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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
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Upcoming Events

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.

New ExhibitS

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.
Artist Shih Chieh Huang setting up a color-lit art installation
The Bright Beneath: The Luminous Art of Shih Chieh Huang - The artwork of Shih Chieh Huang explores the unusual evolutionary adaptations of the mysterious, deep ocean creatures residing in conditions inhospitable for humans. On view through January 8, 2012. To Learn More...
Rescued miner kissing loved one.
Against All Odds: Rescue at the Chilean Mine - Last fall, the world watched as rescuers in Chile ferried 33 miners to safety after nearly two months trapped in a collapsed mine. This exhibit features the complex rescue effort and the miners’ story. On view through May 2012. To Learn More...

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

  • Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia 3D
  • Tornado Alley
  • Born To Be Wild 3D
  • Grand Canyon Adventure 3D: River at Risk