Natural History Museum

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The World & Me: WETA PBS KIDS and NMNH’s Solstice and Museum Celebration with special guest, Alma!

One-Time Events Learn more about your place in the world through explorations of nature and culture with museum educators and our friends from WETA! Come celebrate the summer solstice inside Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center! Join us Saturday, June 20th, as we explore the amazing things we can learn and do when we visit the museum together as a family or with friends. Special guest Alma from the PBS Kids animated series “Alma’s Way” will be present and an episode about her family’s trip to a museum will also be shown throughout the event. Families with learners of all ages will be invited to explore different stations, make observations of specimens from our collection, and explore play and art. This is a drop-in event. Families can drop in anytime from 10:00am - 1:00pm and stay for as long as your family would like. No registration is required. Location: This program is held in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Please enter through the… Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Ground Floor, Q?rius: The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center. Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Event Group: Solstice Saturday. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature. Saturday, June 20, 2026, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

NMNH Solstice Late Night Hours: Saturday

One-Time Events The National Museum of Natural History will be open late on Saturday, June 20, as part of the Smithsonian's Solstice celebration. Visitors can explore the Museum's galleries until 11 pm. No passes or registration required. Museum cafés and shops hours: Atrium Café (ground floor): 11:00 am - 10:00 pm (Grill only from 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm) Ocean Terrace Café (first floor): 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Coffee Bar (first floor): 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Shops: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm Museum Store cart outside on Madison Dr.: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Please note that additional programming at NMNH will not be available on June 20. Special Solstice activities at NMNH will take place on Friday, June 19th. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Special Smithsonian Event. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History (10th Street & Constitution Ave, NW). Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: After Five. Event Group: 250 Our Shared Future. Solstice Saturday. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature. Saturday, June 20, 2026, 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM.

American Bison Cart Chat

Ongoing Tours & Activities Join educators in the "Bison: Standing Strong" exhibit to discover more about the Nation's Mammal - the American Bison. Learn how these fascinating animals alter their ecosystem in ways that benefit other animals and their habitat, as well as their importance to humans. Image by Jean Beaufort, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=83971372 . Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 2nd Floor, Bison: Standing Strong exhibit. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature. Sunday, June 21, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Coral Reef Tank Talk

Ongoing Tours & Activities Swim by the Sant Ocean Hall to meet some of the coral reef species that call the Smithsonian NMNH home! Hosted by an Ocean Educator, this interactive cart experience will walk you through the world of saltwater fish, coral colonies, and invertebrates galore! Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Event Group: World Ocean Month (June). Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature. Monday, June 22, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Play Date at NMNH: Pollinator Party!

One-Time Events Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators! This Tuesday is all about pollinators! From bats to bees, we will be celebrating pollinators for pollinator week. Families can make close observations of select pieces from our collection, learn about how pollinators help the planet, and create their own take-home art inspired by pollinators! The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5) and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome. Location: This program is held in the Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals exhibit on the 1st floor of the museum. Please note that space is dependent on the location of that week's event. Some locations have less capacity than others. It is possible that the program might be at capacity when you arrive. If this happens, please enjoy other areas of the museum and try again later in the program. … Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals (1st Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature. Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.

Ocean Topics Cart Chat

Ongoing Tours & Activities Looking for a deeper dive into ocean topics? Come and find one of our Ocean Educators to explore some of the latest discoveries in marine science, stationed at an interactive cart in the Sant Ocean Hall. Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature. Sunday, June 28, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

American Bison Cart Chat

Play Date at NMNH: Mineral Rainbow

One-Time Events Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators! This Tuesday we will be exploring color with minerals! Come play, make art, and make up-close observations of colorful mineral specimens. The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5), their caregivers, and families Location: This program is held in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Please enter through the Constitution Avenue entrance. Q?rius is located on the right as you enter the museum. Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time captioning (CART), or audio-description are available with advanced notice. However, accommodations may not be possible with less than two-weeks advanced notice. To request this service, please call (202) 633-5238 or e-mail NMNHAccessibility@si.edu. Image: Tectosilicate Mineral Amethyst Image copyright: Smithsonian. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center (Ground Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature. Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.

