Plan Your Visit
The health and safety of our visitors and staff is the top priority. You’ll notice some important changes to operating days, ticketing, and health and safety measures. All admission to the Museum is by timed-entry, and must be reserved online.
Hours
Wednesday–Sunday, 10 am–5:30 pm
Additional Hours for Members: Thursday 6–8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10–11 am
Ticketing
Pay What You Wish Admission
New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut residents (with ID): The amount you pay for General Admission only is up to you. Read the Ticketing FAQ below for details.
- All tickets—including Member tickets, complimentary tickets, and pre-paid pass tickets—must be reserved online in advance of your visit.
- Tickets are timed-entry to limit capacity. Time slots available from 10 am to 4 pm, now through May 27, 2021. Please note that same-day reservations and certain time slots may be unavailable due to limited capacity.
- If you are a Museum Member, log in to your profile before making your ticket reservation to access Member hours and pricing.
- Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. The Museum may not be able to honor tickets for times other than the reserved time.
General Admission + All tickets are sold out for this weekend (4/17 and 4/18). General Admission + One and General Admission are still available!
What are the ticket types?
There are three ticket types at the Museum: General Admission, General Admission + One or General Admission + All.
General Admission
Adult $23 | Student (with ID) $18 | Senior (Ages 60+) $18 | Children (3–12) $13 | Member Free
Includes admission to permanent Museum halls but does not include special exhibitions.
New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut residents (with ID)*: The amount you pay for General Admission is up to you. The option to pay what you wish applies only to General Admission, and the transaction must be completed at a Museum ticket counter. How to pay what you wish.
General Admission + 1
Adult $28 | Student (with ID) $22.50 | Senior (Ages 60+) $22.50 | Children (3–12) $16.50 | Member Free
Includes admission to permanent Museum halls plus one of these special exhibitions or films:
The Nature of Color or Volcanoes: The Fires of Creation or World's Beyond Earth
General Admission + All
Adult $33 | Student (with ID) $27| Senior (Ages 60+) $27 | Children (3–12) $20 | Member Free
Includes admission to permanent Museum halls plus all special exhibitions.
The Nature of Color and Volcanoes: The Fires of Creation and World's Beyond Earth
2020 Update to Regional Ticketing: Pay What You Wish
Who is eligible?
- Residents of NY, NJ, and CT (with ID)* may pay what you wish for General Admission only.
- Special exhibitions (Nature of Color, planetarium show, and giant-screen film) are not included. To see any of our special exhibitions, reserve a full-price General Admission + One or All ticket.
- For visitors outside of the tri-state region, the fee for General Admission is mandatory.
How does it work?
Click on the Reserve General Admission button. On the next screen, choose the number of visitors. Once you choose the number of visitors, a link will display that says "I am a resident of NY, NJ, or CT and would like to pay what I wish." Click on that link and follow the prompts to complete your reservation. Bring your confirmation email and valid ID* to the Museum and pay what you wish at a ticket counter.
*Accepted forms of ID include:
- Driver’s license
- IDNYC
- State ID card
- Library card
- Student ID
- Current utility bill with address
- Voter registration card
The fee is suggested at $23 for adults, $18 for students with ID, $18 for seniors (ages 60 and up), and $13 for children (ages 3 to 12).
Do guests of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut residents qualify for pay-as-you-wish suggested admission?
Tri-state residents with valid identification can pay suggested admission fees for four (4) General Admission tickets.
General Admission fees are waived for:
- Museum Members, IDNYC Members, corporate members, and corporate reward program members (including Chase Private Client Arts & Culture Card 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. At other times of the year, free general admission is provided to members of the U.S. military and one guest.
- 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
How do I purchase a ticket to the Museum?
All tickets must be reserved online on the Museum’s website.
Who qualifies for student admission?
Students with valid identification qualify for student admission fees.
Who qualifies for senior admission?
Seniors ages 60 and up with valid identification qualify for senior admission.
Who qualifies for child admission?
Children ages 3 to 12 qualify for child admission.
For more details about the benefits of Membership, please see the full Membership FAQ.
What are the benefits of Membership?
Membership benefits at all levels include unlimited free General Admission and special exhibition tickets, special access on weekend mornings from 10-11 am and Thursday evenings 6-8 pm, access to the Member entrance at Central Park West at 79th Street (ground level, via the driveway), parking benefits, and more.
