American Museum of Natural History stands as one of New York City's most beloved destinations, housing over 33 million specimens and artifacts across more than 20 interconnected buildings. This massive institution offers you an incredible journey through time, space, and the natural world. From towering dinosaur skeletons to sparkling gems, the museum presents countless opportunities for discovery and wonder.
Planning your visit can feel overwhelming given the museum's enormous size and extensive collections. With so many exhibits to choose from, knowing where to focus your time becomes essential for making the most of your experience.
Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Giants
AMNH houses one of the world's largest dinosaur fossil collections, making these halls essential for any visit. These exhibits showcase millions of years of prehistoric life through carefully arranged displays and interactive elements.
Tyrannosaurus Rex: A Must-See Marvel
The museum's Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton commands attention in the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs. This massive predator, standing 13 feet tall and measuring 40 feet long, represents one of the most complete T. Rex specimens ever discovered. The skeleton's imposing presence gives you a true sense of scale for these ancient giants.
Apex Stegosaurus Exhibit
The Apex Stegosaurus display features a remarkable specimen that showcases the distinctive plates and tail spikes that made this dinosaur famous. This exhibit demonstrates how these herbivores defended themselves against predators while navigating prehistoric landscapes. The detailed fossil preservation allows you to examine the intricate bone structures that defined these fascinating creatures.
Animal Exhibits Across Continents
The museum's mammal halls transport you across different continents and ecosystems, presenting lifelike dioramas that showcase animal behavior and habitats.
African Elephants
The Akeley Hall of African Mammals features a dramatic elephant family group at its center. These life-sized displays capture elephants in their natural poses, surrounded by authentic African landscape recreations. The exhibit demonstrates family dynamics and social behaviors that continue to fascinate researchers today.
The Hall of African Mammals
Beyond the elephants, this hall presents diverse African wildlife through meticulously crafted dioramas. Lions, giraffes, zebras, and numerous other species appear in realistic settings that highlight their natural behaviors and environmental adaptations.
Great Blue Whale in the Hall of Ocean Life
The iconic 94-foot-long blue whale model suspended from the ceiling creates an incredible centerpiece for the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. This massive replica demonstrates the true scale of Earth's largest animal while surrounding exhibits explore marine ecosystems, ocean conservation, and underwater biodiversity.
Wonders of Space and Time
The museum's space-related exhibits offer you chances to explore cosmic phenomena and understand our planet's place in the universe.
Hayden Planetarium
The Hayden Planetarium provides immersive space journeys through cutting-edge visualization technology. Regular shows transport audiences through the cosmos, offering perspectives on everything from our solar system to distant galaxies. These presentations combine scientific accuracy with stunning visual effects.
Rose Center for Earth and Space Overview
This architectural marvel houses multiple exhibits within its distinctive spherical design. The center's dramatic glass structure creates an impressive backdrop for exploring planetary formation, stellar evolution, and cosmic history through interactive displays and multimedia presentations.
Cullman Hall of the Universe
The Cullman Hall of the Universe showcases cosmic evolution from the Big Bang to the present day. This exhibit features meteorites, interactive displays about planetary formation, and detailed explanations of how elements formed in stellar cores. You can examine actual space rocks and learn about the processes that created the building blocks of life.
Natural Wonders
The museum's Earth science collections feature some of the most spectacular geological specimens on display anywhere.
Giant Amethyst
The Hall of Minerals houses an enormous amethyst geode that towers over visitors at nine feet tall. This stunning purple crystal formation demonstrates the incredible forces that create such natural masterpieces deep within the Earth's crust.
Geological Treasures
The mineral halls display thousands of specimens, including rare gems, colorful crystals, and unusual rock formations. These exhibits explain how geological processes create the diverse materials that form our planet's foundation.
Sequoia Round
A massive cross-section of a giant sequoia tree shows growth rings spanning over 1,400 years. This exhibit connects you to centuries of natural history while demonstrating how trees record environmental changes through their annual growth patterns.
Seasonal and Limited-Time Exhibits
The museum regularly updates its offerings with special exhibitions and seasonal attractions that provide fresh experiences for returning visitors.
Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium
The American Museum of Natural History butterfly exhibit creates a tropical paradise where hundreds of live butterflies flutter freely among visitors. This attraction offers an immersive experience with these delicate creatures in a carefully controlled environment.
What's On Now: Rotating Special Exhibits
The museum frequently hosts special exhibits that explore specific themes, cultures, or scientific discoveries. These limited-time displays often feature artifacts and specimens not normally accessible to the public, providing you with exceptional learning opportunities.
Unique Experiences and Tours
Beyond traditional exhibits, the museum offers special programs that enhance the visitor experience through guided exploration and innovative technology.
Night at the Museum Tours
Evening programs allow you to explore exhibits after regular hours, creating a more intimate atmosphere for discovery. These special tours often include behind-the-scenes access and presentations by museum scientists and educators.
Virtual Guides and Augmented Reality
Digital tools help you navigate the vast collections through smartphone apps and interactive features. These technologies provide additional context, detailed explanations, and suggested routes through the museum's extensive galleries.
Tips for Visiting the Museum
Visiting the American Museum of Natural History requires strategic planning due to the institution's enormous size and popularity.
Weekday mornings typically offer the most comfortable viewing conditions, especially for popular exhibits like the dinosaur halls. Late afternoons can also provide quieter moments as school groups depart and before evening visitors arrive.
The American Museum of Natural History represents just one highlight among many incredible New York attractions available through CityPASS® tickets. These tickets provide substantial savings while eliminating the hassle of individual admission purchases at multiple destinations.
Discover NYC's Natural History Through CityPASS® Tickets
There are three great ways to experience the American Museum of Natural History: New York CityPASS®, New York C3®, or New York C-All®. Each option includes general admission plus one ticketed exhibition, giving you access to over 40 galleries plus your choice of the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, a giant-screen film, a ticketed special exhibition, or the Hayden Planetarium Space Show (subject to availability).
One simple purchase provides admission to multiple attractions with nine days to use your tickets, giving you plenty of time to explore each destination. CityPASS® tickets feature only the best attractions, ensuring you experience the finest things to do in New York while saving both time and money on research and individual admissions.
Purchase your New York CityPASS® tickets today and start planning your journey through millions of years of natural history, from ancient dinosaurs to distant galaxies, all under one magnificent roof.