Paleobiology

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Our mission is to increase public and scientific understanding of the biological and environmental history of Earth through the study of fossil animals, plants, and protists. In addition to performing scientific research, we assemble and curate fossil collections that are studied by scientists from around the country and the world, we exhibit extraordinary fossils in the public spaces of our Museum and we help train future generations of paleontologists.

Current COVID-19 Operating Status

While the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History exhibition spaces will partially open to the public on June 18th, our collections remain closed to most staff and all visiting researchers, and the museum’s COVID-19 loan moratorium remains in effect. Currently, there is no capacity to accommodate collections activities including visits, image requests, loans, and shipments. There is still no timeline for when on-site collections activities will resume.

We are sincerely grateful for your interest in the Paleobiology collections, and we are sorry for the indefinite uncertainty about when we can provide you with collections services.

If you have any questions, please email Paleodept@si.edu.