National Museum of Natural History
Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals
The National Gem and Mineral Collection is one of the most significant collections of its kind in the world and includes famous pieces of gems and minerals including the Hope Diamond and the Star of Asia Sapphire, one of the largest sapphires in the world. There are currently over 15,000 individual gems in the collection, as well as 350,000 minerals and 300,000 samples of rock and ore specimens. Additionally, the Smithsonian's National Gem and Mineral Collection houses approximately 35,000 meteorites.Dinosaurs/Hall of Paleobiology
The Hall of Dinosaurs has fossilized skeletons and cast models, including Tyrannosaurus Rex facing off with Triceratops. In May 2012, billionaire David H. Koch donated $35 million toward the cost of a $45 million upgrade to the 30-year-old, 25,000 square feet dinosaur hall. The hall is anticipated to close in the spring of 2014 and reopen in 2019.Hall of Mammals
The Behring Hall of Mammals has the largest collection of vertebrate specimens in the world, nearly twice the size of the next largest mammal collections.Details
Hours
- Open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m; may have extended Hours
Prices
- Admission is free
Parking, Directions and Public Transportation
There is no public parking at the Smithsonian on the National Mall but there is paid on-street parking steps away. There are also commercial parking lots and garages located within several blocks of the museums. There are also a limited number of parking spaces for vehicles with the appropriate license plate or permit for visitors with disabilities.
Must See Permanent Exhibits
The Hope Diamond, known as the "most famous diamond in the world" at 45.52 carats, and valued between $200 and $250 million dollars.
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