American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is much more than a collection of artifacts and specimens on Manhattan’s Upper West Side: it’s a gateway to the history of our planet and the universe. Known worldwide for its impressive dinosaur skeletons 🦖, iconic blue whale 🐋, and detailed dioramas, this place represents the wonder of scientific discovery and the diversity of life on Earth.
Located across from Central Park on 79th Street, the American Museum of Natural History is an essential stop for any visitor to New York, especially families and science lovers. Whether exploring the vast mammal halls, marveling at gems and minerals, or traveling through the cosmos in the Hayden Planetarium, its unique atmosphere makes it an educational and unforgettable experience.
Why Visit the American Museum of Natural History?
Visiting the American Museum of Natural History means immersing yourself in billions of years of natural history and human exploration. It’s an iconic New York institution that combines science, education, and wonder like few others in the world. Here you’ll find everything from fossils of prehistoric creatures to meteorites from outer space, along with cultural representations from around the globe. 🌎
Its cultural and scientific importance is undeniable: it houses one of the largest and most significant natural history collections in the world, with over 34 million specimens and artifacts. Furthermore, it is an active center for scientific research. Its halls have inspired generations and appeared in numerous films, solidifying its place in popular culture.
The museum is also a testament to the power of human curiosity. Founded in 1869, it has constantly grown and evolved, incorporating new technologies and discoveries. If you want to better understand our world and our place in it, this is the perfect place. 🤔🔬
How to Get to the American Museum of Natural History by Subway?
Main Stations
The main station providing direct access to the museum is 81st Street–Museum of Natural History, located directly beneath the building on Central Park West. This station is served by the B (weekdays only) and C lines and has entrances leading directly into the museum’s lower level.
Subway Lines to the American Museum of Natural History
The museum is well-connected by the New York City subway. The lines that take you directly to the 81st Street–Museum of Natural History station are:
- B (Orange line) – Operates weekdays only.
- C (Blue line) – Operates daily.
Alternatively, you can take the 1 line (Red line) to the 79th Street station on Broadway and walk a few blocks east.
How to Get to the American Museum of Natural History from:
Central Park / Columbus Circle
If you’re in the southern area of Central Park or at Columbus Circle, simply take the B (weekdays) or C line northbound (Uptown) from the 59th St–Columbus Circle station. It’s only a few stops to 81st Street. You can also enjoy a pleasant walk across Central Park. 🚶♀️🌳
Lower Manhattan (Wall Street / World Trade Center)
From Wall Street or the World Trade Center, you can take the C line (northbound) directly to the 81st Street–Museum of Natural History station. Another option is to take the A line (northbound) and transfer to the local C line at an express stop like 59th St–Columbus Circle.
Brooklyn (DUMBO / Williamsburg)
From DUMBO, you can take the northbound C line at the High St station. From Williamsburg, take the G line to Hoyt-Schermerhorn Sts and transfer to the northbound C line, or take the L line to 14th St–Union Sq and transfer to an N/Q/R/W train to 59th St, then take the B or C to 81st St.
Queens (Long Island City / Flushing)
From Long Island City, you can take the E line towards Manhattan to 7th Ave–53rd St and transfer to the northbound B (weekdays) or C line. From Flushing, take the 7 line to Times Sq–42 St and transfer there to the northbound C line.
Harlem
From Harlem, you can take the B (weekdays) or C line southbound (Downtown) directly to the 81st Street–Museum of Natural History station.
Airports (JFK / LaGuardia / Newark)
From JFK Airport, take the AirTrain to the Howard Beach station and transfer to the A line. Transfer to the C line at an express stop like 59th St–Columbus Circle. From LaGuardia, take the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus to Jackson Hts–Roosevelt Ave and transfer to the E line. Transfer to the C at 7th Ave–53rd St. From Newark, take NJ Transit to Penn Station, and then the northbound C line. ✈️🚆
What to Do at the American Museum of Natural History?
