Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History boasts an astounding collection of over 126 million items, from fossilized pollen to dinosaur skeletons to the famed 45.52-carat Hope Diamond. The diamond joins gems such as the Star of Asia sapphire, one of the largest in the world, in the museum's National Gem and Mineral Collection, which houses over 10,000 individual gems. This significant collection also includes 350,000 mineral specimens and 35,000 meteorites, including seven of the 13 known Martian meteorites.
In September 2008, the National Museum of Natural History unveiled Ocean Hall, its largest permanent collection and a showcase of the ocean depths, history and aquatic life. Among the highlights are the Basilosaurus fossil, a 55-foot-long whale, and the 1,500-gallon live reef aquarium.
The museum has several spaces for private events, including the Beaux Arts-style Rotunda for up to 500 guests and the Dinosaur Hall for up to 80 guests. The National Museum of Natural History is open daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM, with extended hours during some holiday weekends and summer. It is closed Christmas. Admission is free.
