New York Tickets

American Museum of Natural History Tickets

4.5(24.2K Ratings)

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From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Clara De La Rosa
US

Clara

United States
Apr 2025
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+1 more

All the staff who work there are very helpful, the animal exhibits are almost real, very quiet and comfortable to spend with the family apart from a wonderful exterior.
rafi ron elimelech
IL

Rafi

Israel
Apr 2025
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A very rich and varied display presents an image in realistic light with a detailed explanation, highly recommended to see
massimiliano giacobetti

Massimiliano

Mar 2025
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+2 more

wonderful view of the city with all its lights from a unique point of view compared to other skyscrapers avoided the queue thanks to the tickets purchased in advance
Jai Dhupar
IN

Jai

India
Feb 2024
ticketing experice was great, you may like bucket activties which require prior bookings .also, you should clear the message to do booking for each pass, (like 2 bookings for 2 pass) rest .. all experice was great.

Top things to do in New York

Stepping through the American Museum of Natural History's grand entrance, you'll be transported back in time, unraveling the incredible stories of our planet's past. From the towering ​T-Rex skeleton to the awe-inspiring Hall of Biodiversity, there's something for everyone. Stay on this page to find out about your American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) tickets, what to see, & more!

Why visit the American Museum of Natural History

Dinosaurs at American Museum of Natural History
Hayden Planetarium at American Museum of Natural History
Blue whale model at American Museum of Natural History
Northwest Coast Hall at American Museum of Natural History
Inside American Museum of Natural History
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Time travel through Earth's history

Witness the mesmerizing evolution of our planet and its inhabitants, from the awe-inspiring dinosaurs of prehistoric eras to the incredible biodiversity of today.

More about AMNH's dinosaur exhibits

Dive deep into cosmic mysteries

Embark on an astronomical adventure beneath the iconic Hayden Planetarium's cosmic dome. Marvel at the mysteries of the universe as you learn about black holes, distant galaxies, and the mind-bending possibilities of space exploration.

Hayden Planetarium and its shows

Encounter extraordinary creatures

From the towering blue whale model that dwarfs all else to majestic dinosaurs, prepare to be enchanted by the wonders of the natural world.

Learn about our ancestors

Discover the rich tapestry of human history and culture, from ancient civilizations to contemporary societies.

Explore the Human Origins and Cultural Halls at AMNH

Inspire curiosity and wonder

Whether you're a science enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, the American Museum of Natural History promises to ignite your curiosity and leave you in awe of the beauty, complexity, and interconnectedness of our world.

Things to know before booking your AMNH tickets

  • Admission tickets are not sold onsite. Book your tickets online before your visit. 
  • All special exhibits at AMNH require additional tickets. The General Admission ticket does not grant you access to these experiences.
  • Upgrade your admission ticket to include access to one of the special exhibits. You can select the ticketed exhibit of your choice at the entrance when you visit. The ticket only includes access to one special exhibit, and if you wish to view more than one on your visit, you can purchase tickets to the exhibits at the museum itself.
  • The following exhibits are ticketed:

  • If you’re a resident of New York State, you can pay whatever you wish to enter the museum by showing a valid ID.
  • General admission entry to AMNH is free for the last hour before the museum closes, 4:30pm onward. But if you want to view multiple exhibits on your visit, it is recommended to spend at least 4 to 5 hours at the museum. You can also expect crowds during this time.

Which ticket is best for you

If you're on a budget

If you're on a budget

Go for: Admission tickets

This is a budget-friendly option that allows you to maximize your experience at the American Museum of Natural History without overspending on entertainment while learning a whole deal about everything from biodiversity to Earth and Space all in one place. You can also see one of five special exhibits with your ticket with a small upgrade.

Entry: Yes
Access to permanent exhibits: Yes
Access to special exhibits: Access to 1 ticketed exhibit with upgrade
Rose Center for Earth and Space: Yes
Gilder Center: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes

Recommended tours:

American Museum of Natural History Tickets

American Museum of Natural History Tickets + 1 Ticketed Exhibition
If you want to explore New York

If you want to explore New York

Go for: Combo tickets

Buying combo tickets for the American Museum of Natural History and other attractions in New York allows you to experience multiple iconic sites. This convenient option enables you to streamline your visit, maximizing your time exploring the city's diverse offerings without the hassle of buying separate admission tickets.

