The National Museum of Natural History

Ads

Sponsored Links

The National Museum of Natural History is one of the finest museum in the world of this type. The museum houses the most important collection of the Smithsonian Institute of about 120 million objects and artifacts. It has a green domed museum, opened in 1910, from the architectural plan of the development the city of Washington. The plan was made in 1901 and supposed to be created more recreational places and cultural places to educate the people. The exterior of the museum was designed by the architects Charles Mckim and Daniel Burnham. They have chosed a BeauxArts style for the building. This style became very famous after the World’s Columbian Exposition, that took place in Chicago, in 1893. The work in the museum later was continued by the architects Marshall and Hornblower, who intended to provide the museum with more natural light, which will create the possibility for the visitors to admire the exhibitions of the natural world, in a more majesctic light.

Later, in 1964 to the museum were added the west and the east wings, that extended the structure. The wings represent structures of about six stories tall. The second floor, the sixth and the fourth floor of the wings are connected to the museum. In 1969 the name of the museum was officially changed in National Museum of Natural History, because initially was named Museum of Natural History. The building includes an amazing octagon-shaped rotunda, which is visible from many corners of the city. The portico entrance of the museum is very large, including Corithian Columns that lead to the rotunda, which is designed with columns made in a Doric style, on th first floor of the building, and made in an Ionic style, on the second and third floors. The museum displayes a variety of objects and works, that are a valuable treasure for the history of the American nation.

The museum’s 120 million of speciments and artifacts are a great pot of precious elements for the people that are really interested in nature, in anthrophology or in science. In september 2008, after a long renovation has reopened the Sant Ocean Hall, that represent a 23,000 square foot gallery, provides with marine life. The most astonished thing in this exhibition is the remark of the North Atlantic right whale that is suspended from the ceiling. This imposant remark has a length of about 45foot. Another interesting example is the giant squid that is a very rare species. One more intrigant attractions in the museum is the “Ocean Odyssey”, that represent a high-definition film, which surrounds the walls of the space exhibit, creating a very unusual and spectacular underwater atmosphere.

The National Museum of Natural History is also the home for a large collection of gems and minerals, with the greatest 45.52 carat Hope Diamond and the Star of Asia sapphire, that are stunning examples of the natural history, during the time. Another attractive destinations in the museum, perfect for all ages is the Hall of Dinosaurs, including 46 fossilized dinosaurs. The hall of mammals includes a great collection of the most popular vertebrate speciments in the whole world. The kids will enchanted to see the Orkin Insect Zoo, where will get to see the tarantulas, termites, cockroaches. The Butterfly Pavilion boats over 400 butterflies , flying all over the pavilion, surrounding the visitors with their amazing colors, creating an remarcable ambiance. The museum also provides the visitors with exhibits on the water, also botanic and anthrophologic displays, offering an IMAX Theatre. No one should skip the chance to visit this adorable Museum of Natural History, because it relates all the speciments that lived once on the Earth. It will leave an unforgettable impression with nice memories, in the same time educating the small kids, providing them with a lot of new and interesting information.

Sponsored Links

By Eugenia Cvasov

Sponsored Links

Write your Review on The National Museum of Natural History and become the best user of Bestourism.com

Others The best touristic attractions in Washington,DC .

Maps of The National Museum of Natural History

map United States -> Maps Washington

Others from The best touristic attractions in Washington,DC

Washington is a very famous commercial center in United States which is very rich in famous buildings, monuments and other amazing attractions.
It represents a playground of natural landscapes, that delight visitor’s eyes while in Washington.
There are numerous parks, public squares and museums that make the state more excited and charming.
Check out best attractions in Washington and make your own decision based on reality.