With over 5 million annual visitors, the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) offers an unforgettable journey through time, nature, and the universe.
Home to more than 33 million specimens, including towering dinosaur skeletons, a life-size blue whale, and interactive space displays, AMNH is a must-visit for both locals and tourists looking to experience the best of science, culture, and exploration in NYC.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the American Museum of Natural History.
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American Museum of Natural History tickets
The American Museum of Natural History in New York City offers various ticket options to cater to different visitor needs and preferences.
Here are the four ways you can experience the New York museum.
1. General Admission
This is the cheapest and most popular ticket and includes access to:
- 40+ permanent exhibition halls
- The Rose Center for Earth and Space
- The Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation
Ideal for first-time visitors looking to explore the core of the museum.
Buy This Ticket2. General Admission + One Ticketed Exhibition
Includes everything in the General Admission ticket (all permanent exhibitions) and entry to one ticketed exhibition of your choice. Options include:
- Space Show
- Invisible Worlds
- Butterfly Vivarium (seasonal)
- Giant-screen film (available in the LeFrak Theater)
3. General Admission + All Ticketed Exhibitions
This all-access option provides admission to:
- All permanent exhibition halls
- The Rose Center and Gilder Center
- All ticketed temporary exhibitions, subject to availability
Ideal for visitors seeking to experience everything the museum has to offer.
Buy This Ticket4. General Admission + MoMA Combo
Many visitors choose to explore both the American Museum of Natural History and the nearby Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) during their NYC visit. These two major attractions are just 2 miles apart (around 8 minutes by car).
The combo ticket offers convenient access and value by providing:
- General Admission to AMNH
- Same-day or flexible-day entry to MoMA
This combo is highly recommended for art and science lovers looking to make the most of their time in New York City.
Buy This ComboVisual Story: 13 must-know tips before visiting the American Museum of Natural History
Opening Hours of AMNH
The American Museum of Natural History is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The last entry is at 5 PM.
The Discovery Room operates on weekends only: Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM and again from 2:15 PM to 5:15 PM.
The museum remains closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Best Time to Visit
To enjoy the American Museum of Natural History with minimal crowds, consider visiting on weekday mornings.
Arrive by 10:00 AM, when the museum opens, to explore the popular galleries in peace—before school groups and tourists arrive.
This is especially helpful if you plan to see high-demand exhibits, such as the Butterfly Vivarium or the Space Show, which tend to fill up quickly later in the day.
How Long to Spend at the Museum
- Quick visit: 2–3 hours (cover top highlights)
- Standard visit: 4–5 hours for full experience
- All-day experience: 6+ hours including special exhibits and shows
Families may need more time for kids’ activities and meal breaks.
Explore more for less! Get a New York CityPASS® and experience five must-see attractions, handpicked and packaged together at a 40% savings. Your ticket is valid for nine consecutive days, including the first day of use.
How to Get to the Natural History Museum
- Address: Central Park West & 79th Street, New York, NY 10024
- Subway: Take the B or C train to 81st Street – Museum of Natural History station (direct access)
- Bus: M79, M7, M10, and M11 all stop nearby
- Parking: Limited parking garage available beneath the museum; early arrival recommended
- Walking: Located next to Central Park, it’s an easy walk from many Upper West Side hotels
Must-See Exhibits at the Museum
Don’t miss these iconic and visitor-favorite exhibits that define the AMNH experience:
- Fossil Halls – Stand face-to-face with legendary dinosaur skeletons, including the fearsome T. rex and mighty Triceratops.
- Milstein Hall of Ocean Life – Look up to admire the museum’s showstopper: a 94-foot-long blue whale suspended from the ceiling.
- Hayden Planetarium – Journey through the cosmos in spectacular space shows narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, located in the Rose Center for Earth and Space.
- Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals – Explore dazzling collections of rare crystals, meteorites, and natural wonders.
- Hall of Biodiversity – Stroll through immersive dioramas showcasing Earth’s ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.
- Seasonal Exhibitions – Depending on when you visit, enjoy special experiences like the Butterfly Conservatory, Sharks, or rotating blockbuster exhibits.
In More Detail: Exhibits to see at the American Museum of Natural History
Guided Tours at the Natural History Museum
Make the most of your visit to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City with one of the museum’s expertly led guided tours.
Free Highlight Tours (Daily)
When: Every day, on the half-hour from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Duration: Approximately 75 minutes
Where to Join: Sign up at the Information Desk in the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall (Floor 1)
Led by experienced museum guides, these tours take you through several of the museum’s most iconic halls and exhibits. Topics and routes may vary by guide, giving each tour a unique perspective.
- Available Languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and Hebrew (based on guide availability
- Accessibility: All tours are wheelchair accessible
Spotlight Tours (Weekly, Topic-Focused)
Spotlight Tours allow visitors to explore a specific hall or theme in greater depth, lasting around 60 minutes.
Topics change weekly, offering a fresh and focused dive into the museum’s extensive collections.
Where to Join: Visit the nearest Information Desk to confirm the day’s schedule and availability.
Permanent Tour Schedule
- Thursdays at 1:00 PM – Hall of the Universe
- Fridays at 2:00 PM – Asian Peoples
Additional Spotlight Tours covering popular halls such as Human Origins, Planet Earth, Ocean Life, Fossils, Northwest Coast, Biodiversity, Art of the Diorama, and Minerals are scheduled approximately two to three weeks in advance.
