Washington, District of Columbia
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is a premier research and educational institution located on the National Mall. It houses a staggering collection of over 145 million specimens, ranging from dinosaur fossils and early human artifacts to gems, minerals, and marine life. The museum's centerpiece is the rotunda featuring "Henry," a massive African bush elephant that has greeted visitors since 1959.
Highlights of the collection include the legendary Hope Diamond, the Hall of Human Origins, and the Sant Ocean Hall. Through its exhibits and active research programs, the museum seeks to understand the natural world and our place in it, inspiring curiosity and stewardship of the planet.