Certainly, one of the greatest museums in the entire world. I haven't been here in 40 years and I am amazed at how much this museum has changed while keeping some of the same mammal picture-window exhibits that I remember from the 1960s. So why only three stars? We arrived here on a Monday morning shortly before opening and had tickets for 10 a.m. entry. By the time we arrived at 9:45 a.m., there was an immense line of people lining the street and wrapping themselves around the corner. Once the museum opened, that line moved very slowly. Fortunately, once inside, if you had a scannable ticket on your phone you could get in immediately. I am amazed that there isn't better management of the lines getting inside. Even though there are signs posted all over the grounds outside mandating attendance is by appointment only, it seems like they still allow walk-ins to visit and that is apparently why the lines are tremendous at opening. If we did not buy our tickets in advance, we would have been stuck in another incredibly long line inside the building just to purchase tickets for that day. So, in all, a very stressful process of just getting inside the museum. I think the trick is to come a little later in the day. There is just so much to see here. We paid for the "everything" pass so we got to go into the butterfly exhibit which was really cool. We also saw the Hayden Planetarium show, but sadly, it wasn't as impressive seeing it as an adult as it was a child. That huge projection machine that used to sit in the middle of the floor is now gone and replaced by hidden projectors. The show seems more like a movie than the celestial event of my childhood years. I also miss the old planetarium that was torn down on the museum property in favor of integrating it more into the museum. Be aware this museum gets very crowded. It's also a haven for children, and as such, there were always the constant sounds of screaming that echoed through every exhibit and after a while became very cumbersome to the ears. As usual, parents not supervising their children as they ran across the hallways, leaned all over the protective railing, and put their fingers all over the exhibits. If this kind of behavior drives you crazy I would avoid the museum altogether or visit in the fall/winter when school is in session.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

This iconic institution is a treasure trove of knowledge, captivating exhibits, and a gateway to the wonders of our world and beyond. The exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History are thoughtfully curated, covering a wide range of disciplines including paleontology, anthropology, astronomy, biology, and more. Each section is meticulously designed to engage and educate visitors of all ages, making it a perfect destination for families, students, and enthusiasts alike. One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the Hall of Dinosaurs, where life-size dinosaur skeletons transported me back millions of years. The level of detail and the immersive experience created within this exhibit were truly remarkable. It was a humbling experience to stand in the presence of these ancient giants and gain a deeper understanding of their existence. Another captivating section was the Hall of Biodiversity, which showcased the incredible diversity of life on our planet. From intricate dioramas representing various ecosystems to interactive displays explaining the delicate balance of nature, this exhibit underscored the importance of conservation and our responsibility to protect the Earth's biodiversity. To make the most of your visit, I recommend planning your time wisely, as the museum can be quite extensive. Be sure to check the museum's website for any temporary exhibits or special events happening during your visit, as they often provide additional opportunities for exploration and learning.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

This is my favorite museum in the city, and visiting on my birthday has become a tradition of sorts. There’s something new to explore every time! During my most recent visit, I went on the 75-min guided tour of the museum and thoroughly enjoyed it. I’d recommend it to anyone visiting for the first time, and/or visitors pressed for time. Our tour guide was a knowledgeable and personable, retired gentleman who volunteers at the museum in his free time and he did a wonderful job of covering some of the unmissable highlights of the museum. The tour mainly covers the blue whale and dinosaur sections, but with interesting stops along the way. The new Gilder Center is another must-do. The building in itself is an architectural delight! I also visited the paid exhibit here: ‘Invisible Worlds’, which is an immersive experience (the kind that seems to be increasingly popular and features heavily on Instagram/TikTok for being so photo-worthy). I’d recommend it for families with children because it effectively highlights the interconnectedness of all life forms, and in a very engaging manner. It might be somewhat less exciting for adults though. Also don’t miss the blue whale movie at the imax theatre! It’s very informative, and features some breathtaking videography. If you don’t enjoy the natural sciences before you visit, you’ll definitely leave having developed some awe for it!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

I think this museum would be a lot better if it had more interactive exhibits because it has so many young visitors. Most of the exhibits are just objects you see or read about, nothing that you can really touch or play with. I think that the NY Hall of Science is way better when it comes to interactivity. I was hoping that AMNH would be more like the NY Hall of Science or the Deutches Museum in Munich, which are both way better when it comes to interactivity. There are also a lot of very old exhibits that are tucked away and don’t get much foot traffic that could definitely use some updating. The price was kinda insane but worth it since it’s a day pass, and I was able to re-enter the museum later on in the day. Annoyingly the pay what you want for NY residents doesn’t apply at all if you want a special ticket. For all the things I didn’t like, there’s a lot that was very enjoyable. The new Hall of Minerals was great, as was the new Gilder Center. The insect exhibit was very interesting and the vivarium was very fun and worth the extra cost in my opinion. It was cool to see the butterflies up close. Even though the dioramas are outdated, they are still definitely a classic hit. I think this is a cool place to check out and I would recommend it to tourists but it doesn’t quite capture me as much as it used to when I was a kid
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

