100 Years of Natural History

Smithsonian Spotlight: 100 Years of Natural History

We're celebrating the one-hundred-year anniversary of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, home of fine art, dinosaurs, the Hope Diamond, and over one hundred million specimens. See how its vital work remains a gift to science and to the American people, and, like the world it showcases, remains forever a work in progress.

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The Elephant in the Rotunda

The largest elephant ever prepared for a museum has become an icon of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.

There's MORE to the story. Discover the inspirations, see the artifacts and meet the experts of the Smithsonian Institution.

  • 100 YEARS OF INTERESTING CAREERS

    From taxidermists to geologists, from illustrators to ichthyologists, the National Museum of Natural History has relied on the unique talents of interesting individuals throughout its 100-year history. Visit their website to learn more about the people who work at the Smithsonian.

    Connect to Smithsonian: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History