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American Museum of Natural History

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At a Glance

Time Needed: 240 min.

Ages: All

Allows Food/Drink: No

Luggage Storage: No

The American Museum of Natural History in New York City is one of the largest and most renowned museums of its kind in the world. It has a vast collection of over 34 million specimens, including fossils, meteorites, minerals, plants, and animals from around the globe. A tourist would want to visit the museum for its fascinating exhibits that showcase the history of our planet and its inhabitants. Some of the museum's most popular attractions include the dinosaur fossils, the Hall of Biodiversity, the Rose Center for Earth and Space, and the Butterfly Conservatory. Visitors can also learn about various cultures from around the world through the museum's extensive anthropological collections. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the American Museum of Natural History also hosts several temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions feature a range of topics, from ancient civilizations to current scientific research, and provide visitors with a unique and informative experience.

Central Park West & 79th St, New York, NY 10024 Get Directions





American Museum of Natural History Videos

Your dog may be 100% good boy, but he could also be 0.2% wild boy! New research from Museum scientist Audrey Lin shows that most modern dogs, from big Shiloh shepherds to tiny chihuahuas, carry small but noticeable traces of wolf ancestry from after they were first domesticated. These lingering wolf genes may have helped shape things like size, sense of smell, and even personality. A.T. Lin, R.A. Fairbanks, J. Barba-Montoya, H. Liu, & L. Kistler, A legacy of genetic entanglement with wolves shapes modern dogs, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 122 (48) e2421768122, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2421768122 (2025). #dogs #wolves #biology #genomics #research #science

If you’ve ever wondered how dinosaurs reproduced, the best place to start is with their surprisingly diverse—and sometimes colorful—eggs! While we only have fossil evidence, dinosaur eggs can reveal many secrets about these prehistoric animals. In this video, paleontologist Kimberley Chapelle dives deep into how dinosaurs started their lives. From peering inside tiny fossil embryos to eggs the size of soccer balls, scientists have new ways to study these prehistoric fossils to learn about dinosaur parenting, herds, and their connection to modern reptiles and birds. Comparing fossils to their living relatives can help us decode ancient dinosaur behaviors. #Dinosaurs #Paleontology #DinosaurEggs #DinoEggs #DinoFacts #PrehistoricLife

New research takes us inside the brain of a 230-million-year-old animal! Scientists used 3D technology and mathematical modeling to reconstruct the brains of pterosaurs and their pre-flight ancestors, the lagerpetids. They found that pterosaur brains had a uniquely large flocculus—a part of the brain that helps control gaze stabilization. Mario Bronzati, Akinobu Watanabe, Roger B.J. Benson, Rodrigo T. Müller, Lawrence M. Witmer, Martín D. Ezcurra, Felipe C. Montefeltro, M. Belén von Baczko, Bhart-Anjan S. Bhullar, Julia B. Desojo, Fabien Knoll, Max C. Langer, Stephan Lautenschlager, Michelle R. Stocker, Alan H. Turner, Ingmar Werneburg, Sterling J. Nesbitt, Matteo Fabbri. Neuroanatomical convergence between pterosaurs and non-avian paravians in the evolution of flight. Current Biology, 2025; DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.10.086 #ScienceFacts #Biology #Pterosaurs #Prehistoric #CTScan #research Funding support for this research was provided by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Brazilian Federal Government, The Paleontological Society, Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Técnica, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, the European Union NextGeneration EU/PRTR, the National Science Foundation ( NSF DEB 1754596, NSF IOB-0517257, IOS-1050154, IOS-1456503), and the Swedish Research Council.

Make this New Year's a stib-"nite" you won't forget! 💎 The large stibnite crystals are made up of tiny building blocks called unit cells, in which atoms and sulfur combine in a regular arrangement. Unit cells repeat in a 3D pattern to form a crystal. #americanmuseumofnaturalhistory #rocksandminerals #happynewyear

🐠 It’s the most fin-tastic time of the year! Dive into the holidays with some festive fish from our Ichthyology Collection with Museum Specialist Hannah Sinclair. #americanmuseumofnaturalhistory #science #naturalhistory #holidayseason #funfacts

Unlike animals such as arctic caribou, musk oxen don't migrate seasonally. Their squat, woolly bodies limit heat loss, even when temperatures plunge below -40° F. #dioramas #animals #americanmuseumofnaturalhistory #winter #cozy

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American Museum of Natural History News

Gamelan Kusuma Laras To Present 2025's KLENÈNGAN: CLASSICAL JAVANESE MUSIC IN AN INFORMAL SETTING

Gamelan Kusuma Laras will present an evening of Javanese music for the public in the klenengan format, which features musicians who gather for a kind of jam session, often arranged by a family for a special event.

The Hermitage Artist Retreat Welcomes Tiffany Colli-Moon As New Programs Director

The Hermitage Artist Retreat has announced Tiffany Colli-Moon as its new Programs Director, following a national search led by TOC Arts Partners. Joyous R. Pierce joins the organization as Artist & Alumni Relations Manager.

Neil DeGrasse Tyson Brings COSMIC COLLISIONS to Hershey Theatre

Join Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson at Hershey Theatre on March 5 for COSMIC COLLISIONS, exploring asteroid impacts and their effects on Earth.

New York's Cultural Institutions Group Adds BRIC, Pregones / Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, and More

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Commissioner Laurie Cumbo have announced five new members of the city’s Cultural Institutions Group.

SPACE! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL is Coming to Caveat in May

SPACE! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL will take place at Caveat in May. It's the marriage destined since the dawn of time: astrophysics and musical theater. Learn more!

