Washington DC Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Guided Tour

In this activity, you will have the opportunity to walk through the corridors of the Natural History Museum for about 2 hours. With an expert guide, you will learn about the museum's vast collection in areas such as zoology, geology, palaeontology and more .

The massive Smithsonian building covers the area of 18 football fields and houses a collection of over 146 million specimens. It houses the Hope Diamond, a navy blue diamond weighing more than 45 carats .

The legend of the diamond is extensive, having been owned by the French Crown and Queen Marie Antoinette. The jewel was lost during the French Revolution and found its way to the United States. In 1958, its last individual owner sent it by postal service to the Natural History Museum, where it has remained ever since.

In its jewellery collection, the museum also houses the well-known Dom Pedro Aquamarine. This is the largest carved aquamarine jewel in the world . Cut in the shape of an obelisk, it was extracted from a rock weighing more than 45 kg and measuring almost 1 metre high.

Throughout the visit you will also learn about the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt and how they were mummified to preserve their bodies. You will also explore enclosures filled with extinct species, such as dinosaurs, and wild animals, such as polar bears, elephants and giraffes.

You will have the opportunity to visit Ocean Hall, the museum's collection of marine species. It exhibits coral reefs, a replica of a 45-ton whale and a giant jellyfish and squid . There is also a 5,700-litre aquarium , which houses species from all over the world.

Other rooms of interest include the Mammal Hall, which has the largest collection of vertebrate animals in the world, and the Insect Hall. Here, habitats such as deserts, jungles and forests have been reproduced in order to preserve the living species housed in the museum.

A highly educational and entertaining visit, perfect for families and friends. Ideal for nature and animal lovers.