Search

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
We're on the National Mall 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20560
Free Admission

Plan your visit
The Insect Zoo & Partners in Evolution will be closed on April 20. They will reopen on the 21st.
Virtual Science Café
LIVE ONLINE

Upcoming Webinars

Join us April 19 for a Virtual Science Café featuring talks about ancient hobbits, fungus-farming ants, and tracking volcanoes. Then sign up for a screening and tune in April 21 for a discussion of the film "Kiss the Ground," a documentary about how soil could be the key to the climate crisis.
Learn More and Register

Featured Exhibitions

gallery image of genome with blue panel reader raises and gray wall
Second Floor | Temporary Exhibit

Genome: Unlocking Life's Code
a right whale hangs in the ocean hall
First Floor | Exhibit

Sant Ocean Hall
A fossilized T. rex biting a triceratops
FIRST FLOOR | EXHIBIT

David H. Koch Hall of Fossils - Deep Time
A round green gem surrounded by diamonds on a necklace.
Every object in our collection has a story

Explore From Home

See the science, stories, and geography of our Objects of Wonder exhibit from the comfort of your home (or classroom) with our new StoryMap.
More Here
Two children put their hands on a mural at the Museum.

Online Events Today

View more events

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.

Follow Us