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National Museum of Natural History
Archives Center - NMNH

Hours:

  • 10 to 5:30 weekdays; weekends 10 to 7:30, March 25 - Sept. 4 open most days 10 to 7:30; closed December 25

Location:

  • Constitution Ave. at 10th St., NW
    Washington, DC
    (accessible entrance)

Phone/Website:

Metro:

Blue Line Orange Line
  • Smithsonian Station or Federal Triangle Station

 

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    Shop at the National Museum of Natural History

    The Museum of Natural History store offers costume jewelry, home accents, tabletop items, toys, clothing, accessories, gems and evolutionary treasures. Don't miss the wonderful selection of multi-colored amber necklaces; some amber is 40 million years old.

    View all Smithsonian stores

    Eat at the National Museum of Natural History

    Museum of Natural History cafes:

    • The Atrium Cafe (ground floor) features natural and sustainable foods including BBQ beef brisket, rotisserie chicken, burgers, soups and fresh salads.
    • The Fossil Cafe (first floor, at the end of the Dinosaur Hall) features lighter fare such as specialty coffees, gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads and homemade desserts. 
    • Ice Cream and Coffee Bar (ground floor, outside the Atrium Cafe) offers treats to satisfy any sweet tooth.

    View all Smithsonian cafes

    Take in a Movie

    JOHNSON IMAX THEATER

    Washington, D.C.’s largest screen brings a new dimension to natural history. Come face to face with dinosaurs, dive into the world’s oceans or explore world cultures in these giant-screen 3-D adventure films.

    Toll-free 866-868-7774, TTY 202-633-8850 www.si.edu/imax

    Coral reef

    Tips

    Join In
    Ask about daily events at the information desks (on the ground floor near the Constitution Avenue entrance and on the first floor in the rotunda).

    Become a Member
    Get discounts in the museum's stores, restaurants, the Johnson IMAX Theater and the Live Butterfly Pavilion.

    Take In a Movie
    Buy tickets for the IMAX films in the theater lobby, the rotunda and on the ground floor near the cafe. Purchase in advance at www.si.edu/imaxor call toll-free 866-868-7774 or 202-633-8850 (TTY).

    Take a Tour
    Meet in the rotunda for free hour-long tours Tuesday through Friday at 10:30 and 1:30, September through June. Tours of the Sant Ocean Hall are offered every Saturday and Sunday at 11 and 2. (Tours are subject to docent availability.)

    Don't Miss This
    On Tuesdays the Live Butterfly Pavilion is open free of charge; same-day timed-entry tickets are required. Regular entrance fees are: $6 for adults; $5 for children ages 2 to 12; $5.50 for seniors, age 60 and up. Tickets may be purchased two weeks in advance; call toll-free 866-868-7774 or 202 633-8850 (TTY). Discounts apply for groups of ten or more. Strollers are prohibited.

    Written in Bone skull

    Go Deeper Online

    Moon jellies eat small, floating animals, or zooplankton, that bump into their stinging tentacles.
    Learn more about the deep sea at the Smithsonian Ocean Portal ocean.si.edu

    Restrooms

    Restrooms are located on the ground floor at the Constitution Avenue entrance lobby. On the first floor, they are in the lobby of the IMAX Theater, the northeast and northwest corners, as well as near the Ocean Hall. Second-floor restrooms are only in the northwest corner on the far side of the Written in Bone exhibition.

    Highlights Tours: August

    (walk-in; meet in Rotunda, near information desk, 1st floor)

    Note: Tours subject to docent availability

    August:
    • Most Wednesdays, 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM

    Except
    • Wed., Aug. 13, no 10:30 AM tour
    • Wed., Aug. 27, no 10:30 AM tour

    Note: The museum may offers tours on additional days; inquire at the museum's information desk.


    Garden Tour: Butterfly Habitat Garden

    Featured by Horticulture Services Division
    (walk-in; meet outside at sign at Garden entrance on Madison Dr. and 9th St.)

    Tours offered June 5- September 25, 2008:
    • Every Thurs., 2 PM, weather permitting

    Except
    • Federal holidays, no tour


    Tours for Visitors with Hearing or Visual Impairments

    (by appointment only, 2-week notice required; call Mon.-Fri., 9 AM-5 PM, except federal holidays: 202-633-1077 (voice) or 202-633-9287 (TTY))


    Highlights Tours: September-June

    (walk-in; meet in Rotunda, near information desk, 1st floor)

    Note: Tours subject to docent availability

    • Every Tues.-Fri., 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM

    Except
    • Federal holidays, no tours


    Special Exhibition Tour: The Sant Ocean Hall

    (walk-in; meet at exhibition entrance, 1st floor)

    Note: Tours subject to docent availability

    Beginning Sat., Oct. 11, 2008:
    • Every Sat. and Sun., 11 AM and 2 PM


    The Sant Ocean Hall Navigators

    (walk-in; in the exhibition, 1st floor)

    Museum docents welcome visitors, answer questions, and help visitors navigate the exhibition.

    Note: Subject to docent availability.

    Beginning Sun., Sept.28, 2008:
    • Daily, 10 AM-4 PM