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American Museum of Natural History: A World of Discovery

Explore millions of specimens and artifacts at one of the world's leading natural history museums, from dinosaurs to outer space, in New York City.

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The American Museum of Natural History, located in New York City, is one of the world's preeminent institutions for exploring the natural world and human cultures. With millions of specimens and artifacts, the museum offers a journey through the planet's history, from dinosaurs to outer space.

A brief summary to American Museum of Natural History

  • Monday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets in advance online to save time and guarantee entry, especially during peak season.
  • New York State residents can take advantage of the 'Pay What You Wish' option for general admission.
  • Download the museum's free Explorer app for maps, turn-by-turn directions, and information about exhibits.
  • Visit on weekdays or early Sunday mornings for a less crowded experience.
  • Allow at least 3-5 hours to explore the museum's highlights, or plan for a longer visit to see special exhibitions.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The American Museum of Natural History is easily accessible by subway. Take the B (weekdays only) or C train to the 81st Street/Museum of Natural History station, which is directly across the street from the museum's main entrance on Central Park West. Alternatively, take the 1 train to the 79th Street station on Broadway, about two blocks west of the museum. A single subway ride costs $2.90.

  • Bus

    Several bus lines stop near the American Museum of Natural History, including the M79, M10, M11, M86, and M104. The M79 bus stops right next to the museum on West 81st Street. A single bus ride also costs $2.90.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Manhattan. A taxi ride from Times Square to the museum typically takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare for such a trip is $15-$25. Note that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours.

  • Driving

    If driving, the museum is located on Central Park West between 77th and 81st Streets. There is a parking garage at 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. Parking rates range from $33 for up to 2 hours, $40 for 2-5 hours, $50 for 5-10 hours, and $55 for the maximum stay until closing. Limited street parking may be available, but it can be difficult to find.

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Discover more about American Museum of Natural History

Founded in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) has been inspiring visitors for over 150 years with its vast collections and groundbreaking research. Located on Manhattan's Upper West Side, across from Central Park, the museum complex comprises 21 interconnected buildings housing 45 permanent exhibition halls, a planetarium, and a library. The museum's collections boast approximately 32 million specimens, including plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites, human remains, and cultural artifacts. While only a small fraction is on display, the exhibits offer a comprehensive overview of natural history, from the age of dinosaurs to the diversity of human cultures. Highlights include the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, with its iconic blue whale model, the Hall of Dinosaurs, and the Rose Center for Earth and Space, featuring the Hayden Planetarium. The museum also presents temporary exhibitions, a butterfly vivarium, and a giant-screen theater. AMNH is not just a museum; it's a research institution with a full-time scientific staff of 225 who conduct over 120 field expeditions each year. The museum is a leader in research in anthropology, astronomy, entomology, herpetology, ichthyology, mammalogy, mineralogy, ornithology, and vertebrate paleontology. It also has a 485,000-volume library. Visitors can explore the museum on their own or take advantage of guided tours. The museum also offers a range of educational programs for children and adults, including summer camps, ecology clubs, and nature programs.

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