American Museum of Natural History exhibitions

The American Museum of Natural History has over 45 exhibition halls and hosts the most extensive range of exhibits. 

There are two types of exhibits at AMNH – included and special exhibitions. 

Visitors with the entry ticket do not have to pay extra to visit the included exhibits. 

However, you must pay extra to visit the Special exhibit or get a Plus One ticket.

Here is a detailed insight into the exhibitions at the American Museum of Natural History 

Included exhibitions

Currently, there are three ongoing exhibitions at the American Museum of National History.

You can enjoy free admission to these exhibits with your entry ticket. 

What’s in a Name?

Status: Ongoing

Location: Floor 4, Gilder Center – Alcove Gallery, David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Research Library and Learning Center

Discover the world of scientific naming in the new Alcove Gallery at the David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Research Library and Learning Center. 

This exhibition delves into the history, importance, and challenges of naming in science, focusing on insects. 

Explore the captivating journey from ancient times to today’s classification methods, with a special spotlight on insects.

You will observe rare books and exceptional illustrations from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Alongside historical pieces, the exhibition shows modern treasures, like the Andy Warhol print or the playful animal sculpture called Withus Orgainstus.

Garden of Green

Status: Ongoing

Location: Floor 1, Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, Meister Gallery

A new jewelry exhibition featuring green gemstones from the renowned French jewelry collection. 

The exhibit highlights 44 pieces, with 32 shown in the U.S. for the first time. 

These pieces are from Van Cleef & Arpels- a French high jewelry brand founded in 1906. 

They are known for creating jewelry and watches influenced by nature’s beauty, creatures, and colors. 

The collection includes shades of green gems, from peridot’s lively apple-green to the rich depths of malachite’s dark green.”

Extinct and Endangered

Status: Ongoing

Artist: Levon Biss

Location: Floor 2, Akeley Gallery and East Galleria

This is one of the famous exhibits in AMNH. 

Step into the fascinating world of small creatures like bees and butterflies and learn about their significant influence on our Earth. 

Explore this captivating journey through the remarkable macrophotography of Levon Biss, who skillfully captures 40 extraordinary yet vulnerable species. 

These large photographs, some as huge as 4.5 by 8 feet, showcase specimens from the Museum’s esteemed research collection. 

Each photograph in Extinct and Endangered is created from up to 10,000 individual images using special lenses, capturing microscopic detail.

Special Exhibitions 

Special exhibitions require an additional ticket. 

You can get entry to one special exhibition with the AMNH entry plus one ticket. 

Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium

Status: Ongoing

Type: Exhibition  

Location: Floor 2, Gilder Center

Explore the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, a year-round exhibition at the museum featuring 80 butterfly species within tropical surroundings. 

The renowned American Museum of Natural History butterfly exhibit is in this zone. 

You get to meet 1,000 butterflies and moths from all across the world.

With over 160,000 species globally, butterflies and moths inhabit every corner of the planet, from the tropics to the Arctic.

From the vibrant common green birdwing to the awe-inspiring atlas moth, up to 80 species grace the vivarium. 

Moths, including the enormous atlas moth, are displayed separately. 

Invisible Worlds

Status: Ongoing

Type: Immersive Experience  

Location: Floor 3, Gilder Center – Enter via Susan S. and Kenneth Wallach Gallery

This exhibit is designed to offer an immersive experience based on scientific data. 

It means you will get transported through the Brazilian rainforest to New York City and end up inside the human brain to witness the intricate nerve networking in this exhibit. 

Related and Connected sets the stage for the immersive journey- Invisible Worlds.

You can explore the connection between species and time here. 

You can enter the immersive experience anytime after Related and Connected. This part is called Become Part of the Story.

Starting from any point, visitors are transported through captivating scenes. 

Sharks 

Status: Open, December 15, 2022 — September 4, 2023

Type: Exhibition

Location: Floor 3, Gallery 3

The American Museum of Natural History shark exhibit features life-sized models of sharks, ranging from enormous megalodons to tiny species. 

It explores the evolution of ancient shark relatives with cartilage skeletons. 

You can see the constant tooth replacement in sharks contrasts with human teeth here. 

The variation in shark sizes is explained by environmental adaptation. Unique sensory abilities, such as detecting electromagnetic fields, are highlighted and explained!

Worlds Beyond Earth 

Status: Open, January 21, 2020 — December 31, 2024

Type: 2D-Screening 

Location: Floor 1, Hayden Planetarium

This 25-minute-long documentary talks about the dynamic worlds that share our solar system and the unique conditions that make life on Earth possible.

This documentary is narrated by the Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong. 

There is a show every 30 minutes starting at 10:30 am. The last show is at 4:30 pm.

Blue Whales: Return of the Giants

Status: Opened July 10, 2023

Type: 2D-Screening 

Location: Floor 1, LeFrak Theater 

Learn how the almost-extinct Blue Whales are returning from the brink of extinction.

You will see two scientific expeditions during the 45-minute screening, both of which provide insights into the lives of blue whales. 

This American Museum of Natural History exhibit –Blue Whales: Return of the Giants, entertains audiences of all ages.

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Suggested article: 

• American Museum of Natural History opening hours
• How to reach the American Museum of Natural History
• American Museum of Natural History tickets

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