American Museum of Natural History – tickets, prices, discounts, what to expect and more

The American Museum of National History is the world’s largest and most comprehensive natural history museum.

Over 5 million visitors visit AMNH annually to explore the 45 permanent exhibition halls and special exhibits. 

You can find exhibits from dinosaur fossils to human evolution and the culture of indigenous people worldwide. 

Titanosaurs, Easter Island heads, Blue Whale, Mammoth etc are some highlights of AMNH that inspired the movie ‘Night at the Museum.’

The AMNH is also well-known for its temporary and special exhibits and educational programs.

This article gives you all the information about American Museum of Natural History tickets, prices, hours, how to reach, what to expect and more. 

Where to buy AMNH tickets

You can buy American Museum of Natural History tickets online or at the counter. 

It’s advisable to get your tickets online ahead of time.

Online tickets are cheaper than tickets available at the museum ticket counter. 

If you buy tickets online, you skip the long wait, which might take 2 hours, especially during holidays and the busy tourist season in the spring.

You can also enjoy various options and customize your ticket according to your convenience. 

You can choose the exact date and time you want to visit the AMNH. 

AMNH ticket prices

American Museum of Natural History admission ticket is priced at $28 per adult between the ages of 13 to 59. 

Tickets for children of 3 to 12 years are priced at $16.

Infants until 2 years get free entry. 

Senior citizens between 60 and 99 years pay $22 for entry. 

Students with ID can get the entry ticket for $22. 

Residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut can avail the Pay-as-you-wish option.

Other tickets like Plus One and guided tours cost $34 and $127, respectively. 

American Museum of Natural History ticket discounts

While the general admission ticket to AMNH costs $28, children, infants, senior citizens and students get discounted tickets. 

Senior citizens and students with a valid ID can get a discount of $6.

Children between 3 to 12 years get a discount of $12. 

Infants below 3 years can enjoy free entry to American Museum of Hatural history. 

Residents of NY, NJ and CT enjoy the pay-as-you-wish option, wherein they can pay whatever they see fit for admission. They can refer to the suggested ticket pricing. 

The general admission fee is further waived for the following set of visitors: 

• Museum members and corporate members
• Caregivers accompanying visitors with disabilities
• US military and their families 
• Cool Culture pass holders

Note: All family members can enter for free from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day. Rest of the year, along with the US military personnel, one guest gets free admission.

Types of tickets to American Museum of Natural History

When visiting the American Museum of Natural History, having the right kind of ticket is essential. 

Here are all the possible American Museum of Natural History tickets for you to choose from:

1. General Entry ticket

This entry ticket lets you access the American Museum of Natural History, including the new Gilder Center. 

You will gain access to the 40+ Museum Halls, Rose Center, and Hayden Planetarium.

With this ticket, you can also enjoy the 3 included exhibitions. 

General admission tickets cost $26. 

2. Entry plus one 

One of the best general admission American Museum of Natural History tickets, with a twist. 

You can access one special temporary exhibition with this upgraded ticket! 

Marvel at the huge permanent collection of AMNH, and then head over to your chosen special exhibit!

This general admission ticket, plus one special exhibit, costs $34.  

3. Private guided tour 

If you want to take a private guided tour of the museum, then this American Museum of Natural History ticket is best.

An expert guide will take you around the National History Museum, highlighting all the interesting exhibits. 

With this ticket, enjoy skip-the-line admission and make the best out of your time within the 28 buildings of the museum. 

A simple private guided tour would cost you $127.

Note: If you want to take a tour of AMNH with your family, you can choose the family private tour option. It costs $519 for a family of four.  

 4. AMNH combination tickets

Combination tickets offer the chance to visit two attractions in NYC at discounted prices. 

You can save 10% on individual tickets with combo offers. 

