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All 340 Washington DC Attractions »

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

10th Street and Constitution Ave., Washington DC, DC 20560
202 633-1000
Ranked #17 of 215 attractions in Washington DC
4.5 of 5 stars 594 Reviews
Type: Natural History Museums
Activities: Group tours/walking tour, Dining
Fee: No
Owner description: Established in 1910 and located on the National Mall, this prestigious museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, holds the world's most extensive...... more » Owner description: Established in 1910 and located on the National Mall, this prestigious museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, holds the world's most extensive collection of natural history specimens and human artifacts including the remains of dinosaurs and tools used by early man. « less
Useful Information: Activities for young children, Activities for older children
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594 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    407
    126
    51
    10
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Date Rating
Charles Town, West Virginia
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 26, 2012 NEW

No matter what your interest, you can find something to see. Whether it is artifacts from TV, or from the dinosaur age it is here. Focus on something in particular because there is to much to see in one visit. More

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See 7 more reviews by Charles W for Washington DC
Cleveland OH
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2012 NEW

Unfortunately we were too late to get into the Butterfly exhibit. The nature photography exhibition that was on display was fantastic. More

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See 6 more reviews by Bryan F for Washington DC
Atlanta, Georgia
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2012 NEW

Have to admit that I was NOT thrilled about going here. Everyone said it was awesome and I just couldn't believe them. Ocean Hall was incredible. I collected shells as a child and really appreciated all the shells on display. The unique and interesting way everything was displayed and explained was visually engaging. They didn't only talk to kids. There... More

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Sydney
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2012 NEW

Unfortunately we ran out of time to spend a lot of time here (spent 3 hours at the hospital with my daughter which was not part of the holiday plan!!). We all raced around to see the exhibits. Towards the end my son scared my daughter which made her cry. A lovely largish Afro-American security lady came over and said... More

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See 3 more reviews by OnceWereBackpackers for Washington DC
Fountain Valley
Top Contributor
86 reviews 86 reviews
Reviews in 37 cities Reviews in 37 cities
156 helpful votes 156 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2012 NEW

This museum offers alot mammals displayed in their natural settings and the Hope Diamond. More

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See 12 more reviews by ladybug5 for Washington DC
portland,oregon
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed May 23, 2012 NEW

This museum was rather dull and too crowded with kids, who weren't at all interested in the exhibits; more interested in flirting with their peers. More

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See 5 more reviews by daisyranger for Washington DC
Tampa, Florida
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2012 NEW

You need a day to see this Museum. It is two story. Here are some of the exhibits: mammals, ocean hall,Human origins,Dinosaurs,fossil plants,Ice age, African Voices, Egyptian Mummies,Insect Zoo, Earth Moon & Metiorites, Live butterflies & plants. It is really Kid Friendly. They are even given a Tour Sheet to mark off. I am posting a photo that was a... More

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See 2 more reviews by Paula33559 for Washington DC
Los Angeles, California
Top Contributor
59 reviews 59 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2012 NEW

The Hope Diamond is in this museum. It is interesting and worth a quick 10 minute visit (2nd floor - clearly marked) but unless you are interested in stuffed mammals or dinosaurs, this is not a museum you want to spend a lot of time in while you are in Washington. More

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See 13 more reviews by Brbiam for Washington DC
Bognor Regis, United Kingdom
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2012 NEW

lots to see, dinosaurs, egyptian, different history lots to explore More

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See 2 more reviews by fiona19832012 for Washington DC
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2012

I love it... it never gets old... Kids love it the most i think... =) More

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