The American Museum of Natural History in NYC is an iconic museum that explores the wonders of the world we live in. While not an “art” museum, it focuses on the sciences and the world around us, including animals, plants, insects, geodes, minerals, dinosaurs, and so much more.

Before you go, listen to this episode covering some of the most famous exhibitions, tour options, ticket prices, and must-know tips for your visit to New York’s Museum of Natural History.

Quick Links:

• Buy your ticket in advance to beat the lines
• Access the Museum of Natural History + Empire State & 3 other activities for 41% off
• View the free Highlights Online Guide for the museum

Founded in 1869, the museum has been on a mission to facilitate discovery and share knowledge about humanity, the world around us, and the universe as a whole. It’s quite an undertaking, but one they excel at!

The Museum of Natural History is nestled into the heart of the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

It starts on Central Park West and spans 77th to 81st streets, filling the entirety of those blocks between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.

The museum is right near Central Park, making it the perfect complement to park explorations.

What are the Popular Things to See at the Natural History Museum?

Here are some that are included in the ‘Highlights’ tour offered by the Museum of Natural History:

• Most of floor 4, including the Megalodon, Mammoth, Triceratops, and Tyrannosaurus Rex
• A Hardosaur footprint made by a dinosaur over 72 million years ago (floor 3)
• Komodo dragon (floor 3)
• Moai Statue (floor 3)
• African elephants (floor 2)
• Gorilla (floor 2)
• Barosaurus and Allosaurus (floor 2)
• King penguin (floor 2)
• Climate wall, highlighting our changing climate and its effects (floor 1)
• Blue whale (floor 1)
• Giant Sequoia (floor 1)
• Lucy, a cast of the 3.18-million-year-old fossil of one of the first upright ancestors of humans (floor 1)
• Giant geodes (floor 1)
• Star of India, the largest-known gem-quality star sapphire at over 563 carats and about 2 billion years old (floor 1)

Our personal favorites are the Hall of Gems and Minerals and the Insectarium.

How Much are Museum of Natural History Tickets?
The museum offers ticket options for adults, children, students, and seniors. Here are the costs for tickets to the American Museum of Natural History in NYC:

• Adults – $30
• Children (age 3-12) – $18
• Students (with valid ID) – $24
• Senior (ages 60+) – $24

This price is quite standard for New York City museums, and you can easily spend 3-4 hours at the AMNH. I recommend buying tickets in advance to avoid long lines at the museum.

If you plan to visit the American Museum of Natural History during your trip and also want to go to an observation deck like the Empire State Building, the CityPass will likely save you money. The pass gives you access to:

1. American Museum of Natural History
2. Empire State Building Observatory with AM/PM access
3. Plus, any 3 from the following list:

As long as you use your admission within 9 days, you can get a LOT of value from this pass. On average, it saves you about 40% compared to buying 5 attractions individually. Get the New York CityPass here.

Does AMNH Offer Tours?

Tours are only through the official American Museum of Natural History. No 3rd-party tours are allowed inside the museum. Anyone who claims otherwise is trying to scam you.

Luckily, the museum offers many tours. We recommend checking their website to verify there will be a tour on the day you plan to attend. 

Tara Mor - You'll Have to Check It Out

Phenomenal Irish bar near MSG with amazing food. Check it out here.

Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access:

• Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location
• 50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more
• Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips

Get started here: ⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide