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

Fee: Yes.

Regular Hours:
May differ on holidays

  • 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

Address: 200 Central Park W, New York, NY 10024, USA

Phone: (212) 769-5100

Official Website: American Museum of Natural History

Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Beautiful building. I don’t know how they keep it so spotless. Long line to enter before doors opened, but it moves quickly and is well worth the wait. Unbelievable, interactive displays and the same dinosaurs roam the halls as they did 60 years ago, which is when I was here last. Perfect place for kids to spend the day. For floors, and a lot of walking. Be sure to schedule a Planetarium visit as well. Gift shops, cafeterias, bathrooms and plenty of employees roaming the halls to help. Beautiful place.
Philip Zalon - a week ago

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5 Star Rating I loved visiting this museum today! It has only gotten better since the last times I visited. My 5 year old had fun in all the exhibits. The Space Show in the Hayden Planetarium was awesome as always. The butterfly garden was so cool, and the Invisible Worlds exhibit had my son running around the room for a half hour!! Also the blue whale giant screen 45 minute movie was great. I can’t wait to visit again!
Robert Reynolds - a month ago

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5 Star Rating The American Museum of Natural History is like stepping into a time capsule of awe and wonder. From the lifelike stuffed animals to the towering dinosaur skeletons, every corner tells a story of our planet's rich history. Despite the hustle and bustle of fellow explorers, the museum manages to stay spotless, and the staff are friendly and helpful, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this place is a gem in the heart of New York City. It's a journey that sparks curiosity and leaves you with a sense of wonderment. I can't recommend it enough—I'd easily give it a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. Trust me, it's an adventure you'll treasure for a lifetime.
Frédéric Cliche-Carrière - a week ago

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5 Star Rating One of the best museums I've ever been. The representation of animals is very cool. The museum is gigantic and has many floors, allow at least 2 and a half hours to explore part of the museum calmly. The ticket was 26 dollars on 02/25/2024. You can buy tour tickets online or at the entrance. I would recommed you do it online to avoid lines.
Matheus Silva - a week ago

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5 Star Rating This was my third time visiting and always worth it. We went on a Sunday and 100% recommend buying tickets in advance, and reserving your time slots for some of the exhibitions, we went straight in while there was a lot of people in line. The new wing is beautiful and has a lot of fun new activities. As always, we got lost quite a few times and the staff was very helpful.
Daniela Bocco - a week ago

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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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