For additional details, please see the full Membership options.
How can I purchase a membership?
You can purchase a membership in one of two ways:
Online
You will receive a confirmation email. Select your membership level here!
By phone
Call 212-769-5606 to purchase your membership. The Membership Office is open Monday to Friday from 9 am–5 pm. The Membership Associate assisting you will provide you with a membership number.
To begin enjoying your benefits, you will need to register your membership by logging into the Museum’s website and then reserve your tickets.
How do I do I log into the Museum's website to reserve my Member tickets?
Register your membership and create a profile. If you already have a profile, you may click on the profile icon wherever you see it at the top right corner of the website and log in from there. Once you are logged into the Museum’s website as a Member, you will be able to reserve your free timed admission to the Museum.
If you encounter any errors while registering or have difficulty logging in, please call or email the Membership Office for assistance.
How long is my membership valid?
Members enjoy 12 months of wonder and discovery at the Museum. Memberships are valid through the end of the month of purchase, plus twelve full months thereafter. (For example, a membership purchased on October 11, 2020 will be valid through October 31, 2021.)
[Camera moves rapidly through the Museum's main entrance and stops at the herd of elephants in the Akeley Hall of African Mammals.]
[TEXT: Have you herd?]
[TEXT: The American Museum of Natural History is re-opening!]
[Squid and the whale diorama in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life.]
[TEXT: We're not squidding!]
[Grizzly bear diorama in the Bernard Family Hall of North American Mammals.]
[TEXT: It's been unbearable without you!]
[TEXT: Of course, health and safety are top priorities, so you'll notice some changes...]
[Saturn and Jupiter models in the Scales of the Universe exhibit.]
[TEXT: To visit, you'll have to planet ahead of time.]
[TEXT: All tickets must be reserved online]
[TEXT: And are for timed entry.]
[Lion diorama in the Akeley Hall of African Mammals.]
[TEXT: Not feline well? Stay at home!]
[Megalodon jaw hanging in the Hall of Vertebrate Origins.]
[TEXT: Enter only at your designated time. Even if you want to be here at Megalo-dawn!]
[Moose diorama in the Bernard Family Hall of North American Mammals.]
[TEXT: You moost wear a mask!]
[TEXT: Facial coverings are required for all visitors ages 2 and up.]
[Stupendemys geographicus, a large, ancient turtle fossil, hangs from the ceiling of the Hall of Vertebrate Origins.]
[TEXT: We know you want to be so-shell...]
[TEXT: but please respect physical distancing.]
[TEXT: Stay 6 feet (2 meters) apart from other visitors.]
[Moai statue of a large head from Easter Island in the Margaret Mead Hall of Pacific Peoples.]
[TEXT: Use your head and use the hand sanitizer stations around the Museum.]
[Giant sequoia tree section in the Hall of North American Forests.]
[TEXT: We wood like you to be safe!]
[TEXT: So, no water fountains or bag check.]
[Walrus diorama in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life.]
[TEXT: We mustache you to bring your own water bottle.]
[Alligator in the Hall of Reptiles and Amphibians.]
[TEXT: Be a better navi-gator.]
[Hand holds a phone displaying the Museum's Explorer app.]
[TEXT: Download the free Explorer app for directions and updates about closures.]
[Alligator in Hall of Reptiles and Amphibians.]
[TEXT: Available on iOS and Android: amnh.org/explorer]
[T. rex in the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs.]
[TEXT: We know you'll have a T. riffic time!]
[Blue whale hanging from ceiling of the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life.]
[TEXT: Whale see you soon!]
[TEXT: Check out AMNH.org before you visit about other amenities and services!]
[Credits roll.]
The Museum has taken the Stay Well NYC pledge.
If you are visiting from outside of New York State, please check the New York State COVID-19 Travel Advisory. You are required to follow the guidelines for out-of-state travelers.
Health and Safety During Your Visit
The Museum is:
- Using timed-entry ticketing to limit attendance to promote physical distancing.
- Disinfecting and cleaning to meet CDC guidelines.
- Conducting temperature checks at entry. Visitors with a temperature of 100.4° or more will be denied entry.
- Adding plexiglass barriers at ticket counters.