For the most up-to-date Spotlight Tour schedule, check the official AMNH website or stop by the Information Desk during your visit to the American Museum of Natural History.
Museum Layout & Visitor Map
Spanning 26 interconnected buildings across five floors, the American Museum of Natural History can feel like a small city.
The massive museum contains over 34 million exhibits, of which only a small portion is displayed at any time.
To avoid missing top exhibits or walking around aimlessly in the maze-like corridors, familiarize yourself with the museum’s layout before you enter.
Pick up a free museum map at the entrance or download it here (PDF, 1.7 MB). You can also download the AMNH Explorer App (iOS, Android) for a GPS-enabled, self-guided experience.
Key Areas by Floor
- Ground Floor: Entry through the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda, ticket counters, gift shops, and access to the fossil halls
- First Floor: Home to the Hall of Ocean Life, Biodiversity Hall, and African Mammals
- Second & Third Floors: Features Dinosaur Fossils, Human Origins, and Cultural Halls
- Rose Center for Earth and Space: Adjacent building housing the Hayden Planetarium and space-related exhibits
Residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut qualify for the Pay What You Wish entry. The amount they pay for General Admission is up to them, but they must provide a valid ID at the entrance. The accepted IDs are a driver’s license, IDNYC, State ID card, Library card, Student ID, Current utility bill with address, or Voter registration card. To view Special Exhibitions, everyone must book General Admission + One ticket.
Is the American Museum of History Kid-Friendly?
Absolutely! The museum is one of the most family-friendly attractions in New York City. Here’s why kids (and parents with kids!) love it:
- Discovery Room: Hands-on science activities (open on weekends only)
- Dinosaur Halls: Towering skeletons that spark imagination
- Earth & Space Zones: Interactive displays for curious minds
- Parent-Friendly Amenities: Stroller-friendly access, restrooms, and clearly marked nursing areas throughout the museum
Tip: Arrive early to get timed access to the Discovery Room—slots fill up fast!
Entry to the Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals
The Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals is one of the highlights of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
This beautifully redesigned space showcases over 5,000 dazzling specimens sourced from 95 countries, making it one of the world’s most significant gem and mineral collections.
Entry is included with all AMNH ticket types, but access to the Halls requires joining a virtual line upon arrival at the museum.
Once you are inside, follow the signs posted near the entrances or ask a museum staff member for help securing your spot in the virtual queue.
Pro tip: This exhibit is extremely popular, and the virtual line often reaches capacity by early afternoon.
FAQs about the AMNH
Here are some questions visitors usually ask before visiting the Natural History Museum in New York.
Where is the entrance to the American Museum of Natural History?
Visitors can enter the AMNH in New York City through the main entrance on Central Park West at 79th Street. Additional accessible entrances are available at:
– 81st Street/Rose Center for Earth and Space
– Columbus Avenue at 79th Street/Gilder Center
Can I visit the American Museum of Natural History for free?
General Admission is “free” for NYC residents with valid ID under the museum’s Pay-What-You-Wish policy at the ticket counters. Members of the U.S. military and one guest receive free General Admission year-round. During the Blue Star Museums program (from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day), active-duty military personnel and their families get free entry.
Can I re-enter AMNH after exiting?
To re-enter on the same day, use your AMHN ticket at either the 81st Street or Central Park West entrance. You will need to pass through security again.
Are strollers allowed inside the museum?
Yes, strollers are permitted throughout the museum except in theaters and certain ticketed exhibition halls where space is limited. Double strollers may be restricted in smaller galleries. Stroller-friendly elevators and restrooms are available.
Is parking available at the American Museum of Natural History?
Yes, on-site parking is available at the American Museum of Natural History, with the entrance located on 81st Street, between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. For GPS directions, use 56 West 81st Street, New York, NY. The parking garage operates from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays and from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekends. Rates start at $33 for up to 2 hours, $40 for up to 5 hours, and $50 for up to 10 hours.
Does AMNH offer storage or lockers?
Yes, secure storage lockers are available near the entrance for personal items, coats, bags, and backpacks.
– Small Locker (12″ x 11″ x 19″): $7/day
– Large Locker (22″ x 11″ x 19.5″): $12/day
Lockers are accessible until 5:00 PM, and availability may vary depending on museum hours.
Dining Options at the Museum
The American Museum of Natural History in New York City offers four diverse dining options to satisfy every visitor:
The Restaurant at Gilder (Floor 2)
Hours: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Enjoy a relaxing, table-service meal with a stunning view of the Kenneth C. Griffin Exploration Atrium. This elegant restaurant serves seasonal dishes in a refined setting, perfect for adults seeking to unwind during their visit to the museum.
Museum Food Court (Lower Level)
Hours: 10:45 AM – 4:45 PM
Perfect for families and picky eaters, this large food court provides kid-friendly meals, gluten-free and nut-free options, and a rotating menu that caters to all dietary needs.
Café on 1 (Floor 1)
Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
A convenient spot for a quick bite, the café offers pressed paninis, cheese and dried fruit plates, desserts, and espresso drinks. It’s great for visitors looking for something light yet satisfying.
Café on 4 (Floor 4)
Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Located near several exhibit halls, this café serves sandwiches, soups, fresh salads, fruit, and a variety of beverages, making it a popular stop for guests exploring the upper levels.
Insider Tip: During peak hours (12–2 PM), lines can get long—plan your meal for an early or later time in the day for quicker service.
