Both The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and The British Museum are world-renowned institutions offering extensive collections, educational resources, and research opportunities. The Smithsonian excels in natural history with a massive specimen collection, while The British Museum focuses on human culture and history with artifacts from across the globe. Both museums provide accessible experiences and engaging programs, making them valuable resources for education and cultural enrichment.
| Attribute | The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History | The British Museum |
|---|---|---|
| Collection Size and Scope | Over 146 million specimens, including 30 million insects, 4.5 million plants, and 7 million fish. Largest natural history collection globally. | Holds at least 8 million objects in its permanent collection, with around 80,000 objects on public display. Documents the history of human culture from its beginnings to the present. |
| Exhibition Interactivity | Interactive exhibits like Q?rius and the NASA Earth Information Center with touch screens and computer simulations. | Offers virtual tours and interactive online exhibits. Tablet tours are designed for UK school children for gallery exploration using augmented reality. |
| Educational Programs Offered | In-person and online programs for grades K-12, educator-led programs, self-guided materials, Homeschool Days, Q?rius Jr. for grades K-8, and Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center for preschool-age children. | Provides curriculum-focused on-site sessions, teacher visit guides, and classroom resources for various age groups. Offers activities, collaborative projects, and learning opportunities with local communities. |
| Research and Conservation Efforts | Research in anthropology, botany, entomology, invertebrate zoology, mineral sciences, paleobiology, and vertebrate zoology. Collections used to understand Earth's biodiversity. | Dedicated Department of Conservation and Scientific Research focuses on conserving and preserving the collection. Publishes research outcomes in journals, blogs, and videos. |
| Accessibility for Visitors with Disabilities | Stair-free access, wheelchair accessibility, accessible restrooms, tactile objects, verbally described tours, courtesy wheelchairs, and sign language interpreters available with notice. | Accessible with wheelchair lifts, level access, and manual wheelchairs available. Most lifts are wheelchair accessible with audio announcements and braille signage. Accessible toilets are available. |
| Visitor Demographics and Attendance | 4.4 million visitors in 2023. | In 2023, the museum had 5,820,860 visitors, a 42% increase from the previous year. |
| Geographic Focus | Mammal collection with strong representation from North America, Central America, northern South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. | Collection originates from every continent, showcasing civilizations from Egypt, ancient Greece and Rome, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. |
| Historical Significance | Opened in 1910 as the United States National Museum. Became the National Museum of Natural History in 1969. | Established in 1753 and opened to the public in 1759. It was the first national public museum in the world. Founded on the collection of Sir Hans Sloane. |
| Architectural Style and Design | Neoclassical style with a dome and interior rotunda, flat roof, arched windows, a symmetrical granite facade, and a domed rotunda. | Building is in the Greek Revival style, designed by Sir Robert Smirke. The facade has 44 Ionic columns. The Queen Elizabeth II Great Court, designed by Foster and Partners, opened in 2000. |
| Special Events and Temporary Exhibitions | Hosts special events and temporary exhibitions like "Lights Out: Recovering Our Night Sky" and "Cellphone: Unseen Connections". | Hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and events. |
| Online Resources and Virtual Tours | Online resources, teaching resources in multiple languages, virtual tours, and access to over 9 million specimen records online. | Offers virtual tours of its galleries via Google Street View. Over 4 million objects can be explored online. Provides virtual galleries on its website. |
| Membership Benefits and Support | Exclusive events, behind-the-scenes access, special discounts, and opportunities to support the museum's research and education. | Members enjoy benefits such as unlimited entry to exhibitions, exclusive events, access to a Members' Room, a subscription to the British Museum Magazine, and discounts at the museum's shops and restaurants. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |