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American Museum of Natural History – tickets, prices, exhibits, map, timings, what to expect, FAQs

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Located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s leading scientific and cultural institutions.

It attracts over 5 million visitors each year, including families, students, researchers, and tourists, who come to explore its scientific collections and exhibitions.

The exhibits at the museum showcase human evolution, biodiversity, meteorites, and the cultures of indigenous peoples from around the world.

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the American Museum of Natural History.

What to expect

Visit the American Museum of Natural History and explore one of the largest museums in the world, boasting around 32 million natural specimens.

The museum offers a range of permanent and special exhibits that allow you to explore different parts of our world and beyond.

Go on an expedition to a Pacific Island, to the deep-sea floor, back to the age of the dinosaurs, or out to the edge of the Milky Way Galaxy – all without leaving New York!

Explore the Rose Center for Earth and Space, which explores the 13-billion-year history of the universe and cosmic evolution.

Head to the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, showcasing the diversity of aquatic life, including a life-size model of a blue whale.

The Richard Gilder Center features three levels of floor-to-ceiling displays showcasing the museum’s scientific collections along with stunning architecture and fascinating displays.

The museum boasts the world’s most significant collection of dinosaur fossils, including the iconic T. rex, the colossal Titanosaur, and a 122-foot-long skeleton.


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Where to book tickets

Tickets for the American Museum of Natural History are available to be purchased at the attraction or online in advance.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

Booking online also helps avoid last-minute disappointment and delays.

How do online tickets work

Go to the American Museum of Natural History ticket booking page, select your preferred date and the number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away.

After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.

You don’t need to carry printouts.

You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction and exchange it for a Garden Pass admission at the Visitor Center.

American Museum of Natural History ticket prices

Adult tickets for the American Museum of Natural History are priced at US$28 for visitors between 13 and 59 years.

For children between three and 12 years of age, tickets are available for US$16.

Senior citizens aged 60 and above and students can get the tickets for US$22.

Infants under three years can get in for free and do not require a ticket.

Plus one tickets that allow entry to one ticketed exhibition of your choice can be purchased for US$34 for adults, US$20 for children, and US$27 for senior citizens.

Tickets to American Museum of Natural History

Easter Island head at AMNH
Easter Island head at American Museum of Natural History. Image: Tiqets

There are two ways to explore New York’s Natural History Museum.

While the General Admission ticket gets you access to all the exhibits at the Natural History Museum, the General Admission + One ticket also gets you entry to one of the special exhibitions. 

You can opt for one of the two tickets on the ticket booking page.

General Admission ticket

The ticket provides access to the American Museum of Natural History, including all permanent exhibitions.

It also includes entry to the following exhibitions: “What’s in a Name,” “Garden of Green,” and “Extinct and Endangered.”

Furthermore, the ticket grants admission to the Rose Center for Earth and Space, as well as the Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation.

Ticket Prices

Adult ticket (13 to 59 years): US$28
Child ticket (3 to 12 years): US$16
Seniors ticket (60+ years): US$22
Infant ticket (up to 2 years): Free

General Admission + One

The General Admission + One ticket includes admission to all permanent exhibitions plus one Special Exhibition. 

Visitors can chose between a host of special exhibitions according to their preferences,

You can select the Special Exhibition you want to try once you are in the museum. 

Ticket Prices

Adult ticket (13 to 59 years): US$34
Child ticket (3 to 12 years): US$20
Seniors ticket (60+ years): US$27
Infant ticket (up to 2 years): Free


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American Museum of Natural History with CityPass

If you are in New York on an extended holiday and want to visit the American Museum of Natural History, we recommend the New York CityPass.

With CityPASS, you can save up to 40% on New York’s top attractions and skip ticket lines at all places. 

With the best New York discount card, you can see some of the city’s most popular attractions, such as the Empire State Building, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, the Statue of Liberty, the American Museum of Natural History, etc. 

CityPASS includes general admission to AMNH, one Special Exhibition, and entry to the Rose Center for Earth and Space.

Adult Pass (18+ years): US$138
Child Pass (6 to 17 years): US$118

Infants up to the age of five do not require a ticket.

Visual Story: 13 must-know tips before visiting American Museum of Natural History


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Combo Tickets

To make the most of your visit to New York, it’s best to plan ahead and book a combo ticket.

Take advantage of exclusive deals and explore the city’s top attractions near the American Museum of Natural History, some of which are within a couple of miles.

You can buy the American Museum of Natural History tickets in combination with tickets for the Edge Hudson YardsMoMABronx Zoo9/11 Memorial & MuseumThe Guggenheim, or One World Observatory.

Combo tickets are ideal for large families, groups, or those on a budget holiday and can help you visit all major attractions by booking just once!

Avail discounts of up to 10% when booking these combo tickets.

Ticket Cost
American Museum of Natural History + Edge Hudson Yards US$62
American Museum of Natural History + MoMA US$55
American Museum of Natural History + Bronx Zoo US$56
American Museum of Natural History + The Guggenheim US$58
American Museum of Natural History + 9/11 Memorial & Museum US$58
American Museum of Natural History + One World Observatory US$68

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How to reach

The American Museum of Natural History is situated on Manhattan’s Upper West Side in New York City.

Address: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024, USA. Get Directions

You can reach the AMNH by public transport or car.