- Upgrading ventilation systems.
- Marking paths and adding markers to promote physical distancing.
- Limiting elevator and restroom capacity to maintain physical distancing.
- Turning off or cordoning off interactive displays and other touchable exhibit elements.
- Providing hand sanitizer stations throughout the building.
- Learn more about what we’re doing to help keep visitors safe.
All visitors are required to:
- Avoid visiting if you have symptoms of COVID-19, have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 14 days, or have been in close contact (within 6 feet (2 m) for 10 minutes or more) with someone infected with or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 within the past 14 days.
- Wear a facial covering or mask throughout the visit (for all visitors ages 2 and up), remain together with your party, and children ages 12 and under must remain with adults at all times. No neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandannas, or face coverings with valves, mesh, or holes.
- Maintain physical distancing of 6 feet (2m) with others outside your group.
- Use hand sanitizer, which will be available at stations throughout the building.
- Follow directions from staff and signage for physical distancing, reducing contact, and other guidelines for use of facilities.
- Follow the Museum's Code of Conduct.
- Visitors who require an accommodation for any of these items must contact [email protected] before your visit to discuss your needs.
By visiting the American Museum of Natural History, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. To view the Museum’s full statement on this matter and related health and safety protocols, please visit amnh.org/health-safety or ask a Visitor Services Representative for a paper copy.
Health and Safety Updates to Facilities, Services, and Exhibits
Coat Check: Coat check is temporarily unavailable. Large backpacks (over 11" x 17") are prohibited.
Restrooms: Restroom occupancy is reduced to 50% to promote physical distancing.
- The Lower Level Hall of the Universe restrooms in the Rose Center will be temporarily designated staff only.
Services and Amenities: To promote physical distancing and reduced contact, the following services and amenities are temporarily unavailable:
- Drinking fountains
- Food Court and cafes*
- Planetarium Shop, and Dino Store (Main Museum Shop and special exhibition shops will be open)
*No eating is permitted in Museum galleries. Because dining onsite is currently unavailable, visitors may leave and return using the same timed-entry ticket on the same day.
Halls and Exhibits: The following are temporarily unavailable:
- Touchable and touchscreen exhibits
- Scales of the Universe
- Discovery Room
- Public educational laboratories
Onsite Purchases
- Credit or debit cards are preferred for onsite purchases.
What You Need to Know
Museum Address
200 Central Park West
New York, NY 10024-5102
Entrances and Exits
- Visitors can enter and exit through Central Park West (upstairs) at 79th Street or at the accessible entrance on 81st Street/Rose Center for Earth and Space.
- Members are welcome to use the Member Entrance on Central Park West at 79th Street (ground level, via the driveway).
- Access-a-Ride Service and GPS devices should use the following address: 56 West 81st Street, which is the accessible entrance on 81st Street/Rose Center for Earth and Space.
Parking is available at our facility conveniently located within the Museum; enter at 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. The parking garage is open from 6 am–11 pm on weekdays, 8am–11pm on weekends.
Rates are as follows:
- Up to 1 hr: $26
- Up to 2 hrs: $29
- 2 to 5 hrs: $36
- 5 to 10 hrs: $46
- Max to close: $51
NYC Parking Tax is included. For more information, please call 212-313-7278.
There are bicycle racks in the driveway of the Museum's Rose Center for Earth and Space, as well as in the parking garage. Both are accessible on 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.
You can park and lock up your scooter at one of several racks located outside the entrances at 81st Street (Rose Center for Earth and Space) and 77th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue (though that entrance is currently closed). Small, foldable scooters for young children may be carried by an adult if they do not bring a lock.
- 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. For a complete subway map, visit the MTA website.
- Please 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.
- 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 also stop at or near the Museum, including the M7, M10, M11, M86, and M104 buses. For complete bus information, visit the MTA website.
- Train: From North of New York City: See the Metro North Railroad website for maps and schedule information.
- From Long Island: See the Long Island Railroad website for maps and schedule information.
- From New Jersey: See the New Jersey Transit website for maps and schedule information.
- From Outside the New York City Metro Area: If you are traveling from outside the New York City Metro Area, please visit the Amtrak website for route and schedule information and to purchase tickets.
Please note: Coat check will be temporarily unavailable.
