The domed National Museum of Natural History faces the Mall, with visitors approaching the Beaux-Arts entrance. — PHOTO“The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) (53831938363).jpg” by ajay_suresh · CC BY 2.0. Resized and converted to WebP for this site.

NORTH AMERICA WASHINGTON, DC · UNITED STATES

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

A free Smithsonian museum for fossils, gems and living collections, open daily except Christmas Day.

What to expect

The National Museum of Natural History offers a broad indoor route through fossils, minerals, animals and human history. The museum’s public visitor guide highlights the Hope Diamond, fossil halls and living insect displays; choose a few galleries before arriving, since the collection spans several floors. Madison Drive and Constitution Avenue each have visitor entrances.

Free museum admission

Before you go

Entry and costs

General admission is free and no ticket is required. Food, the museum shops and any separately ticketed events or programs are optional purchases.

Visitor notes

The museum is open daily 10:00–17:30, including holidays, and closes on 25 December. Every visitor goes through security screening and a metal detector, so allow extra time at busy periods. The museum says bagged lunches must remain stowed and there is no public seating for them inside; check current visitor tips and exhibit notices before setting out.

Opening hours

Date you plan to visit

Select a date to see the published regular schedule.

Published hours checked 1 November 2026. For holidays, temporary closures or event changes, check the official source below.

Good for

Fossils and gemsRainy-day visitFree museum

Official sourceSmithsonian National Museum of Natural History — current visitor information

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — visitor tips and security

Checked 1 November 2026. Hours, entry rules and access can change; check this page again before you visit.

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