American Museum of Natural History
Natural history museum · Upper West Side ·
Natural history museum with dinosaur fossils, blue whale model, and insectarium
Natural history museum with dinosaur fossils, blue whale model, and insectarium
"Truly one of the world’s great natural history museums, this four-city-block campus across from Central Park represents all aspects of the natural world, from vast taxidermy mammals and depictions of Native American life to an entire hall of marine life with a life-size blue whale. The crown jewel is the dinosaur floor, where an imposing Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton dominates the room, and the newest draw is the Richard Gilder Center (opened May 2023) with a comprehensive insectarium and vivarium; Jeanne Gang’s breathtaking, dead-end-free architecture evokes Dune-like underground fortresses and makes wandering feel limitless." - Charlie Hobbs, Andrea Whittle
"We consider the American Museum of Natural History one of the UWS's family-friendly anchors — its exhibitions make the neighborhood one of the best spots in the city to visit with kids." - Madison Flager, Kat Chen
"A newly refurbished natural history museum recommended as a worthwhile complement to the city’s more conventional attractions." - Laura Rysman
"Classic and unmissable, this museum is worth elbowing through the tourists; the sheer size and grandeur astound every time, and the visit doubles as a deep educational experience." - Edward Barsamian
"My best friend got married here under the whale. Our kids love to run around, explore new parts of the museum, including the live butterfly pavilion, which is so tranquil." - Edward Barsamian