Some of the best combination tickets for the American Museum of Natural History are given below:

Combination	Ticket Price	Buy Ticket
AMNH + MET	$243	Buy This Ticket
AMNH + MoMA	$51	Buy This Ticket
AMNH + 9/11 Museum	$58	Buy This Ticket
Central Park Bundle + Summit One Vanderbilt	$84	Buy This Ticket
AMNH + Bronx Zoo	$56	Buy This Ticket
AMNH + Statue of Liberty	$55	Buy This Ticket
AMNH + Empire State Building	$72	Buy This Ticket
AMNH + Guggenheim	$58	Buy This Ticket

American Museum of Natural History with City pass

City Passes offer entry to multiple attraction across New York city at a discounted price. 

It is the perfect money saving options for tourist visiting NYC. 

There are two types of City Passes available that can be used to visit the American Museum of Natural History. 

New York City Pass

You can visit top 5 attractions of NYC with this pass.

This city pass offers skip-the-line admission tickets to the AMNH and the Empire State Building.

You can add three more attractions to your itinerary with this pass. Choose from the extensive list of attractions, including, 

• Top of the Rock Observation Deck
• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
• 9/11 Memorial and Museum
• Guggenheim Museum, etc

This pass is valid for 9 days from the visit to the first attraction!

Ticket price: $138

Go City Explorer Pass

Choose from an even more extensive list of 90+ tours and attractions across New York. 

You can pick between a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10-choice pass. If you plan and pick the curated itineraries, you can save almost 50% of your admission fee. 

The pass will be valid for two years after the purchase but will activate once you visit the first attraction! After activation, you have 60 days to use it.

You can get free entry to American Museum of Natural History with this pass.

Ticket prices: $79 onward. 

Note: The ticket prices will vary depending on the number of attractions you choose.

Timed Entry to AMNH

To manage the crowds and ensure you have a good time with the exhibits, AMNH functions on timed entry. 

Tickets for the American Museum of Natural History come with designated entry times. 

Once you have purchased your American Museum of Natural History tickets, you will receive an email to reserve your time slot. 

Time slots are available from 10 am to 4 pm. 

You must arrive at the museum within 30 minutes of your chosen slot.

Last Minute American Museum of Natural History tickets

Last Minute AMNH tickets are here to save your day. 

Whether you found yourself at nonending ticket counter queues or forgot to book your entry tickets in advance, these tickets are here for the rescue.

Here are the best last-minute American Museum of Natural History tickets:

1. General Entry ticket

The general admission ticket is in high demand and if you are lucky, you might find some last tickets left on our ticket page.

With this last-minute American Museum of Natural History tickets, you gain access to the 40+ Museum Halls, Rose Center, and Hayden Planetarium.

These are all-day access American Museum of Natural History tickets that also give you skip-the-line entry! 

Ticket price: $26. 

2. Private guided tour 

If you can not secure a general entry ticket, a guided tour is always available.

You can also enjoy skip-the-line admission and private museum tours with this ticket. 

This American Museum of Natural History ticket is an excellent option for those looking to tour the museum highlights and increase their knowledge. 

You will be accompanied by an expert guide, who will show you the most interesting exhibits and engage you with the best facts!

Ticket price: $127.

Note: To take a family- tour of AMNH, choose the family private tour option. It costs $519 for a family of four. 

3. New York City Pass

The New York City pass gives you entry to the top 5 attractions of the city. 

You can get last-minute admission to AMNH with this pass. 

Also, enjoy assured skip-the-line entry to the Empire State Building and 3 more attractions of choice. 

This pass is valid for 9 days from the visit to the first attraction!

Ticket price: $138

What to Expect at the American Museum of Natural History

When visiting the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), you can expect an immersive and educational experience.

The AMNH is known for its wide array of exhibits covering topics such as dinosaurs, fossils, gems and minerals, human evolution, cultural artifacts, biodiversity, and more.

Each exhibit offers a deep dive into a specific subject, often presented through lifelike dioramas, interactive displays, and multimedia presentations.

You will see some of the most famous fossils in the world, including the dinosaur skeletons of the Tyrannosaurus rex and the Apatosaurus. 

