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.

American Museum of Natural History Hours:
Opening 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 Prk W, New York, NY 10024, USA

Phone: (212) 769-5100

Official Website: American Museum of Natural History

American Museum of Natural History Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating The American Museum of Natural History is massive. Do not be like me and think you can "squeeze in" a visit here to indulge your curiosity quickly. You will get lost immediately in the 21 buildings, 45 exhibition halls and 2,500,000 square feet of space. Since my time was in fact limited, I chose a few highlights and walked as quickly to each of them as possible. I am not saying I was walking 1/2 miles in between each exhibit, but I may have. Again, plan this place out and don't just go wandering around. I loved the dinosaurs, gems and anything with animals. Just when you thought you had seen a lot of dinosaurs at this museum, there is yet another room filled with even more of them. It is unbelievable! Love this place! Attached are a few highlights from the things I was able to see. #amnh #nyc #museum #dinosaurmuseum
Jennifer Kopp - a week ago

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5 Star Rating The national museum was an incredible place to visit, offering a truly enriching experience from the moment I stepped through its grand entrance. The exhibits were nothing short of magnificent, impeccably curated and thoughtfully arranged, they brought history vividly to life with stunning artifacts, interactive displays, and detailed narratives that spanned centuries and cultures. I was genuinely surprised by how large and spacious the museum was. One of the best parts of the experience was the museum’s convenient location. Once we finished our tour, stepping outside and finding ourselves just a short walk away from the entrance to Central Park was a delightful bonus. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for a meaningful and inspiring outing, the national museum truly stands out as a must-visit destination.
A - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating The museum is perfect for anyone who loves learning but doesn’t want it to feel like a lecture. Everything is super engaging, and there’s always something that makes you go “wow.” It can get busy, and tickets aren’t cheap, but once you’re inside, it’s totally worth it. The staff are helpful, and the way everything is set up makes it easy to explore without feeling overwhelmed. Overall, it’s one of those places where you can easily spend hours wandering, learning, and just being amazed. If you love nature, science, or just really cool rocks and gems, this museum is a must-see. The displays are beautiful sparkling minerals, giant crystals, and colorful stones from all over the world. It’s the kind of stuff that makes you want to just stop and stare.
Sittaish Jan - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating We visited the American Museum of Natural History as a family, and it was a wonderful experience. On the first floor, we explored many different animals and their habitats — bears, deer, caribou, tigers, lions, and more. On the second floor, we went into the planetarium for the Big Bang show, which was fascinating to see from a scientific point of view. We also loved the massive blue whale and all the beautiful sea creatures around it. This museum is also great for kids. My 3-year-old daughter was curious about everything and kept asking, “What is this? What is this?” It was a beautiful way for her to learn and expand her understanding of the world. One of my favorite parts was the section about world cultures. I truly appreciated seeing the displays about Islam — the Kaaba, the Qur’an, traditional Muslim clothing, and cities like Isfahan. When the azan played, my daughter immediately recognized it and said, “Mama, that’s azan!” It made me so happy. Tip: The museum is huge, so don’t try to finish it in one visit. We stayed from 12:00 to 4:30 and still saw only part of it. Definitely worth visiting!
Nafisa Qobilzoda - a month ago

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5 Star Rating A World-Class Museum That Inspires Wonder at Every Turn The American Museum of Natural History is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s one of those rare places where learning, imagination, and awe come together seamlessly, making every visit unforgettable—no matter your age. From the moment you enter, you’re surrounded by breathtaking exhibits that are beautifully curated and incredibly detailed. The dinosaur halls are iconic, the space and universe exhibits are mind-blowing, and the wildlife dioramas are so lifelike they feel timeless. Every gallery tells a powerful story about our planet, humanity, and the universe. The museum is impeccably organized and well maintained, with knowledgeable, friendly staff who enhance the experience. You can easily spend an entire day exploring and still feel like there’s more to discover. It’s educational without ever feeling overwhelming and inspiring without trying too hard. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a tourist, or a New Yorker returning again, the American Museum of Natural History is a must-see cultural landmark. It sparks curiosity, deepens understanding, and leaves you with a genuine sense of wonder. 📍 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024 🦖 An absolute masterpiece of education and exploration.
Diyaa Mo - 2 weeks 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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