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The ultimate guide to plan your visit to American Museum of Natural History

Opening hours

American Museum of Natural History
  • Timings: 10am to 5:30pm
  • Closed: Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
  • Last admission: The last admission to the museum is at 5pm
More about AMNH timings

Best time to visit

American Museum of Natural History

For the best experience at the American Museum of Natural History, visit in the morning when it opens at 10am or in the afternoon around 2pm when the crowds are lighter. Weekdays, especially from Tuesday to Thursday, tend to be less busy compared to weekends.

If you're visiting in late fall or winter, you'll enjoy a quieter atmosphere, making it easier to explore the museum's vast galleries. To avoid large school groups, it's best to steer clear of peak times like school holidays.

Where is the American Museum of Natural History?

The American Museum of Natural History is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City. It is situated in Theodore Roosevelt Park along the western edge of Central Park, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city.

  • Address: 200 Central Park W, New York, NY 10024, United States
  • Closest landmark: Central Park
Directions to AMNH

How to get to the American Museum of Natural History?

American Museum of Natural History

By public transport

  • By bus: Take the M79 bus, which stops on West 81st Street. The museum is a 5-minute walk from the stop. Other buses that stop near the museum include the M7, M10, M11, M86, and M104.
  • By subway: Take the B or C train to 81st Street-Museum of Natural History station, which is directly connected to the museum. Alternatively, the 1 train stops at Broadway and West 79th Street, about two blocks away. The museum is a 5-7 minute walk from both stops.
  • By taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout the city. A taxi ride to the museum from popular areas like Times Square typically takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
American Museum of Natural History

By personal transport

  • By car: If driving, you can reach the museum via Central Park West. The parking garage entrance is located at 54 W 81st Street. 
  • Parking: You can avail a parking spot for an hourly fee, but it can be limited, so arrive early.
  • By bike: The museum provides bicycle racks in the driveway of the Rose Center for Earth and Space and within the parking garage.
  • By scooter: If you’re traveling by scooter, you can park and lock it at any of the racks located outside the entrances at 81st Street (Rose Center for Earth and Space) and 77th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue

