Explore the world's natural and cultural wonders beneath the dome of this 1910 Beaux Arts building. The museum's 18 exhibition halls contain tens of thousands of artifacts and specimens that together tell the story of the earth and its evolution into the planet of today.
Support the Natural History Museum.
Ask about daily events at the information desks (on the ground floor near the Constitution Avenue entrance and on the first floor in the rotunda).
Take a break and eat at the Atrium Café, but try to avoid the busy hours between noon and 2 if possible.
Buy your IMAX® movie tickets in advance; then arrange your schedule around the showtime.
Meet in the rotunda for free hour-long tours, Tuesday through Thursday at 10:30 and at 1:30, and Friday at 10:30. (Tours are subject to docent availability.)
Use the stairs—located around the perimeter of the museum's rotunda—instead of taking the elevators for better enjoyment of the grand architecture of the building.
The Atrium Café, located on the ground floor, serves healthy food, using locally sourced produce. The Fossil Café, located on the first floor at the end of the Dinosaur Hall, offers fresh salads, sandwiches, pastries and beverages—and one-of-a-kind tabletop exhibits. Discounts are available to Smithsonian members. For dessert, try the Specialty Ice Cream and Coffee Bar at the entrance to the Atrium Café.
(walk-in; meet in Rotunda, near information desk, 1st floor)
Note: Tours subject to docent availability
August:
• Most Wednesdays, 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM
Except
• Wed., Aug. 13, no 10:30 AM tour
• Wed., Aug. 27, no 10:30 AM tour
Note: The museum may offers tours on additional days; inquire at the museum's information desk.
Featured by Horticulture Services Division
(walk-in; meet outside at sign at Garden entrance on Madison Dr. and 9th St.)
Tours offered June 5- September 25, 2008:
• Every Thurs., 2 PM, weather permitting
Except
• Federal holidays, no tour
(by appointment only, 2-week notice required; call Mon.-Fri., 9 AM-5 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-1077 (voice) or 202-633-9287 (TTY))
The Museum of Natural History store offers costume jewelry, home accents, tabletop items, toys, clothing, accessories, gems and evolutionary treasures. Don't miss the wonderful selection of multi-colored amber necklaces; some amber is 40 million years old.
Museum of Natural History cafes:
Add an IMAX® adventure to your museum experience.
Let the Johnson IMAX® Theater take you on an incredible adventure back through time to the days of pre-historic aquatic Sea Monsters.
Evening feature-length films often available.
Click here to view the full film schedule!