Located in the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda, directly inside the main entrance of the Museum at Central Park West at 79th Street.
An additional coat check is located in the lower level of the Rose Center and operates September through March.
- Coats, umbrellas, and bags may be checked for $2 per person, space permitting.
- All articles must be claimed before the Museum closes.
- Items not accepted in the coat check include perishables, wallets, purses, musical instruments, bikes, computers, and other items deemed to be of high value.
- The Museum reserves the right to inspect any parcel brought onto the premises.
- The Museum's total liability for items left in the coat checkroom is half the purchase price of the item up to $50.00.
Luggage, small carry-ons, and oversized backpacks are not allowed into the Museum and cannot be checked.
Strollers are welcome throughout the Museum, except in theaters.
- The recommended Museum entrance for strollers is 81st Street/Rose Center for Earth and Space.
- Double strollers are not typically permitted in the special exhibition galleries due to space constraints. Where strollers are not permitted, stroller parking is provided.
- Visitors with strollers can use the Museum’s free Explorer app to find routes that include elevators. Choose the accessible route and receive turn-by-turn directions.
The following are required:
- Following the Museum’s COVID-19 Health and Safety requirements for visitors at all times. Requirements include wearing facial coverings during your visit for all visitors ages 2 and up and maintaining physical distancing of 6 feet (2 m) with others outside of your group. For the full list of requirements, please visit amnh.org/health-safety.
- Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Directions from security guards or other Museum staff must be followed.
Please be courteous to persons with disabilities when using elevators and benches.
The following are prohibited:
- Explosives, firearms, knives, weapons, and noxious gases or substances
- Bikes, roller skates, skateboards, wagons, and scooters (with the exception of small, foldable scooters for young children that may be carried by an adult)
- Food or drink (water bottles permitted)
- Dogs or other pets (service animals permitted)
- Running, climbing, or sitting on exhibits or railings
- Carrying children on shoulders
- Creating a disturbance, yelling, audible music devices
- Soliciting, posting or distributing any sign, notice, ad, or print material
- Entering any non-public area without authorization
- Adults wearing masks of any kind, except for facial coverings worn for health and safety purposes consistent with the Museum's COVID-19 Health and Safety requirements.
Please note: restroom capacity will be reduced by 50% to promote physical distancing.
Lower level, near the subway entrance (accessible)
Lower level, Rose Center for Earth and Space (accessible)
First floor, Milstein Hall of Ocean Life (located on hall's lower level, access via elevator on mezzanine level) (accessible)
First floor, Rose Center for Earth and Space (accessible)
First floor, near the Grand Gallery (family and gender-neutral restroom; accessible)
First floor, near Linder and Kaufmann Theaters
Second floor, outside of The Butterfly Conservatory
Third floor, Hall of Primates
Fourth floor, Wallach Orientation Center (accessible)
LACTATION STATION
Lower level, Rose Center for Earth and Space (accessible)
LONG-TERM CLOSURES
The Halls of Gems and Minerals are closed for a major renovation. The Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals will open in Spring 2021.
The Northwest Coast Hall is closed for a major project to revitalize the historic gallery.
Except where noted, photography for personal use is allowed with hand-held cameras using available light or electronic flash attachments.
- Selfie-sticks are not permitted at the Museum.
- Tripods and lights may not be used.
- Reproduction or sale of photographs is not allowed without Museum permission.
- No photography or filming is permitted in the theaters, including the Hayden Planetarium Space Theater or in the LeFrak Theater.
Visit the first-floor security desk in the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall, email [email protected], or call 212-769-5222.
Accessibility
The American Museum of Natural History is committed to ensuring that its facilities, exhibitions, and services are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. Please visit the Accessibility section to learn more about Museum facilities, resources, and programs.
Caregivers accompanying visitors with disabilities receive free Museum admission.
Before Your Visit
Download our free Explorer app for turn-by-turn directions and highlights. Available on iOS and Android. While some interactive displays are temporarily unavailable as part of health and safety measures, you can always use Explorer to learn more—there are cool features like augmented reality (try the Mako shark!), quizzes, and more.
Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies
Or download a PDF map of the Museum.
Special Exhibitions
Purchase a GA+1 ticket to see one, or a GA+All ticket to see both—or become a Member to enjoy free tickets to all exhibitions.