The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is one of the largest and most famous museums in the world, offering a vast collection of exhibits that cover everything from dinosaurs to space exploration. Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, it’s an iconic destination for visitors of all ages. Here’s your ultimate guide to visiting the American Museum of Natural History.
Overview of the American Museum of Natural History
- Location: Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024.
- Founded: 1869.
- Famous For: Its extensive collection of fossils, dinosaur skeletons, and dioramas depicting human cultures and ecosystems, as well as the Rose Center for Earth and Space.
- Number of Exhibits: Over 45 permanent exhibition halls spread across four floors, with special temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
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Tickets and Pricing
- General Admission (Suggested Donation):
- Adults: $28.
- Seniors (65+): $22.
- Students (with valid ID): $22.
- Children (3-12): $16.
- Children under 2: Free.
- General Admission + One Special Exhibition:
- Adults: $33.
- Seniors/Students: $27.
- Children (3-12): $20.
- SuperSaver (Includes General Admission, Hayden Planetarium Space Show, and all special exhibitions):
- Adults: $38.
- Seniors/Students: $30.50.
- Children (3-12): $24.50.
- Pay-What-You-Wish: New York State residents and tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT) students may pay whatever they wish for general admission at the ticket counters.
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Best Time to Visit the American Museum of Natural History
- Weekdays: If possible, visit during weekdays, particularly early in the morning (museum opens at 10:00 a.m.) to avoid crowds.
- Weekends: Expect larger crowds, especially in popular areas like the dinosaur halls.
- Season: Summer, school holidays, and weekends can be busy, so if you’re visiting during these periods, try to arrive early.
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Getting There
- Subway:
- B, C trains to 81st Street – Museum of Natural History (the station connects directly to the museum).
- 1 train to 79th Street and walk east towards Central Park West.
- Bus:
- The M79 crosstown bus stops at 79th Street and Central Park West.
- The M10 stops along Central Park West.
- Walking: The museum is located across from Central Park and is easy to reach if you’re exploring the Upper West Side.
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Must-See Exhibits and Sections
The museum is vast, so it’s a good idea to plan which exhibits you most want to see. Here are some highlights:
1. The Dinosaur Fossils
- Fourth Floor: Home to one of the world’s largest dinosaur fossil collections, including the famous Tyrannosaurus rex, the massive Barosaurus in the rotunda, and the Stegosaurus.
- Fossil Halls: Don’t miss the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs and the Hall of Ornithischian Dinosaurs, which showcase dozens of species.
2. Hall of Ocean Life
- Blue Whale Model: A must-see, this 94-foot-long model of a blue whale hangs from the ceiling in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life.
- The hall also features impressive dioramas of marine life, from giant squid to coral reefs, offering a deep dive into ocean ecosystems.
3. Hall of Mammals and Their Extinct Relatives
- Mammals of North America: Featuring dioramas of iconic animals like bison, moose, and bears in their natural habitats.
- The Lions of Tsavo: Infamous man-eating lions from Africa, also on display.
4. Rose Center for Earth and Space
- Hayden Planetarium: Hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson, this planetarium offers spectacular space shows that explore the cosmos.
- The Big Bang Theater: A spiraling walkway around a model of the universe’s expansion following the Big Bang.
- Scales of the Universe: An educational journey that explains the sizes of celestial bodies, from subatomic particles to galaxies.
5. Hall of Human Origins
- A comprehensive exhibit tracing the evolution of humans, showcasing early hominid skeletons, including Lucy, one of the oldest and most famous early human fossils.
6. The Northwest Coast Hall
- Recently renovated, this hall presents the art, culture, and artifacts of the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, including massive totem poles and intricate carvings.
7. The African Mammals Hall
- Featuring full-size dioramas of African wildlife, including lions, elephants, and gorillas, in their natural habitats.
8. The Butterfly Conservatory (Seasonal)
- Open during the winter months, this special exhibition features hundreds of live butterflies flying freely inside a tropical vivarium. This is a family favorite and highly interactive.
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Special Exhibitions of the American Museum of Natural History
In addition to its permanent collections, AMNH frequently hosts temporary exhibits that require special tickets. Some popular past exhibitions have included:
- T. rex: The Ultimate Predator: An immersive exhibit on the life and history of the T. rex.
- The Nature of Color: Exploring how color impacts the natural world and human culture.
- The Butterfly Conservatory: A yearly favorite that runs during the colder months.
Check the museum’s website for current and upcoming special exhibitions.
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Dining at the American Museum of Natural History
- Café on One (1st floor): Offers a selection of hot and cold meals, sandwiches, salads, and snacks.
- Food Court (lower level): A larger dining area with multiple food stations, offering pizza, burgers, salads, and kid-friendly options.
- Museum Café (4th floor): Provides quick bites like sandwiches and snacks. Located near the Dinosaur Halls.
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Amenities
- WiFi: Free WiFi is available throughout the museum.
- Gift Shops: There are several gift shops within the museum, including the Museum Shop on the first floor, which offers books, apparel, and themed merchandise related to the exhibits.
- Restrooms: Available on every floor.
- Coat Check: Seasonal coat check is available for a small fee.
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Accessibility
- Wheelchair Access: The museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities, with elevators providing access to all floors.
- Accessible Restrooms: Available on all floors.
- Service Animals: Service animals are allowed in the museum in accordance with ADA guidelines.
- Assisted Listening Devices: Available for certain exhibits and programs.
- Braille and Large Print: Maps and exhibit guides available upon request.
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Tips for Visiting
- Plan Your Visit: The museum is enormous, so it’s a good idea to prioritize which exhibits you want to see most. You may not be able to cover everything in one visit.
- Arrive Early: The museum can get crowded, especially on weekends and during school holidays, so arriving when the museum opens (10:00 a.m.) will help you avoid the heaviest crowds.
- Pay-What-You-Wish: For those on a budget, take advantage of the museum’s “pay-what-you-wish” policy for New York residents at the ticket counters.
- Download the AMNH App: The app provides a map of the museum, helps you find exhibitions, and offers interesting facts and self-guided tour options.
- Photography: Photography is allowed in most areas (without flash), but special exhibits may have restrictions.
- Central Park: After your visit, consider taking a walk through Central Park, which is located right across from the museum’s entrance.
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Nearby Attractions
- Central Park: The museum sits right across the street from Central Park, where you can enjoy a stroll, visit the Great Lawn, or see the Belvedere Castle.
- New York Historical Society: Located just a block south of AMNH, this museum covers the history of New York City and the United States.
- Columbus Circle: A major landmark and shopping area just a short walk down Central Park West.
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Summary
- Location: Central Park West and 79th Street, Upper West Side, Manhattan.
- Must-See Exhibits: Dinosaur Fossils, Hall of Ocean Life (Blue Whale), Rose Center for Earth and Space, Hall of Human Origins, and African Mammals Hall.
- Best Time to Visit: Early mornings on weekdays to avoid crowds.
- Tips: Plan ahead, use the app for navigation, and consider taking advantage of “pay-what-you-wish” options if you’re a NY resident.
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Visiting the American Museum of Natural History is an unforgettable experience filled with opportunities for exploration, learning, and wonder. Whether you’re interested in dinosaurs, human origins, or space exploration, there’s something for everyone!
