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

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.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 West, New York, NY 10024, USA
Phone: (212) 769-5100
Official Website: American Museum of Natural History
Reviews
Rated
The place is incredible, very big, well organized, clean and well planned. It takes a lot of time to explore. We didn't get to see everything, but we did get to see the dinosaurs and the presentation in the planetarium. Which was a wonderful surprise, because the video was extremely interesting. The museum is certainly worth several visits.
Alexandre Santos e Alves - 13 days ago
I don’t know how anyone could give this museum less than 5 stars. I spent 5 hours here walking around learning. I did not buy a ticket in advance and didn’t have any problems getting in. I did go right when the museum opened however. You can definitely tell what exhibits are new and which one have been there for a while. Put a good part of the day aside when you come here because you will get lost in history. There is an app that will help you navigate while you are there.
T Joseph - 7 days ago
Every year, this iconic museum gets better. Upgrades are more interactive, the movies are amazing and the theater in both the museum and planetarium are awesome. They new Gilder museum has a fabulous immersive experience called Invisible Worlds, that my 2 year old grandson really loved, and as members, we previewed the spectacular elephant exhibit which was full of info and fun exhibits. The museum has parking underneath, and a separate entrance for members, it has places to eat and you can pace the day beautifully. We traveled with my daughter, her toddler, my husband and me. Everyone was entertained, then a short visit to Central Park across the street, and some lunch nearby. A perfect day.
Analia Gerard - 16 days ago
I visited this museum while I was in New York and had a good time. There are a variety of exhibits, so you are sure to find something that you are interested in. I especially enjoyed the insect and gem exhibits. They also have a show at the planetarium, which is worth checking out. However, there were some issues getting into the museum. There was a very long line that wrapped around the building. It moved pretty slowly and took nearly an hour to get in. There was also another long line to get into the planetarium. Which caused some confusion due to the lack of organization.
Dominic - 18 days ago
Absolutely amazing! You HAVE TO GO! This location had the most amazing information, artifacts, exhibits… just everything really. I was there for almost 3 hours with my family and still felt rushed. So much information to absorb and process. So cool for kids especially all of the animal, reptile, amphibian, dinosaurs!!!!! Definitely book your tickets in advance, show up early to get in line and know there are multiple entrances- some way more busy than others. Lots of food/snack options so you can stay all day and enjoy learning. Please go!
Jennifer Hubner - 1 month ago
Accommodations near American Museum of Natural History:
Directions
Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
B or C | 81st Street Station | 2 minutes |
1 | 79th Street | 12 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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Photo Gallery
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One of many dioramas inside of the American Museum of Natural History cc licensed photo by Mike Steele -
Blue Whale exhibit in the AMNH cc licensed photo by Daniel Torres Bonatto -
Photo Credit: JFGryphon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Francisco Anzola - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: JFGryphon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Guru Sno Studios - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: JFGryphon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Francisco Anzola - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: JFGryphon - cc license via Flickr