Past Exhibitions | Smithsonian Institution

The Orchid Express

Discover the transformation of these beautiful plants from the wild to how they were transported, cultivated, hybridized, propagated, and finally mass marketed to delighted plant lovers.

December 4, 2004 – May 1, 2005

Natural History Museum

Nature's Best 2004 Photography Awards

Visit approximately 20-30 winning photographs from the 2004 Nature's Best International Photography Awards. The awards honor the best amateur and professional photographers from around the world.

January 6, 2005 – April 24, 2005

Natural History Museum

In Focus: National Geographic Greatest Portraits

View some 50 to 60 photographic portraits from National Geographic magazine that record a century's worth of advancements in photography and reflect changes in attitudes toward cultural and social issues.

October 2, 2004 – April 3, 2005

Natural History Museum

South America, A Continent and Its Cultures

Visit four geographic areas of South America, and see how 3 different cultures have adapted to these areas.

October 11, 1975 – April 1, 2005

Natural History Museum

The Mighty Marlin

See a model of the world-record black marlin (1,560-lb, 14 1/2-ft), caught in 1953 by Alfred Glassell, and a video about marlin research that explores the life cycle of these billfish.

February 7, 1997 – November 1, 2004

Natural History Museum

In Stabiano: Exploring the Ancient Seaside Villas of the Roman Elite

This exhibition features some of the most significant archaeological finds -- including frescoes, bronzes, and such domestic objects as kitchenware, terracotta ware, and glassware -- from the Roman residential villas of the region.

April 27, 2004 – October 24, 2004

Natural History Museum

Looking Both Ways: Heritage and Identity of the Alutiiq People

Examine the heritage and identity of the Alutiiq people, who live along the southern coast of Alaska.

December 6, 2003 – October 3, 2004

Natural History Museum

Baseball as America

This exhibition examines the roles baseball has played in American culture and how it has become an integral part of American life.

April 3, 2004 – October 3, 2004

Natural History Museum

Forces of Change: Global Links: El Nino's Powerful Reach

This exhibition uses the El Nino weather phenomenon to demonstrate the dynamic interrelations among the Earth's 4 components.

September 29, 2003 – September 15, 2004

Natural History Museum

Ancient Microworlds

View fossil photographs by Dr. Giraud Foster.

May 15, 2004 – September 15, 2004

Natural History Museum

Nature's Best 2003 Photography Awards

See the 30 winning photographs from the 2003 Nature's Best International Photography Awards.

October 21, 2003 – August 9, 2004

Natural History Museum

Case: Science in the News: Treetop Opera

Take a look at the periodical cicada emergence this spring and features a tray of specimens, a model of a cicada to show what parts make all the noise, a jar of nymphs, and 7 photos showing the cicada's life cycle.

April 30, 2004 – July 28, 2004

Natural History Museum

Picture Puzzles: Red Cloud and His Uncle's Shirt

This exhibit case documents and reveals the extensive amount of research that goes into the reproduction of a single photograph for a publication, as well as the use of this information to identify an important artifact in the collection.

December 13, 2002 – July 2, 2004

Natural History Museum

North American (Indian) Images, 1870-1910

On view are 18 photographs, plus maps, depicting North American Indian life.

December 15, 1986 – May 25, 2004

Natural History Museum

Northwest Coast Indian Masks

Displayed are 16 masks carved by Pacific Northwest Indians, once worn by shamans and other dancers.

November 1, 1986 – May 25, 2004

Natural History Museum

Zuni Pottery

This exhibition features three cases of 19th-century pottery -- including jars, canteens, and bowls -- made by the Zuni people of the southwestern United States.

December 1, 1987 – May 25, 2004

Natural History Museum

Science in the News: Mammals Hall Taxidermy

This case features the work of Mammals Hall taxidermists and features specimens, parts used in the taxidermy process, and photographs of taxidermists at work.

November 19, 2003 – April 29, 2004

Natural History Museum

Through the Lens: National Geographic Photographs

On view are 30 photographs of scenes from around the world from the new book Through the Lens: National Geographic Greatest Photographs.

November 7, 2003 – April 11, 2004

Natural History Museum

America's Wildest Places: Our National Wildlife Refuge System

Celebrate the centennial anniversary of the establishment of the National Wildlife Refuge System, begun in 1903.

November 7, 2003 – April 11, 2004

Natural History Museum

Burgess Shale: Evolution's Big Bang

Explore the amazing array of creatures discovered within the fossil record of the Burgess Shale in the Canadian Rockies.

December 13, 2003 – March 7, 2004

Natural History Museum

Science in the News: Antarctic Meteorite Research

This case features Collection Manager Linda Welzenbach's trip to the Antarctic to collect meteorites, which will be studied by NMNH scientists.

September 17, 2003 – November 18, 2003

Natural History Museum

The Splendor of Diamonds

See together for the first time 7 of the world's rarest diamonds representing a range of sizes and a rainbow of colors.

June 27, 2003 – September 30, 2003

Natural History Museum

Science in the News: Mosquitoes

This case explores the museum's collection of 1.5 million mosquitoes -- the world's largest.

July 16, 2003 – September 16, 2003

Natural History Museum

Nature's Selections: Photographs by Chip Clark

These 32 images by Natural History Museum's photographer Chip Clark depict museum staff at work performing hands-on activities, as well as scenes from nature.

June 10, 2003 – September 2, 2003

Natural History Museum

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Life & Land, Photographic Journey by Subhankar Banerjee

Photographs by Subhankar Banerjee portray the unique landscape and document the biodiversity and indigenous cultures of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.

May 2, 2003 – September 2, 2003

Natural History Museum