The museum has specimens from around the world, including the largest and most extensive collection of California gems and minerals. There are more than 2,000 specimens on display in the 6,000-square-foot Gem and Mineral Hall.

Watch our scientists working on real fossils that our Dinosaur Institute has brought back from out in the field. These specimens on view change throughout the year as they remove the matrix from around the fossils, study, and record their finds.

Most of them are authentic, taxidermied animals. They were created with great care, with sculptures based on the animals' musculature and the surrounding dioramas based on their environment. Other examples, like the Blue Whale, are models, and not taxidermy.

We spent nearly 4 hours here and still felt like we could stay longer. There's a nice cafeteria with basic food options (burgers, desserts, etc) and a nice gift shop. Situated near other Smithsonian museums and the Capitol. There's also food trucks nearby.