These exhibits provide insights into the ancient history of our planet.

Enter the Hall of Gems and Minerals and marvel at breathtaking gems, rare minerals, and dazzling displays that showcase the Earth’s geological wonders.

If you are fascinated by space, you must visit the Rose Center for Earth and Space. It houses the Hayden Planetarium and exhibits that take you on a cosmic journey. 

You can access these space marvels with the entry ticket!

The AMNH offers educational programs for visitors of all ages.

If you have the time, try the hands-on activities, attend live demonstrations, and participate in workshops that make learning interactive and fun.

You cannot miss out on the temporary exhibits! 

The museum regularly features temporary exhibitions that cover a wide range of topics, from cutting-edge scientific discoveries to historical events and cultural phenomena.

You must purchase the entry plus one ticket to access the special exhibitions. 

Explore the museum’s gift shops for unique souvenirs, educational materials, and more. 

Enjoy a meal or a snack at the various dining options available within the museum.

Beyond the exhibits, the AMNH’s architecture is also a masterpiece. The grand halls and historic features add to the museum’s overall experience.

American Museum of Natural History opening hours

The American Museum of Natural History is open daily, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

The American Museum of Natural History opening hours start at 10 am and end at 5.30 pm. 

The last entry to the museum is at 4 pm. 

You might find yourself standing in lines while getting tickets on-site. These lines can last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. 

So, save the hassle and book your American Museum of Natural History tickets online. 

This way, you can enter right when the museum opens!

Best time to visit the American Museum of Natural History

The best time to visit the American Museum of Natural History would be early morning or last afternoon on weekdays. 

AMNH opens at 10 am daily, leaving you enough and more time to visit the entire collection. 

If you are traveling from outside New York, consider planning your trip between September and November. 

The weather is perfect, and the local schools are running, which reduces the crowd flocking to the museum.

How long does it take to tour the Museum?

The American Museum of Natural History is known for its extensive collection. It has over 40 permanent exhibitions spread across 11 exhibition halls.

These halls house permanent exhibitions based on specific themes or titles. Each of these halls might take around 45 mins to 1 hour, based on your interests.

The most popular exhibit halls are the Hall of Biodiversity, the Hall of Human Origins, the Rose Center for Earth and Space, and the Fossil Halls. 

AMNH keeps hosting special and temporary events based on various informative topics related to natural history. 

These may take another 40 mins to 1 hour, depending on your interest and the nature of the exhibit! 

It may take anywhere from 3 hours to an entire day, based on how much you wish to explore in the museum. 

How to Reach the AMNH

The American Museum of National History is in the heart of busy New York, making it accessible via public transport and personal vehicles!

Address: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024, USA.

New York is well-connected in terms of public transport and road networks, so you can use buses and subways to reach AMNH!

Museum entrance

The main entrance to the museum is from Central Park West (upstairs) at 79th Street. 

The accessible entrances are on 81st Street/Rose Center for Earth and Space or Columbus Avenue at 79th Street/Gilder Center.

If you are a member, you can use the member entrance at Central Park West and 79th Street (ground level, under the grand staircase).

Public transportation

You can use the subway and MTA bus services to reach the American Museum of Natural History. 

By Subway

Take the B (weekdays only) or C to 81st Street. Two blocks west of the Museum, the 1 train stops at Broadway and West 79th Street.

Note: The 81st Street subway station and subway entrance to the Museum are not wheelchair accessible. 

The closest accessible subway station is the 72nd Street station for the 1, 2, and 3 trains, with a connection on the northbound M7 on Amsterdam Avenue.

By Bus

The M79 bus travels east/west on West 79th Street across Central Park, with a stop next to the Museum on West 81st Street. 

Other buses that stop at or near the Museum are M7, M10, M11, M86, and M104 buses. 

Driving to AMNH

If you plan on driving to the Museum of National History, use any of the below addresses to co-ordinate your GPS: 

• 56 West 81st Street – for the entrance at 81st Street/Rose Center
• 415 Columbus Avenue – for the entrance at Columbus Ave/Gilder Center. 

