We live on an amazing planet—one that is brimming with life and new natural wonders waiting to be discovered. The National Museum of Natural History seeks to understand the natural world and our place in it. Our vast collections of over 148 million specimens and objects serve as the record of our planet and its place in the solar system. This record provides the keys to understanding our physical environments, biodiversity and even the origins of life.
Through our scientific research, expertise, collections and trusted educational platforms and exhibits, we provide knowledge and opportunities to understand the immense challenges of our time and develop solutions to move us forward.
Under the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future, and embedded in the Smithsonian’s Life on a Sustainable Planet science strategy, the museum is raising support for our four priority Science Initiatives. These high-impact, cross-disciplinary projects will:
- Map ocean life and monitor ocean health, further advancing our understanding of ocean ecosystems;
- Address fundamental scientific questions about the origins of Earth and communicate this knowledge through exhibits and public programs;
- Expand science education and career opportunities through programs of paid internships, assistantships, and fellowships; the advancement of local and national school partnerships; and digital learning and teacher support resources; and
- Engage over 5 million visitors annually to become active participants in learning about the natural world and our place in it through interactive and innovative exhibits and programming.