Ocean Topics Cart Chat

Ongoing Tours & Activities Looking for a deeper dive into ocean topics? Come and find one of our Ocean Educators to explore some of the latest discoveries in marine science, stationed at an interactive cart in the Sant Ocean Hall. Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Event Group: World Ocean Month (June). Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature. Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

The World and Me: National Bison Month

One-Time Events Learn more about your place in the world through explorations of nature and culture. Join us Saturday, July 11th, as we celebrate National Bison Month! Discover different bison adaptations and learn how the bison almost went extinct but are now rising in numbers. Families with learners of all ages will be invited to explore different stations, make observations of museum specimens up close, and explore bisons through play and art. Educators from the National Museum of Natural History, the National Postal Museum, and the National Museum of the American Indian will be here to support you in learning about bison! This is a drop-in event. Families can drop in anytime from 10:00am - 12:30pm and stay for as long as your family would like. No registration is required. Cost: Free. Location: Meet at the entrace of Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Q?rius is located next to the Constitution Avenue entrance. Accessibility: Access services such as American… Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, Ground Floor. Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Event Group: Earth Month Every Month. 250 Our Shared Future. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature. Saturday, July 11, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM.

Behind the Science with Curator of Flies Torsten Dikow

One-Time Events “What is the Pinned Insect Digitization Conveyor?” With more than 35 million specimens, the Smithsonian insect collection is one of the largest entomology collections in the world. It is an archive of global insect biodiversity, shedding light on the most diverse group of animals on the planet. Making such a sprawling collection, and the trove of scientific data it contains, accessible to researchers around the world is a challenge the museum facing head on. Entomologist Dr. Torsten Dikow is part of the team currently working to digitize a large swath of the collection’s pollinating insect specimens using the museum’s Pinned Insect Digitization Conveyor, a state-of-the-art system that has never before been used in North America. Torsten will discuss the How and Why of digitizing more than 325,000 bees, flies, butterflies and beetles and their associated data labels. He will also explore the importance of making all of this data accessible to science and the public given the vital role insect pollinators… Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History (Ground Floor). Cost: Free; registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/55383932/behind-the-sciencejuly-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: After Five. Lectures & Discussions. Event Group: Earth Month Every Month. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature. Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:15 PM. For more info visit www.etix.com.

Smithsonian Sleepover at the Natural History Museum

One-Time Events In-person Family Program: Go on an interactive exploration of the Natural History Museum and participate in hands-on crafts projects and games. Then roll out your sleeping bag and dream away in the darkened halls of one of the world’s most famous museums! Geared for children ages 8 to 14 years old, accompanied by an adult. Sponsor: Smithsonian Associates. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History 10th St & Constitution Ave NW. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/nh-sleepover-1P0911?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Kids & Families. Event Group: 250 Our Shared Future. Topics: Science & Nature. Saturday, July 18, 2026, 7:00 PM – Sunday, July 19, 2026, 9:00 AM.

Beyond the Exhibition: 250 Years of Messaging

One-Time Events **Please note: this event was rescheduled from its original date, February 26th. This program will take place on Thursday, July 23rd.** In celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, explore the ways humans have stayed connected; from the Pony Express to amateur radio to emojis and more. Enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the Cellphone: Unseen Connections exhibit and talk to experts: Moving the Mail: The Pony Express with National Postal Museum education specialists MaryBeth Wagner and Maureen Leary , Explore the role of ham amateur radio in communication and demo equipment with NMNH museum specialists Tim Gooding and Rob Wardell from the Smithsonian HAM Radio Club , Test your knowledge on communication methods through time with NMNH exhibit educators: Match Emoji icons with their official names and the emotion or mood they represent , Decode a Morse Code message , Compare modern smartphones with old phone models , , The Transatlantic Telegraph Cable and amateur radio in WWII with National… Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History (2nd floor). Cost: Free; registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/95792339/beyond-the-exhibition250-years-of-messaging-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: After Five. Lectures & Discussions. Gallery Talks & Tours. Event Group: Earth Month Every Month. 250 Our Shared Future. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Topics: Science & Nature. History & Culture. Technology & Innovation. Thursday, July 23, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. For more info visit www.etix.com.

Play Date at NMNH: At Home in a Habitat

One-Time Events Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators! Tuesday, August 4th is all about the rainforest! During this program, families will be able to make observations of different rainforest animals from our collection (including a leafcutter ant and a sloth) and learn about how the rainforest provides a safe place for many different animals to live. Families will also be invited to take a look at the rainforest area of the exhibit! The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners, their caregivers, and families to explore different natural history themes through art, play, and exploration. Location: This program is held in the Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals exhibit on the 1st floor of the museum. Please note that space is dependent on the location of that week's event. Some locations have less capacity than others. It is possible that the program might be at capacity when you arrive. If this happens,… Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals (1st Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature. Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.

Play Date at NMNH: World Elephant Day!

One-Time Events Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators! This Tuesday is a special celebration for World Elephant Day (August 12th)! Come explore different elephant teeth, make your own habitat for our elephant toys, and create your own artwork on of an elephant herd. The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome. Location: This program is held in the Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals exhibit on the 1st floor of the museum. Please note that space is dependent on the location of that week's event. Some locations have less capacity than others. It is possible that the program might be at capacity when you arrive. If this happens, please enjoy other areas of the museum and try again later in the program. Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time… Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals (1st Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Event Group: Earth Month Every Month. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Topics: Science & Nature. Tuesday, August 11, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.

