The Smithsonian of the West Coast, the Natural History Museum (founded in 1913) is a world-class leader in research, exhibitions and education of natural and cultural history, with more than 33 million specimens and artifacts. Housed in a huge, ornate Spanish Renaissance building, with sections devoted to dinosaurs, birds, minerals, pre-Columbian artifacts and Native American life. In the Discovery Center are interactive children's displays and an insect zoo. The dinosaur collection is the most popular attraction at the museum, but the main hall is closed for renovations until 2011. Monday-Friday 9:30 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-5 pm. US$9 adults, US$6.50 for seniors, students and children ages 13-17, US$2 children ages 5-12, free for children younger than 5. Free the first Tuesday of each month. Parking in various lots for US$6-$10. 900 Exposition Blvd. (near USC), Los Angeles. Phone 213-763-3466. http://www.nhm.org.
