American Museum of Natural History Tours

American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History featuring interior views
American Museum of Natural History


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.

Plan a trip to see American Museum of Natural History

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The Inn At Fox Hollow Hotel
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Reviews of American Museum of Natural History

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
88
5 - Excellent 73%
4 - Good
21
4 - Good 18%
3 - Okay
10
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

the planetarium is AWESOME!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It was fun, not as much as the Central Park Zoo, it's more fun to see live animals but it was educational.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Just expect large crowds the week between Christmas and New Year’s!

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Best Lodging Options Near American Museum of Natural History

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

4 out of 5
811 7th Ave, New York, NY
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
Hotel Edison Times Square

Hotel Edison Times Square

4 out of 5
228 W 47th St, New York, NY
Hotel Edison Times Square
Empire Hotel

Empire Hotel

4 out of 5
44 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Empire Hotel
Arthouse Hotel New York City

Arthouse Hotel New York City

4 out of 5
2178 Broadway at W 77th St, New York, NY
Arthouse Hotel New York City
The Lucerne Hotel

The Lucerne Hotel

4 out of 5
201 W 79th St, New York, NY
The Lucerne Hotel
Night Hotel Broadway

Night Hotel Broadway

2.5 out of 5
215 W 94th St, New York, NY
Night Hotel Broadway
Hotel Belleclaire

Hotel Belleclaire

4 out of 5
2175 Broadway, New York, NY
Hotel Belleclaire
The Manhattan at Times Square

The Manhattan at Times Square

4 out of 5
790 7th Ave, New York, NY
The Manhattan at Times Square
Paramount Times Square – A Generator Hotel

Paramount Times Square – A Generator Hotel

4 out of 5
235 West 46th Street, New York, NY
Paramount Times Square – A Generator Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near American Museum of Natural History

At the American Museum of Natural History, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including museum outings, engaging walking tours, and exciting sightseeing adventures. Nearby, you'll find vibrant theater performances and captivating art displays, making it easy to explore local culture. A quick stroll around the area adds to the experience, allowing you to soak in the city's dynamic atmosphere while discovering all it has to offer.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near the American Museum of Natural History, visit Tiffany & Co., just 1 mile away, or head to Macy's, 2 miles away, for a variety of gifts. You can also explore Grand Central Market, located 2 miles from the museum, offering local flavors and goods.

Recreation

Enjoy a concert at Carnegie Hall, just a mile away, where the entertainment vibes will uplift your spirit. For relaxation, visit SoJo Spa Club, located 3 miles away, offering rejuvenating body treatments. If you're in the mood for adventure, skate at Rink at Rockefeller Center, 2 miles away.

Adventure

For an adventurous experience near the American Museum of Natural History, visit the ExtraVertical Climbing Center, located 0.8 mile away, offering thrilling climbing challenges. Alternatively, enjoy the DreamWorks Water Park, 5 miles away, for exciting water attractions, or explore the serene Sixth Street and Avenue B Community Garden, 4 miles away, for a relaxing outdoor vibe.

Nightlife

After exploring the American Museum of Natural History, catch a show at the Broadway Theatre, just a mile away, for a romantic cinema experience. For a cultural family outing, visit the Beacon Theater nearby, or enjoy the captivating entertainment at the Hayden Planetarium right next door.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near American Museum of Natural History

When visiting the American Museum of Natural History, explore nearby urban parks and art museums, or marvel at the iconic skyscrapers of New York City. This vibrant area offers a rich cultural experience for families, with attractions that include the museum itself, history exhibits, and various natural history highlights. Don't miss the chance to soak in the diverse attractions that showcase the essence of New York City.

  • Times Square: Experience the vibrant energy of Times Square, just 2 miles from the American Museum of Natural History. This iconic hub is known for its bright lights, bustling crowds, and entertainment options, making it a quintessential New York City experience.
  • Central Park: Located only 0.3 miles away, Central Park offers a serene escape from the urban hustle. Enjoy lush landscapes, family-friendly activities, and outdoor recreational opportunities in this expansive urban oasis.
  • Broadway: Just 2 miles from the museum, Broadway is famous for its world-class theater productions. Immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene and witness unforgettable performances in the heart of NYC.

Best time to go to American Museum of Natural History

The best time to visit American Museum of Natural History is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
April51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.4°F (24.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for American Museum of Natural History

To save money on your visit to the American Museum of Natural History, plan your trip between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodations about a month in advance and consider staying on a Sunday for the best rates. Use Expedia to find affordable hotels by sorting prices from lowest to highest, and look for last-minute deals. Combine flights and hotel stays for additional savings, and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and rewards. Don’t forget to explore free activities in the area to keep your budget intact.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around American Museum of Natural History are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to September to October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around American Museum of Natural History about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around American Museum of Natural History is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around American Museum of Natural History is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to choose your budget, preferred destination, and other criteria. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type. For instance, if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll see a list of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the American Museum of Natural History with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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