THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Have you ever had your mind blown in an afternoon?  We did.  And several times consecutively, at that.  It was another blustery day with more sideways rain, but because we had already survived the “worst case scenario” (being cast out into a downpour by Smithsonian Air & Space Museum staff), we felt well-equipped to handle another expedition to the Washington Mall.  So, armed with umbrellas and rain jackets, we hopped on the Metro.

If you’ve never spent a day roaming The Natural History Museum, it should quickly zoom to the top of your “Top 10 DC Activities” list.  From the impressive eco exhibits to the interactive halls with fascinating information on early civilizations, animal life and human history, we remained in a blissful state of awe for the better part of an afternoon.

Highlights? An amazing installation by artist Shih Chieh Huang featuring random, everyday objects set into motion by electrically-powered water and air mechanisms; a powerful exhibit on Race, (featuring the work of Minneapolis photographer, Wing Young Huie!); the Hall of Dinosaurs; a real-life (albeit dead) giant squid; seeing the Hope Diamond…

So, as you can see—we give this museum four big thumbs up.  It’s a great place to get your history on!  Naturally.

P.S. Did we mention that there is no entrance fee? Yep. The best things in life really are free.

FIN