Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max

From$105
2h 30m
Max 8 people
Commentary: Guide · en
Washington DC, USA

About this activity

Explore the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History on a 2.5-hour semi-private guided tour for up to eight guests. Museum entry is included and free to the public. See the Nation’s T. rex, Hope Diamond, and Egyptian mummies.

Highlights

  • The Nation's T. rex
  • Hope Diamond and Star of Asia Sapphire
  • Henry the African Elephant
  • Egyptian mummies
  • Arctic narwhal

Full description

Follow an expert guide through the Smithsonian’s fossils, gems, wildlife, and ancient cultures in a group of no more than eight. See the Nation’s T. rex, Hope Diamond and Star of Asia Sapphire, Henry the Elephant, Egyptian mummies, and an Arctic narwhal. Featured displays may change when objects are on loan or under restoration.

Travel through the history of life on Earth inside the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Your guide leads a semi-private group of no more than eight from towering dinosaur fossils to remarkable gems and animals. Stand before the Nation’s T. rex, admire the Hope Diamond and Star of Asia Sapphire, and meet Henry, the museum’s African elephant. Discover Egyptian mummies and the Arctic narwhal while your guide explains how these specimens reveal the natural world. Museum entry is included; Smithsonian admission is free to the public. Exhibits may change when objects are on loan or under restoration.

Included / Excluded

  • Semi-private guided museum visit inside the Smithsonian
  • Group limited to eight guests
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Museum admission included (free to the public)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Optional gratuities
  • Temporary exhibitions
  • Food and drinks

Itinerary

1

Natural History Museum — Madison Drive NW stairs

Meet your guide at the large stairs outside the Madison Drive NW entrance, facing the National Mall.

2

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Spend 2.5 hours exploring the museum with your guide. Highlights generally include the Nation’s T. rex, Hope Diamond, Henry the Elephant, Egyptian mummies, and an Arctic narwhal when on display.

Duration: 2h 30m

Meeting point

Start Location

Natural History Museum — Madison Drive NW stairs

1010 Madison Drive Northwest, Washington, DC, USA

Meet outside at the large stairs facing the National Mall.

Get directions →

Important information

Know before you book

  • This semi-private tour is limited to eight guests.
  • Please provide a mobile phone number with country code for day-of-tour contact.
  • Full refund when cancelled at least 24 hours before the tour starts.
  • This semi-private museum tour is wheelchair accessible.

Know before you go

  • Meet your guide on the large stairs at the museum’s Madison Drive NW entrance, facing the National Mall.
  • Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
  • Your guide will facilitate museum entry.
  • Bring a valid photo ID or a clear photo of it.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible

Reviews

VIATOR
Brian_Z
Oct 2026
5.0

We booked this tour to get as much as possible out of our time at The Met. What we didn’t know we were getting was a personalized experience full of captivating stories about the artists' lives and the people who brought the art to the museum. Robin was a wealth of knowledge and a highlight of our trip to New York!

TRIPADVISOR
Navigator19524277108
Oct 2026
5.0

Spent a great day with Charlie he was very engaging and shared lots of information and entertaining stories with us. He took great care of us and we would recommend him for any future tours.

TRIPADVISOR
havefunstaysafe
Oct 2026
5.0

Mark, tour guide for the Metropolitan Museum is an outstanding teacher: engaging; entertaining; professional; personable; experienced and deeply knowledgeable as a result of a lifelong passion and relationship with the Met. He loves what he does and cares deeply about sharing his knowledge and insight to spark curiosity and inspire his clients--his students--to understand context and meaning of each piece or work of art reviewed. My wife, a retired professor emeritas and myself both left thoroughly impressed and grateful to have been taught by best and most captivating guides we have had the privilege of meeting on one of our many travels and adventures. Hire the best. Hire Mark. Worth every penny and every minute of your time you can afford at the Met. Like us, you will look forward to coming back for another teaching session from Mark. In my case, hopefully we will be back on my birthday next year! (Thanks again Mark!)

Frequently asked questions

FAQs

Additional information

This semi-private guided museum visit is limited to eight guests and is wheelchair accessible. Admission to the Smithsonian is free to the public. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early; security screening may involve a wait. Large bags and suitcases are not permitted. Exhibits can change when artifacts are on loan or under restoration.