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the largest museum complexes in the world, offering an incredible variety of exhibits and experiences. From colossal fossils to brilliant gems and cosmic journeys, there’s something to fascinate visitors of all ages. ✨
Explore the Dinosaur and Fossil Halls
The dinosaur halls are undoubtedly one of the biggest attractions. Admire the imposing skeletons of the Tyrannosaurus rex, the Apatosaurus, and the enormous Patagotitan mayorum (The Titanosaur). The halls are divided by evolutionary clades (Saurischian and Ornithischian), offering a deep insight into the age of dinosaurs. 🦖🦴
Marvel at the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life
Enter beneath the famous life-sized model of a 94-foot (29-meter) blue whale hanging from the ceiling. This hall explores the diversity of marine life with detailed dioramas and interactive exhibits that immerse you in the mysteries of the ocean. 🐋🌊🐠
Journey Through the Cosmos at the Rose Center for Earth and Space
Don’t miss the Hayden Planetarium Space Show, an immersive experience that transports you across the universe. The Rose Center also houses the Cosmic Pathway and the Hall of the Universe, exploring astronomy and astrophysics. 🌌🪐☄️
Visit the Cultural and Mammal Halls
Wander through the famous diorama halls, such as the Akeley Hall of African Mammals, the Hall of North American Mammals, and the cultural halls exploring the civilizations of Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. The dioramas are works of art that recreate habitats with astonishing realism. 🐘🦁🐻
Discover the Gilder Center and Temporary Exhibitions
Explore the modern Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation, with its unique architecture and interactive exhibits like the butterfly vivarium and the insectarium. Additionally, the museum always features fascinating temporary exhibitions on various scientific topics. 🦋🐜💡
Attractions Near the American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is located in a prime area of the Upper West Side, surrounded by parks, other cultural institutions, and charming streets perfect for exploring on foot.
Central Park
Just across the street lies Central Park. You can visit nearby spots within the park like Strawberry Fields (the John Lennon memorial), The Lake where you can rent rowboats, or walk to Belvedere Castle for beautiful views of the park and the city. 🌳🏞️🛶
New-York Historical Society Museum & Library
Right next to the museum on Central Park West is the New-York Historical Society. It’s New York’s oldest museum and offers fascinating exhibitions about the history of the city and the country, perfectly complementing a visit to the Natural History Museum. 🏛️📜🖌️
Columbus Avenue
Take a stroll down Columbus Avenue, the avenue just west of the museum. It’s filled with charming boutiques, bookstores, cozy cafes, and restaurants with outdoor seating, perfect for relaxing after your museum visit. 🛍️☕🍽️
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
A few blocks north, on 83rd Street, you’ll find the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. It’s a fantastic place if you’re traveling with young children, featuring interactive exhibits designed specifically for them. 🧒🎨🧩
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
A bit further south (about 15 blocks or a short subway/bus ride away), you’ll find Lincoln Center, home to world-renowned institutions like the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, and the New York Philharmonic. You can admire its architecture or even attend a performance. 🎶🎭🎻
The Beacon Theatre
Located at Broadway and 74th Street, the Beacon Theatre is a historic concert hall with stunning decor. Check its schedule, as it often hosts world-famous musicians and comedians. 🎤🎸✨
Tips for Visiting the American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is huge and very popular. Here are some tips to make your visit as pleasant and enriching as possible. 👍
Best Time of Day to Go
To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting the museum on a weekday and, if possible, first thing in the morning (right when it opens). Weekends and holidays are usually very crowded, as are afternoons during the school year due to school trips. ⏰🎒
Avoiding Crowds
The museum has 45 permanent exhibition halls – it’s easy to get lost! Plan your visit by checking the museum map in advance and deciding which halls are priorities for you. The dinosaur halls, the blue whale, and temporary exhibitions are usually the most popular. Consider visiting these areas first or during off-peak hours. 🗺️🚶♂️
Security
The museum is a safe place, but given its size and the number of people, keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times. If you’re with children, establish a meeting point in case you get separated. Museum staff and security guards are available to help if you need assistance. 👀👨👩👧👦
What to Bring and What Not to Bring
Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking! 👟 Air conditioning can be strong in the summer, so a light jacket or sweater might be useful. You can bring your own reusable water bottle. There are water fountains and cafes inside the museum. Large backpacks may need to be checked or stored in the coat check (check the museum’s policy). Eating and drinking are not allowed in the exhibition halls. 💧🧥🥪
