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Smithsonian Museum Tour: Explore Natural History

4.9

130 Ratings

Washington

Become a part of a 2-hour guided journey through the National Museum of Natural History that caters to a group of no more than 8 guests. Explore the fascinating world of minerals, mammals, and mummies that have been captivating spectators for more than 100 years.

Duration: 2 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History - Your guide will take you to visit the highlights of the collection, housed in a massive building that covers the area of 18 football fields. Gaze into the world-famous Hope Diamond, whose brilliant blue sparkle, and immodest size at 46 karats, captured the attention of former owner Marie Antoinette. Wander through the displays of gems and minerals, including the Dom Pedro Aquamarine, the world’s largest gem of its type, which glows brilliantly from within. Travel back in time to learn about death rituals while exploring real mummies from Ancient Egypt. Then step out of the past into the wild, exploring the mighty polar bears, elephants, and giraffes that roam across earth’s surface. From the land, jump into the sea at the Ocean Hall, where you’ll discover a live coral reef exhibit as well as a 45-ton whale, Phoenix, which is a replica of a real living what that the museum tracks. By the end, you’ll understand why so many people come to visit the 126.5 million artefacts housed at the National Museum of Natural History.

What's Included

2-hour tour duration
Semi-private museum experience
Expert guidance by a professional art historian
Small group size with a maximum of 8 guests

What's Not Included

Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)
Tour is NOT available for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair

Additional Information

It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
A maximum of 8 people permitted per tour allowed
A moderate amount of walking is involved, comfortable clothing and shoes recommended
Notes: National Museum of Natural History and other attractions or museums in DC may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with ‘Skip the Line’ or ‘No Wait’ access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.

Location

1010 Madison Dr NW

Madison Drive Northwest

Meet your guide on the large stairs at the Madison Drive NW entrance of the Museum of Natural History, facing the lawn of the National Mall.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.9

(130 Ratings)

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Amykm1218vy

Mar 16, 2024

Natural History Semi-Private tour - Since this museum is a favorite and really busy, it really is important to take a tour and make the best use of your time there. Tim was a knowledgeable guide and added humor to the tour!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

353alishan

Mar 15, 2024

Informative and thorough - Donna was excellent! She was knowledgeable and commanded attention. She understood the needs of our party and made sure we were fully engaged.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Tuscan1922

Feb 26, 2024

Very interesting tour - Amanda was an amazing guide. Very informative and well read. She had really studied and was just a delight! I would highly recommend her to anyone.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

507micheley

Jan 17, 2024

Smithsonian Natural History semi-private tour - Richard T. Robinson III was my guide at the Museum of Natural History. When I was telling friends about the tour, I realized that I had only 3 pictures to share. I was so engaged in Richard's tour, I neglected to take any photos! I especially appreciated his explanations about the animal and dinosaur displays. The tour was both educational and extremely enjoyable. I'm so glad I booked and that Richard was my guide!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Lincolny807

Dec 23, 2023

A Great Experience in Natural History - Christopher was an excellent guide. He was extremely knowledgeable, energetic, and very kind. He made the experience more meaningful to us. I would definitely tour with him again. I hope that all of your guides are as good as he was. Thanks for a great experience!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Ruth_b

Dec 18, 2023

Great Experience - Wonderful experience. So glad we had a great guide to follow. The place is huge and filled with so much to see.

Review provided by Viator

Z4972fcvickim

Dec 12, 2023

Maureen at the Smithsonian - We had a semiprivate tour of the Smithsonian with Maureen who was outstanding! She was chatty , informative and relaxed.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Sightseer31627112744

Nov 13, 2023

Great tour! - Tim was a great tour guide. Super knowledgeable and interesting information that made the tour very enjoyable. Highly recommend.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Ramblingmanroutine

Nov 5, 2023

See the Museum of Natural History in style and have fun! - A guided tour of the Museum of Natural History was one of the highlights of our DC visit. Our guide, Maureen was outstanding, and made our visit much more interesting, and informative than it would have been otherwise. We got great pictures, and heard a lot of wonderful stories about the history of the museum, and the many exhibits now, and in the past.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Lorier979