The Natural History Museum and American History Museum in Washington, D.C. offer visitors a captivating exploration of the natural world and the cultural identity of the United States. Guests can marvel at the impressive collections, featuring iconic exhibits like the Hope Diamond, towering T-Rex fossils, and the taxidermied elephant, Henry. Meanwhile, the American History Museum showcases pivotal artifacts that provide insights into America’s rich past and its ongoing narrative of change and resilience. Whether you’re fascinated by the natural sciences or eager to explore the country’s cultural heritage, these two renowned institutions promise an engaging and enlightening experience.
Key Points
- The tour covers highlights of the National Museum of Natural History, including the Hope Diamond, taxidermied African elephant, and fossils of Mastodon, T-Rex, and Diplodocus.
- The National Museum of American History showcases iconic exhibits like Dorothy’s ruby slippers and the original Star-Spangled Banner, as well as the Greensboro Lunch Counter.
- The 5.5-hour combo tour is led by a live English-speaking guide and offers options for private or small group tours (max 8 people).
- The tour includes comprehensive coverage of the top exhibits in both museums and is wheelchair accessible upon request.
- The tour is priced at £157.85 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Museum Highlights
- Tour Inclusions
- Meeting Point and Contact
- Customer Reviews
- Explore Natural History
- American History Exhibits
- Tour Availability and Pricing
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Take Photos Inside the Museums?
- Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?
- How Accessible Are the Museums for Visitors With Disabilities?
- Can I Leave the Tour and Re-Join at a Later Point?
- Are Audio Guides Available in Different Languages?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Washington Dc
- More Museum Experiences in Washington Dc
- More Historical Tours in Washington Dc
- More Tour Reviews in Washington Dc
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Washington Dc we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
This tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore two of Washington, D.C.’s premier museums – the National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of American History.
The combo tour is priced at £157.85 per person and lasts 5.5 hours, with a live English-speaking guide leading the way.
Visitors can choose from private or small group tours, with a maximum of 8 people. The tour can be booked now and paid for later, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Whether you’re interested in natural history or American culture and identity, this tour promises an engaging and informative experience.
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Museum Highlights
The National Museum of Natural History boasts the largest natural history collection in the world, housing captivating exhibits that showcase remarkable specimens like the iconic Hope Diamond, a taxidermied African elephant named Henry, and the impressive Fossil Hall featuring fossils of prehistoric creatures such as the Mastodon, T-Rex, and Diplodocus.
Across the National Mall, the National Museum of American History delights visitors with its iconic displays, including Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, the original ‘Star-Spangled Banner‘ flag, and the Greensboro Lunch Counter, which serves as a poignant reminder of the American civil rights movement.
These museums offer a comprehensive exploration of natural wonders and the rich tapestry of American history.
Tour Inclusions
The tour includes an expert guide who provides a 2-hour highlights tour of each museum, allowing visitors to efficiently explore the most captivating exhibits. Wheelchair tours are available upon request, catering to the needs of all guests. While the tour does not include hotel pick-up and drop-off or food and drinks, visitors are free to enjoy the optional gratuities at their discretion.
The tour inclusions can be summarized in the following table:
| Included | Not Included |
|---|---|
| Expert guide | Hotel pick-up and drop-off |
| 2-hour highlights tour of each museum | Food and drinks |
| Wheelchair tours available by request | — |
| Optional gratuities | — |
| — | — |
Meeting Point and Contact
Visitors meet the guide at the Madison Drive NW entrance of the National Museum of Natural History, where they can access the tour’s contact details provided via email on the day of the experience. This ensures a smooth and seamless start to the combo tour.
The guide’s contact information, including their phone number and email address, is shared with participants ahead of time so they can easily reach out if they’ve any questions or need assistance throughout the day.
This level of organization and communication helps set the tone for an educational and enjoyable exploration of the National Museum of Natural History and the American History Museum.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews
Consistently, visitors have left overwhelmingly positive reviews for this combo tour of the National Museum of Natural History and the American History Museum, awarding it an impressive overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on 5 reviews.
Reviewers praised the tour’s exceptional value for money, the professional and knowledgeable service provided by the guides, as well as the tour’s impeccable organization.
Key highlights highlighted by customers include:
-
Comprehensive coverage of the top exhibits and attractions at both museums
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Seamless transitions between the two institutions for a well-rounded experience
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Flexibility to accommodate individual needs, such as wheelchair accessibility
The consistently glowing customer feedback underscores the tour’s ability to deliver an enriching and enjoyable exploration of these iconic Smithsonian museums.
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Explore Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History‘s unrivaled collection showcases the wonders of the natural world, inviting visitors on a captivating journey through time and space.
Boasting the largest natural history collection globally, the museum’s Fossil Hall is a must-see, featuring the awe-inspiring fossils of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, Diplodocus, and Mastodon.
Visitors can marvel at the iconic Hope Diamond, the largest blue diamond in the world, and admire the museum’s impressive taxidermied elephant, Henry.
With its diverse exhibits on geology, paleontology, and zoology, the National Museum of Natural History offers an immersive experience, igniting a deep appreciation for the natural world and its remarkable history.
American History Exhibits
The American History Museum‘s captivating exhibits explore the rich tapestry of the United States, inviting visitors to explore the nation’s cultural identity, pivotal moments, and enduring legacies.
Guests can marvel at the iconic ‘Star-Spangled Banner‘ and the Greensboro Lunch Counter, which symbolize the country’s struggle for civil rights.
The museum also features the beloved Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers from The Wizard of Oz, a testament to American storytelling.
Plus, the First Ladies exhibit provides a glimpse into the influential roles these women have played in shaping the nation’s history.
Through these diverse and thought-provoking displays, the American History Museum offers a comprehensive understanding of America’s past, present, and future.
Tour Availability and Pricing
For those interested in exploring the natural wonders of the National Museum of Natural History and the captivating exhibits of the American History Museum, a combo tour is available at the price of £157.85 per person, with a duration of 5.5 hours led by a live English-speaking guide.
Visitors can choose between private or small group tours, with a maximum of 8 people per group. The tour offers flexibility, as there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the option to reserve now and pay later.
Wheelchair tours are available upon request, and while hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as food and drinks, aren’t included, the tour provides an expert guide and highlights of both museums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos Inside the Museums?
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the museums, though there may be restrictions on flash photography and photography in certain exhibits. It’s best to check with museum staff for specific guidelines.
Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?
Yes, many museums offer discounted admission for students and seniors. Visitors should inquire about any available discounts when purchasing tickets, as these can provide significant savings compared to the regular admission price.
How Accessible Are the Museums for Visitors With Disabilities?
The museums offer wheelchair tours by request and are generally accessible for visitors with disabilities. The tour operator aims to accommodate the needs of all guests to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience.
Can I Leave the Tour and Re-Join at a Later Point?
Participants can typically leave the tour and rejoin at a later point, as long as they coordinate with the tour guide. However, this may be subject to availability and policies of the specific tour operator.
Are Audio Guides Available in Different Languages?
Audio guides are typically available in multiple languages on tours. While the specific languages offered for this tour are not mentioned, many museums provide audio guides in a variety of common languages to accommodate international visitors.
Natural History Museum & American History Museum
“Terrific! Brenda was an excellent tour guide.”
Recap
The Natural History Museum and American History Museum offer visitors an unparalleled journey through the wonders of the natural world and the rich tapestry of American history.
From iconic exhibits like the Hope Diamond to the iconic Star-Spangled Banner, these museums captivate and inspire, providing a deep understanding of our world and its enduring legacies.
A visit to these renowned institutions is a must for any curious explorer.
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