American Museum of Natural History

Roam the halls filled with history, nature and world cultures.

The Museum of Natural History is one the largest natural history museum in the world spanning 4 city blocks, home to 45 permanent exhibitions as well as a planetarium and multiple rotating shows. In a matter of hours you can go back in time to 90 millions years seeing an actual T-Rex model, view a replica of a blue whale while taking a deep dive in the ocean and explore the mysteries of the Dark Universe.

We’ve all gone to the American Museum of Natural History on occasions but never altogether and were excited to spend a day out during Easter weekend. We spent a total of 4 hours in the afternoon at the museum and have to admit, it was very crowded due to Spring break and Easter holiday. Within that time span, we were able to enjoy two special exhibits “Backyard Wilderness” in the Lefrak Theatre and The Butterfly Conservatory as well as the the Hall of Biodiversity, Hall of Ocean Life, New York State Environment and Hall of Asian People. Yes, you can easily spend an entire day and not see all of the museum. The highlight of our day was at the Butterfly Conservatory where a staff educating us on the various kinds of butterflies took the opportunity to place one on Annie’s chair handle so that she’s get a closer look at it, needless to say she was ecstatic.

The children and I went back for a second visit two days laters because I wanted to see Dark Universe and the T-Rex exhibit. Dark Universe, shown in the Hayden Planetarium Space Theatre, was really fascinating. Since we did not go back with Annie I was pleased to see another wheelchair user there who was given preference ahead of the crowd. The T-Rex exhibit required timed tickets and depicts the life of the tyrannosaur family through a variety of interactive experiences immersive virtual reality experiences amongst other interactive explorations.

We'd highly recommend a visit to this museum, adventure beckons!

Suggested Duration: 4 hours minimum

Important tips:
- Use the interactive map and plan ahead, the museum is HUGE and takes time to get from one area to the next. Click here for the map .
- Events for the disabled community is listed here .
- Staffs were sparse and lines were long to get information. Elevators were crowded and slow.
- Email response accessibility@amnh.org is within 1-2 days, call if you need a faster response.
- There is no large family room, however The Hall of South American Peoples on the 2nd floor tend to be on the quieter side. You're also allowed to leave and re-enter if you need a break.
- Accessible seating in the Lefrak Theatre seems to be along the sides only.
- The Hayden Planetarium screen is domed shape and goes over your head. Those with limited neck mobility should be aware.
- T-Rex: The Ultimate Predator exhibit space is fully accessible however I don’t believe the virtual reality experience to be.
 

Accessibility Information:
- Fully Accessible
- Accessible restrooms are on the lower level, first floor and fourth floors only so plan accordingly.
- Best drop off for Access-A-Ride and wheelchair users: 56 West 81st Street, New York, NY 10024. Accessible entrance is located at 81st Street at the Rose Center for Earth and Space between Columbus Circle and Central Park West. Additional entrance is at 77th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.
- Service Animals are welcome
- Captioning and Listening Devices available.
- Sign language tours available on request with two weeks prior notice.
- Touchable tours available

- Click here for full accessibility information.
- Companion Care room in the Gilder Center
- Wheelchair rental available at the membership desk directly inside the 81st Street Rose Center Entrance, at the main entrance on Central Park West, in the parking garage, at the 79th Street Membership Entrance and at the Gilder Center Entrance
- Food courts are accessible and great to grab a quick meal.

Location:
79th Street & Central Park West
New York, NY 10024
Phone: 212-769-5250
Website: https://www.amnh.org
Email: accessibility@amnh.org

Schedule: Open Daily Week at 10am - 5:30pm except Thanksgiving & Christmas Day

Public Transportation: The M79 bus travels east/west on West 79th Street across Central Park, with a stop next to the Museum on West 81st Street. Other buses also stop at or near the Museum, including the M7, M10, M11, M86, and M104 buses stops nearby M1, M2, M3, M4, BxM2, M79SBS, M86SBS

Admissions:
General Admission + All Special Exhibits, Giant Screen Film and Space Show Tickets:
Adult $28
Child (ages 3-12) $16
Senior + Student $22
Caretakers are free.
Pay as you wish and special pricing available for NY, NJ and CT residents.
More ticket options available on the website .

Dining: A wider variety of dining is now available with the Gilder Center opening. See full details here.

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.amnh.org/ for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024