From the United States World / Places

National Museum of Natural History

Fossils, gems and natural-history collections fill a large Smithsonian museum on the National Mall. Choose a few galleries for a substantial indoor visit rather than rushing throughout.

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Why go

Fossils, gems and biological collections let you switch between deep time and close observation in one building. Choose a few galleries rather than trying to exhaust the collection. The museum gives a Mall day a substantial indoor interval and a different focus from the surrounding political memorials.

What to look for

Fossil halls
Mineral and gem collections

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.

Indoor visit · 75–150 min

World planning estimate; admission, opening, visit duration and access need checking.

Photo gallery 1

Opening information

World snapshot; verify with the official source.

America/New_York · Oct 22, 2026 / Nov 21, 2026

Monday: 10:00–17:30
Tuesday: 10:00–17:30
Wednesday: 10:00–17:30
Thursday: 10:00–17:30
Friday: 10:00–17:30
Saturday: 10:00–17:30
Sunday: 10:00–17:30

Official visitor information

Original World content and translations, shown as supplied. Practical information may need updating.

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