Imagine holding in your hand a piece of a meteorite that is older than the Earth itself. That is just one of the experiences awaiting you at the National Museum of Natural History.
Established in 1910 the National Museum of Natural History stands as a beacon of knowledge. It is located on the National Mall in Washington D.C. and administered by the Smithsonian Institution. Admission is free. The museum welcomes visitors 364 days a year.
With over 4.4 million visitors in 2023 the National Museum of Natural History was the third most-visited museum in the United States. Its construction marked a significant moment. It became one of the first Smithsonian buildings designed specifically to house the national collections and research facilities.
The main building of the National Museum of Natural History covers an impressive 1.5 million square feet. 325000 square feet are dedicated to exhibition and public space. Over 1000 employees work here.
Inside the National Museum of Natural History awaits a collection of staggering proportions. It holds over 146 million specimens of plants animals fossils minerals rocks meteorites human remains and human cultural artifacts. This is the largest natural history collection in the world.
The National Museum of Natural History is not just a repository of objects. It is also a hub of scientific inquiry. Around 185 professional natural history scientists dedicate their lives to studying these collections. This makes it the largest group of scientists focused on natural and cultural history worldwide.
The museum’s history dates back to 1846 when the United States National Museum was founded as part of the Smithsonian Institution. Initially it was located in the Smithsonian Institution Building. This building is now known as the Smithsonian Castle. As the collection grew a new building became necessary.
In March 1881 the National Museum Building now called the Arts and Industries Building opened. In 1902 Congress authorized the construction of a new larger building. The architectural firm of Hornblower & Marshall was chosen to design it.
On March 17 1910 the Natural History Building opened its doors. It provided the Smithsonian Institution with much-needed space for its collections and research. The building was completed in June 1911 at a cost of $3.5 million.
Between 1981 and 2003 the National Museum of Natural History saw 11 different directors. In January 2003 Cristián Samper was appointed as the permanent director. Under his leadership the museum opened the Behring Hall of Mammals.
The National Gem and Mineral Collection is one of the most significant collections of its kind globally. It features over 15000 individual gems 350000 minerals and 300000 rock and ore specimens. The collection also includes approximately 45000 meteorite specimens. The Hope Diamond the Star of Asia and the Carmen Lúcia Ruby are some of its famous pieces.
The David H Koch Hall of Human Origins opened on March 17 2010. It is dedicated to the exploration of human origins. The Hall includes 76 human skulls.
The Hall of Dinosaurs features fossilized skeletons and cast models including a Tyrannosaurus rex cast facing a Triceratops cast. In June 2013 the Smithsonian obtained a 50-year lease on a T. rex fossil skeleton. It is now the centerpiece of the dinosaur hall.
The Sant Ocean Hall opened in September 2008. It includes 674 marine specimens and models drawn from the museum’s collection. A North Atlantic right whale a giant Lion’s mane jellyfish and a giant squid are some of the highlights.
As you leave the National Museum of Natural History consider the sheer volume of knowledge and history contained within its walls. Each visit is a journey of discovery. Each exhibit tells a story about our planet.