Super awesome museum. We had an amazing day on-site. Really fun and interesting exhibits with an awesome application to help you get around. “Then why are you only giving it 3 stars?” Here’s why: 1) the security line being the same for same day ticket buyers as city pass holders and advanced tickets buyers makes zero sense in my opinion. Why did I take the time to buy in advance AND also spend a pretty penny on all the extra exhibits online (sharks, invisible worlds, world beyond earth) only to not be able to make it on time because the wait to get in through security was 45 minutes? 2) none of the water fountains were functional! 3) as none of the water fountains were functional we had to spend 5$ per person per bottle of water. Not only that but the food was horrendous and overpriced and no food was allowed to be brought in. Where I am from families have accessibility to full days in a museum because they can pack their own food from home and consume it in dedicated areas. Who can afford a 15$ sandwich that looks how mine does in the attached photo? For the price you pay to get in, the cost of food, the sales in gift shops who then ask for donations there honestly is no reason for everything to be as pricey as it is. Not worth it with all of the additions when this could otherwise be a 5 star attraction.

Had an amazing time! Compared to other attractions in the city I think this is one of the best tourist attractions that have the greatest bang for your buck! We also attended ‘Invisible Worlds’, ‘Words Beyond Earth’, and the ‘Davis Family Butterly Vivarium’. The first two extra ticketed experiences I highly recommend! The last experience was a bit too small, with little learning, and in my personal opinion not enough butterflies. For example, I only seen one Blue Morpho in the entire exhibit. It would be helpful if there was more information about the different types of butterflies, with an interactive learning experience, as well as more butterflies! Overall, I’m giving the museum visit five stars because it was honestly phenomenal! With the first two exhibits and the amount of exhibits within the museum, the number of floors and interactive learning experiences throughout, my two teenaged daughters and myself really enjoyed our visit. It’s definitely a full day experience, so if you plan on going leave early as the museum closes at 5:30pm. The price for three adults, with the three extra ticketed experiences cost 117$ in total, and is very affordable when compared to cost of visiting the ice cream museum which was 211.36$ for the three of us. We will definitely visit this museum again!

We spent the entire day at the museum and still did not see everything. We had a great time. Unfortunately the Ocean area was closed which was #1 on my daughter’s list so that was disappointing; reptiles were also closed and much of the hands-on space things were broken. The cafes were very expensive. Theses are the things that made us choose 4/5. We prefer museums that have more hands-on but the admission price is less than others we have been to. It’s still a grand day out and a must-see for history buffs. We would have loved souvenirs that were themed from ‘night at the museum’. My 11yo said it would be fun to be able to buy Lego characters from the movie. We wished there was a hunt or checklist (there’s a web page with some suggested)…my daughter had fun searching but a paper version with everything would be cool. Would also be neat to be able to buy fun stickers or magnets based on Neil Degrasse Tyson sayings or memes. Buy tickets online and skip the big crowd. We also skipped special exhibits as we knew there wouldn’t be time for everything.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

**Exploring the Natural History Museum in New York: An Amazing Experience from a Vietnamese Perspective** In June of this year, I had the opportunity to visit the Natural History Museum in New York during my memorable journey. As a Vietnamese individual stepping onto American soil, I was truly captivated by the beauty and richness of this museum. **Useful Tips:** 1. **Plan Ahead:** This is crucial, especially during peak tourist days. Planning ahead will help you avoid unnecessary waiting times. 2. **Use Public Transportation:** The public transportation system in New York is very convenient. You can use buses or subways to reach the museum quickly and save time. 3. **Explore the Surrounding Area:** When visiting the museum, take some time to explore the surrounding area. The museum is close to Central Park, an excellent place to relax and enjoy green Visiting the Natural History Museum in New York truly broadened my perspective on the natural world and humans' appreciation for the environment.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

I came here with my 6 year old son and we had a blast. I've been to this museum many times prior, but it was his first time. He enjoyed a lot the exhibits, especially the dinosaur, aquatic and the insect exhibits. There's a lot to see here in the museum, especially considering the cost of entry, which I think is affordable for what they offer. All the exhibits offer a wealth of knowledge and the presentation is lovely. We also did the butterfly exhibit which you have to pay extra for, but it was completely worth it. You're in a humidified environment surrounded by exotic butterflies. Do note that you can't directly touch them but they can/will land on you. I had one land on my nose, and one landed on my son (he wasn't too happy about that). Either way, it's something I highly suggest experiencing. I recommend you visit if you're even slightly interested in the history of the world. And don't shy away from the idea of bringing children as there's plenty of entertainment for all ages.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

