Step into the natural world at the Biodiversity and Environmental Halls at the American Museum of Natural History. These exhibitions explore ecosystems across land and sea, from New York forests to the depths of the oceans. They offer a closer look at Earth’s environments, biodiversity, and how human activity impacts them.

About the exhibitions at the Biodiversity and Environmental Halls

The exhibitions and galleries within the Halls of Biodiversity and Environment at AMNH are grouped by ecosystem and topic, taking you on a journey around the natural world. Each hall is made up of immersive displays, life-size dioramas, and interactive learning experiences.

Location: Floor 1
Must-visit: The life-size model of the blue whale, the walk-through diorama of a New York forest, historic coral reef dioramas
Best for: Families with children, school groups, nature lovers, and anyone interested in environmental science or conservation

All Biodiversity & Environmental Halls galleries & exhibits at AMNH

Felix M. Warburg Hall of New York State Environment

This hall recreates a walk through a New York State forest over four seasons. You’ll find native animals, plants, and landscapes in realistic settings, highlighting how ecosystems change throughout the year. It's both scenic and educational, showing the richness of local environments.

Featured exhibits: Seasonal diorama of a New York forest, From Field to Lake, A geologic map of New York State

Theodore Roosevelt Hall of Biodiversity

Learn about the planet’s rich and diverse life and why there is an urgent need to preserve it. The walk-through installation features over 1,500 specimens in the Spectrum of Life wall, showing organisms across different ecosystems.

Featured exhibits: Spectrum of Life wall, rainforest diorama, Siberian tiger and dodo exhibits, the Endangered Species exhibit

Hall of North American Forests

Dedicated to forests across the continent, the Hall of North American Forests showcases how forests grow, change, and support wildlife. From the redwoods of California to Appalachian maple groves, you’ll get a chance to see forest ecology up close.

Featured exhibits: Giant Sequoia tree cross-section, forest floor diorama

Irma and Paul Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life

This iconic hall is home to the 94-foot blue whale model hanging from the ceiling. It explores marine biodiversity and ocean ecosystems, with life-size models of sea creatures and informative panels about their behavior and importance.

Featured exhibits: Blue whale model, Bahamian coral reef diorama from the 1920s, deep-sea creature dioramas

Frequently asked questions about the Biodiversity and Environmental Halls at AMNH

Is this part of the general admission ticket?

Yes, all the exhibits within the Biodiversity and Environmental Halls are included with your general admission ticket.

Are there any special ticketed exhibits in the Biodiversity Halls?

No. These specific halls are all part of the permanent collection and do not require a separate ticket.

Are there timed entries for any of the halls?

No timed entry is needed. You can visit at any time during the museum’s opening hours.

What are the must-see exhibits in these halls?

The life-size blue whale in the Ocean Life Hall, the Spectrum of Life wall in the Hall of Biodiversity, and the immersive seasonal forest diorama in the NYS Environment Hall are top picks.

Are these halls suitable for kids?

Absolutely. There are lots of visual exhibits and life-size models that appeal to kids. Great for families and school groups.

Is photography allowed?

Yes, non-flash photography is allowed for personal use in these halls. Tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted.