Smithsonian Natural History Museum Semi-Private Tour
What your day looks like
The collection is housed in a purpose-built structure that covers the area of 18 football fields, but your guide will be there to make sure you don’t waste a second exploring the best parts. You’ll marvel at the 46-karat Hope Diamond, whose brilliant blue sparkle caught the eyes of Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette before disappearing during the French Revolution. As you gawk at the gems and jewels, you’ll gaze at the glowing Dom Pedro Aquamarine, the world’s largest gem of its type. Lose the glitz as you come face to face with real mummies and explore the rituals and routines of Ancient Egypt. These Egyptians aren’t the only once-living specimens on display. Giraffes, elephants, polar bears, and other land giants are stuffed and mounted for your pleasure. Then set sail towards the Ocean Hall, where a real-life coral reef exhibit brings the sea to you. Learn the story behind Phoenix, a 45-ton whale that the museum has been following in the wild, as you stand in front of a life-sized replica. With only 126.5 million artifacts housed in the National Museum of Natural History’s collection, you’ll be thankful to your guide for navigating them for you.
The experience, in brief
- Hope Diamond
- Dom Pedro Aquamarine
- Star of Asia sapphire
- Egyptian Mummies exhibit
- Live Fossil Lab with working scientists
- Natural Wonders of the World photography exhibit
- Ocean's Hall exhibit
- Arctic Narwahl Exhibit
The journey, in full
Itinerary Generally Include (as long the exhibit is not on loan or being restored): The Nation’s T. rex Stand face-to-face with a fully assembled Tyrannosaurus rex, one of the most complete specimens ever discovered. The Hope Diamond & Star of Asia Sapphire Marvel at the world’s most famous blue diamond, a 45.52-carat gemstone with a fascinating history of mystery and intrigue. Nearby, admire the Star of Asia Sapphire, a deep blue jewel renowned for its size and flawless beauty. Henry the Elephant Meet the museum’s beloved African elephant, a life-sized icon that has greeted visitors for over 60 years, offering a striking introduction to the wonders of the natural world. The Egyptian Mummies Discover the collection of real Egyptian mummies and cutting-edge forensic reconstructions. The Arctic Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea Encounter the elusive narwhal, one of the Arctic’s most mysterious creatures. Learn how its spiraled tusk—a tooth that can grow up to ten feet long—helps it navigate icy waters and communicate with its pod.
Your day, step by step
Washington DC
Local Flavor at National Museum of Natural History.
What to know before booking
Included
Tour Guide
Meeting & Pickup
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.
Languages Offered
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Before Booking
Please provide a good contact phone number to reach the guests on the day of the tour. This is strictly used by the guide to communicate meeting point details and make the tour as seamless as possible. We require the ages of all passengers upon booking. Please provide this information.
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic
What travelers are saying
Donna's was a great guide! She was fun and enthusiastic. The tour was well worth it!