American Museum of Natural History in New York, NY

200 Central Park WestNew York, NY 10024-5102
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About American Museum of Natural History

Overview

Spanning four city blocks, the American Museum of Natural History in NYC is the largest natural history museum in the world. From dinosaurs to diamonds, explore over 40 galleries with 32 million specimens and artifacts. This family-friendly museum also features children’s workshops, multicultural programs, a discovery room, hands-on activities, and much more.

up to 2.5 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Explore over 40 permanent exhibition halls, world-renowned dioramas, the Hayden Planetarium, and more.
  • Marvel at a 94-foot-long, 21,000-pound model of a blue whale and explore the 13-billion-year history of the universe.
  • The museum's fossil halls feature the largest collection of dinosaur fossils in the world.
  • Expect to spend at least 2.5 hours to experience the museum; allow yourself an extra hour if you're seeing one of the shows or special exhibits.
  • Tours are self-guided, allowing you to go at your own pace.
  • Parking is available on site for a nominal fee.
  • Coat check is currently unavailable.
  • Children aged 3 and under are admitted free of charge.
  • Ticket must be exchanged at Museum Ticket Desk upon arrival.

Description

Curiosity comes alive inside the American Museum of Natural History, a landmark cultural institution and one of the most impressive museums on the planet. More than 40 galleries guide you through the natural world and beyond, from ancient Earth to the far reaches of the cosmos. Every visit reveals something new, making it a favorite stop for travelers exploring Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

Your ticket includes access to the museum’s permanent exhibitions along with the Rose Center for Earth and Space and the state-of-the-art Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. The Rose Center’s Hayden Planetarium takes you through 13 billion years of cosmic history, while the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life immerses you in marine ecosystems beneath a famed 94-foot model blue whale.

The fossil halls showcase the world’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils, featuring towering mounts of T. rex, Apatosaurus, and an extraordinary 122-foot cast of a titanosaur discovered in Patagonia. Nearby, the Gilder Center highlights live butterflies, the country’s largest leafcutter ant colony, and interactive exhibits that bring modern science to life.

Thousands of glittering specimens fill the Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, where giant amethyst geodes and vibrant minerals reveal Earth’s geological wonders. The Hall of Human Origins traces the evolutionary story of our species, while world-renowned habitat dioramas portray wildlife and ecosystems from Africa, North America, and beyond with remarkable detail.

Invisible Worlds, the museum’s 360-degree immersive environment, transports you into unseen layers of nature—from deep-sea landscapes to the microscopic world of DNA. Every gallery blends science, storytelling, and imagination, creating a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

American Museum of Natural History Reviews

TripAdvisor user image
Ivisitedtheplace
Israel
"Pro con visit- an incredible outstanding museum"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed January 26, 2026 NEW
PROS * Simply fantastic amazing and incredible museum- clearly and certainly one of the world's best museums * A totally mesmerizing and spellbinding experience to see and visit this place * Tremendous breadth of detailed exhibits on every aspect of the natural world- and beyond to outer space: it has everything * Very large building with abundant space for amazing detailed displays * Fantastic location on the Upper West Side at Central Park West * Reduced price for seniors CONS * It can be dark and stuffy and crowded- ventilation is not great * Crowded * Too much to see "I VISITED THIS PLACE"... ,,, even though it wasn't on my original itinerary. I didn't know if I would enjoy it enough- wrong! I loved it and it was fantastic!! I came with no agenda for what to see, except for the dinosaur exhibits and the taxidermy. I simply loved both of those outstanding exhibits. I wandered through most other stuff and loved it all- everything!! I was there for hours!! I went to the planetarium, which as I expected, was the only disappointment- I've never enjoyed them. The building is old, and one feels it, and it can be crowded. Overall, a fantastic brilliant experience. WAS IT WORTH THE COST? For sure, especially with the senior reduction WOULD "I VISIT THIS PLACE" AGAIN? For sure yes ADVICE from IVTP There is so much good stuff here, so just go!
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Frequently Asked Questions about American Museum of Natural History

Is parking available?

On-site parking is available for a nominal fee. Enter at 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue (56 West 81st Street). The parking garage is open from 6am to 11pm on weekdays, 8am to 11pm on weekends. Fees vary per hour.

What subway stop is the museum located at?

Take the B (weekdays only) or C to 81st Street. Two blocks west of the museum, the 1 train stops at Broadway and West 79th Street.

Are cameras allowed?

Photography for personal use is allowed with hand-held cameras and with available light or electronic flash attachments, except where noted. Tripods and lights may not be used. Reproduction or sale of photographs is not allowed without the museum's permission. No flash photography is permitted in the Hayden Planetarium Space Theater or in the LeFrak Theater.

Are strollers allowed?

Strollers are permitted throughout the museum, except in theaters. Where strollers are not permitted, stroller parking is provided.

Does the museum offer a coat check?

Coat check is temporarily unavailable. Large bags or back packs (more than 11” x 17”) or luggage will not be permitted.

What items are not allowed?

Visitors are discouraged from bringing large bulky items such as backpacks or luggage into the Museum. Items not accepted in the coat check include perishables, wallets, purses, musical instruments, bikes, computers and other items deemed to be of high value. All articles must be claimed before the museum closes. The museum is not responsible for articles left overnight. The museum reserves the right to inspect any parcel brought into the premises.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

All of the Museum's exhibitions are accessible by wheelchair, and all public floors of the Museum can be reached by elevator.

Are wheelchairs available?

Non-motorized wheelchairs are available for visitors to use on a first-come, first-served basis. These are available in the following places: at the Membership Desk directly inside the Rose Center/81st Street entrance, at the main entrance on Central Park West (upstairs), in the parking garage, at the 79th Street membership entrance, and at the Gilder Center entrance. Visitors borrowing a wheelchair must present a photo ID and provide a telephone number.

Are children allowed?

Yes, children are welcome and enjoy free admission for children age 3 and below.

Where do I redeem my purchase?

The tickets need to be redeemed at the Museum Ticket Desk. Please note all tickets must be exchanged prior to entry and all visitors must go through a security checkpoint. Expect wait times of up to 1 to 2 hours during holidays and weekends. Please allow extra times for delays.