American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is a New York icon and one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1869, the Museum has advanced its global mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.
- Educational
Renowned for its exhibitions and scientific collections, which serve as a field guide to the entire planet and present a panorama of the world’s cultures, millions of people from around the world visit the Museum each year. Since its founding in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History has collected more than 34 million specimens relating to the natural world and human cultures. The Museum showcases its amazing treasures in the exhibit halls, and behind the scenes more than 200 scientists are at work making new discoveries.
What you’ll do
Packed with exhibitions representing people and animals throughout the ages, the museum also has a planetarium and a digital 3D and 2D theater, as well as special visiting exhibitions and plenty of places to eat and shop. The dinosaur wing is a must-see, and if you have time, lie down under the life-size model of a blue whale in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life.
- Special exhibitions are storytelling in three dimensions—and all show science as a process
- The Biodiversity and Environmental Halls offer a vivid and inspiring vision of the spectacular beauty and abundance of life on Earth.
- The Museum’s Birds Halls portray the wide variety of avian life on the planet, and the Hall of Reptiles and Amphibians reviews the anatomy, behavior, and various adaptations of these vertebrates.
- The Earth and Planetary Sciences halls showcase remarkable specimens, including meteorites, minerals, and rare gems, that offer clues about the origins of our solar system and the dynamic processes of our planet. Please note: the halls of gems and minerals are closed for a major renovation.
- One of the premier attractions in New York City is the Museum’s series of fossil halls, including its two famed dinosaur halls in the David H. Koch Dinosaur Wing, as well as the Lila Acheson Wallace Wing of Mammals and Their Extinct Relatives.
- The Hall of Human Origins explores the evolutionary story of the human family, while the Cultural Halls examine the cultures of Asia, Africa, North and South America, and the Pacific. Please note: the Northwest Coast Hall is undergoing restoration.
- With precise depictions of geographical locations and careful, anatomically correct mounting of the specimens, the dioramas in the Museum’s Mammal Halls are among the most renowned in the world.
- The Rose Center for Earth and Space encompasses the spectacular Hayden Sphere and exhibitions that explore the vast range of sizes in the cosmos, the 13-billion-year history of the universe, the nature of galaxies, stars, and planets, and the dynamic features of planet Earth.
Plan your visit
If you are looking for the very best in New York group tours, you have come to the right place. The American Museum of Natural History has something for every age and interest, and our attentive and professional staff will help you plan the most memorable experience.
Planning to travel with a group of 20 or more? Find out about our group discounts! Call us at 212-313-7011 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
Where is it
The American Museum of Natural History is Located at Central Park West at 79th Street New York, NY 10024-5192
Public Transportation
- Subway: 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. For a complete subway map, visit the MTA website. Please note: the 81st Street subway station and subway entrance to the Museum are not wheelchair accessible. The closest accessible subway station is the 72nd Street station for the 1, 2, and 3 trains, with a connection on the northbound M7 on Amsterdam Avenue.
- Bus: The M79 bus travels east/west on West 79th Street across Central Park, with a stop next to the Museum on West 81st Street. Other buses also stop at or near the Museum, including the M7, M10, M11, M86, and M104 buses. For complete bus information, visit the MTA website.
- Train: From North of New York City: See the Metro North Railroad website. From Long Island: See the Long Island Railroad website. From New Jersey: See the New Jersey Transit website for maps and schedule information. From Outside the New York City Metro Area: If you are traveling from outside the New York City Metro Area, please visit the Amtrak website for route and schedule information and to purchase tickets.
Cycling
- Bicycle Parking: There are bicycle racks in the driveway of the Museum’s Rose Center for Earth and Space, as well as in the parking garage. Both are accessible on 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.
Driving and Private Transportation
- For Access a Ride Services, GPS Devices, and Driving Directions use the following address to plan your route: 56 West 81st Street, New York, NY 10024
- Parking: Parking is available at our facility conveniently located within the Museum; enter at 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. The hours of operation are 8 am–11 pm. Rates are as follows | Up to 1 Hour – $26 | Up to 2 Hours – $29 | 2-5 Hours – $36 | 5-10 Hours – $46 | Max-Close – $51 | NYC parking tax is included. Parking rates may be subject to change. For more information please call 212.313.7278
Hours & Schedule
Open daily from 10 am – 5:45 pm except on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Explore Photos
Things to keep in mind
How much time should we spend at the Museum?
We recommend a minimum of two and a half hours to experience the Museum. Give yourself an extra hour if you are seeing one of our shows or special exhibitions. If you have purchased the General Admission + All package, plan on spending at least four hours plus enough time for lunch.
Where do we go when we get there?
Groups enter the Museum at the Rose Center Entrance on 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. A group leader should pick up the tickets at the Will Call desk on the lower-level in the Cullman Hall of the Universe. Please note tickets will be labeled under the name of the group visiting the Museum and the person booking the reservation.
Is the Rose Center for Earth and Space in the same location as the American Museum of Natural History?
Yes. They are part of the same facility. However, groups must enter the Rose Center first to pick up tickets at the Will Call desk.
What if someone in our group has a problem walking?
Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge. Ask a security officer at the entrance for assistance. Please bring a photo ID to secure your wheelchair.
Is the Museum handicapped accessible?
Yes. All public areas in the Museum are accessible to wheelchairs; all video displays are captioned for the hearing impaired; hearing devices are available in auditoriums upon request.
Is there any place to purchase food at the Museum?
Yes. There are several places to purchase a delicious lunch or snack. The Museum Food Court is self-service and has food for every taste. Reservations are not required and the Food Court can accommodate over 400 people.
Is there a place to eat if my group brings their own lunch?
No. Outside food may not be brought into the Museum.
Is there assigned seating at the Planetarium Space Show?
No. All seats at the Planetarium Space Show have an equally magnificent view.
How long is the Planetarium Space Show?
The entire Space Show experience is 30 minutes.
How long is a LeFrak Theater film?
Films average 40-45 minutes.
Is a guided tour included in a group visit?
No. Any guided tours must be requested at least three weeks in advance and paid for two weeks prior to date of visit.
How can we arrange a private guided tour?
Please contact the AMNH Group Sales office directly at 212-313-7011 or at [email protected].
How long is a guided tour?
Both the Museum Highlights Tour and exhibition Spotlight Tour are at least one hour long.
Can we bring our own guides to lecture to our group?
No. Only Museum guides can give tours.
