Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?

Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my. Not afraid? Ok then, how about Flying Monsters, a 48 foot snake, a full skeleton of Tyrannosaurus Rex? Where are we – some faux fear fantasy exhibit in Orlando? No no. This is REAL. This is the Smithsonian Institution… this is the National Museum of Natural History. What is “natural history”? It is the timeline of all things on earth, from dinosaurs to sea monsters, to constellations to cave men, to diamonds to dirt. And the Museum of Natural History is a showcase of all ways to experience all things from all times on our planet.

Enter the doors and be greeted by a full size African male elephant with trunk raised in alarm at your intrusion to his habitat. This is no plastic stuffed replica. It is a real elephant, shipped in pieces and reassembled. Story has it, the skin had shrunk in transit and was too small upon arrival to complete his magnificence. Move to the hall of prehistoric creatures. Imagine the kind of housing necessary to protect from the dinosaur monsters you observe reconstructed there. Take a stroll down the memory lane walked by the human species, from ape to caveman. Pop into the photo booth to see for yourself just how you might have looked as a caveman or woman. Step forward in time to check out how humans may appear in the future…. think maybe the fingers will evolve for more efficient texting? Take a break from the exhibition floor and limited dimension to enter the IMAX Theater. Dive beneath the waters of the South Pacific to explore the silent, yet breathtaking sea life surrounding the coral reefs. Or take the adrenaline rush route observing from the forest floor, the flying pterosaurs ruling the prehistoric skies.

Ok, enough of creatures large and small, frightening and lovely. Pamper your feminine side and visit the hall of gems. Wind through the glittering display cases of spectacular gems of all color, size and cut. Finally, marvel at the Hope Diamond, a 45.5 carat blue treasure. Keep your hands in your pockets though. This diamond comes with a curse that gave many of its owners over time, some regret.

Speaking of pockets, another positive of visiting the Museum of Natural History is its entry price: zero. Only a few of the many attractions there are suggested here. So take a full day and a sense of adventure. Take friends and children of all ages. Take an appreciation of the track time takes on all things earth, and visit the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.