Membership FAQ
Purchasing and Using Your Membership
How can I purchase a membership? If I purchase a membership today, when can I begin using it?
Can I purchase a gift membership?
Does the Museum offer a senior or student membership?
Can my child’s caregiver use my membership?
How long is my membership valid?
Membership Cards
When will I receive my membership cards? I never received my membership cards, what should I do?
I lost my membership cards. Can I get replacement cards?
Membership Benefits
Which exhibitions are included in membership?
What is the Members’ price for the Space Show/IMAX/live-animal exhibits?
Can I purchase advance tickets with my membership?
How do I register my membership on the Museum’s website?
If I bring a guest to the Museum, can he/she receive discounted tickets with my membership?
Can I use my membership at any other institutions or museums?
Do Members receive a discount in the parking garage?
Other Questions
How can I contact the Membership Office?
How do I update my contact information?
How do I ensure that the Museum does not share my information with other organizations?
Corporate Members
Does the Museum participate in corporate matching gift programs?
Library Membership Pass Program
Does the Museum have a Library Membership Pass Program?
Host a Birthday Party at the Museum
Is hosting a child's birthday party at the Museum a benefit of membership?
Purchasing and Using Your Membership
How can I purchase a membership? If I purchase a membership today, when can I begin using it?
You can begin using your membership immediately! You may purchase it one of several ways.
- Online. You will receive a confirmation email that you can print and bring to the Museum for admission.
- At any onsite membership desk. Membership desks are located at the main entrance at Central Park West, at the Rose Center for Earth and Space at 81st street, and at the subway entrance. New Members are issued a temporary card that can be used until the permanent cards arrive.
- By phone. To purchase your membership, call 212-769-5606. The Membership Associate assisting you will provide the membership number that can be used at the Museum to verify your membership.
To begin enjoying your benefits, simply provide your full name, membership number, or online confirmation number (if purchased on the web) at the membership desk for verification.
Can I purchase a gift membership?
Yes, you are welcome to give the gift of membership at any time! Please see the previous question for ways to purchase it.
Does the Museum offer a senior or student membership?
No, at this time we do not offer a special membership for seniors or students.
Can my child’s caregiver use my membership?
Yes. Simply give your caregiver the membership card.
How long is my membership valid?
Members enjoy 12 months of wonder and discovery at the Museum. For example, if you purchased a membership on May 15, 2012, it will be valid until May 31, 2013
Membership Cards
When will I receive my membership cards? I never received my membership cards, what should I do?
You will receive your cards two to three weeks after your purchase. If you do not receive them within that time, please call the Membership Office at 212-769-5606 to verify your address or to request new cards.
I lost my membership cards. Can I get replacement cards?
If you have lost your membership cards, replacement cards can be sent to you for a fee of $10. You do not need to have your card with you to visit the Museum. You can simply show your ID to anyone at the membership desk for verification. If you would like to receive a replacement membership card, please call the Membership Office at 212-769-5606.
1 - Membership Benefits
Which exhibitions are included in membership?
Members enjoy complimentary general admission to the Museum along with complimentary admission to special exhibitions, such as Our Global Kitchen: Food, Nature, Culture. You will need to obtain timed-entry tickets for these exhibitions at the membership desk. You will also receive at least 4 tickets to IMAX films and/or live-animal exhibits. Please review the benefits for each category carefully or call the Membership Office at 212-769-5606 for assistance.
What is the Members’ price for the Space Show/IMAX/live-animal exhibits?
Benefits of membership include discounted tickets for the Space Show in the Hayden Planetarium, IMAX films, and live-animal exhibits. Member ticket pricing is as follows:
Each level of membership will receive AT LEAST 4 free tickets at either the IMAX film or Live-animal exhibit.
| Categories | General Admission | Special Exhibitions | Space Show | IMAX films | Live-animal exhibits | Super Saver (all exhibitions included) |
| Member adult | FREE | FREE | $12.50 | $12.50 | $12.50 | $16.50 |
| Member child | FREE | FREE | $8.00 | $8.00 | $8.00 | $12.00 |
*pricing as of November 16th, 2011
Can I purchase advance tickets with my membership?
You may purchase advance tickets at the discounted membership rate in person, by phone, or online.
- Online: Use the “Tickets” tab on the Museum’s website, www.amnh.org, to purchase tickets for your next visit. Your discount will be applied after you register and sign in to your account.
