If you think natural history is boring, think again. Seeing a Tyrannosaurus rex, a meteorite from Greenland, marvelling at ancient artefacts, and wandering through the countless halls that came to life in the film Night at the Museum — this is just a fraction of what awaits you at the AMNH (American Museum of Natural History).
Admission ticketHow to get there
The museum is located on the west side of Manhattan’s famous Central Park. It’s easy to reach from various parts of New York City by public transport.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 17:30 (Christmas and Thanksgiving excluded — they’re sacred!).
Plan to spend the entire day here. It still won’t be enough to see everything, but you’ll catch the highlights.
One key detail: the exhibitions are divided into permanent displays and Ticketed Exhibitions, which require an additional entry fee.
American Museum of Natural History (AMNH): admission feeIf you plan to visit several museums around New York, consider purchasing a City Pass.
Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed in the museum.
Let’s be clear: everything here is designed with visitors in mind. On-site amenities include:
- Paid car parking
- Charging stations for electric vehicles (mid-level)
- Bicycle and scooter parking
- Lactation stations (mother and baby rooms)
- Storage lockers for personal items, so you can explore hands-free
Exhibits: what to see in the museum
A few facts: the museum was founded in the late 19th century, spans 25 interconnected buildings (yes, it’s that large!), and holds tens of millions of exhibits — over 32 million, to be precise. The collections trace the evolution of life on Earth, from the age of dinosaurs to the dawn of modern technology.
» READ MORE – P.S. I Love Food: New York City
Permanent exhibitions
There are more than 40 permanent exhibitions, providing a comprehensive guide to the natural world and the cultural histories of diverse civilizations. Admission to these is included in the general ticket.
From the vast list of exhibits, try not to miss:
- Vanished and endangered insect species
- An expansive collection of dinosaur skeletons
- Fascinating specimens from the world’s oceans and seas
- Contemporary indigenous art
- An awe-inspiring hall of gems and minerals
- The massive blue whale model and the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex
Ticketed Exhibitions
Separate tickets are required for these exhibitions – but they are well worth the price. Here, technology, multimedia installations, and even living specimens of rare animal species offer an enhanced experience.
Some exhibits are seasonal:
Year-round exhibitions:
Infrastructure and food
There are four dining options within the museum. Trust us – you’ll need them after a few hours exploring the exhibits.
| 10:45 — 16:45 | On the lower level is the food court: here you can find a dish for every taste, the menu is updated every day. |
| 11:00 — 18:30 | You can grab a sandwich or panini with coffee or cold drinks at the first floor café. |
| Soups, salads and coffee sandwiches are also available at the 4th floor café. | |
| There is a full restaurant on the second floor: a trip to The Restaurant at Gilder is best booked in advance. | |
The full-service restaurant offers modern American cuisine and a good selection of beverages. After meeting the T. rex face-to-face, why not unwind with a Bloody Mary or a glass of wine? The setting also includes stylish architectural views.
The American Museum of Natural History is not one of those dusty places you visit just to cross off your list. There’s something here for everyone. If you’re planning a trip to New York, this museum deserves a top spot in your itinerary. You won’t regret it.
Emily Fletke / Unsplash 
Pixabay 
Emily Fletke / Unsplash
Pixabay
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!