American Museum of Natural History

Since it first began presenting exhibits to the general public in the Central Park Arsenal building more than 30 years ago, the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) has been devoted to bringing the public cutting-edge anthropological and natural history information and displays – profiling both the past and present.

From giant dinosaur skeletons to a state-of-the-art planetarium, the four floors of the museum are a giant playground for both adults and children, especially those who love animals and science.

Permanent exhibitions include a fantastic Fossil Hall, home to the world’s largest collection of vertebrate fossils – nearly 1 million specimens in all. Culture Halls house the Division of Anthropology and explore the unique traditions of Asia, the Pacific, North and South America, and Africa.

The museum’s Mammal Halls, full of fascinating dioramas, take visitors across various continents and through ancient time periods. The Bird Halls profile local avian creatures as well as global ones, including the fascinating world of oceanic birds.

The 11,000-square-foot Hall of Biodiversity, opened in 1998 and one of the newest additions to AMNH, is dedicated to “the need to protect and preserve our planet's biodiversity, the variety and interdependence of Earth's life forms.”

The magnificent Rose Center for Earth and Space opened in 2000. This 333,500 square-foot section of the museum houses the newly renovated Hayden Planetarium and exhibition halls that explore the planets, stars, and galaxies.

The American Museum of Natural History also offers many temporary exhibits and a variety of public programs, including lectures, family events, field trips, workshops, film festivals, and live performances.

The museum is open daily except Christmas Day and Thanksgiving. Combination tickets are available that include admission to the museum’s exhibits, the planetarium show, and an Imax film.

A food court and 2 cafes are available onsite for hungry visitors and the museum shop offers books, posters, jewelry, apparel, and unique gifts for kids and adults.