Museum’s entrance

Visitors can enter the Museum through Central Park West (upstairs) at 79th Street or the accessible entrance on 81st Street/Rose Center for Earth and Space.

American Museum of Natural History members can use the member entrance on Central Park West at 79th Street (ground level, via the driveway).

By Bus

Get down at the W 81 St/Central Park W stop to reach the museum.

Take the M79-SBS bus.

By Subway

81 St-Museum of Natural History is the closest subway station to AMNH.

It can be reached by subway line A, B, or C.

By Car

If you are driving by car, turn on Google Maps and get started!

American Museum of Natural History has parking with its entrance at 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. 


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Timings

The American Museum of Natural History is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm.

There is no last time of entry. 

Visitors who enter the Museum during the last hour of the day – from 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm – can step in for free.

The Museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

How long does AMNH take?

If you book the most popular General Admission + One special exhibition ticket, you will need at least three and a half hours to explore the American Museum of Natural History.

If you book the General Admission ticket, the cheapest way to get in, you can finish your tour in two and a half hours. 

It is a massive museum, and some visitors explore the entire day.

We recommend you learn about the American Museum of Natural History’s exhibits and plan an itinerary.

However long you stay, be assured of lots of walking, so you need good shoes and water.

Best time to visit AMNH

Mastadon at American Museum of Natural History
Mastadon at American Museum of Natural History. Image: Amnh.org

We suggest booking your tour on a weekday when the museum is less busy for a more enjoyable visit.

Mornings and late evenings typically have fewer visitors, making for a more peaceful visit.

It’s best to arrive at the American Museum of Natural History when it opens at 10 am.

Weekends and public holidays are the most crowded at the attraction.


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Is the American Museum of Natural History free?

American Museum of Natural History is free for visitors who qualify for one or more of the following conditions – 

  • Caregivers accompanying visitors with disabilities
  • US military and their families* 
  • Cool Culture pass holders

*All family members can enter for free from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day. For the rest of the year, along with the US military personnel, one guest gets free admission.

Even though general admission fees are waived for this set of visitors, they still require a timed-entry reservation

Pay What You Wish Admission

New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut residents 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 driver’s license, IDNYC, State ID card, Library card, Student ID, Current utility bill with address, or Voter registration card.

Special exhibitions such as Nature of Color, Creatures of Light, planetarium shows, and giant-screen films are not included and can’t be added to the Pay-What-You-Wish ticket. 

Even the locals must book General Admission + One ticket to see the special exhibitions.


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Entry to Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals

The 11,000-square-foot Mignone Halls house one of the world’s most important collections of gems and minerals.

The newly redesigned part of the museum showcases 5,000 specimens from 95 countries. 

All American Museum of Natural History tickets include entry to the Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals.

However, visitors must join a virtual line once they arrive at the museum. 

Once inside the museum, look for signs near the entrances for instructions or ask a staff member. 

Since the Halls of Gems and Minerals is popular with visitors, spots in the virtual line often fill up by early afternoon.


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Map of American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History comprises 26 interconnected buildings and has 45 permanent exhibition halls and a planetarium.

The massive museum contains over 34 million exhibits, of which only a small portion is on display at any time. 

Knowing the museum’s floor plan helps avoid getting lost and missing out on significant exhibits. 

Besides helping you locate the exhibits and exhibitions, the American Museum of Natural History’s map also helps spot visitor services such as restrooms, cafes, souvenir shops, visitor assistance booths, etc.

Explorer app

You can also download the free Explorer app, which offers turn-by-turn directions and highlights. It is available on both iOS and Android

The app offers navigation from every corner of the museum, including the shortest and most accessible routes.

The Explorer app is available in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, and its language is automatically set to your device’s language.


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Restaurants at AMNH

American Museum of Natural History has three places to eat – the Food Court on the Lower Level, Cafe on One on the first floor, and Cafe on Four on the fourth floor. 

These outlets are open from 10.30 am to 3.30 pm, Wednesday to Sunday, and cater to various palates.

Café on One also serves wines by the glass and a selection of beers.

Since the entry tickets allow re-admission, some visitors prefer to step out, dine, and get back in.

Eating is not allowed in Museum galleries. 

You can get some nearby restaurant recommendations here and here.

FAQs about the American Museum of Natural History.

Here are some questions visitors usually ask before visiting the American Museum of Natural History.

Should I pre-book tickets for the American Museum of Natural History?

It is best to buy the tickets online to ensure availability and have a seamless experience.

Are tickets for special exhibitions included in the general admission price?

No, tickets for special exhibitions are not included in the general admission price and must be purchased separately.

Is photography allowed inside the American Museum of Natural History?

Photography for personal use is allowed in most areas of the museum, but flash and tripods are not permitted.

Can I bring food to the American Museum of Natural History?

Outside food and drink are not allowed in the museum, but there are several dining options available inside.

Are strollers allowed inside the American Museum of Natural History?

Yes, strollers are allowed inside the museum, but they must be folded in certain areas.

Is there a gift shop at the American Museum of Natural History?

Yes, there are several gift shops throughout the museum that sell souvenirs, books, and other items.

Is the American Museum of Natural History accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, the museum is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities, with wheelchair rentals available for free.

Sources

# Amnh.org
# Wikipedia.org
# Tripadvisor.com
# Nyc-arts.org

The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy.

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This article was researched & written by

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

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