Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Tour in Washington, DC

10th St. & Constitution Ave. NWWashington, DC 20560
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COVID-19 INFORMATION:

All visitors ages 2 and older are required to wear a mask while visiting the museum, regardless of vaccination status.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Tour is not currently available.

Check out our other great Washington D.C. Things to Do.

Overview

Nature, humans, and science come together in a mind-blowing exhibit to show you the best parts of the natural world. Learn about the Earth’s past and how the museum helps to create a sustainable future. Be able to see some of the greatest work and research done for the good of our world. Whether you want to view ocean exhibits, learn about Egyptian mummies, or take pictures of the Hope Diamond, you will leave the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History with a new sense of awe and wonder.

up to 2.5 hrs 2 to 8 people

Good To Know

  • Tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to start time to avoid being late.
  • Help speed up your Museum entry by having your bags open and ready for inspection and empty your pockets before going through security.
  • Bring your valid photo ID.
  • Semi-private with a minimum of 2 people, and a maximum of 8 people per tour.
  • Only handbags or small thin packs are allowed through security.
  • Cameras are permitted. However, you will be asked to refrain from using flash photography or taking photos of exhibits that are behind glass.

Description

Get up close with the natural world’s most stunning surprises during a 1.5 to 2-hour semi-private guided museum tour of the National Museum of Natural History, welcoming up to 8 guests. This tour will introduce you to the museum’s highlights as you wander both land and sea with your personal guide.

The collection is housed in a purpose-built structure that covers the area of 18 football fields, but your guide will be there to make sure you don’t waste a second exploring the best parts. You’ll marvel at the 46-karat Hope Diamond, whose brilliant blue sparkle caught the eyes of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette before disappearing during the French Revolution.

As you gawk at the gems and jewels, you’ll gaze at the glowing Dom Pedro Aquamarine, the world’s largest gem of its type. Lose the glitz as you come face to face with real mummies and explore the rituals and routines of Ancient Egypt. These Egyptians aren’t the only once-living specimens on display. Giraffes, elephants, polar bears, and other land giants are stuffed and mounted for your pleasure.

Then set sail towards the Ocean Hall, where a real-life coral reef exhibit brings the sea to you. Learn the story behind Phoenix, a 45-ton whale that the museum has been following in the wild, as you stand in front of a life-sized replica. With only 126.5 million artifacts housed in the National Museum of Natural History’s collection, you’ll be thankful to your guide for navigating them for you.

Highlights Generally Include (but not limited to):

  • Hope Diamond

  • Dom Pedro Aquamarine

  • Star of Asia sapphire

  • Egyptian mummies exhibit

  • Live Fossil Lab with working scientists

  • Natural Wonders of the World photography exhibit

  • Ocean’s Hall exhibit

  • Arctic narwhal exhibit

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Frequently Asked Questions about Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Tour

Where does the tour meet?

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is located at 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560. You will meet your guide at the large stairs at the Madison Drive NW entrance facing the lawn of the National Mall.

What is included in this tour?

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Tour includes a semi-private museum tour and a professional art historian tour guide.

How long is the tour?

Tour duration is approximately 2.5 hours.

How many people will be on this tour?

This is a semi-private tour that is never more than 8 guests maximum. The tour as a 2-person minimum.

What language are the tours provided in?

This tour is in English.

Is transportation provided?

No. This tour does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off. An Uber or Taxi is recommended.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No. This tour is not available for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.

Will there be security screening?

All visitors are required to go through a metal detector and screening during the security process. Security personnel will conduct a hand-check of all bags, briefcases, purses, strollers, and containers. Those unable to go through the metal detector will be hand-screened with an electronic wand by security personnel. Protective safety shields have been installed at bag-check screening stations and register. Visitors are asked to limit the number of personal belongings and bags brought into the museum as they will be subject to a thorough search. Limiting the items brought will increase your speed through security checkpoints and help to maintain a safe social distance. Please note that no coat, bag, or locker storage is available at this time.

What happens if the museum closes unexpectedly?

The National History Museum may be subject to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, guests will be provided with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1 hour from the tour starting time. In these cases Babylon Tours is unable to provide refunds or discounts.