- In person: Advance tickets may be purchased at any membership desk until 5:30pm.
- By phone: Please call Central Reservations, our ticketing office, at 212-769-5200. Have your membership number ready!
Please note that advance tickets purchased by phone and online will be subject to a $2 processing fee per ticket.
How do I register my membership on the Museum’s website?
Before completing a ticket purchase, you will be prompted to sign in to your account. If you have not registered, you should click “New User” in the upper right-hand corner and follow the instructions. Be sure to have your membership number handy.
If you have previously registered your account or if you purchased your membership on our website, you can use your email and password to sign-in.
If you encounter any errors while registering, please call or email the Membership Office for assistance.
If I bring a guest to the Museum, can he/she receive discounted tickets with my membership?
You may purchase as many discounted tickets as your membership level specifies. For example, a Family Member could bring one other adult and up to four children, and the entire party would receive the same membership benefits. Any additional guests would pay regular prices but can do so at the membership desk.
Can I use my membership at any other institutions or museums?
Unfortunately, we do not have reciprocity with other institutions.
Do Members receive a discount in the parking garage?
During regular Museum hours, Members do not receive a discount. However, if you arrive after 4 pm, you can park at a flat rate of $10. For more information, please call 212-313-7275.
Other Questions
How can I contact the Membership Office?
Telephone: 212-769-5606, 9 am-5 pm.
Email: members@amnh.org
Mail: Membership Department
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th Street
New York, NY 10024
How do I update my contact information?
Please call or email the Membership Office to update your information.
How do I ensure that the Museum does not share my information with other organizations?
The Museum does not sell or rent its mailing lists but does occasionally share its mailing list with other not for profit organizations. Please call or email the Membership Office if you do not wish to have your mailing information shared with any other non-profit organization. The Museum does not sell, trade or rent its email lists.
Corporate Members
The company I work for is a member of the Corporate Patron Program. What discounts do I receive on admission?
| Categories | General Admission | Special Exhibitions | Space Show | IMAX films | Live-animal Exhibits | Super Saver (all exhibitions included) |
| Corporate adult | FREE (for companies at the Supporter level ($15,000) or above) | $12.50 | $22.00 | $12.50 | $12.50 | $25.00 |
| Corporate child | FREE (for companies at the Supporter level ($15,000) or above) | $8.00 | $12.00 | $8.00 | $8.00 | $16.00 |
*pricing as of January 16th, 2013
Please note: Discounts can only be applied to tickets purchased on the day of the visit.
Does the Museum participate in corporate matching gift programs?
Yes, the Museum works with many corporate partners to match employees’ charitable contributions. Individual Membership with the Museum is tax deductible and qualifies to be matched by most companies’ programs. The Museum does not accept matching gift payments in lieu of membership contributions from the employee. Check with your employer or the Museum’s Corporate Relations office for more information.
Library Membership Pass Program
Does the Museum have a Library Membership Pass Program?
We are pleased to offer a Library Membership program, which allows local libraries to extend Museum access to their patrons at a substantial discount.
With this program, libraries can purchase memberships to the Museum that provide them with a pre-selected number of vouchers—each voucher is valid for free admission for one to the Museum and one temporary special exhibition, IMAX film, Space Show, or Seasonal Live Animal Exhibit. Vouchers will expire one year after the date of purchase; it is the library management’s responsibility to determine how and when they will distribute tickets to their patrons.
Voucher-holding library patrons will also receive the discounted Members’ rate on additional special exhibition tickets they purchase that day. No advance purchases allowed. Participating libraries will enjoy a one-year subscription to our quarterly membership magazine,Rotunda, featuring behind-the-scenes articles and insider accounts of Museum happenings.
The available membership packages are:
- Library - 36 vouchers for $250
- Library Plus - 72 vouchers for $500
- Library Premium - 144 vouchers for $1000
For additional information, please call the Membership Office at 212-769-5606 or download the application below today!
Host a Birthday Party at the Museum
Is hosting a child's birthday party at the Museum a benefit of membership?
Transform your child's birthday into an unforgettable event at the American Museum of Natural History. Parties are designed for children ages 4 - 10 and are available for Members of the American Museum of Natural History at the Family level of $125.00 or above. Additional fees will apply for actual party.
For more information and to book a date, visit http://partymakers.com/docs/american_museum_of_natural_history or call Linda Kaye's Birthdaybakers Partymakers 212-288-7112 ext 107. Plan in advance to ensure your date and time.