American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is both entertaining and interesting for all ages

Entrance to New York's famous American Museum of Natural History
Entrance to New York's famous American Museum of Natural History cc licensed photo by t-mizo

Beyond the dioramas and the blue whale looming over the Hall of Ocean Life, visitors to the American Museum of Natural History can experience interactive exhibits including a life-sized interactive ecosystem that engulfs you in the sights and smells of the Dzanga-Sangha Rainforest, following the Cosmic Pathway through 13 billion years of celestial evolution or mingling with free-flying butterflies in a tropical forest conservatory.

If it's your first visit to the American Museum of Natural History, consider taking a "Highlights Tour" for an overview of the museum collections or a "Spotlight Tour" for a more in-depth experience. iPhone and iPad users can enjoy the free "American Museum of Natural History Explorer" app that serves as both a personal tour guide and in-museum navigation system; additional American Museum of Natural History exhibit apps are available from the iTunes store.

Young children will enjoy being able to touch the exhibits in the Discovery Room and Hall of Planet Earth and all ages can enjoy an IMAX movie or Space Show in the Hayden Planetarium.

Basic admission to the museums permanent exhibits is by donation (their is a suggested amount). To see special exhibitions and view the IMAX or Planetarium shows you must pay a premium on top of the suggested admission. You should give yourself plenty of time to visit the museum; if you are planning to see the shows and special exhibits you may want to allow a full day and even that may seem tight as there is simply so much to see here!

The museum offers several eateries, but a more wallet friendly method of feeding the whole family may be to enjoy a hot dog or giant pretzel from the street vendors on the museum steps.

Nearby attractions include Central Park, Whitney Museum of American Art, The Frick Collection and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Facts For Your Visit

Official Website: American Museum of Natural History

Fee: Yes.

Closed Now

Regular Hours:
Hours may be subject to change. Please verify on the official website.

  • Monday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Thursday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Friday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm

Category: Museums

Address: 200 Central Park W
New York, NY 10024

Phone: (212) 769-5100

Reviews

Yelp Rating:
4 out of 5 4 Star Rating
Based on 2358 Reviews.

See all reviews on Yelp

5 Star Rating The new wing is absolutely beautiful. My favorite exhibits include: - butterflies - exploring worlds show Must see for the new wing as it adds tremendous... Read More

Albert K. May-15-2023

4 Star Rating Visited: Memorial Day 2023 What I liked: - It's huge and has dinosaurs, sea creatures, and history. - Parking is on-site in the same building and... Read More

Irene H. May-29-2023

4 Star Rating AMNH is always a great place to learn about every nature elements in the world. The new Gilder Center is amazing. The insects display section is a must see... Read More

Shengyu G. May-27-2023

Accommodations near American Museum of Natural History:

Directions

Subway Line Nearest Station Walking Time
B or C81st Street Station2 minutes
179th Street12 Minutes

How to get to American Museum of Natural History by Subway

Take the B (Weekdays Only) or C train to 81st Street / Museum of Natural History, walk south on Central Park West to the museum entrance on your right. Alternatively, take the 1 train to Broadway and West 79th Street, head southwest on Broadway towards 79th Street, turn left at 77th Street, walk two blocks and turn left on Central Park West.

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Photo Gallery

Video


This video tour of the AMNH focuses on the beautiful dioramas - but it should be noted that there is far more to see and discover at this great museum.

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