My recent visit to the Museum of Natural History in NYC was nothing short of awe-inspiring! From the moment I stepped inside, I knew I was in for an unforgettable journey through time and nature. The museum's grand architecture and vast collections immediately captured my attention. Each exhibit was thoughtfully curated, showcasing the wonders of our planet and beyond. The attention to detail in every display, from the lifelike dioramas to the interactive exhibits, made the entire experience immersive and educational. The Hall of Gems was another breathtaking sight. The stunning array of precious stones and minerals, illuminated to perfection, sparkled like stars, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. Moving through the various halls, I couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence for the natural world. The exhibits on human evolution, biodiversity, and wildlife conservation highlighted the importance of preserving our planet for future generations. As a NY resident you can also enter on a donation base cost which is wonderful

Huge museum with plenty to see. Didn't manage to get around to viewing each exhibit due to the size of the place. I could of easily spent two days here! The effort\ detail gone into each piece to view was fantastic and it could easily be seen that the work done to show past history at this place was completed by passionate people. Learnt a lot from my visit to this museum. You can download a handy app which includes a map of the museum which is incredibly handy especially if you are wanting to view certain areas of the musesum. Didn't take our party of two too long to get in as we had city passes. Staff friendly and happy to help\ direct people as and when required. Felt like a very modern and comfortable atmosphere. Also ate lunch here with excellent and tasty options offered. Gift shop was the biggest I had seen for any previous museum I had visited. Worth getting a pre-booked ticket or a city pass, especially on busy days. Hope to return at some stage when back in New York to look at the rest of the exhibits

A museum continually adapting. The Natural History beautifully renovated the planetarium 20 years ago. It was cool to go as a kid but getting run down and the Rose Center was a flying-car level upgrade. The Gilder Center is this generation’s renovation. It’s an architecturally engaging space; invites watching and reading about exhibits. A real level up for drawing visitors into exhibits. The museum seems conscious of its history and maintains itself as an exhibition of how nature has been exhibited. Its famous dioramas are maintained very well. That they don’t feel out of place in a modern science museum is an achievement. The Natural History and (across the park) the Met are great to take kids and people in town. They’re great to wander through and have a moment; remember visits as a kid; finding something new. TIP: look up tickets online and visit on a weekday.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

Went with my girls to the American Museum of Natural History and we loved it. There is so much to see and learn. This place never gets old. My youngest was giddy with how excited she was to be there and she’s a teenager. If you plan to watch any of the payed exhibitions, I highly recommend you buy it ahead of time as these get booked months in advanced. There are many bathroom options throughout the museum. It’s a lot of walking so come comfortable. Price per person varies: you have the option of becoming a member (family $179/139 adult), residents (between $14-$25 dollars depending on child, adult, or senior) or Pay What You Wish ($1-$25 dollars with a suggested price option), non-resident ( $16-$28 dollars depending on child, adult, or senior). Can’t wait to visit again.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

I highly recommend visiting this place. The value of the ticket is well worth it because they have a wide range of exhibitions to offer. Be prepared to spend three to four hours exploring all four floors. I suggest downloading the map through their website, as it's easy to navigate, and also purchasing tickets in advance. There are two entrances: one on Central Park West and the other on W 81st St. If you can't purchase tickets online, you can go to the cashier, but it may take 5-15 minutes depending on the day. I noticed that weekdays (Monday to Thursday) are less crowded. I visited on a Wednesday during my trip, and it was a peaceful environment for taking photos. On Friday, it was super busy, with long lines at both entrances. We were fascinated by the exhibits in the Gems and Minerals, Human Origins, Insectarium, African Mammals, Dinosaurs, and Blue Whales halls. How was your experience?

As someone who had going to this museum on his buck list, I cannot recommend visiting enough!!! My only complaint lays in the fact I only had four hours...I could spend four days and not had my fill. Highly educational, great displays, and more than enough history and interactive displays to keep one mesmerized for days. Go to the American Museum of Natural History in NYC. You will not regret it. Get a membership. Totally worth it. I would, but live half the country away. Very sad. Side note, bribing security to let you stay and experience the place by yourself after hours doesn't work, even if you state you are a history and science nut. Speaking from a story a friend told me.........................
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Every year, this iconic museum gets better. Upgrades are more interactive, the movies are amazing and the theater in both the museum and planetarium are awesome. They new Gilder museum has a fabulous immersive experience called Invisible Worlds, that my 2 year old grandson really loved, and as members, we previewed the spectacular elephant exhibit which was full of info and fun exhibits. The museum has parking underneath, and a separate entrance for members, it has places to eat and you can pace the day beautifully. We traveled with my daughter, her toddler, my husband and me. Everyone was entertained, then a short visit to Central Park across the street, and some lunch nearby. A perfect day.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$16–20

