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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
A family looks out over Henry the elephant in the rotunda of the museum.

Discover the
Natural World

Open seven days a week, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., except Dec. 25 and Jan. 20
We're on the National Mall 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20560
Free Admission

Plan your visit
We are open seven days a week
A blue and black Blue Morpho butterfly and two red, orange, and black monarch butterflies
VISITOR FAVORITE

Butterfly Pavilion

Stroll amid live butterflies and exotic plants in this tropical oasis. Now open Sunday through Thursday.
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Featured Exhibitions

a bright halo of stars over a dark landscape
Second floor | Temporary Exhibit

Lights Out: Recovering Our Night Sky
an image of a cellphone taking a picture of a cellphone photo of two women wearing masks
Second floor | Special Exhibit

Cellphone: Unseen Connections
A fossilized T. rex biting a triceratops
FIRST FLOOR | EXHIBIT

David H. Koch Hall of Fossils - Deep Time
A boy holding a magnifying glass over a cast of a fossil bed, while a woman stands over him making scary monster arms
FOR FAMILIES

Play Dates at the Museum

Join us for special play dates with museum educators! In these drop-in programs, families can explore nature through stories, objects, art, and play. The programs are designed for early learners and their caregivers and families.
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Two children put their hands on a mural at the Museum.

Today's Events

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10:30 am
The Ocean Around Us Tour
02:00 pm
Ocean Topics Cart Chat
A teenage boy sitting at a table with a pen in his hand. He is touching his chin with one finger, as if he is thinking.
FOR EDUCATORS

School Programs

Registration is now open for school programs through January 31, 2025! We offer in-person and online standards-aligned programs designed for grades K to 12.
Learn More and Register

Understanding the Natural World and Our Place In It

Two children explore collections items in the Museum.
Education
Explore the World of Paleobiology
Research & Collections
A view of the gems and minerals exhibits.
Exhibits

Delve into the fascinating story of our planet, from its fiery beginnings through billions of years of transformation, and explore life on Earth through exhibitions and activities, collection objects and research that happens in the lab and in the field.

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