Official Guide to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

This fully illustrated guide to one of the world's most-visited museums is an indispensable companion for visitors as well as a virtual tour for the armchair traveler, telling the story of the natural world and our place in it. With more than 124 million specimens, the National Museum of Natural History houses one of the most important collections of natural history artifacts, highlighted here in 204 full-color photographs accompanied by intriguing facts and stories.
Arranged by discipline, this guidebook starts with the history of the museum and a peek behind the scenes into the research facilities. Readers then enter the museum through the Kenneth E. Behring Family Rotunda, where they are greeted by the famous elephant diorama - the world's largest mounted specimen of this great mammal. The tour continues into the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals, home to nearly 3,500 rare specimens, including the legendary Hope Diamond.

With more than 124 million specimens, the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History houses one of the world's most important collections of natural history artifacts. This lavishly illustrated guidebook offers a beautiful tour and souvenir of the exciting collections.

Starting with the history of the museum and a peek behind the scenes, readers then enter the museum through the Rotunda, where they are greeted by the famous elephant diorama—the world's largest mounted specimen of this enormous mammal. The tour continues into the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals, home to the legendary Hope Diamond. The Fossils section traces the history of life on earth, from the earliest organisms to the great diversity of plants and animals in the modern world. Biology features living species, including the incredible array of furry creatures in the brand new Kenneth E. Behring Family Hall of Mammals. The Anthropology section examines human evolution, exploring cultures from all over the globe. The book's final section is devoted to experiences beyond the museum galleries—the IMAX theater, Jazz Café, and naturalist center in Leesburg, Virginia, where visitors get hands-on experience doing scientific research. This sturdy, flexibound guide also includes phone numbers, directions, hours, and all the other essential information needed to ensure a rewarding visit.

A tour of one of the most famous museums in the world features its history and a look behind the scenes, as well as an in-depth exploration of the various exhibits and essential information such as phone numbers and hours designed to make any visit a success. Original.