The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History is one of the most renowned and largest museums in the world. This museum is located in Washington, D.C., and is known for its vast collection of natural history specimens and artifacts. The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History has been a popular destination for visitors from all over the world for over a century.
History of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History was established in 1910, with the purpose of providing a public space to display the vast collections of natural history specimens that had been gathered by various government agencies. The museum was originally housed in what is now known as the Arts and Industries Building, but it moved to its current location on the National Mall in 1911.
Size of The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History covers an area of approximately 1.5 million square feet, making it one of the largest museums in the world. The museum has more than 145 million specimens and artifacts, including fossils, minerals, rocks, plants, animals, insects and human remains.
Collections
The collections housed by The Smithsonian Museum Of Natural History are truly remarkable. Here are some fascinating facts:
- The museum’s insect collection contains more than 35 million specimens
- The mineral collection consists of over 375,000 minerals and gems
- The mammal collection has more than 590,000 specimens
- The herbarium holds over 7.3 million plant specimens from around the world
- The fossil collection contains more than 40 million specimens
- At any given time only about two percent of these collections are on display.
Exhibits
The museum’s exhibits are spread over several floors and cover a wide range of topics, from the history of human evolution to the natural wonders of Earth. Some of the most popular exhibits include:
- The Hope Diamond, one of the largest and most famous diamonds in the world
- The Hall of Human Origins, which explores the story of human evolution
- The Ocean Hall, which showcases marine life and habitats
- The Butterfly Pavilion, a live exhibit featuring hundreds of free-flying butterflies
- The Dinosaur Hall, which displays one of the largest collections of dinosaur fossils in the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Smithsonian Museum Of Natural History is an incredible institution that is home to some of the most remarkable collections on earth. Its size and scope are truly awe-inspiring, and it offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to learn about our planet’s natural history. The next time you’re in Washington D., don’t miss out on this amazing museum!