Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History rotunda with elephant exhibit and visitors.
Pearl corn sculpture display at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Ancient Egyptian sarcophagus exhibit at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Giant shark model at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Egyptian mummy exhibit at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Bust of an early human ancestor at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Skull exhibit at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Tours, Washington DC

Washington DC
Museums
Google Verified Seller

Duration: 2.5 hours (approx.)

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Experience an engaging tour at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC, where you'll explore one of the world’s largest collections with an expert guide. Meet your group and validate tickets at the Madison Drive NW entrance facing the National Mall for a 2.5-hour exploration that highlights prehistoric giants to rare gemstones. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through this fascinating journey inside the museum.

Explore the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History with exclusive timed entry; enjoy expert English-speaking guidance on this small-group tour.

Witness legendary exhibits such as the Nation’s T. Rex, the Hope Diamond, and Egyptian mummies up close during your visit.

Engage in an intimate group experience for no more than 8 guests, ensuring a personal connection with each exhibit.

Discover over 126 million must-see wonders through expert storytelling by your professional guide.

Entry with a timed ticket

Guided exploration of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Tours in Washington DC, featuring The Hope Diamond and Asia Sapphire within Features That The Nation, United States.

Use of an expert professional guide during your museum visit

Access to a small-group tour (limited to 8 participants)

Entrance to special exhibitions

Meals and drinks

Hotel transport service

Tipping

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History rotunda with elephant exhibit and visitors.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History rotunda with elephant exhibit and visitors.

Your Experience

This guided tour offers a 2.5-hour exploration of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, conducted with an expert guide and limited to small groups for personalized attention.

Getting Started

Gather at the Madison Drive NW entrance on the large stairs facing the National Mall. After your quick check-in and ticket validation process, you'll be introduced to today's highlights by your knowledgeable guide before entering the museum.

What to Expect

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is home to an extensive collection showcasing natural wonders from prehistoric giants to rare gemstones. Your expert guide will lead you through vast exhibits, enriching each display with fascinating insights and stories.

Tour Highlights

  • Discover the Nation’s T. Rex: Encounter one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever found within this renowned fossil collection.
  • The Hope Diamond & Star of Asia Sapphire: Admire these iconic treasures, including the legendary 45.52-carat Hope Diamond and the impressive Star of Asia Sapphire, known for their immense size and rich histories.
  • Henry the Elephant: Meet Henry, a life-sized African elephant that has greeted visitors at this museum for over 60 years, representing its commitment to wildlife conservation.
  • Egyptian Mummies: Explore authentic Egyptian mummies and learn about ancient burial customs through modern forensic reconstructions.
  • Arctic Narwhal: Learn about the narwhal’s unique tusk, which aids its survival in Arctic waters, often referred to as the “unicorn of the sea.”
Pearl corn sculpture display at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

Pearl corn sculpture display at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

Ancient Egyptian sarcophagus exhibit at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

Ancient Egyptian sarcophagus exhibit at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

Giant shark model at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

Giant shark model at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

What to Bring

  • A valid photo ID matching the name on your booking is required at entry, as it may be checked upon arrival.

Suitable walking shoes are recommended since you'll spend considerable time standing and moving around during the tour.

What's Not Allowed

  • Large bags, suitcases, or oversized luggage cannot be taken inside the museum.
  • You're not allowed to bring outside food or drinks into the museum.
  • Pets are prohibited from entering the museum.
  • Sharp objects, firearms, and weapons are strictly forbidden on the premises.
  • Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment cannot be used in exhibition areas.

The use of any intoxicating substances is not permitted anywhere within the museum grounds.

Accessibility

  • This tour does not accommodate wheelchair users.
  • The experience welcomes strollers, making it accessible for those with young children in prams.

Service animals that are registered will be allowed inside the museum alongside their owners.

Additional Information

  • The tour accommodates a maximum of 8 participants and requires at least 2 to proceed. If this minimum is not met, you'll receive either a full refund or an option to reschedule your visit.
  • In the event that the museum closes unexpectedly, if there's more than one hour delay past your scheduled tour time, another date will be offered as compensation.

Some areas of the museum require silence or restrict conversations. Your guide will provide exhibit details before entering these rooms to ensure a smooth experience for everyone.

Egyptian mummy exhibit at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

Egyptian mummy exhibit at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

Bust of an early human ancestor at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

Bust of an early human ancestor at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

Carry a valid photo ID that matches your booking name for smooth entry into the museum.

Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate extended periods of standing and walking during the tour.

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FAQs

Carry a valid photo ID that matches the name on your booking, as it may be requested at the entrance. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves extended periods of standing and walking.
Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted inside the museum. Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the museum. Pets are not permitted inside the museum. Sharp objects, firearms, and weapons are strictly prohibited. Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are not allowed inside the exhibition spaces. Any form of intoxication is strictly prohibited on the premises.
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. The experience is stroller accessible. Registered service animals are allowed inside the museum.
The group size is limited to 8 participants, with a minimum of 2 required to run the tour. If the minimum is not met, the tour will be canceled and you will receive either a full refund or the option to reschedule. The museum may close without prior notice. If opening is delayed by more than one hour from your scheduled tour time, you will be offered an alternative date. Some rooms require quiet or restrict speaking. In these cases, your guide will share information about the exhibits before entering those spaces.

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