About

The world's most popular natural history museum is dedicated to understanding the natural world and our place in it. Delve into the fascinating story of our planet, from its fiery beginnings through billions of years of transformation, and explore life on Earth through exhibitions and activities, collection objects and research that happens in the lab and in the field. The museum is larger than 18 football fields and is home to the largest natural history collection in the world.

Highlights

Hall of Human Origins; National Fossil Hall, Deep Time; mammals; Ocean Hall; the Hope Diamond; Egyptian mummies; O. Orkin Insect Zoo.

Dining

Atrium Café
(Ground Floor)
The museum’s largest café, featuring Butcher Craft Burgers, Flatbreads, Pasta, and a Chef’s Market Table.
11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Ocean Terrace Café
(First Floor)
The Ocean Terrace Café has been developed with a greater focus on grains and vegetables being at the core of a daily diet. Entrees feature sustainable items, seasonally available local produce, artisan craft foods, vegetable focused entrees, and the reduced use of proteins.Try our fair trade certified coffees and teas along with cold brewed and espresso based beverages. Round off our offerings with house baked pastries, desserts, and local crafted gelato.
11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Getting Here

We encourage the use of public transportation.

Metro Station: Smithsonian (Mall exit) or Federal Triangle

There is no public parking facility for Smithsonian museums on the National Mall. Limited 3-hour metered parking and commercial lots are available—see parking map. Reserved parking near the museums can be purchased in advance through ParkWhiz.

Note: ParkWhiz is a third-party vendor (ParkWhiz Privacy Policy).