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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Students examine Museum collection objects as part of a Q?rius school program. Photo by Jennifer Renteria, Smithsonian.
Currently Closed: Check Back for Reopening Date

Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center

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A girl uses a microscope to look at a collection object in the Q?rius education center. A man helps her with the microscope.
Activities are self-directed

Public Hours for Q?rius and the Q?rius jr. Area

These areas are temporarily closed.

Explore Your World

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Q?rius (pronounced "curious") is an interactive and experimental learning space that brings the unique assets of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History — the science, researchers, and collections — out from behind the scenes. Visitors can use microscopes, handle some of the 6,000 collection objects, solve science puzzles, do touchscreen activities, and even meet a scientist. In Q?rius and the Q?rius jr. area, visitors can unleash their curiosity with surprising results.

A volunteer with Q?rius greets visitors with a specimen.
A teen girl and boy, wearing blue gloves, put tubes into a centrifugre.

Things to Do in Q?rius

  • Try an activity
  • Explore 6,000 collection objects
  • Bring your class for a school program
  • Meet an expert
  • Attend a lecture or festival
  • Come to a teen workshop or event

Things to Do in the Q?rius jr. Area

  • Examine butterfly wings, rocks, minerals, and more under a real microscope.
  • Read a story, color a turtle, or create your own bird.
  • Touch and explore collections of exciting objects from all over the world.
  • And so much more!

School Programs

For Q?rius School Programs: From October through June, Q?rius is available to school groups with reservations during morning hours Monday through Friday.

For Q?rius jr. School Programs: From October through June, we offer Q?rius jr. programs to student groups in grades K-5 on Tuesday, Thursday, and Fridays at 10:15 and 11:30.

Events and Public Programs

Upcoming Public Events: Browse a calendar of events, including "Expert Is In" demonstrations and talks, films, interactive workshops, game testing, lectures, After Hours evening events, and more.

Corayln Whitney, a blonde woman in a blue blazer, stands with hand on heart as two teens present her with a framed picture.

Coralyn W. Whitney

In April 2015, Q?rius was named The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, in honor of Dr. Coralyn Whitney. A long-time donor of the Museum, Dr. Whitney’s generous support—the Museum’s largest education donation to date—ensures that the Center and its related programming continue to impact audiences for years to come.
Q?rius Acknowledgments

Experience More

Wolf spider
SECOND FLOOR | EXHIBIT
O. Orkin Insect Zoo
Monarch butterfly sitting on a pink flower.
Currently Closed: Check Back for Reopening Date
Butterfly Pavilion