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

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Four children kneeling next to an open drawer in a metal cabinet. The drawer has plastic boxes in it. Two children hold what look like rocks or minerals they have removed from two of the boxes.

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 woman and four teens stand around an open cabinet drawer that has boxed museum specimens in it. The cabinet is about waist high and there is countertop behind it.

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!

While the Q?rius areas are temporarily closed...

Take the virtual tour.

Walk through the Q?rius, the Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center from home.

Q?rius Virtual Tour

School Programs

From October through June, we offer school programs aligned with standards for Grades K to 12. Learn more about our school programs.

Events and Public Programs

Upcoming Public Events: Browse a calendar of events, including family programs, "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