American Museum of Natural History

Use your pass for entry to the Natural History Museum New York and discover every facet of natural science, from the human body to space and animal life.

Visit the American Museum of Natural History with Go City®

• Our pass gives you access to all halls, including the Rose Center for Earth and Space and the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation. 
• Free guided tours around the exhibition. 
• Your New York pass also includes dozens of other top attractions, tours and experiences, all for one money-saving price.

The American Museum of Natural History in New York is one of the largest in the world and over five million history buffs visit every year. You might even recognize it as the star of the Robin Williams movie Night at the Museum.

The impressive exhibits include a 94-foot whale model, the 563-carat Star of India sapphire, and a giant Sequoia tree almost 2,000 years old. You’ll also find one of the biggest collections of fossils and dinosaur bones in the world.

Free official guided tours of the museum highlights and specific exhibitions are included with your ticket, so make sure you pick up a schedule on your way in.

Museum of Natural History in NYC highlights

Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation – explore the museum's newest and most spectacularly designed exhibition hall to reveal how all life is connected. The Gilder Center showcases the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, which houses up to 1,000 free-flying butterflies, the Susan and Peter J. Solomon Family Insectarium, home to the largest leafcutter ant colony in the U.S. and floor-to-ceiling displays of the collections that help us understand the natural world and global cultures. 

Earth and Space halls – browse rare rocks and meteorites, see the stars in the planetarium, and learn all about space exploration.

Human and Culture halls – learn all about the origins of mankind and explore cultures and traditions across different continents.

Animal halls – see giant replicas of birds, primates, and mammals from around the world.

Fossil halls – explore this impressive dinosaur skeleton and fossil collection.

Environment halls – discover the plants and trees that populate America's forests and then venture under the sea to meet all kinds of marine life.

American Museum of Natural History facts

• The Museum of Natural History is also an important scientific research institution – it sponsors more than 100 field exhibitions every year, with projects in Chile, Cuba, China and many more.
• In the early seasons of Friends, Ross Geller works at the Museum of Natural History.
• The American Museum of Natural History was founded in 1869.
• The impressive collection at this museum includes over 33 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites, human remains, and human cultural artifacts. Only a small fraction of these can be displayed at once, so you'll need to visit over and over again to see it all.
• The American Museum of Natural History is made up of 28 buildings and 45 exhibition halls.
• The American Museum of Natural History’s mission statement is: "To discover, interpret, and disseminate—through scientific research and education—knowledge about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe."

Getting in: you must present your valid pass for scanning to receive entrance at either of these two locations:

1. Rose Center Entrance (81st St between Central Park West and Columbus Ave) and proceed downstairs to the Will Call window (Insider tip: this location often has shorter lines)
2. Main Entrance (79th St at Central Park West) and proceed to the Vouchers Desk

Included extra: your pass entitles you to free general admission. If you would like to upgrade your admission ticket to include a temporary exhibit, IMAX or 3D film, OR a Hayden Planetarium Space Show, you may do so for an additional fee directly at the Museum.

Tips for visiting the American Museum of Natural History

• The Natural History Museum New York is fully accessible.
• Consult the map of the museum to plan which exhibitions to see.
• Plan to spend around 2 hours 30 minutes at the Museum of Natural History, but reserve an extra hour if you intend to see a special exhibition.
• The museum doesn’t allow food and drink, except for water bottles.
• Leave large bags behind at the hotel or you will have to leave them at Coat Check for an additional $2 charge per item.

For more information, visit the official American Museum of Natural History website.

American Museum of Natural History tickets help

Simply ask our help team if you have any questions. 

American Museum of Natural History FAQs

Q. What exhibits can I see at the American Museum of Natural History?
A. The museum has a vast collection of exhibits, including the Hall of Biodiversity, Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs, the Rose Center for Earth and Space, and the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation.

Q. Can I bring my own food to the museum?
A. Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the museum, but there are multiple cafes and restaurants available for dining.

Q. Is there parking available at the American Museum of Natural History?
A. The museum does not have a parking lot, but there are several parking garages available in the surrounding area.

Q. Are there any special events or exhibitions happening at the American Museum of Natural History?
A. Yes, the museum regularly hosts special events and temporary exhibitions, such as the Butterfly Conservatory and the Holiday Train Show.

Q. Are there any accommodations available for visitors with disabilities?
A. Yes, the museum provides accessibility services, including wheelchair rentals, sign language interpreters, and audio-described tours.

Q. What is the Pay What You Wish policy for local residents?
A. If you are a resident of New York, New Jersey or Connecticut, the amount you pay for General Admission to the Museum is up to you and includes access to more than 40 permanent exhibition halls, the Rose Center for Earth and Space, and the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. Please note that General Admission does not include ticketed exhibitions, the butterfly vivarium, the giant-screen film, and Hayden Planetarium Space Show.