Museum of Natural History

Does this look familiar? Remember the movie “Night at the Museum” starring Ben Stiller? That was shot at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

I’ve been to DC several times and have visited a lot of museums there. I went back to this particular museum just for the special “Rare Encounter” of a couple of diamonds. More on  that later.

main entrance

back entrance

The museum showcases specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites and human cultural artifacts. I took so many pictures  and chose the most interesting ones to share with you.

One of the guys working in the lab opened the door so I can take pictures. Thank you sir!

Fossil Lab

(click to enlarge and read)

I spent most of my time in the Harry Winston Gallery. If I can’t have diamonds at least I can look and drool.

Marie Antoinette Earrings

Napoleon Diamond Necklace

Inquisition Necklace

Logan Sapphire

Hall Sapphire and Diamond Necklace

Hooker Yellow Diamonds

Mackay Emerald and Diamond Necklace

Indian Emerald Necklace

Hazen Diamond Necklace

Victoria-Transvaal Diamond Necklace

This special exhibit was the reason I went to the museum.
On public exhibition for the first time in more than 50 years, the Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond will join the Hope Diamond in the Harry S. Winston Gallery at the National Museum of Natural History from January 29 through September 1, 2010. 

Hope Diamond

It’s supposed to be a deep blue color but my camera didn’t capture the depth and color of this diamond.

Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond

Fascinating collection right?

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
10th Street and Constitution Ave., 
NW in Washington, D.C. 20560

Museum Hours:
The museum is open every day of the year except December 25.
Regular hours are 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.