American Museum of Natural HistoryVisitor Guide — New York City
The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), founded in 1869, is a premier natural history institution situated on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City. The complex spans more than 2,500,000 square feet within Theodore Roosevelt Park, directly across from Central Park. It comprises 21 interconnected buildings that house 45 permanent exhibition halls, alongside a dedicated planetarium and a comprehensive research library. The museum preserves an extraordinary collection containing approximately 32 million specimens and artifacts. These holdings represent a vast array of natural and cultural history, including plants, animals, fungi, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites, and human remains. Specialized collections further encompass frozen tissue, as well as genomic and astrophysical data. Because of the immense volume of these materials, only a small fraction is displayed to the public at any given time. Supporting its extensive exhibitions, the AMNH employs a full-time scientific staff of 225 and sponsors over 120 special field expeditions annually. Averaging about five million visits each year, the institution remains a global center for scientific research and public education. The museum operates from 09:00 to 18:00, and visitors should consult the official website for current ticket rates and admission policies.
09:00 - 18:00
$33
Must-See at American Museum of Natural History
- 1Fossil and meteorite specimens
- 2Human cultural artifacts and remains
- 3Planetarium and astrophysical data collections
- 4Mineral and rock exhibits
- 5Animal and plant specimen collections
Planning Your Visit
What are the opening hours for the American Museum of Natural History?
The museum is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00.
How much does a ticket to the museum cost?
Suggested admission is $33. New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut residents can pay what they wish.
Are there skip-the-line options available for visitors?
Most major museums now offer advance online ticketing that allows you to bypass the main queue. Booking through the official website is recommended to avoid third-party surcharges.
What are the must-see exhibits at the museum?
Must-see attractions include the extensive fossil and meteorite collections, the 45 permanent exhibition halls, and the on-site planetarium.
How do I get to the American Museum of Natural History?
The museum is located in Theodore Roosevelt Park on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, directly across the street from Central Park.
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