The American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side of New York City is a treasure trove of scientific discovery, charting the breathtaking history of the whole wide world. Visitors can dig into an exhilarating 35 million specimens across 4 exhibition halls, plus so much more. From exhibits that will immerse you in Earth and Space to fossils set to fascinate, this place is captivating.
Background on the American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) was founded way back in 1869. It is worth visiting AMNH? Absolutely! Just look at everything it has to offer! There you will find 28 buildings filled to the brim with everything from fauna to celestial wonders that will have everyone entranced.
A 122-foot-long cast of a Titanosaurus greets guests at the David H. Koch Dinosaur Wing and it’s so gargantuan that it can barely fit in the fourth gallery. You’ll also find beautiful specimens and dioramas of birds alongside meteorites, rare gems and much more. One absolute favorite is the humongous recreation of a whale – go big or go home!
What to expect when you visit
AMNH is committed to accessibility so everybody can access all parts of the buildings. It is, after all, one of the largest and most respected museums in the world! The best time to visit to avoid crowds is around opening time (10 am) on a weekday. It’s open until 5.45 pm so you have plenty of time to look around.
Feeling peckish? Head to one of the many cafes and take the opportunity to explore the gift shop. You can expect a large number of visitors but the size of this place makes it feel much less crowded.
What else can you do when you visit
If you needed more reasons to visit the Museum of Natural History, there are special events all year long. You can enjoy science days every October, special programs with talks and much more. You’ll find fascinating temporary exhibitions and science socials alongside philanthropic events. Sometimes, there are even sleepovers at the museum and if you become a member, you can visit after hours when there are no crowds.
Get ready to gaze, wide-eyed at a huge collection of artefacts and displays. From displays detailing the intricacies of the human body to the towering Titanosaur and hypnotising models of the universe, there is something for every curious mind. Tickets grant access to the Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation, Rose Center for Earth and Space, all permanent exhibitions and even one ticketed exhibition.
Where is the American Museum of Natural History and how to get there
You will find the entrance to The American Museum of Natural History in the leafy Theodore Roosevelt Park at 200 Central Park Westland it’s super easy to get to. Hop on the A B and C lines and hop off at 81st Street–Museum of Natural History Station. They will take you directly there.
FAQs
Is the Museum Of Natural History in NYC free?
The Natural History Museum in NYC is free to everyone between 4.30-5.30 pm. However, that doesn’t give you a lot of time to explore it. Residents of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey are able to pay whatever they can afford to enter but it means waiting on line. Avoid that by buying a ticket online.
How long does it take to walk through the Museum of Natural History?
You should set aside at least a couple of hours to explore. After all, there are exhibitions on everything, from sea life to literal walls of precious gems. Make the most of your visit – there are plenty of places to sit and refresh.
Why is the Natural History Museum famous?
What makes the museum famous is its vast collection, containing many famous artefacts. One that really brings the crowds is ‘Lucy’ – a complete skeleton who lived approximately 3.18 million years ago. The blue whale model also attracts plenty of attention as it hovers above visitors, alongside the famous Titanosaur. Movie buffs might recognise the T-Rex from Night At The Museum too! It’s a feast for the eye as visitors are surrounded on all sides by fascinating items.
There are plenty of incredible attractions in New York City, from the nearby Empire State Building to the sprawling Central Park. A visit to the American Museum of Natural History should sit proudly at the top of everybody’s to-do list, boasting innumerable artefacts and models you simply won’t find anywhere else in the world. It’s a true testament to the city’s big brains and thirst for knowledge.