By Tabinda Naeem
Washington, DC
29 September 2006
 

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum complex. Its 17 museums display many of the treasured icons of America's past, the vibrant arts of the present and the scientific promise of the future.  For producer Tabinda Naeem, VOA's Jim Bertel takes us to a museum dedicated to the wonders of the Earth.

The Museum of Natural History's African elephant

A giant African elephant standing four meters tall greets visitors inside. It is the centerpiece of the museum's mammoth collection of more than 125 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts.

Larry O'Reilly

The museum was established nearly a century ago. In addition to exhibit halls, the facility houses seven different scientific departments with more than 100 researchers.

Museum curators say several of the museum's most popular displays have Hollywood director Steven Spielberg to thank for their newfound appeal. His series of "Jurassic Park" movies has sparked interest in the museum's giant skeletons in the Dinosaur Hall.

Matt Carrano

The Hope Diamond is believed to be a billion years old

While the dinosaurs are popular, museum curators say the number one attraction is the Hope Diamond, the world's largest deep blue diamond. The gem weighs in at over 45 carats and is believed to be a billion years old. This priceless jewel is just one of the thousands of exhibits awaiting visitors at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.