The Museum of Natural History: A World of Discovery

The Cornerstone of New York

For as long as most people can remember, the American Museum of Natural History has been one of the defining museums of New York City. And now, the museum is able to remain open with timed-entry tickets. It is an educational opportunity and wonderful experience for families, children, couples, and anyone that has a hankering for cultivating knowledge of the past, the present, the future. Not to mention the museum is located on the west side of the iconic Central Park, where guests can explore the park after a day of learning and experiencing the American Museum of Natural History.

Plan Your Visit

There are many different ways to experience the museum, but planning your trip is the most important. There are tours that can be taken with a tour guide and is accommodating for the museum’s guests who speak French, Spanish, and Chinese.  You can pre-book group tours for families, companies, camps, and classes that are set up to optimize the exhibits that you are most interested in. Be sure to check out which exhibits are coming up and plan your trip accordingly!

Current Exhibits

The Origami Holiday Tree

Between November 25, 2020 and January 10, 2021 the beloved Origami Holiday Tree will be on display. The exhibit is free admission with a ticket. This exhibit isn’t exactly new – it’s been a traditional for more than 40 years. This year the theme is Cranes and Colors, featuring 1,000 colored origami cranes, presented as symbols of peace and good wishes as New York continues to face challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. It also draws inspiration from the Nature of Color special exhibition, which explores the role and power of color in the natural world. This 13-foot tree is one you won’t want to miss! Online, The American Museum of History offers a origami crane how-to so others can learn how to replicate some of the work that has made up this unique tree. For more information, click here.

Hall of Ornithischian Dinosaurs

If you have seen any movies, shows, or photos, you have probably seen images of the great large fossil displays forged together to give the guests one of the closest representation of prehistoric creatures. For children, there is nothing more exciting than seeing a gigantic fossil recreation of a Brachiosaurus or a Pterodactyl!

Hall of New York State Mammals

This hall offers a unique way to explore the diversity of local wildlife. The cased displays show more than 50 land mammals including everything from shrews to bats, beavers and bobcats. There is a lot to learn about what is right in our own backyards, and this is the perfect opportunity to do so.

Virtual Visits 

The American Museum of Natural History can be experienced virtually via Google’s Art and Culture platform. Through the platform, viewers can see inside the museum and take a glimpse at the museum’s famous exhibitions and collections. Explore multiple historic eras and get a behind the scenes look at the American Museum of Natural History through its virtual tours today.

“The renovated dinosaur floor—what many visitors, especially kids, consider the museum’s crowning glory—showcases over 600 dinosaur fossils.”

—Lauren Aaronson, New York Magazine

Getting to the American Museum of Natural History

Experience the American Museum of Natural History via Amtrak to Penn Station in New York City—Don’t forget to use the New York By Rail 15% discount!

Where to Stay in NYC:

Looking for a getaway opportunity? Spend the night and experience all New York City has to offer. Take a look at these great hotel options—some offering exclusive New York By Rail discounts!