The Wandering Disciple

A giant gypsum crystal sits on display at the Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of Natural History.  The museum boasts a large collection of gem stones like this crystal.  It seems like it would take a large time for a crystal this large to materialize however with the right nutrient rich soil and ideal temperatures a big crystal can develop pretty quickly.  (Photo: February 14, 2009)

On of the most popular attractions on the National Mall, the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History welcomes over seven million visitors a year.  It is the most visited museum in North America and the third most visited in the world.  Guests flock to the museum to see exhibits on animals, rocks and minerals, culture and much more.  (Photo: February 14, 2009)

An Easter Island Head or “Moai” welcomes visitors to the National Museum of Natural History. The museum is home to the only two figures on display in the United States. (Photo: February 14, 2009)

A massive elephant looks tiny compared to the large rotunda at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC. The popular museum operated by the Smithsonian Institute showcase the natural world around use. (Photo: February 14, 2009)

An arctic fox nestles in a den in Mammal Hall at the National Museum of Natural History.  Mammal Hall is filled with hundreds of animals depicted in their native habitats.  (Photo: February 14, 2009)

This dinosaur skeleton is just one of the many specimens on display at the National Museum on Natural History in Washington, DC.  Operated by the Smithsonian Institute, the museum houses over 126 million specimens in its collections.  Over 5 million visitors a year visit the museum located along the National Mall.  (Photo: February 14, 2012)

Washington, DC: The Museum of Natural History is one of the most popular museums of the Smithsonian Institute. Located along the National Mall in Washington DC, the museum is home to some of the natural wonders of the Earth. Here you can catch a glimpse of the rare Hope Diamond and marvel at life sized dinosaur skeletons in Dinosaur Hall. The collection of specimens began back in the exploration era of the 1800’s. The National Museum was formed in 1858 and the collections were house in the Smithsonian Institution Building. As the collection grew, they were moved into the National Museum Building in 1881. In 1911, the collection moved again into the newly created National Museum of Natural History. The museum continued to expand and today houses over 126 million specimens of animals, plants, minerals and other natural artifacts. The following permanent exhibits are on display: • Birds of DC; collection of bird species that can be seen in the DC area. • African Elephant; large el...