American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History, fondly nicknamed the “AMNH,” is one of the world’s preeminent natural history museums dedicated to understanding and sharing the wonders of our planet and beyond.

It boasts a staggering collection of over 33 million specimens across 45 permanent exhibition halls, spanning everything from dinosaurs and meteorites to human cultures and the universe itself.

With ongoing research, educational programs, and special exhibitions, the AMNH is a treasure trove for anyone curious about the natural world and our place within it.

History of the American Museum of Natural History

Founded in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History has captivated millions with its awe-inspiring exhibits and cutting-edge research.

The museum has had a long journey from humble beginnings to becoming a globally renowned institution.

Take a look at the timeline of the key events that shaped it’s evolution:

• 1861: Naturalist Albert S. Bickmore proposes the idea for the museum.
• 1869: The museum is officially founded, initially residing in Central Park’s Arsenal.
• 1872: Construction begins on the first dedicated museum building in Theodore Roosevelt Park.
• 1877: The museum opens its doors to the public with a ceremony attended by President Rutherford B. Hayes.
• 1880s-1890s: Early expeditions bring back vast collections of artifacts and fossils, including the iconic T. Rex specimen.
• 1900s: Expansion continues with new wings focusing on dinosaurs, mammals, and cultures of the Pacific. The Hayden Planetarium opens in 1908.
• 1920s-1930s: Educational programs like “Nature Minute” radio broadcasts reach millions. The Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall opens in 1936.
• 1940s-1950s: Research flourishes, with discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Coelacanth fish.
• 1960s-1970s: Focus shifts to environmental issues and cultural anthropology. The Hall of Human Origins opens in 1976.
• 1980s-1990s: Renovations modernize the museum, and the Rose Center for Earth and Space opens in 2000.
• 2000s-present: Continued global research and educational initiatives. Recent expansions include the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation in 2005.
• Today: The AMNH remains a world leader in natural history research, education, and accessibility, with over 33 million specimens and 45 exhibition halls to explore.

What to Expect When Visiting The American Museum of Natural History

The AMNH is vast and provides a rich and immersive experience that caters to a wide range of interests and age groups.

Visitors will be dazzled by dinosaurs, transported across galaxies, and immersed in the wonders of our planet.

Here’s a taste of what awaits you:

1. Diverse Exhibits: Explore a vast array of exhibits covering topics such as paleontology, anthropology, astronomy, and biology.
2. Dinosaur Fossils: Encounter impressive dinosaur fossils in the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs, including the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex.
3. Lifelike Dioramas: Marvel at lifelike dioramas depicting various ecosystems and wildlife, such as the Hall of African Mammals.
4. Hayden Planetarium: Experience the wonders of the universe in the Hayden Planetarium through immersive shows and astronomical displays.
5. Anthropological Collections: Learn about different cultures and human evolution through the museum’s extensive anthropological collections.
6. Butterfly Conservatory: Visit the seasonal Butterfly Conservatory to observe and interact with a variety of colorful butterfly species.
7. Educational Programs: Participate in educational programs, workshops, and lectures that cater to diverse interests and age groups.
8. Special Exhibitions: Explore rotating special exhibitions that highlight current scientific discoveries and research.
9. Family-Friendly Activities: Engage in family-friendly activities, including interactive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences.
10. Rose Center for Earth and Space: Discover the mysteries of Earth and the cosmos in the Rose Center, featuring the impressive Hayden Sphere and exhibits on Earth’s formation and space exploration.
11. Educational Resources: Take advantage of educational resources, including guided tours, audio guides, and informative signage throughout the museum.
12. Gift Shops and Dining: Enjoy shopping for unique gifts and souvenirs at the museum’s gift shops, and take a break at the on-site cafes and restaurants.

Remember, this is just a glimpse – the museum offers endless possibilities for exploration, learning, and wonder.

Location of The American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is located at:

200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024

It resides on Manhattan’s Upper West Side (UWS): a vibrant tapestry woven with cultural richness, stunning green spaces, and a distinctly family-friendly atmosphere nestled between the iconic Central Park and the scenic Hudson River.

The American Museum of Natural History Times & Tickets

The AMNH requires that you book your tickets in advance.

Visitors who show up

AMNH Member Hours

Members get to enjoy the exhibits without the hassle of crowds.

All membership levels grant access to the museum from 6:00p until 8:00p on select dates.

More benefits of becoming a member are below.

*This special pricing is for residents of New York, New Jersey & Connecticut with valid IDs and does not include ticketed exhibitions (ie: exhibits that require separate ticket purchases).

AMNH Pay What You Wish Admission

The American Museum of Natural History has a special “Pay What You Wish” program.

This program is valid for NY, NJ & CT residents with valid IDs and up to 4 General Admission tickets each visit.

There is a “suggested ticket price” that matches the regular resident ticket pricing.

Separately ticketed exhibitions do not qualify for this pricing and must be purchased separately from any “Pay What You Wish” tickets.

AMNH Membership

The American Museum of Natural History has 4 main categories of membership with each one then having between 3 – 6 subcategories of membership.

These are the main categories of AMNH membership and their costs:

• Adult memberships range from $139 – $1,250
• AMNH Family memberships range from $179 – $5,000
• Junior Council memberships range from $750 – $3,000
• Patrons Circle memberships range from $2,000 – $75,000

The general benefits of being an AMNH member include:

• Free General Admission and free tickets to all special exhibitions
• Free tickets to giant-screen movies on every visit 
• New: Free tickets to the immersive experience Invisible Worlds 
• New: Free tickets to the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium 
• Access to a Member Entrance
• 10% off Museum Shop purchases, plus Double Discount Days
• 15% off at the Museum Food Court, The Restaurant at Gilder, Cafe on 1, and Cafe on 4
• $12 parking garage flat rate for Members arriving any day from 4–11 pm
• Exclusive access to new or renovated galleries when they open

Each level of membership is going to include category-specific benefits and, naturally, as you go up in pricing you will get more benefits.