Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

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Highlights

A Temporary Setting for a Timeless Gem - The American people voted online for their favorite design, and the winner is the dazzling necklace called “Embracing Hope.” The Hope Diamond is now on display in its temporary setting. Don't miss this rare opportunity to view the Hope Diamond in a dazzling new light. To learn more, visit the Smithsonian Channel's website for the documentary, “Mystery of the Hope Diamond”.

An Overdue Family Reunion - For a century, the tapetails, bignoses and whalefishes were each considered discretely different kinds of fishes. After decades of study of hundreds of museum specimens and DNA analysis of fresh specimens from these seemingly different fish families, Smithsonian scientist Dave Johnson and his colleagues have finally reunited them in a bizarre family tree that confounds comparative anatomy. To Learn More...

The Story of the Osteo Prep Lab - In the Museum's Osteology Hall visitors can examine the skeletons of a vast array of vertebrates from tiny birds to exceedingly large marine mammals in intricate detail. However, what visitors may not realize is the diligent work done behind the scenes to prepare those bones for display and research purposes, with the help of flesh-eating beetles. To Learn more...

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.

New Exhibitions

The Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef - Endless variations evolving over time—much like life itself. The hyperbolic crochet coral reef has grown from the discovery that cutting-edge hyperbolic geometry could be found in the intricate structures of coral reefs and represented though the traditional handicraft of crochet. Open October 16 – April 24, 2011.

Cyprus: Crossroads of Civilizations - Located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the island of Cyprus has been a crossroads of civilizations for over 11,000 years. Explore the history of Cyprus—a story of East meeting West, of discovery, struggle, loss, and achievement—through a rich collection of antiquities. Open September 29 – May 1, 2011.

Losing Paradise? Endangered Plants Here and Around the World - Explore the beauty and diversity of the world’s endangered plants through the work of members of the American Society of Botanical Artists. Learn about the Museum’s efforts to help plant conservationists and how botanical illustration supports the scientific work of the Museum’s Botany Department. Open August 14 – December 12, 2010.

Upcoming Events

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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.

We are open until 7:30 PM until Labor Day, except for special early closings. Please check our hours calendar for these closings.