American Museum of Natural History
Explore Earth's wonders, from colossal dinosaurs to the cosmos, in this iconic NYC institution.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
American Museum of Natural History
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Earth's wonders, from colossal dinosaurs to the cosmos, in this iconic NYC institution.
"A must-visit for its awe-inspiring exhibits, especially the dinosaurs and the giant blue whale!"
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Skip the long lines by purchasing your admission tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore this massive museum.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dinosaur Halls
Fossil Halls
Stand in awe of colossal dinosaur skeletons, including the iconic T-Rex and Apatosaurus. A must-see for all ages!
Milstein Hall of Ocean Life
Ocean Life Hall
Marvel at the massive blue whale model suspended from the ceiling – a truly breathtaking sight.
Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation
Gilder Center
Explore immersive exhibits like 'Invisible Worlds' that showcase the interconnectedness of life.
Mignone Halls of Gems & Minerals
Gems & Minerals Halls
Discover dazzling displays of precious stones and minerals from around the globe.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Book Ahead
Time Commitment & Special Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Skip the long lines by purchasing your admission tickets in advance online. +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore this massive museum.
⏳ Don't Over-Schedule
A full day is great, but 3-5 hours can cover the highlights if time is limited.
✨ Consider the Planetarium
The Planetarium shows are an extra cost but highly recommended by staff.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Skip the long lines by purchasing your admission tickets in advance online. +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore this massive museum.
⏳ Don't Over-Schedule
A full day is great, but 3-5 hours can cover the highlights if time is limited.
✨ Consider the Planetarium
The Planetarium shows are an extra cost but highly recommended by staff.
🗺️ Use Alternate Entrances
Try the 81st Street entrance for potentially shorter lines, especially for the Rose Center.
📸 Capture the Moments
Many exhibits offer great photo opportunities, especially the blue whale and dinosaur halls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the American Museum of Natural History for its vast and impressive collections, particularly the iconic dinosaur exhibits and the awe-inspiring blue whale. The new Gilder Center and its immersive 'Invisible Worlds' exhibit are also highly lauded. However, some find the sheer size overwhelming and note that special exhibits can be pricey.
"We came mainly for the exhibitions – specifically two we were really interested in: the butterfly conservatory and the planetarium show.
We bought tickets that included access to all exhibitions, but in my opinion, these two were the most interesting.
If you're considering a combo ticket for just one special exhibition, I would personally recommend the planetarium.
That said, even without the special exhibitions, there’s so much to see in the museum itself. If you take the time to actually walk through and read the information provided, you’ll find there’s more than enough to keep you busy for a whole day – and even then, you might not manage to see everything.
Of course, it depends on what interests you, and not every section will appeal to everyone.
The place is very well-maintained, and the ticket price is definitely justified given how much has been invested in the museum. Everything was clean and organized, there are restrooms throughout the building, and several gift shops – each with a different theme. It’s a truly special place.
Personally, I’m not that into art or history, and most of the museums in New York focus on those topics. I really enjoy science, so I was happy to find a museum that aligned with my interests.
One downside for me was that there were a lot of very young children – and even more so, large groups of school kids who were behaving wildly, making a lot of noise, and unfortunately, really disrupted the experience.
I think it would be much better if they had specific days just for school groups, so regular visitors who pay full price can enjoy the museum without interruptions.
P.S. If you plan to attend the special exhibitions – be aware that you can’t just walk in freely. Each exhibition starts at a scheduled time, and when you arrive and buy your tickets, you’ll need to sign up for specific time slots.
So if you want to attend all the special exhibitions, make sure to arrive early, preferably close to opening time – otherwise, you might miss out."
Miryam Ashurov
"One of the best museum visits till date. This is so big and huge. It can easily take up a day and if you are thorough you can spend more time.
We did it in 3-4 hours after skipping a floor. There are so many good shows. Would definitely recommend the Milky way galaxy one.
The initial area where you see animals from South Africa, it felt so real and when the real sized animals are put in their habitat, it's looks so real.
The dinosaurs area was one area I definitely wanted to visit. Man, oh man. Definitely worth it. The sheer size of them amaze me. The full sized fossils recreated is just out of the world.
You will get tired walking through it. And oh, washrooms seemed elusive and was hard to find."
Sony Mathew
"I went to the American Museum of Natural History and you can truly spend a whole day there if you want. The museum is very big and filled with collections from all over the world. My favorites were the Egyptian artifacts, the dinosaur halls, and the exhibits that appeared in the Night at the Museum movies. It really felt special to see those in real life.
The museum can get crowded, especially around the most famous sections, but it is still worth it. Some areas feel a little dated, but that also gives it a sense of history. If you plan to stay long, I would suggest bringing snacks since food inside is on the expensive side.
Overall, it is an amazing place full of history, culture, and science, and definitely one of the must-see spots in New York City."