Note: There is no driveway at the Gilder entrance.

You can also take a ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft. You can book your ride to either of the above addresses. 

Parking at AMNH

Parking for guests is available within the museum premises. The parking garage is open from 6 am to 11 pm.

You can enter the garage at 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. 

Parking rates vary from hour to hour, starting at $26 for up to 1 hour. 

Electric charging stations are available to visitors on the mid-level of the garage. There are four charging stations, free to use. 

You will also find bike racks and scooter parking within the facility. 

Free admission to the American Museum of Natural History 

The American Museum of National History provides free admission to the following groups: 

• Museum Members, corporate members, and corporate reward program members 
• Children under 3
• All members of the U.S. military and their families during the Blue Star program, from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day. 
• Cool Culture pass holders
• Caregivers accompanying visitors with disabilities
• Museum staff and museum sector staff
• Visitors who enter the Museum during the last hour of the day, 4:30–5:30 pm

Note: At other times of the year, free general admission is provided to members of the U.S. military and one guest.

Pay what you wish at AMNH

The American Museum of Natural History has a ‘Pay as you wish’ facility available to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut residents.

While booking the tickets to the museums, residents of NY, NJ and CT must select the checkbox that says ‘NY, NJ, or CT Residents. The amount you pay for General Admission is up to you.’

You can pay whatever you see fit as the general admission fee. 

Tri-state residents with valid identification can have 4 plus ones. They can pay what they wish for up to 4 General Admission tickets.

The accepted IDs are driver’s license, IDNYC, State ID card, Library card, Student ID, Current utility bill with address, or Voter registration card.

Note: Ticketed exhibitions are not included and cannot be added to a Pay-as-you-Wish ticket.

Even the locals must book general admission plus one ticket to see the special exhibitions.

American Museum of Natural History Map

The American Museum of Natural History Map is helpful while navigating the vast museum. 

The map highlights the locations of different permanent and temporary exhibits throughout the museum. 

And, with the map, all the facilities and amenities are easily accessible. 

You can download the Museum’s Free Mobile App called Explorer. You will find the map and turn-by-turn directions to the museum! 

You can also download the digital map, print it or get a paper map on the museum premises. 

The best option would be the interactive map accessible on all devices and available in multiple languages. 

Restaurants at the American Museum of Natural History 

The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) offers several dining options where visitors can enjoy a meal or a snack during their visit. 

Here are some of the restaurants and food options you can find at the museum:

The Restaurant at Gilder

Opening hours: 11:30 am–3:30 pm

Location: Floor 2, Gilder Center

The Restaurant at Gilder offers table-service dining with a view overlooking the soaring architecture of the Kenneth C. Griffin Exploration Atrium.

You will find the best american cuisine here at Glider, including child-friendly and vegan options. 

You can also choose from a concise range of cocktails!

Museum Food Court

Opening hours: 10:30 am–4:30 pm

Location: Lower Level, across from the 81st Street subway station exit

The Museum Food Court at AMNH provides visitors with convenient and diverse dining options.

You will find a selection of healthy sandwiches, salads, and wraps made with fresh ingredients. 

And if you are in the mood for pizza or grilled items- you can get that here too!

The food court is a famous spot for families and visitors looking for a classic and satisfying meal.

Cafe on 1

Opening hours: 10:30 am–4 pm

Location: Floor 1, between the Grand Gallery and the Spitzer Hall of Human Origins

Situated on the first floor, this café offers a great and tasty selection of sandwiches and salads. 

Desserts, espresso, and cold beverages are also served here.

Cafe on 4

Opening hours: 10:30 am–4 pm

Location: Floor 4, between the Milstein Hall of Advanced Mammals and the Wallach Orientation Center

This café is located on the fourth floor and provides a place to relax while enjoying sandwiches, salads, and other offerings.

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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 exhibits

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