American Museum of Natural History

Overview

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the largest and most celebrated museums in the world, featuring a vast array of exhibits that delve into the natural world and human cultures.

It is a premier institution for scientific research and education, housing an extensive collection of artifacts and specimens that showcase the diversity of life and the universe.

Natural History Science Cultural

Location

Address

200 Central Park West, New York City, New York

Neighborhood: Upper West Side

Coordinates

40.781300, -73.977400

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM

tuesday 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM

wednesday 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM

thursday 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM

friday 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM

saturday 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM

sunday 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Admission

Adults

$28

Children

$16 (ages 2-12)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

April-May, October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

4-5 hours

Full Experience

full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild to warm

• Butterfly Conservatory
• seasonal exhibits

summer

hot and humid

• extended summer hours
• outdoor exhibits

autumn

cool and crisp

• Hall of Meteorites
• seasonal exhibits

winter

cold

• holiday decorations
• winter exhibits

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance
Check for special exhibitions
Plan for at least half a day

What to Bring

essential

ID tickets comfortable shoes

seasonal

jacket (winter) hat and sunscreen (summer)

not allowed

large bags or backpacks food and drinks (except in designated areas) weapons and dangerous items

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate (museum is large and involves walking)

• stairs and elevators available
• some exhibits may be crowded

Medical facilities: first aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, credit/debit cards, mobile payments

Currency

US Dollars (USD)

Typical Costs

adult entry $28

child entry(2-12) $16

senior entry(65+) $22

parking $15

food $10-$20

souvenirs $5-$50

Dress Code

casual and comfortable, comfortable walking shoes, layers for varying indoor temperatures, walking shoes, inappropriate or offensive clothing

Booking Tips

• at least a week in advance, especially for special exhibitions
• official museum website
• 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• available for purchase online

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

Coat check

First aid

Nursing room

Family restrooms

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

AMNH Explorer

Size: 100 MB

Features: interactive map, exhibit guides, event schedules, ticket purchases, augmented reality experiences

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: throughout the museum

Charging Stations: throughout the museum

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Distance: 30 km

Travel Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

taxi

$60-$80 45 min

public_transport

$7.75 1 hour

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

metro

$2.75 15 min

bus

$2.75 20 min

taxi

$15-$20 10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: The museum is a treasure trove of knowledge and discovery, offering a unique blend of education and entertainment for all ages

Historical Significance: Established in 1869, the museum has played a pivotal role in scientific research and education, housing an extensive collection of artifacts and specimens that showcase the diversity of life and the universe

Insider Tips

Visit on a weekday morning for a more peaceful experience
Check the museum's website for special exhibitions and events
The museum's gift shops offer unique and educational souvenirs
The outdoor spaces, such as the Roosevelt Memorial and the North Hall Overlook, offer great views of Central Park

Local Recommendations

• Visit the nearby Central Park
• Try local cafes and restaurants in the Upper West Side
• Explore other nearby museums like the Museum of the American Gangster

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

help Help

exit Exit

restroom Restroom

Guide Languages: English, Spanish, French, Japanese

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

The Grand Hall

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Capture the grandeur of the hall with a wide-angle shot

Result: Majestic and impressive architecture

#AMNH #MuseumMagic #NaturalHistory

The Blue Whale

Best Time: Any time

Tips: Shoot from below to emphasize the size

Result: Awe-inspiring and iconic

#BlueWhale #AMNH #UnderTheSea

The Rose Center for Earth and Space

Best Time: Late afternoon

Tips: Use the natural light to highlight the exhibits

Result: Stunning and otherworldly

#Space #AMNH #ScienceMuseum

Photography Rules

allowed areas most public areas, unless otherwise posted

prohibited areas special exhibits, behind barriers, or where photography is restricted

flash photography not allowed in most areas

commercial photography not allowed without prior permission

drone policy prohibited

tripod policy not allowed without prior permission

selfie sticks allowed but use with caution

Nearby Attractions

Central Park

Distance: 200m

Walking: 3 min

Type: Park

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Distance: 1.5km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Museum

Strawberry Fields

Distance: 300m

Walking: 5 min

Type: Landmark

Lincoln Center

Distance: 1.2km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Performing Arts Center

The New-York Historical Society

Distance: 800m

Walking: 10 min