Know before you go

American Museum of Natural History
  • Cloakroom: The museum currently does not offer coat check services. Avoid bringing large bags or backpacks, as they are not permitted inside.
  • Gift shop: Located near the entrance, the gift shop features a wide range of items, including educational toys, books, and unique souvenirs related to the museum's exhibits.
  • Restrooms: Public restrooms are accessible on every floor, including family and gender-neutral options. Facilities are designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities.
  • Dining: The museum offers several dining facilities, with variety of food options, desserts, and beverages.
  • Lost and found: The museum has a Lost and Found counter an the first-floor of the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall.
  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the museum for visitors, ensuring connectivity during your visit.
American Museum of Natural History
  • Wheelchairs: Available on a first-come, first-served basis at the coat check near the main entrance.
  • Accessible entrances: The 81st Street entrance is wheelchair accessible.
  • Elevators & ramps: All floors are accessible via elevators & ramps are provided.
  • Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are available on every floor.
  • Exhibits: Most exhibits are designed to be fully accessible.
  • Sensory & autism-friendly accommodations: The museum provides a social story to help visitors on the autism spectrum prepare for their visit. ASD-friendly tours are designed by the Discovery Squad as well. You can email accessibility@amnh.org or call 212-769-5200 to book a Discovery Squad Tour.
  • Hearing accessibility: Induction loop hearing systems are available upon request in select locations. Infrared assistive listening devices (headsets and/or neck loops) are also available.
  • Vision accessibility: Science Sense tours are held monthly, highlighting specific themes & exhibits through verbal descriptions & touchable objects.
American Museum of Natural History
  • Strollers: Strollers are welcome, with designated parking in areas they are not permitted. The recommended entrance for strollers is the 81st Street/Rose Center.
  • Lactation/nursing rooms: Private nursing rooms are available for nursing mothers, located at the lower level.
  • Family programs: The museum offers various family-friendly programs and activities, making it an engaging experience for children of all ages.
  • Interactive exhibits: The Discovery Room, designed for children aged 5–12, provides hands-on activities that engage young minds in science and natural history.
American Museum of Natural History
  • Prohibited items: Firearms, weapons, and hazardous materials are strictly prohibited. Visitors are also not allowed to carry drones, unmanned aircraft systems, or other remote-flying devices.
  • Bag restrictions: Large backpacks, suitcases, and luggage are not permitted inside the museum. Strollers are allowed but must be checked at certain exhibitions.
  • Security screening: All visitors are subject to security screening upon entering the museum. This may include bag checks and metal detectors.
  • Food and beverages: Eating and drinking are not allowed in exhibition areas. Visitors are welcome to enjoy food and beverages only in designated dining spaces.
  • Smoking: Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is not permitted anywhere inside the museum or on its grounds.
  • Photography: Photography for personal use is allowed, but tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks are prohibited.
American Museum of Natural History
  • The Restaurant at Gilder: Contemporary American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Popular dishes include seasonal salads and artisanal sandwiches. 
  • Café on 4: Casual dining spot with several grab-and-go options, including sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
  • Café on 1: Casual dining with a selection of sandwiches, salads, pastries, and beverages.
  • Museum Food Court: Choose from a wide selection that includes pizza, burgers, and international dishes, with plenty of seating and quick service.
  • The Milling Room: A 4-minute walk from the museum with upscale dining. Popular dishes include roasted chicken with root vegetables and their signature dry-aged steak.
Restaurants and cafes at AMNH
American Museum of Natural History
  • Museum Store: Located near the entrance, the Museum Store features a wide range of merchandise, including educational toys, books, and souvenirs related to the museum's exhibits.
  • Dino Store: This store specializes in dinosaur-themed merchandise, offering everything from plush toys and apparel to books and educational kits.
  • Cosmic Shop: For those interested in space and astronomy, the Cosmic Shop has everything from star charts and telescopes to NASA-themed apparel and meteorite fragments.
  • Gems and Minerals Shop: Located within the Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, this shop offers a selection of jewelry, minerals, and educational materials related to geology. 
  • Seasonal pop-up shops: Throughout the year, the museum features seasonal pop-up shops that offer limited-edition items and themed merchandise related to current exhibitions or events. 
  • Online: The museum's online store has a wide selection of items, including exclusive merchandise & educational resources, making it easy to shop from anywhere.
Shopping at AMNH
American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History
  • Central Park: This iconic urban park offers vast green spaces, walking paths, and recreational areas. You can take in scenic views, set up picnics, and enjoy activities like boating and cycling. | Find on Maps
  • The New York Historical Society: This museum features exhibitions on New York's history, art, and culture, along with a notable library and a café. | Find on Maps
  • Belvedere Castle: Nestled in Central Park, this charming castle has beautiful views of the park and surrounding cityscape. It also houses a visitor center and nature exhibits. | Find on Maps 
  • The Dakota: This historic apartment building is famous for its architecture and as the former home of John Lennon. You can admire its Gothic-style façade from the street. | Find on Maps 
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art: World-renowned museum featuring diverse art collections, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, just a short walk away. | Find on Maps

Frequently asked questions about visiting the American Museum of Natural History

Can I bring my pet to the museum?

Pets are not allowed inside the museum, except for service animals that assist visitors with disabilities.

Are guided tours available?

Yes, there are free guided tours available led by knowledgeable staff on your visit to AMNH. These tours are about 75 minutes long and are offered in additional languages based on tour guide availability. They also offer wheelchair access to those with disabilities. You can check the day’s schedule and sign up for a tour at the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall information desk on the First Floor. Keep in mind that spots are limited.

How long should I plan to spend at the museum while visiting AMNH?

Set aside 3 to 5 hours to explore the museum. However, to fully enjoy the exhibits, consider planning a longer visit, especially if you want to see special exhibitions.

What is the best way to navigate the museum?

The museum provides maps at the entrance and offers a mobile app that helps visitors navigate the exhibits. It’s advisable to plan your route in advance to maximize your visit.

Are there family-friendly activities?

Yes, the museum hosts various family-friendly programs and activities, including hands-on exhibits and special events designed to engage children and families in learning about science and nature while visiting AMNH.

More reads

Exterior view of the American Museum of Natural History

About

Children exploring exhibits in the American Museum of Natural History Discovery Room, New York City.

Special exhibits

American Museum of Natural History Hall of Asian Mammals exhibit featuring a group of Asian elephants.

Permanent exhibitions

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