Entry: Yes
Access to permanent exhibits: Yes
Access to special exhibits: Access to 1 ticketed exhibit with upgrade
Rose Center for Earth and Space: Yes
Gilder Center: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes

Recommended tours:

American Museum of Natural History with 1 to 3 Top NYC Attraction Tickets

Combo (Save 5%): American Museum of Natural History Tickets + Edge Observation Deck Timed Entry Tickets

Combo (Save 8%): American Museum of Natural History Tickets + The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Tickets

New York CityPASS®: Choose 5 Attractions

Permanent exhibitions at AMNH

Manta Ray exhibit at American National History Museum.
Gems and minerals exhibit at American National History Museum showcasing colorful crystals and stones.
American Museum of Natural History dinosaur skeleton exhibit in New York City.
Visitors exploring The Hall of Human Origins exhibit at the American National History Museum.
Visitors observing African Elephant Hall at American Museum of Natural History, New York.
Statue of Theodore Roosevelt on horseback at American Museum of Natural History, New York City.
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Biodiversity and Environmental Halls

From insects in the forests to ocean life, and everything in between. Enter the biodiversity halls to explore exhibits that showcase the vibrant life on our planet in all its beauty.

Explore the Biodiversity and Environmental Halls

Birds and Reptiles and Amphibians Halls

Find the birds you may see on your hikes around the US, or on your walk to the neighborhood cafe in these halls. See the unique reptiles and amphibian exhibits and explore their evolution in their habitats through realistic dioramas and displays.

Explore the Birds and Reptiles and Amphibians Halls

Earth and Planetary Sciences Halls

Prepare to be dazzled by the stunning display of gems and minerals found in these halls. From shimmering diamonds to vibrant amethysts, each specimen is a true work of art. Keep an eye out for the unique fluorescent minerals that glow under UV light - it's like stepping into a magical world!

Explore the Earth and Planetary Sciences Halls

Fossil Halls

Prepare to be awestruck as you come face-to-face with towering tyrannosaurs and long-necked diplodocus in this epic hall. Marvel at the incredibly detailed reconstructions and learn about the Earth's prehistoric past. Can you spot the fossilized footprints left by ancient giants? It's like stepping into your very own Jurassic Park!

Explore the Fossil Halls

Human Origins and Cultural Halls

Embark on a fascinating journey to uncover the story of human evolution in this thought-provoking hall. Explore interactive displays and examine real fossils that offer insights into our ancestors. Don't miss the 3D reconstructions of early humans - it's like reaching back in time and shaking hands with the past.

Explore the Human Origins and Cultural Halls

Mammal Halls

Get up close and personal with some of Earth's most fascinating creatures in this hall. From towering elephants to cunning foxes, the lifelike dioramas transport you to different habitats around the world. Keep an eye out for the leaping mountain goat - it's so realistic, you might just catch yourself holding your breath.

Explore the Mammal Halls

Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation

Bugs, bees, archived research, fossils, and so much more! The Gilder Center is filled with over 3,000 unique objects ranging from ancient tools and artifacts to extinct mammals, Megalodon teeth, an insectarium, a collection of Nabokov's butterflies, and 2,000 more fascinating collected items.

Explore the Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation

Rose Center for Earth and Space

The architectural, engineering, and design marvel, Rose Center, is home to the Hayden Sphere, the globe with exhibits that take you on a journey through space and time - of the planet, of our galaxy, of the universe, of the human species, in multiple interactive and immersive ways.

Explore the Rose Center for Earth and Space

Theodore Roosevelt Memorial

Step into history as you wander through this majestic hall dedicated to one of America's greatest presidents. Marvel at the larger-than-life statue of Roosevelt on horseback, exuding strength and determination. Fun fact: The statue's left stirrup is worn down from countless visitors hoping for a little extra luck!

Explore the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial

Discovery Room

The Discovery Room is designed to spark curiosity for children. The interactive sessions are designed by keeping the concept of learning through play in mind. They get a chance to assemble a dinosaur skeleton from scratch, learn about the planet and space with fun and engaging mediums, and they take a hands-on approach to scientific learning and discovery.

