Tips for Thanksgiving Week
Thank you for visiting the Museum this Thanksgiving holiday! For the most enjoyable experience during a very busy week, we’ve compiled a list of quick tips—including days with the best availabilities, how to get discounts in Museum shops, and more.
Did you know? Museum Members can use a dedicated entrance for expedited entry and receive free admission to all ticketed exhibitions, plus discounts in the shops, cafes, and the Restaurant at Gilder. Not a Member? Join today.
Don’t forget: the new entrance at Columbus Avenue and 79th Street, through the Museum’s Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation, has the shortest entry times.
Monday, November 20
- Best availability during Thanksgiving week: Reserve your tickets.
- The Origami Holiday Tree opens to the public!
- Purchase tickets to visit The Secret World of Elephants (or any of our ticketed exhibitions) and receive a special 10% discount in all Museum shops.*
Tuesday, November 21
- Best availability during Thanksgiving week: Reserve your tickets.
- Purchase tickets to visit The Secret World of Elephants (or any of our ticketed exhibitions) and receive a special 10% discount in all Museum shops.*
Wednesday, November 22
- The Museum’s parking garage is closed due to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation, which takes place on the streets around the Museum from noon to 6 pm.
- Please note: only the entrances on Central Park West will be open, including the Subway entrance (Lower Level), the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall (First Floor), and the Central Park West Rotunda (Second Floor). For wheelchair accessibility, please proceed down the driveway to the First Floor entrance on Central Park West.
- Check back for guidance about entrance information as some entrances may not be open during balloon inflation.
- Members can use the Member entrance on the lower level of Central Park West for expedited entry.
Thursday, November 23: The Museum is closed for Thanksgiving.
Friday, November 24
- Enjoy extended hours: The Museum is open from 9 am–6 pm.
Saturday, November 25
- Enjoy extended hours: The Museum is open from 9 am–6 pm.
Sunday, November 26
- The Museum is open regular hours, from 10 am–5:30 pm.
More Tips for Visitors:
- Download our free Explorer app for turn-by-turn directions and highlights.
- Make a reservation to dine at the Restaurant at Gilder.
- Visit the Accessibility section to learn more about Museum facilities, resources, and programs.
Check out Plan Your Visit for public transportation information.
*May not be combined with any other discount. Valid only November 20–21, 2023, with purchase of one or more ticketed exhibitions. Limit one coupon per ticket order, per day. Coupon not valid for online store purchases. Discount may not be applied to shipping costs. Coupon valid for one purchase and will be collected at time of use. Coupon must be picked up at the Museum on the day of visit.