What time should I arrive for my tour?

Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time to meet your guide at the Madison Drive NW entrance.

Are tickets included in the tour price?

Yes, all entrance tickets to the permanent collections are included and handled by Babylon Tours.

Can I bring large bags or suitcases inside the museums?

No, only small handbags or slim backpacks are allowed. Large bags and suitcases are prohibited.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both Smithsonian museums and the tour itself are wheelchair friendly.

Will the tour run if it rains or snows?

Yes, tours proceed regardless of weather since they are primarily indoors.

Can I stay in the museum after the tour ends?

Yes, visitors are welcome to remain in the museums until closing after the tour finishes.

Smithsonian Museums Private Tour by Babylon Tours DC | History Tour | Museum

Washington, D.C. stands as a living archive of natural wonders and the nation’s defining moments, and Babylon Tours Washington D.C. offers a curated gateway into this rich heritage. Their private 5.5-hour combined tour through the National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of American History provides an intimate, behind-the-scenes engagement with artifacts that shape America’s story and our understanding of natural history.

Starting at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, visitors are greeted by Henry, the world’s largest taxidermied elephant. Here, the ground feels alive with echoes of prehistoric eras — from towering skeletons of Tyrannosaurus rex and Diplodocus to rare stone formations and the famed Hope Diamond, whose deep blue facets speak of centuries-old legends. The museum’s collections span the breadth of the planet’s evolution, highlighting ecological wonders and scientific breakthroughs.

After a well-timed break, the group moves to the adjacent National Museum of American History, where the story of the United States unfolds through iconic artifacts—the original Star-Spangled Banner, George Washington’s sword and uniform, and Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. Each piece is a portal to the struggles, innovations, and triumphs that have shaped the nation, from the Civil Rights Movement’s Greensboro Lunch Counter to presidential relics.

Babylon Tours’ expert guides don’t just point to the exhibits; they weave in compelling narratives and little-known facts enriching the experience. The private nature of the tour allows for personalized pacing and questions, making it an ideal choice for history buffs, families, and those looking to go beyond surface-level visits in the heart of the District.

Situated at 600 Independence Ave SW on the National Mall, these Smithsonian museums form a cultural cornerstone accessible from anywhere in Washington, D.C. This tour stands out by connecting natural history’s vast timeline with America’s evolving identity in a seamless, engaging journey—an essential encounter in the nation’s capital.