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Last updated: 25 June, 2023

Housing the world’s largest collection of fossils, including two famed halls of dinosaur skeletons and one million specimens, the American Museum of Natural History is a world-class attraction and a must-see for anyone remotely interested in nature.

The location ain’t bad either – on the edge of Central Park in trendy Upper West Side – and the building is an architectural stunner, worth stopping by to see in its own right.

Don’t miss

The museum’s Rose Centre for Earth & Space has a wealth of fascinating photographs, displays and interactive exhibits about outer space. Every half hour, on the half hour, they show a great ‘Journey to the Stars’ space documentary in the planetarium.

Logistics

Price from: £17
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Take the B or C subway to 81st Street. Book tickets in advance on the website to guarantee entry.

Before you go, download the museum’s ‘Explorer’ app, which has maps, directions and customized recommendations. You can also download a map PDF or pick up a printed one at information desks when you get there.

It’s also worth a quick look at the online interactive map of the galleries to plan what you want to see.

The City Pass

The mobile-delivered City Pass gives you entry to 6 top New York attractions at a 40% discount: the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observatory, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum, Ferry Access to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

When to do it

The museum is open all year round, seven days a week.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Museum of Natural History - Exclusive Guided Tour

New York City

Museum of Natural History - Exclusive Guided Tour
From dinosaurs to space rocks, The American Museum of Natural History houses some of the world’s most fascinating artifacts. This 2.5 hour exclusive guided museum tour will take you through the 28 buildings that make up this iconic landmark. Your guide will lead you through its halls, explaining its most interesting highlights.

Price: $126

Min age: 0

Rating 4.92 / 5 [149 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Met & Natural History Museum Skip-the-Line Combo Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max

New York City

Met & Natural History Museum Skip-the-Line Combo Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max
Join our enthusiastic guide and up to 8 guests on this 5.5 hour semi-private guided museum combo tour that will explore history, art, and nature’s marvels at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History. You’ll have a short break between the two museums to stay comfortable. Visit two of the Big Apple’s most iconic museums in one day, allowing you to make the most of your time in New York. Met Skip-the-Line NOTE: Initial security line cannot be bypassed and may vary in size depending on congestion.

Price: $243

Min age: 0

Rating 4.91 / 5 [45 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Museum of Natural History Guided Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max

New York City

Museum of Natural History Guided Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max
On this 2.5 hour semi-private (8 Guest maximum) guided museum tour, your guide will lead you through its seemingly endless halls, highlighting the must-see displays. Interested in traveling through time and space? The American Museum of Natural History is the closest you’ll get without leaving Manhattan! This massive museum houses some of the world’s most curious artifacts.

Price: $126

Min age: 0

Rating 5 / 5 [37 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Met & Natural History Museum Skip-the-Line - Exclusive Combo Tour

New York City

Met & Natural History Museum Skip-the-Line - Exclusive Combo Tour
On this 5.5 hour exclusive guided museum combo tour, your energetic guide will show you the best that these palatial museums have to offer. There’s no more efficient or engaging way to experience the best of New York’s museums than on this epic combo tour. Spend a day browsing the art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art before moving to the scientific marvels at the American Museum of Natural History on a private tour. Met Skip-the-Line NOTE: Initial security line cannot be bypassed and may vary in size depending on congestion.

Price: $243

Min age: 0

Rating 5 / 5 [25 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

New York City

New York, United States of America (USA)

New York City

The ‘city that never sleeps’ is a 24/7 thrill of soaring skyscrapers, jaw-dropping architecture, dynamic culture and world-class art, dining and performing arts scenes.