Explore the Discovery Room

Special exhibits at AMNH

The Secret World of Elephants

Find out how elephants live and communicate with interactive exhibits, learn about ancient and modern elephant species, and explore the evolving relationship between humans, the planet, and elephants through the ages in this exhibit.

On view till August 3, 2025

Location: Floor 4, LeFrak Family Gallery
Included with general admission: No

Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium

Visit this year-round butterfly exhibit that has a pupae incubator where you can watch butterflies emerge from their cocoons, micro-environments filled with dozens of species of tropical plants, up to 80 species of butterflies, a separate display for moths, and many other interactive displays!

Location: Floor 2, Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation

What you'll see at the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium

Invisible Worlds: Immersive Experience

From Central Park to the neural network in your brain, the rainforests of Brazil, or even the microscopic plankton in the ocean, travel the world like never before in this immersive exhibit and explore the intricate ways in which we’re linked together.

Location: Floor 3, Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation

What you'll see at Invisible Worlds

Worlds Beyond Earth in the Giant-Screen Theater

Narrated by Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong'o, Worlds Beyond Earth tells the story of the dynamic worlds that share our solar system and the unique conditions that make life on Earth possible.

On view till August 31, 2025

Location: Floor 1, LeFrak Theater

Encounters in the Milky Way: The New Hayden Planetarium Space Show

The Museum’s new Space Show is narrated by Pedro Pascal. Discover the chance encounters that have shaped our place in the universe. Reaching billions of years into the past and peering millions of years into the future, Encounters in the Milky Way is a time-traveling journey about the cosmic movements that shape our galactic neighborhood.

Location: Floor 1, Hayden Planetarium, Rose Center for Earth and Space

What you'll see at Encounters in the Milky Way

Life at the Limits: Nature’s Superheroes

Meet the amazing species that survive and thrive on planet Earth. Over billions of years, living things have evolved from simple cells into an awe-inspiring array of life forms—a spectacle of colors, textures, behaviors, specialized parts, and exacting skills.

Location: Floor 3, Gallery 3

What you'll see at the Life at the Limits exhibit

The special exhibits above are not included with your general admission ticket. Find all the ticketed and non-ticketed special exhibits on display ​here.

Plan your visit

American Museum of Natural History

Regular hours: Daily from 10am to 5:30pm

Closed on: Thanksgiving Day (November 28) and Christmas Day (December 25)

Duration of visit: 2-3 hours

Best time to visit: The best days to visit are Monday through Thursday at 10am when the museum opens as it tends to be less crowded right after opening. If you are visiting on a weekend, consider going later in the day after 3pm. Since this is an indoor attraction, you can visit during the monsoon (April to June) and winter (December to February) when tourist footfall is generally lesser in New York.

More about AMNH timings

Address: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024, USA | ​Find on Maps

  • By subway: B (weekdays only) or C to 81st Street.
    Nearest stop: Broadway and West 79th Street
  • By bus: M7, M10, M11, M86, & M104.
    Nearest stop: Central Park
  • By car: Arrive at 56 West 81st Street via Central Park West.
    Parking: Parking is available within the museum.
  • ByHop-on hop-off bus: Take the Uptown loop in Big Bus Tours and TopView Sightseeing
    Closest stop: American Museum of Natural History
Directions to AMNH
Rest room in American Museum of Natural History
  • Restrooms: Restrooms are available on all floors of the museum. 
  • Feeding stations: Feeding areas are present at the Rose Center on the Lower Level and the Gilder Center on Level 3.
  • Companion care room: A companion care room is available at the Gilder Center on Level 3 to care for your loved ones.
  • Lost and found: If you loose an item, head to the security desk on the first floor.
  • Storage: Luggage storage is unavailable. Avoid carrying large bags.
  • Elevators: Elevators and ramps are present throughout the museum, connecting all floors.
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  • You can use your timed-entry ticket to re-enter on the same day.
  • Make sure children 12 years and under are always accompanied by an adult.
  • Strollers are allowed throughout the American Museum of Natural History, except in theaters.
  • While dogs or other pets are not allowed inside the museum, service animals are.
  • You cannot bring in outside food or drink. But water bottles are an exception.
  • Do not eat in the museum galleries.
  • You can take pictures within the museum, but you cannot bring along selfie-sticks, tripods and lights.
  • Large bags, backpacks, weapons, and noxious substances are not allowed within the museum.
Cafe at American Museum of Natural History

You can find a range of dining options at the American Museum of Natural History from cafes, to restaurants and food courts.

