When is Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History open?
Every day, 10 AM–5:30 PM. Hours checked on 4 November 2026.
52° · Clear nowBest time: 10 amThings to do in Washington, D.C.
MuseumChinatown
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- 4.859k reviews
- Free
- Closed now
Smithsonian museum with dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, a live butterfly pavilion, mummies and human evolution exhibits.
Quick answers
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in short
When is the best time to visit Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History?
It's at its best mornings and afternoons. Wedar also scores every hour of the next five days against the forecast; see the best time on this page.
Is Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History indoors or outdoors?
Indoors: a good pick when it rains.
Is Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History good for kids?
Yes, it welcomes children.
How much does Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History cost?
It's free to visit.
Do you need to book Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History?
No, you can walk in.
More questions (3)Fewer questions
How long do you need at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History?
About 2.5 hours.
Where is Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History?
10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560.
Is Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility: assisted listening devices, hearing loop, wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible parking.
Status, rating and hours checked on 4 November 2026; kids, cost, booking and setting verified by the Wedar team. Where our data comes from
Right now · 3:45 am
Why it fits right now
Closed right now.
Opens today 10 am.
52°
Clear
- Feels
- 51°
- Rain
- 0%
- Wind
- 2mph
- 4am
52° - 5am51°
- 6am50°
The next five days
Best time to go
Scored on the forecast, its opening hours and when it's at its best. Tap a time to see it.
9a9 am12pNoon3p3 pm6p6 pm9p9 pm
TodayToday
TmrwTomorrow
FriFriday
SatSaturday
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Before you go
Plan your visit
Hours
Closed now- monday
- 10 AM–5:30 PM
- tuesday
- 10 AM–5:30 PM
- wednesdayToday
- 10 AM–5:30 PM
- thursday
- 10 AM–5:30 PM
- friday
- 10 AM–5:30 PM
- saturday
- 10 AM–5:30 PM
- sunday
- 10 AM–5:30 PM
Hours checked 4 Nov
Where and how
- 1 Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- 2 National Archives Museum · 5 min
- 3 Sushi Nakazawa · 5 min
- 4 S. Dillon Ripley Center · 5 min
- 5 Enid A. Haupt Garden · 5 min
Good to know
- Indoors
- Free to visit
- Walk-ins welcome
- Allow about 2.5 h
- Step-free entrance
- Accessible washroom
From visitors and the venue
What it's like
4.8from 59k reviews
Known for
- Hope Diamond
- Dinosaur fossils
- Butterfly pavilion
- Mummies
What people say
- People like:
- Free admission, dinosaurs, Hope Diamond, interactive exhibits
Around Chinatown
Nearby
Within about a 15-minute walk.
National Archives MuseumMuseum · 5 min walk
Sushi NakazawaSushi · 5 min walk
S. Dillon Ripley CenterMuseum · 5 min walk
Enid A. Haupt GardenGarden · 5 min walk
On nearby
For the next three hours
What to wear to go there now
Leave with a jacket.
JacketThe whole time
It's indoors, so this is for the trip there and back.