See natural wonders from mammoth dinosaurs to delicate butterflies to outer space in this vast museum in the heart of Manhattan.
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s largest natural history museums, with over 32 million specimens and artifacts. Bring your family to this New York City attraction for enthralling hours of wonder.
Look for your favorite exhibits from the film A Night at the Museum, plus much more. The museum offers a special self-guided tour of “characters” from the film as well as other tours featuring dinosaurs, earth and space, whales, Theodore Roosevelt and museum highlights. Join a guided tour in English, French or Spanish.
Forty halls offer varied attractions for all interests. Reconstructed dinosaur skeletons in the Fossil Halls are popular with kids of all ages. Gaze in awe at the remains of these giant beasts. View lifelike dioramas of birds, reptiles, mammals and amphibians. The Hall of Biodiversity provides visualization of life’s beauty and vulnerability.
Cultural halls feature information on the peoples of the world, while the Earth and Planetary Sciences halls deal with mysteries of the solar system. Explore the universe at the Rose Center for Earth and Space, which includes the Hayden Planetarium and Hayden Big Bang Theater.
Learn about “Conservation President” Theodore Roosevelt, who is honored in several exhibit areas. Visit the Butterfly Conservatory from September through May. Investigate the temporary exhibitions that always offer fascinating themes.
Plan to spend a full day at the museum if you want to see most of the exhibits. When you’re hungry, visit the food court or one of the three cafés. Before you leave, pick up a scientific or unique gift from one of the museum’s four gift shops.
Choose from several pricing options for general admission and special exhibitions. Check in advance online to plan your visit and purchase tickets. To avoid school or vacation crowds, arrive early in the day midweek in late winter or spring. The museum is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Find the American Museum of Natural History on the western side of Central Park. At the end of the day, stroll around the lake in the park and discuss the highlights of your day’s museum visit.