Humberto Dapelo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is accessible via several subway lines, including the B (weekdays only) and C trains to 81st Street–Museum of Natural History station, which offers a direct entrance. The 1 train to 79th Street is also nearby. Buses like the M79 and M81 also stop close by.
Yes, there are parking garages available near the museum. However, parking in Manhattan can be expensive, and public transportation is often a more convenient and cost-effective option.
Absolutely! The B and C trains stop directly at 81st Street–Museum of Natural History, providing an underground entrance. The 1 train to 79th Street is another option.
Taking the subway is often easiest with children, especially if you can utilize the direct entrance at the 81st Street station. Consider the B or C trains.
Some visitors suggest that the entrance on 81st Street, which leads directly into the Rose Center, can have shorter lines than the main entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission tickets for New York State residents and students from NY, NJ, and CT are pay-what-you-wish. For others, there's a set admission fee. Special exhibitions and the Planetarium may require additional tickets.
It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues and ensure entry, especially during peak times. +1
While policies can vary, it's generally advisable to contact the museum directly or check their website for information on changing ticket dates. Some Reddit users have indicated flexibility in the past.
New York State residents and students from NY, NJ, and CT can pay-what-you-wish for general admission. It's best to check the official website for any specific free admission days or hours.
General admission typically includes access to the museum's permanent collections, such as the dinosaur halls, ocean life exhibits, and halls of gems and minerals. Special exhibitions and the Planetarium usually require separate tickets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the iconic dinosaur skeletons, the massive blue whale in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, the dazzling Mignone Halls of Gems & Minerals, and the immersive Richard Gilder Center.
You can spend an entire day here and still not see everything! For a good overview of the main exhibits, plan for at least 3-5 hours. +1
Many visitors and even museum staff recommend the Planetarium shows as an extra worth the price, offering a unique and educational experience.
The museum offers various tours, including highlights tours and specialized tours. Check their official website for schedules and booking information.
Yes, the museum is generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. There are elevators to access different floors and exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has several dining options, including cafes and a food court, offering a variety of choices for snacks and meals.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the museum galleries. There are designated areas where you can consume your own food.
The museum offers a range of options, from quick bites at cafes to more substantial meals at the food court. You can find sandwiches, salads, hot entrees, and snacks.
Yes, the Upper West Side neighborhood surrounding the museum has numerous restaurants, cafes, and delis offering diverse culinary experiences.
Museum dining can sometimes be pricier than off-site options. It's advisable to check menus and prices beforehand or consider bringing snacks if budget is a concern.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in most areas of the museum, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the exhibits. Always check for specific signage.
The dinosaur halls, the blue whale model, the halls of gems and minerals, and the architecture of the Gilder Center are all highly photogenic.
Similar to photography, personal videography is usually permitted, but flash and professional filming may require special permission.
Early mornings on weekdays, especially before school groups arrive, can offer fewer people in your shots. The lighting in some halls can also be quite dramatic.
Special exhibitions may have stricter photography rules, sometimes prohibiting it entirely. It's crucial to observe all posted signs and guidelines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider planning your visit around the Richard Gilder Center and its 'Invisible Worlds' exhibit for an engaging, modern experience. For younger children, the museum offers interactive elements and plenty of space to explore. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as little legs can get tired quickly! Bringing snacks or utilizing the museum's cafes can help keep energy levels up throughout the day.
💰 Budget Travelers
While special exhibits and the Planetarium have additional costs, the vast permanent collections are more than enough to fill several hours of exploration without extra expense. Focus on the iconic halls like the dinosaurs and ocean life. Packing your own snacks or planning a picnic in nearby Central Park can also help save money on food.
🤓 Science Enthusiasts
The Gilder Center and its 'Invisible Worlds' exhibit offer a cutting-edge perspective on biology and ecology. Don't overlook the Planetarium shows for an immersive astronomical experience. Consider dedicating a full day or even multiple visits to truly absorb the depth of scientific knowledge presented here.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Iconic Dinosaur Halls
+1Beyond the sheer scale of the skeletons, the exhibits provide detailed information about dinosaur anatomy, behavior, and the environments they inhabited. Interactive displays and informative panels make the experience engaging for all ages. It's a place where scientific discovery meets awe-inspiring spectacle, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in paleontology or simply the wonders of the natural world.
+1The Immersive Gilder Center and 'Invisible Worlds'
This exhibit goes beyond static displays, employing dynamic projections and interactive elements to illustrate concepts like microbial life, the human microbiome, and ecological networks. Visitors can explore how organisms communicate, adapt, and evolve, gaining a deeper appreciation for the complexity of ecosystems. It's a forward-thinking approach to natural history, making the museum a dynamic and evolving destination.
Navigating Tickets and Entry Lines
Some Reddit users suggest utilizing alternative entrances, such as the one on 81st Street that leads directly to the Rose Center, as these can sometimes be less congested than the main Columbus Avenue entrance. Visiting during off-peak hours, like weekday mornings when school groups are less likely to be present, can also significantly improve the entry experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit