I recently took some out-of-town guests here, and they had a great time. I have lived in the area all my life, and had been to this museum several times before, but not for many years. The mammal hall was great, and so was the arctic and undersea stuff. The dinosaurs were my favorite- it's just amazing to see the... more

As a kid, I devoured each issue of Smithsonian magazine as soon as it arrived. You always read about them getting great artifacts and their incredible collections. Sadly, this museum was a disappointment for me, and I think "Smithsonian" has come to be a brand name that people buy into, when there may be little justification for it. I agree... more

Half of the museum seems to be closed with many of the exhibits gone or under construction. I've never been in such a crowded museum! We never even made it upstairs; the lines were so incredibly long to see the Hope Diamond. I was really disappointed, but if your kids love stuffed mammals or dinosaur bones, they might really enjoy... more

We just returned from a Spring Break trip. We are a family of 4, with 2 boys, ages 8 and 10. I know the boys were really looking forward to this Museum, but I have to say that it was the low point of our entire trip. If you do go, you need to plan very carefully. First, get there... more

Maybe it's just me, but everything in here felt "dead". Ha ha - yes it all is, but if you like to look at stuff and read lots of text, then this is the museum for you. If you want something that engages your senses, then look elsewhere. This museum doesn't seem to have changed in the last 10 years... more

Personally, the dinosaur area was very cramped and we (including 8 YO) enjoy the dino area at Carnegie Mus. in Pgh much better. MNH is worth a visit for us (especially with kids) to get to the insect area where most displays are LIVE (and a bit...ewww!)but very interesting. The rest of museum was okay...did not go for the IMAX... more

We found this museum to be inferior to the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History. The Hope Diamond was underwhelming. The museum was extemely crowded and had a lot of informational displays and dioramas. Not many memorable artifacts. Some of the mammal skeletons were from the La Brea Pits, so if you are an Angelino who has been to the... more

Fossils, dinosaurs, and animals are some of the things that you will find. The kids and parents will love to see all these things. It is a must see!! more

Very intersting, lot of exhibitions, everyone can find interesting things, and the 3d film is great. more