Visit the American Museum of Natural History
in New York

History and architecture of the museum

Founded in 1869, the museum opened its doors to the public in December 1877. The original architects, Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould, designed the first part of the building in a distinctive neo-Gothic style. The monumental entrance in the shape of a Roman triumphal arch, completed in 1936, is the work of John Russell Pope and today dominates the main façade.

The south wing, built by Josiah Cleaveland Cady, features a distinct neo-Romanesque influence with its brown stone. This architectural diversity reflects the continuous expansion of the collections over the decades. The current building is the result of centuries of major scientific and structural improvements, now housing more than 32 million specimens.

Located on the Upper West Side, facing Central Park, the museum benefits from a strategic location. Opened in December 1877, it employs more than 1,200 people and funds about a hundred scientific expeditions each year. This institutional dynamism ensures the freshness and relevance of the exhibitions presented to the public.

What to see at the NYC Museum of Natural History

The Dinosaur Hall (Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs) offers an immersive experience with life-sized skeletons. The T-Rex and sauropods are presented in their reconstructed prehistoric habitat. It is the emotional highlight of the visit, ideal for families with children aged 5 and up, among the 3 million paleontological specimens.

In the ocean hall, a life-sized reconstruction of a blue whale is suspended. This masterpiece helps understand the true scale of this colossal animal. Right next to it, an authentic Haida war canoe measuring 20 meters long testifies to ancient human cultures. An Apatosaurus skeleton welcomes visitors in the Romanesque basilica.

The Rose Center for Earth and Space houses the Hayden Planetarium, which requires a paid add-on. The Morgan Memorial Hall displays the Star of India, the largest blue sapphire in the world. These mineral and astronomical treasures complement the museum's rich scientific offerings, including some of the world's richest paleontology and insect collections.

Logistics and visit itinerary

Plan for a minimum of 3 to 4 hours to cover the key floors without rushing. With more than 10,000 steps to walk across 4 main floors, comfortable shoes are imperative. Large bags are prohibited at the entrance according to security guidelines; prefer a compact backpack for your visit to facilitate movement through the halls.

The general admission ticket grants access to the permanent halls but excludes the Hayden Planetarium and immersive exhibitions like 'Invisible Worlds'. These add-ons must be booked separately. Residents of New York State benefit from a reduced rate visible on the official website, while other visitors pay a standard price. Remember to check rates for children and students.

To avoid crowds, start with the upper floors (geography/planetarium) before heading down to the dinosaurs. Use the official map to target 3 major halls rather than trying to see everything. This approach allows for a balanced and less physically tiring visit. Don't forget to check the opening hours, which vary by day.