One of the great things about DC is that many of the museums here are completely free. The Smithsonian Natural History Museum is no different. (It is also walking distance from the Zoo- also free)

The Smithsonian Natural History Museum has both permanent and temporary exhibits. I’ve been here a couple times and I think the newest addition was the “Lights Out: Recovering Our Night Sky” exhibit, which essentially featured gorgeous photos, objects, interactive experiences, and informations about skies, energy conservation and more.

Typically, I would say the main attractions whenever you go to here are the animals (taxidermy), dinosaurs (skeletons, obviously) and crystals. But, overall, the Natural History Museum has the following to see and learn about:

African Bush Elephant: On their website, they consider this an “exhibit.” I put it in quotes only because while it is iconic of this museum, it’s one elephant on a stand holding information about elephants, it’s not like it’s a room full of artifacts, so I don’t know if I would call it an “exhibit” per se, but anyways! The African Bush Elephant “Exhibit” is on the first floor in the center. You can’t miss it. Like.. it’s HUGE!

African Voices: This exhibit showcases the culture of Africa’s people’s life, beliefs and ways of living. It truly is a fascinating exhibit, and yes there is more than just an elephant here! (Honestly, I love the elephant, no hard feelings! Just not sure if it’s an entire exhibit!)

Butterfly Pavilion: This exhibit was temporarily closed when we went, but if the name of my blog is not obvious enough, I would have gone here in a heartbeat! The butterfly pavilion showcases plants and live butterflies, along with education information on how plants and butterflies evolved alongside each other.

Dazzling Diversity: You may think this is the crystal exhibit, but it’s actually the exhibit dedicated to insects! That’s right, Dazzling Diversity explores the insect world, specifically through the early-on illustrated books

Eternal Life in Ancient Egypt: Mummies. Ceramics. Egyptian Artifacts. Tombs. You name it! You’ll find it here. I think one of the coolest parts about this exhibit is not necessarily what you see, but about what you learn about the life they had, their viewpoint and beliefs as it is so different from much of the present day.

Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals: Likely one of my favorites, this exhibit showcases the shiniest, weirdest, biggest and. neatest gems, minerals and crystals you can imagine. There are so many different varieties that you can be here forever, or at least I can! I think you’ll be surprised with how vast they are with texture, colors, shapes, etc. (It’s a great place to play Eye-Spy with the kiddos!)

In addition to the actual gems and minerals, this exhibit also houses jewelry, including the Hope Diamond (far right). Completely unrelated, but as I was taking photos, there was a lady in front of me also taking photos and the color on her screen was absolutely SPECTACULAR! So please take the color in MY photos with a grain of salt!

Mega-toothed Shark: Again, not sure if I would consider this an entire “exhibit” but definitely worth seeing. Located above the dining area, this 52-foot long model of a shark hangs suspended. (And it will not fall, don’t worry. Unless… no just kidding!)

NASA’s Earth Information Center @ NMNH: This exhibit will only be here through 2028, and is all about information NASA satellites are getting and what that means for our understanding of what’s happening to our earth!

O. Orkin Insect Zoo: Personally not my favorite… However, I’m sure it’s for someone! This is an exhibit featuring live insects and their relatives. Tarantulas, cockroaches, among others are houses here.

Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals: Another one of my favorites is the hall of mammals; now these animals aren’t live (thankfully for us humans) but they were at one point. These animals are all taxidermied, which I think can bother some, but personally I enjoy it. I think it’s just a choice of what happens after an animal passes away, and I don’t know if any option is “better” the animal is no longer here with us…

Sant Ocean Hall: Like some of the other exhibits, this exhibit showcases animals and information, focusing more on present marine life (as opposed to mammals or fossils).

The Garden Lounge: This exhibit is on the second floor and includes indoor and live plants, sharing information about plant biology for adults and kids alike.

The Bird Hall: While not listed on their website (not sure why), the Bird Hall includes both extinct and not extinct bird species. Some sources reporting 9000 species, others less. (Because I can’t find this on the actual website, I’m not sure. 9000 sounds like a lot, but there also were a LOT there!)

Do I recommend the Smithsonian Natural History Museum?

Yes! I think this was a great place to explore, learn and spend time on a day off. There is quite a lot to do, so I would give yourself a few hours at a minimum. There is also quite a bit of walking, so be aware of that if anyone in your group has mobility issues. The fact that it’s free is a plus, and they will check your bag when you enter. Bathrooms are readily available and… it’s DC, so don’t count on parking, HA!

Website: https://naturalhistory.si.edu/

Address: 1000 Madison Drive NW  Washington, D.C. 20560

Cheers Friends and Travelers!

~ Backroad Butterflies ~