The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is located in Washington, D.C., USA. It lies between Constitution Avenue and the National Mall and is situated in the downtown museum area. It is famous for its dinosaur fossils, gems and minerals, and exhibits on plants, animals, and human history.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Location Map, Washington, District of Columbia
Top Attractions Inside Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- Hope Diamond – Famous deep-blue diamond with a storied history.
- Hall of Fossils – Displays dinosaur skeletons and prehistoric life.
- Ocean Hall – Exhibits on marine life, including a giant model of a North Atlantic right whale.
- Hall of Human Origins – Traces human evolution and cultural development.
- Butterfly Pavilion – Indoor live butterfly exhibit with interactive learning.
- Insect Zoo – Hands-on exhibits featuring live insects from around the world.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Facts
| Official Name | Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History |
| Location | 10th St. & Constitution Ave NW, National Mall, Washington, D.C., USA — Smithsonian Institution / National Mall Museums |
| Latitude & Longitude | 38.8913° N, 77.0261° W |
| Total Area | Approx. 1.5 million sq ft building; exhibit space ~325,000 sq ft, including permanent and temporary exhibits |
| Established / Opened | March 17, 1910 |
| Managed By | Smithsonian Institution / National Museum of Natural History |
| Region | National Mall / Washington, D.C. / Smithsonian Museums |
| Address | 10th St. & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20560, USA |
| Zip Code | 20560 |
| Area Code | 202 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Natural history, paleontology, anthropology, zoology, botany, geology, human evolution, biodiversity, educational science exhibits |
| Main Sections / Areas | Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals; Hall of Human Origins; Hall of Fossils – Deep Time; Ocean Hall; Mammal Hall; Insect Zoo; Butterfly Pavilion; education center |
| Famous Attractions | Hope Diamond, Giant Squid, Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, Mammal Hall dioramas, Hall of Fossils, Ocean Hall exhibits, interactive discovery labs |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 4–5 million visitors per year |
| Entry Fee Type | Free Admission – Special exhibitions or IMAX theater may require paid ticket |
| Ticket Price Range | IMAX / special exhibitions: ~$5–$15 per person |
| Ticket Options | Free general admission, IMAX tickets, special exhibitions, guided tours, educational programs |
| Best Time to Visit | Weekdays and early mornings to avoid crowds; spring and fall for moderate weather on the National Mall |
| Nearby Airport | Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – ~5 miles; Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – ~26 miles |
| Transportation | Metrorail (Smithsonian Station), buses, taxis, walking, bicycle access, nearby parking |
| Official Website | https://naturalhistory.si.edu |
Distances from Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History to Nearby Landmarks
- National Mall – 0 km (0 mi)
- Smithsonian Castle – 0.3 km (0.2 mi)
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – 0.3 km (0.2 mi)
- United States Capitol – 1.6 km (1 mi)
- Lincoln Memorial – 3.1 km (1.9 mi)
- Washington Monument – 0.4 km (0.25 mi)
- Smithsonian National Museum of American History – 0.3 km (0.2 mi)
- Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture – 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
- National Gallery of Art – 0.6 km (0.37 mi)
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial – 2.9 km (1.8 mi)
- Korean War Veterans Memorial – 3 km (1.9 mi)
- Jefferson Memorial – 3.5 km (2.2 mi)
- World War II Memorial – 2.8 km (1.7 mi)
- Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden – 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – 0.7 km (0.4 mi)
- Smithsonian National Postal Museum – 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
- Old Post Office Pavilion – 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
- Union Station – 1.6 km (1 mi)
- Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian – 1 km (0.6 mi)
- National Museum of Women in the Arts – 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
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