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

Q?rius, where teens, tweens and their families connect science with everyday experiences; Q?rius jr, a discovery room for families with young children; Hall of Human Origins; National Fossil Hall, Deep Time; mammals; Ocean Hall; the Hope Diamond; Egyptian mummies; Daily tarantula feedings in the O. Orkin Insect Zoo; Butterfly Pavilion ($).

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. on days the museum is open

Ocean Terrace Café
Temporarily closed.
(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. Featured items include our Global Vegetable Grain Bowls, Sandwiches, and Market Plates. In addition to lunch 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. While visiting the café, check out the Mega-toothed Shark exhibit in the first-floor atrium.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Coffee Bar
11 am. to 4 p.m. Food Service

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).