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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
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Upcoming Events

New Exhibits

X-ray image of a seahorse
X-Ray Vision: Fish Inside Out - Explore fish evolution and diversity through 40 stunning black-and-white fish x-rays prepared for research purposes by Sandra Raredon, Division of Fishes. On view through August 5, 2012. To Learn More...
Collage image of a Congolese man in chains against the backdrop of derelict copper mines
The Beautiful Time - Congolese photographer and videographer Sammy Baloji explores the time when the labor of hardworking Congolese built a flourishing copper mining industry in what is now the Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On view through January 6, 2013.
Imagery of a spiral galaxy and another galaxy behind it
The Evolving Universe - Take a mind-bending journey with us from present-day Earth to the far reaches of space and the distant past—back to the beginning of the universe. Explore how stars and galaxies—even the universe itself—change from birth to maturity to death, much like living things on Earth. On view through January 20, 2013.

Highlights

iTunes U
With the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History on iTunes®, you have access to educational media anytime and anywhere. NMNH's iTunes U provides access to over 200 scientific lectures, educational audio and video podcasts, audio tours and PDFs – all available free on our iTunes U store.
Discovery of a New Living Fossil
Discovery of a New Living Fossil - Learn how Smithsonian scientist, Dave Johnson, and collaborators from Japan and Palau made the exciting discovery of a new living fossil, the primitive eel, Protanguilla palau
Ocean Portal
Ocean Portal - dive in and explore the new award-winning, interactive online experience that inspires awareness, understanding, and stewardship of the world's Ocean. The Ocean is important to all life, including yours. Join us.

Located at 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, in Washington, D.C. 20560 [MAPS]

Free admission. No tickets are required for entrance. For more call 202-633-1000.

Open every day except Dec. 25 from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

We are open until 7:30 PM for certain holidays. Please check our hours calendar for these late closings.

Species of the Day
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Now Playing in Theaters

Johnson IMAX® Theater

  • Coral Reef Adventure
  • Dinosaurs 3D: Giants of Patagonia
  • Tornado Alley 3D
  • Wrath of the Titans 3D