Yale Peabody Museum, New Haven County Travel Guide

4.7 (1710)

Explore millions of specimens at Yale Peabody Museum, from dinosaurs to ancient artifacts. Now with free admission!

The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, founded in 1866, stands as one of the oldest and largest university natural history museums globally. With over 14 million specimens, including iconic dinosaur fossils and ancient artifacts, the museum offers a captivating exploration of Earth's history, life, and cultures. Following a major renovation, the museum reopened in 2024 with expanded exhibit space and free admission.

A brief summary to Yale Peabody Museum

170 Whitney Ave, New Haven, Downtown, Connecticut, 06511, US
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Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 12 pm-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Yale Peabody Museum.

Plan for at least two hours to explore the museum's key exhibits.
Visit on weekends for free parking in Yale Lots 22/22V, 41, 199 and the Prospect-Sachem Parking Garage.
Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions and events.
Take advantage of the multilingual audio programming available across galleries.

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Explore Yale Peabody Museum on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Yale Peabody Museum, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the center of Yale's campus, such as Cross Campus, walk north on either College or Wall Street until you reach Whitney Avenue. Turn right onto Whitney Avenue and walk north for two blocks. The Yale Peabody Museum will be on your left at 170 Whitney Avenue. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. No costs involved.
Public Transport

From Union Station, take the CT Transit Route 278 bus directly to the museum. The bus departs from Union Avenue at Union Station and arrives at Whitney Avenue, opposite Sachem Street. The ride takes approximately 9 minutes. A single ride fare is typically $2-$3.
Driving

From I-95, take I-91 North towards New Haven. Exit at Exit 3 for State Street, head towards Downtown, and turn left onto Whitney Ave. The museum is at 170 Whitney Ave. Weekday parking is limited to Lot 22V, with validation required at the front desk. When Lot 22V is full, alternative parking is available at Chapel/York Garage (150 York Street), Grove Street Garage (63 Grove Street), Audubon Garage (61 Audubon Street), and Science Park Garage (347 Winchester Ave). Metered street parking is also available. Parking costs vary, with garages typically charging hourly rates. Check posted signs for specific pricing.

Discover more about Yale Peabody Museum

The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, established in 1866 by philanthropist George Peabody, is a treasure trove of natural history. Spanning multiple buildings near the Yale campus in New Haven, Connecticut, the museum's vast collections encompass fossils, anthropological artifacts, and specimens that narrate the story of our planet.The museum is renowned for its Great Hall of Dinosaurs, showcasing a mounted juvenile Brontosaurus and the impressive 110-foot-long mural, *The Age of Reptiles*. The hall immerses visitors in the world of dinosaurs and prehistoric life. Other permanent exhibits delve into human and mammal evolution, Connecticut's birdlife, ancient Egyptian artifacts, and the cultures of Native Americans in Connecticut.Following a comprehensive renovation completed in 2024, the Peabody Museum has enhanced its accessibility and doubled its exhibition space. The renovation includes updated galleries, interactive exhibits, and dedicated learning spaces. The museum also displays cutting-edge Yale research, with some labs visible to the public.The Yale Peabody Museum continues to serve as a vital educational resource for students, researchers, and the community. With its extensive collections and commitment to public engagement, the museum fosters a deeper understanding of the natural world and our place within it.