American Museum of Natural History Tours

American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History featuring interior views
American Museum of Natural History


See natural wonders from mammoth dinosaurs to delicate butterflies to outer space in this vast museum in the heart of Manhattan.

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s largest natural history museums, with over 32 million specimens and artifacts. Bring your family to this New York City attraction for enthralling hours of wonder.

Look for your favorite exhibits from the film A Night at the Museum, plus much more. The museum offers a special self-guided tour of “characters” from the film as well as other tours featuring dinosaurs, earth and space, whales, Theodore Roosevelt and museum highlights. Join a guided tour in English, French or Spanish.

Forty halls offer varied attractions for all interests. Reconstructed dinosaur skeletons in the Fossil Halls are popular with kids of all ages. Gaze in awe at the remains of these giant beasts. View lifelike dioramas of birds, reptiles, mammals and amphibians. The Hall of Biodiversity provides visualization of life’s beauty and vulnerability.

Cultural halls feature information on the peoples of the world, while the Earth and Planetary Sciences halls deal with mysteries of the solar system. Explore the universe at the Rose Center for Earth and Space, which includes the Hayden Planetarium and Hayden Big Bang Theater.

Learn about “Conservation President” Theodore Roosevelt, who is honored in several exhibit areas. Visit the Butterfly Conservatory from September through May. Investigate the temporary exhibitions that always offer fascinating themes.

Plan to spend a full day at the museum if you want to see most of the exhibits. When you’re hungry, visit the food court or one of the three cafés. Before you leave, pick up a scientific or unique gift from one of the museum’s four gift shops.

Choose from several pricing options for general admission and special exhibitions. Check in advance online to plan your visit and purchase tickets. To avoid school or vacation crowds, arrive early in the day midweek in late winter or spring. The museum is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Find the American Museum of Natural History on the western side of Central Park. At the end of the day, stroll around the lake in the park and discuss the highlights of your day’s museum visit.

Plan a trip to see American Museum of Natural History

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Reviews of American Museum of Natural History

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
88
5 - Excellent 73%
4 - Good
21
4 - Good 18%
3 - Okay
10
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

the planetarium is AWESOME!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It was fun, not as much as the Central Park Zoo, it's more fun to see live animals but it was educational.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Just expect large crowds the week between Christmas and New Year’s!

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Best Lodging Options Near American Museum of Natural History

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

4 out of 5
811 7th Ave, New York, NY
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
Hotel Edison Times Square

Hotel Edison Times Square

4 out of 5
228 W 47th St, New York, NY
Hotel Edison Times Square
Empire Hotel

Empire Hotel

4 out of 5
44 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Empire Hotel
Arthouse Hotel New York City

Arthouse Hotel New York City

4 out of 5
2178 Broadway at W 77th St, New York, NY
Arthouse Hotel New York City
The Lucerne Hotel

The Lucerne Hotel

4 out of 5
201 W 79th St, New York, NY
The Lucerne Hotel
Night Hotel Broadway

Night Hotel Broadway

2.5 out of 5
215 W 94th St, New York, NY
Night Hotel Broadway
Hotel Belleclaire

Hotel Belleclaire

4 out of 5
2175 Broadway, New York, NY
Hotel Belleclaire
The Manhattan at Times Square

The Manhattan at Times Square

4 out of 5
790 7th Ave, New York, NY
The Manhattan at Times Square
Paramount Times Square – A Generator Hotel

Paramount Times Square – A Generator Hotel

4 out of 5
235 West 46th Street, New York, NY
Paramount Times Square – A Generator Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near American Museum of Natural History

At the American Museum of Natural History, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including engaging museum outings and fascinating walking tours. Take part in local sightseeing tours or enjoy a quick stroll through the museum's exhibits. Nearby, you'll find vibrant entertainment options, such as theaters and art venues, making it a perfect destination for both education and leisure.

Shopping

While visiting the American Museum of Natural History, you can shop at Macy's, just 3.2km away, offering a lively family-friendly atmosphere. Tiffany & Co. is also nearby, only 1.6km away. If you're up for a drive, check out Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market, located 3.2km away, featuring unique local finds.

Recreation

Enjoy a concert at Carnegie Hall, just 1.6km away, where the vibrant atmosphere surrounds you. For relaxation, visit SoJo Spa Club, located three miles away, offering rejuvenating body treatments. For a fun adventure, skate at the Rink at Rockefeller Center, two miles away, perfect for sports and entertainment.

Adventure

Experience the thrilling DreamWorks Water Park, located 8.0km from the museum, where you can enjoy exciting water attractions. For climbing enthusiasts, the ExtraVertical Climbing Center, 1.3km away, offers outdoor sports vibes. Don’t miss the Central Park Tennis Center, located 1.4km away, for a fun tennis adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the American Museum of Natural History. Enjoy a romantic evening at the Beacon Theater, catch a family-friendly film at Broadway Theatre, or explore the wonders of the universe at the Hayden Planetarium. Each venue offers unique entertainment that will enhance your visit.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near American Museum of Natural History

Visitors to the American Museum of Natural History in New York can explore a range of attractions, including nearby urban parks and art museums. This vibrant area offers a rich cultural experience suitable for families, featuring notable sites like the history museum and other iconic New York City attractions. Don't miss the chance to delve into the wonders of natural history right at the museum itself, making for an enriching vacation experience.

  • Times Square: Experience the vibrant energy of Times Square, often referred to as The Crossroads of the World. This bustling hub is famous for its bright lights, massive electronic billboards, and a unique blend of street performers and tourists, making it a must-see for anyone visiting New York City.
  • Central Park: Escape the city's hustle and bustle in Central Park, a beautiful urban oasis just a short stroll away. Enjoy scenic pathways, tranquil lakes, and lush greenery, perfect for picnicking, jogging, or simply relaxing with family amid nature.
  • Broadway: Discover the magic of Broadway, a renowned street known for its world-class theaters and captivating performances. Enjoy a show and immerse yourself in the rich cultural scene that has made this area a cultural landmark in New York City.

Best time to go to American Museum of Natural History

The best time to visit American Museum of Natural History is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
April51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.4°F (24.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for American Museum of Natural History

To save money during your visit to the American Museum of Natural History, consider traveling from January to March when hotel prices are lower. Booking about a month in advance can help secure the best rates, particularly if you choose to stay on a Sunday, the cheapest day. Utilize tools like Expedia to find deals on hotels, flights, and activities by sorting options based on price and using filters for eco-friendly accommodations. Look for last-minute deals for spontaneity and consider combining your bookings for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around American Museum of Natural History are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to September to October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around American Museum of Natural History about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around American Museum of Natural History is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around American Museum of Natural History is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the American Museum of Natural History with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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