapien, which is kind of funny
  • Tonika B.heart icon on user image
    Tonika BerkleyJune 5, 2016
    Excellent exhibits! This is my first time coming back since they started renovating the exhibit halls and they're better lit than before.
  • John (.heart icon on user image
    The gems and minerals exhibit is incredible, not just because the Hope Diamond is there.
  • Kevin T.heart icon on user image
    Kevin TDecember 23, 2018
    Love this museum! Best Natural History Museum I've ever been to... Exhibits are in depth and for all ages
  • Alan B.
    Alan BruceJanuary 10, 2012
    Amazing museum! The insect zoo is a must but a picture behind the jaws of a shark in the ocean room is really cool!!!
  • Ellie P.
    Ellie PinesAugust 29, 2014
    A close second on my list of must-visit museums (next to Air and Space). Some of the animal exhibits are so lifelike you'll gasp.
  • The Ritz-Carlton
    The Ritz-CarltonJuly 29, 2015
    Take in the infamous 45.52-carat Hope Diamond, the largest deep blue diamond in the world. The stunning gem has a long and mysterious past, and is said to be cursed.
  • Lexi H.heart icon on user image
    Lexi HaJuly 26, 2013
    This museum is gorgeous. Although I still think the Natural Museum in NYC is much bigger and has more to see. So I went with bigger expectations as usual.
  • Rafa O.heart icon on user image
    Rafa OlivaNovember 15, 2015
    Free museum with a lot of things to see and to do! You have lockers thay cost only U$0,25, live butterfly where you pay only 6 dollars and have an amazing experience.
  • Lily J.heart icon on user image
    Lily JungJuly 7, 2016
    The Human Origins and Gem sections are great. The Hope Diamond is worth seeing.
  • Karenheart icon on user image
    KarenMay 28, 2022
    Cannot miss the fossils or gems exhibits. That Hope Diamond is something special.
  • loran j.heart icon on user image
    loran jonakApril 1, 2015
    Lots of good things to see here. I don't think it's quite as good as the one one in NY, but it is maintained better and it's free!
  • Insider Perks
    Insider PerksFebruary 24, 2012
    You will never be able to see it all so don't even try. Figure out your top priorities (dinosaurs, diamonds etc.) then head to the atrium and start there. Anything else is a bonus. Read more
  • Bill T.heart icon on user image
    Bill TaylorNovember 1, 2017
    Make sure you make a full day trip to this museum. There is lots of info to read along with looking at exhibits.
  • Nils B.heart icon on user image
    Nils BuurmanApril 15, 2014
    So much different things to see and nicely clear explained. Very interesting to see all this animal in real size!
  • Santi C.heart icon on user image
    Santi CaamañoJune 2, 2015
    Awesome, the variety of exhibitions will leave you speechless. Please say hi to bones the T-Rex for me! :)
  • The Bozzuto Group
    The Bozzuto GroupAugust 7, 2012
    Everyone feels a little bit like a kid walking through the Hall of Dinosaurs. Questions? Snag the attention of one of the scientists walking around to chat about the exhibitions.
  • Andreas T.
    Andreas TMay 7, 2013
    If you to stare at stuffed dead animals or their bones, then you are in the right place. Good educational value (for some stuff), but overall an above-ground-graveyard
  • Christina S.heart icon on user image
    Christina SquitieriMarch 17, 2017
    The gems and minerals are great! Also check out the stardust in the vial at the start of the universe exhibit!
  • Annheart icon on user image
    AnnMarch 25, 2015
    It's fun & educational. A must go spot if you are traveling with young children. Both adults and children. Will enjoy it.
  • Sarah N.
    Sarah NWApril 17, 2018
    It's an amazing museum where you can actually study and experience the actual history of everything.
  • Don J.heart icon on user image
    Don JJune 1, 2014
    The Fossil Hall at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is now closed for a long-planned — and, officials say, long-overdue — five-year, $48 million renovation. Reopens 2019.
  • Camille W.heart icon on user image
    Camille WrightMarch 7, 2015
    Love the jewelery collection. The hope diamond is often crowded, but they have a more extensive collection. Very cool.
  • Jinnie L.
    Jinnie LNovember 16, 2014
    free admission n has three floors of exhibits space. really cool, interactive, fun place!! love it♥
  • April H.heart icon on user image
    April Holifield-ScottAugust 20, 2014
    Grab lunch next door at the National Gallery Sculpture Garden- amazing fountain and art makes for a great lunch spot.
  • Neil I.
    Neil IsaksonAugust 15, 2018
    Too many amazing things to count. Here’s the oldest thing you will ever see! A bit of stardust, older than the solar system itself! Just WOW!
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