Behind the Science with Paleontologist Nick Pyenson

One-Time Events “Follow the Whale Bone Road: Fossils, 3D Data, and Discovering the Past and Future of Ocean Giants” For thousands of years, we have drawn sea monsters on our maps and conjured them into our myths. But some of these monsters are real; some have existed for longer than we have been a species. Dr. Nick Pyenson, a vertebrate paleontologist who studies how marine life changes over incredibly long periods of time, shares science stories about the many origins, extinctions, and fates of our favorite sea monsters, including whales, sea cows, sea turtles, penguins, and many others. Registration is encouraged. Space is filled on a first come first served basis. Image caption: Chilean and Smithsonian paleontologists study several fossil whale skeletons at Cerro Ballena, next to the Pan-American Highway in the Atacama Region of Chile, 2011. Image credit: Adam Metallo, Smithsonian Institution ---------------- About the Series: Behind the Science A monthly after-hours series featuring NMNH scientists and researchers, … Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History (Ground Floor). Cost: Free; registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/50052074/behind-the-scienceaugust-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: After Five. Lectures & Discussions. Event Group: Earth Month Every Month. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature. Tuesday, August 11, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:15 PM. For more info visit www.etix.com.

Smithsonian Sleepover at the Natural History Museum

One-Time Events In-person Family Program: Go on an interactive exploration of the Natural History Museum and participate in hands-on crafts projects and games. Then roll out your sleeping bag and dream away in the darkened halls of one of the world’s most famous museums! Geared for children ages 8 to 14 years old, accompanied by an adult. Sponsor: Smithsonian Associates. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History 10th St & Constitution Ave NW. Cost: View registration price. Get Tickets/Register: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/nh-sleepover-1P0913?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&promo=276223. Categories: Kids & Families. Event Group: 250 Our Shared Future. Topics: Science & Nature. Friday, August 14, 2026, 7:00 PM – Saturday, August 15, 2026, 9:00 AM.

Play Date at NMNH: World Orangutan Day!

One-Time Events Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators! This Tuesday is a special celebration for World Orangutan Day (August 19th)! Come learn through play about these animals, about make your own habitat for our orangutan and other primate toys, and create your own orangutan with arms built for climbing and hanging! The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome. Location: This program is held in the Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals exhibit on the 1st floor of the museum. Please note that space is dependent on the location of that week's event. Some locations have less capacity than others. It is possible that the program might be at capacity when you arrive. If this happens, please enjoy other areas of the museum and try again later in the program. Accessibility: Access services such as… Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals (1st Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature. Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.

Play Date at NMNH: Volcanic Explorations

One-Time Events Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators! This Tuesday is all about exploring volcanoes! Families will learn about different types of lava flow, create their own lava-flow inspired volcano artwork, and look up close at Igneous rock specimen (rocks that are formed when magma or lava cools and solidifies) from the museum’s collection. The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5), their caregivers, and families. Location: This program is held in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Please enter through the Constitution Avenue entrance. Q?rius is located on the right as you enter the museum. Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time captioning (CART), or audio-description are available with advanced notice. However, accommodations may not be possible with less than two-weeks advanced notice.… Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center (Ground Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Topics: Science & Nature. Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.

Behind the Science with Zoologist and Curator Missy Hawkins

One-Time Events Save the date for Behind the Science: September ft. Missy Hawkins, Research Zoologist and Curator of our new exhibit, Bison: Standing Strong. More details coming soon. ---------------- About the Series: Behind the Science A monthly after-hours series featuring NMNH scientists and researchers, Each month, join the National Museum of Natural History for the new series, Behind the Science, where NMNH researchers share insights into their latest discoveries and explore the fascinating questions driving their work—from the origins of life to the future of our planet. Come learn what’s happening behind the scenes and how science shapes our understanding of the natural world. Programs take place in Q?rius, the Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center. Topics and speakers announced on a rolling basis, but save the dates now! Upcoming Dates: Jun. 9: Matt Girard, Zoologist Jul. 14: Torsten Dikow, Entomologist and Curator of Flies Aug. 11: Nick Pyenson, Paleontologist (Marine Mammals) Sep. 15: Missy Hawkins,… Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History (Ground Floor). Cost: Free; registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/80750497/behind-the-scienceseptember-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: After Five. Lectures & Discussions. Event Group: Earth Month Every Month. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. Featured Event: Museum Level Featured Event. Central OPA use ONLY. Topics: Science & Nature. Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:15 PM. For more info visit www.etix.com.