  • The Restaurant at Gilder: At The Restaurant at Gilder, you can devour locally sourced, contemporary American cuisine with table-service dining overlooking the Kenneth C. Griffin Exploration Atrium.
  • Museum Food Court: The food court features a diverse menu that changes daily, and accommodates various dietary preferences by offering gluten-free and nut-free options.
  • Cafe on 1: This cafe serves up gourmet fare including fresh panini sandwiches, cheese and dried fruit plates, desserts, espresso, and cold beverages.
  • Cafe on 4: Pick up delicious soups, salads, fruit, cold beverages, and desserts at Cafe on 4.
Restaurants at AMNH
Gift shop at  American Museum of Natural History

Visit the American Museum of Natural History gift shops to browse through a range of items including books, posters, merchandise, souvenirs, and more! Gift shops are present on almost every floor of the museum.

  • Gilder Gift Shop
  • Invisible Worlds Shop
  • Dino Store
  • Cosmic Shop
  • Planetarium Shop
  • Exhibition Shops
Gift shops and memorabilia at AMNH
Photography not allowed sign
  • To ensure the preservation of the exhibits, the museum prohibits the use of flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks.
  • Don't forget to turn your cell phone on silent mode and refrain from talking loudly to maintain a respectful and peaceful environment.
  • While touching the exhibits is not allowed, you can engage with interactive displays and participate in hands-on activities throughout the museum.
  • Beat the crowds by arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
  • Consider purchasing your tickets online in advance to skip the ticket lines and save time.
  • Make sure to pick up a museum map at the entrance to help navigate your way through the exhibits and focus on your areas of interest.
Plan your visit to AMNH

Beyond the American Museum of Natural History

Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art

MoMA is a treasure trove of iconic works, including Van Gogh's "Starry Night" and Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon." Explore innovative exhibitions that showcase art's evolution in a sleek, dynamic setting.

Empire State Building

Empire State Building

Ascend to the Empire State Building's observation deck for breathtaking views of the city's skyline, day or night. It's a symbol of New York City and a must-visit landmark with an unforgettable sight of the city that never sleeps.

Central Park Zoo

Take a short walk to visit the Central Park Zoo after a day of learning and exploration about the planet and the universe. See animal species from around the world in their habitats, participate in interactive experiences, and continue your day of fun and engagement in the heart of NYC.

Frequently asked questions about American Museum of Natural History tickets

What can I see with the general admission ticket?

With a ​general admission ticket to the American Museum of Natural History, you can explore a wide range of permanent exhibits and attractions including the Rose Center for Earth & Space, Fossil Halls, Animal Halls, Human & Culture Halls, and the Environment Halls.

Are audio guides included with my ticket?

Audio guides are not included with the general admission ticket to the American Museum of Natural History. You can, however, make use of the museum’s ​Explorer app for turn-by-turn directions to exhibits and highlights.

Can I view any ticketed exhibitions with my admission ticket?

With a ​general admission ticket, you cannot access ticketed exhibitions like The Secret World of Elephants. You will need to purchase tickets separately for these exhibitions.

Can I park for free if I display my online ticket?

Parking is not included with your ticket. The museum does not offer complimentary parking and it is chargeable on an hourly basis.

How early should I reserve my spot?

Book your American Museum of Natural History tickets online at least a week in advance.

Which entrance do I use to enter the museum?

You can enter the museum through the Central Park West entrance, Rose Center for Earth and Space Entrance located at 81st Street, and the Gilder Center Entrance on 79th Street.

Is it better to book the New York Pass or the general admission ticket?

The ​general admission ticket gives you entry only to the American Museum of Natural History. If you plan on spending more time in New York, we suggest you pick up the ​New York CityPASS that gives you access to 5 attractions over a period of 9 days.

Do visitors with disabilities get discounted tickets?

While those with disabilities do not get discounted tickets, caregivers accompanying them will not have to buy separate tickets.

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