HAVE YOU MET JANE GOODALL AND HER MOTHER? Special Events Announced At Ensemble Studio Theatre

Three Saturday post-show panel discussions on the scientific, historical, and cultural context have been announced for the world premiere comedy, HAVE YOU MET JANE GOODALL AND HER MOTHER?.

MTC Unveils Latest Recipients of Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Initiative commissions

Manhattan Theatre Club has revealed their latest recipients of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Initiative commissions for new theatrical works surrounding themes of science, math, and technology. Learn more about the commissioned writers.

Peel Dream Magazine Shares Two More Songs From Upcoming LP

Rose Main Reading Room, the fourth full length by Peel Dream Magazine, is a lush, inviting headphones record; the kind of album made to accompany city bus rides and rainy-day solo trips to accidental destinations. Listen to two new songs from the album now.


American Museum of Natural History Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest subway stops to American Museum of Natural History

The closest subway stops to the American Museum of Natural History at Central Park West & 79th St are:

1. 81st Street-Museum of Natural History Station - This station is located right next to the museum, making it the most convenient option. It is served by the B and C trains.

2. 79th Street Station - This station is a short walk away from the museum. It is served by the 1 train.

Both of these subway stops provide easy access to the museum and are well-connected to other parts of the city.

While you're in the area, I highly recommend exploring Central Park, which is right across the street from the museum. It's a beautiful oasis in the middle of the city and offers various activities such as walking, biking, and picnicking. You can also visit other iconic attractions nearby, such as the Strawberry Fields memorial dedicated to John Lennon and the Central Park Zoo.

For the latest subway updates and service changes, I recommend checking the official website of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) at https://new.mta.info/. This will provide you with real-time information on any delays or disruptions that may affect your travel plans.


What's the best way to get to American Museum of Natural History by bus?

The closest bus stops to the American Museum of Natural History at Central Park West & 79th St in New York City are:

1. Central Park West/W 79 St: This stop is served by the M10 bus. You can check for updates on the M10 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=101189).

2. Central Park West/W 81 St: This stop is served by the M10 and M79-SBS buses. You can check for updates on the M10 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=101191) and the M79-SBS bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=101193).

Please note that bus schedules and routes may be subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check for updates before your visit. Enjoy your trip to the American Museum of Natural History!


How much time should I plan to spend at American Museum of Natural History?

The American Museum of Natural History is a treasure trove of knowledge and exhibits, so it's easy to get lost in all the wonders it has to offer. Ideally, you should plan to spend at least half a day exploring this incredible museum. With over 45 exhibition halls, including the iconic Hall of Dinosaurs and the Rose Center for Earth and Space, there is so much to see and learn.

If you're a science enthusiast or have a particular interest in a specific area, you might want to allocate even more time to fully immerse yourself in the exhibits. Additionally, the museum often hosts special exhibitions and shows, so make sure to check their website for any temporary attractions that might catch your interest.

Remember, the American Museum of Natural History is a popular destination, so it's a good idea to arrive early to beat the crowds and make the most of your visit. Don't forget to grab a map at the entrance to help navigate your way through the museum's vast collection. Enjoy your time exploring the wonders of the natural world!


Can I bring food and drinks into American Museum of Natural History?

The American Museum of Natural History in New York City has a food and drink policy that allows visitors to bring their own food and beverages into the museum. However, please note that food and drinks are not permitted in exhibition halls or theaters. There are designated areas within the museum where you can enjoy your snacks and meals, such as the food court located on the lower level. Additionally, the museum has several cafes and a restaurant where you can purchase food and drinks if you prefer not to bring your own. Just remember to be respectful and clean up after yourself to help maintain the museum's cleanliness. Enjoy your visit to the American Museum of Natural History!


Does American Museum of Natural History offer luggage storage?

The American Museum of Natural History in New York City does not offer luggage storage facilities for visitors. For security reasons, backpacks, suitcases, and other large bags are not permitted inside the museum. However, you can find several luggage storage services near the museum where you can securely store your belongings while you explore the exhibits. These services typically charge a fee based on the size and duration of storage. Just a friendly reminder, it's always a good idea to travel light and leave large bags at your accommodation whenever possible to make your visit to the museum and other attractions more enjoyable.


Is American Museum of Natural History a good place to visit for foreign travelers who are not native English speakers?

Absolutely! The American Museum of Natural History is a fantastic destination for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. The museum offers multilingual exhibits, audio guides, and written materials in various languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, and more. This ensures that everyone can fully enjoy and understand the exhibits, regardless of their language proficiency.

The museum's exhibits are visually captivating and offer a wealth of information about the natural world, history, and culture. From the iconic dinosaur fossils in the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs to the stunning dioramas in the Hall of North American Mammals, there is something for everyone to marvel at.

Additionally, the museum frequently hosts special exhibitions that cover a wide range of topics, from ancient civilizations to space exploration. These exhibitions often include interactive displays and multimedia presentations, making them engaging for visitors of all ages and language backgrounds.

If you're planning a visit to the American Museum of Natural History, I highly recommend checking their website for information on current exhibitions and any language-specific services they may offer. It's a must-see attraction for anyone interested in science, history, and the wonders of the natural world.


What ages are appropriate for American Museum of Natural History?

The American Museum of Natural History in New York City is a fantastic destination for visitors of all ages! While it is particularly popular among families with children, people of all ages can enjoy the museum's exhibits and displays. The museum offers a wide range of interactive exhibits, fascinating artifacts, and educational programs that cater to both kids and adults. Whether you're a curious child or a lifelong learner, you'll find something to pique your interest at the American Museum of Natural History. So, don't hesitate to bring your family or explore the museum on your own – it's an experience you won't want to miss!


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