History of the museum
The American Museum of Natural History, arguably the coolest science museum in the world, was the filming location for the movie "Night at the Museum." It appeals equally to children and adults.
Founded in 1869, the museum initially had a rather dreary existence. It was organized by American naturalist Albert Bickmore with support from several financiers. Soon, the government began supporting the project, but it did not receive much attention and was primarily of interest to a few scientists. The museum teetered on the brink of bankruptcy and was initially housed in a makeshift building on a desolate site beyond the park, with minimal infrastructure and accessibility.
The situation dramatically changed between 1885 and 1910, known as The Golden Age of Explorations. Philanthropist Morris Jesup and geologist Henry Osborn took the helm of the museum. They oversaw several museum expeditions, expanded the exhibition sector, and strengthened ties with government authorities. Scientific laboratories were opened on the premises, new buildings for museum staff were constructed, and specially equipped storage facilities were established.
The American Museum of Natural History in New York has become the premier natural history museum in the USA.
What to see in the Natural History Museum
For a full exploration of the exhibits, we recommend setting aside about 6 hours. However, it might be best to split your visits into two or three sessions to avoid fatigue and enhance your ability to absorb information.
Moreover, the museum operates a suggested admission policy. This means you can pay any amount for your ticket; the recommended price is $23, but you are free to contribute less, according to your conscience. Nevertheless, we recommend paying the suggested amount if possible — the salaries of the employees are funded by government grants, and these contributions go towards maintaining the exhibits and the restoration of the museum.
Paleontology
Remember the enormous dinosaur skeleton from "Night at the Museum"? That's just one of many. The Museum of Natural History likely houses the largest collection of ancient reptiles. It’s hard to capture just how awe-inspiring they are in words alone; visually, they are even more captivating and paralyzing. The collection includes over 50 dinosaur specimens, as well as mammoths and ancient birds... And these aren’t just boring fossils — each exhibit tells its own story and is maximally interactive.
The museum also features skeletons, wax figures, and genuine artifacts of early human life. It’s both fascinating and amusing — millions of years have passed, yet we still resemble our furry ancestors.
Flora and Fauna
Another vast section of the museum is dedicated to animals, birds, insects, and marine life. Indeed, the museum's origins lie in zoology, and it continues to excel in this area. All the displayed animals are life-sized and look just as they would in the wild, with each distinct natural zone accompanied by accessible explanations. For the more romantically inclined, there is even a butterfly gallery.
A separate display is dedicated to rocks and minerals. The history of each type of gemstone and valuable mineral, complete with examples, captivates even children.
Space
The museum boasts its own planetarium and several halls dedicated to the history and mechanics of the cosmos, making this one of the museum’s most intriguing sections. Visitors have access to multiple scientific attractions. For instance, you can find out how much you would weigh on the Moon or view the Universe from Jupiter's perspective. Even if you don't join a guided tour, consultants stationed throughout the museum can provide information and answer questions about the exhibits of interest.
Each section features special stands where you can take photos with museum characters and send them to family and friends via email. To ensure you have plenty to send, we invite you to visit the Museum of Natural History — humanity’s scientific heritage awaits!
Additional Information
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Address
Central Park West & 79th St, New York, NY 10024
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Phone
+1-212-769-5100
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Cost
Adult: $23.
Children (2-12): $13.
Senior Citizens and Students: $18.
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Mode of operation
Mon-Sun: 10:00 am – 5:45 pm.
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Web site
| Address | Central Park West & 79th St, New York, NY 10024 |
| Phone | +1-212-769-5100 |
| Cost | Adult: $23. Children (2-12): $13. Senior Citizens and Students: $18. |
| Mode of operation | Mon-Sun: 10:00 am – 5:45 pm. |
| Web site |
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