As someone who is a nerd and is fascinated by our planet and universe, I loved this museum! It’s educational and many of the facts are up to date. I saw things I’ve never even heard of before! If you are someone who is just seeing it because you’ve heard of the name or you’ve seen pictures online - I don’t recommend unless you’re actually interested in learning something new. It was clear how many people were there just for a quick photo with the dinos and would just leave the room after, without reading anything. If you’re there for a photo op, not worth $30. The layout is pretty confusing but just grab a map and use your context clues, and you’ll be able to navigate just fine!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure

This museum was very entertaining and interesting. It is developed on 4 levels, which because of my timeline I could visit only 2. That’s why I suggest to dedicate to the visit at least on entire afternoon. The space is clean, guards are present in every room. All exhibition/paint are accompanied by captions and descriptions (english only). Some interactive areas, with projections and sounds are present along the museum. - A point of improvement: the museum’s app. I downloaded it to ensure not to get lost or miss any room, it was not always helpful to go to one place to another, because it is not possible to follow a pathway (as ie on Maps).
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

A must-see venue when you visit New York. Center west side of New York Central Park. Good for the young kids, a lot of Dino fossils, stuffed animals, and a lot of cool collections. Ticket prices are reasonable, around $28 per adult, and children between 3-12 are $16. Opens between 10 AM - 5:30 PM. If you are using subway can enter from the 81st Street B/C station. Parking is available at the Museum through 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue with a hefty price of $26/hour. The parking garage is open from 6 am–11 pm on weekdays, 8am–11pm on weekends.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

This was an awesome place, we spent the whole day there and still didn't see everything. Many of the dioramas have a weird depth to them that give the illusion they are much bigger than they appear. My favorite part was the dinosaur exhibit on the fourth floor but the leaf cutter ants exhibit was also so fascinating to watch I could do just that all day. Unfortunately I didn't get to spend much time in the space section, it looked really awesome though. Closing time had come too soon and they had to literally herd people out of there because no one wanted to leave.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

Absolutely amazing! You HAVE TO GO! This location had the most amazing information, artifacts, exhibits… just everything really. I was there for almost 3 hours with my family and still felt rushed. So much information to absorb and process. So cool for kids especially all of the animal, reptile, amphibian, dinosaurs!!!!! Definitely book your tickets in advance, show up early to get in line and know there are multiple entrances- some way more busy than others. Lots of food/snack options so you can stay all day and enjoy learning. Please go!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

This museum is huge, definitely the biggest one I’ve ever been too. They have everything here from the early humans to life now. There is something for literally everyone here and expect to spend a good amount of time here because of how much there is to see. If you live in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut you can pay any amount you want but if you don’t live in any of those places the price for admission is $28 for adults, $16 for children, and $22 for students and people over age 60. I highly recommend anyone to go here.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

I visited this museum while I was in New York and had a good time. There are a variety of exhibits, so you are sure to find something that you are interested in. I especially enjoyed the insect and gem exhibits. They also have a show at the planetarium, which is worth checking out. However, there were some issues getting into the museum. There was a very long line that wrapped around the building. It moved pretty slowly and took nearly an hour to get in. There was also another long line to get into the planetarium. Which caused some confusion due to the lack of organization.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
30–60 min

We spent a rainy day here with our 2 girls, ages 11 & 13. We loved it! The exhibits and displays are well set up and informative, with enough interaction to keep everyone engaged. Our favourite was the Invisible World exhibit. We learned so much and loved the interactive movie. The only downside is the museum layout. The phone app is okay, but without it you don’t know where you are. There are almost no signs or directions anywhere. It’s very annoying! We spent 6+ hours here, and didn’t see everything.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Beautiful museum with tons of different exhibits, explorations, readings, and activities for all ages. Definitely recommend getting the extra tickets for the active experiences as they are fully immersive and enjoyed by all ages (especially couples!). You can access this museum directly from the subway station and there is a water bottle filling station in the lower level near the subway entrance bathrooms. Make sure to go back to the newer section of the museum to see a lot of in depth science exhibits and amazing architecture!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

We had such a wonderful visit! It was our last day in New York City and we had 3 hours to spend. Saw so many wonderful things and very happy that we went! All the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful! It was so fun to meet Iris, the librarian! The new section is absolutely beautiful and the construction is amazing and unique! The gift shops had a variety of items for purchase and we got some fun t-shirts and books. We would definitely go again! It was really cool to see the T-Rex from the Night at the Museum movie and the totem statue as well. Such an incredible experience for our family! Thanks so much!!!

This museum is very clean and organized. Went on a weekday and there were tons of kids everywhere so it must be a popular field trip spot. We went here hoping to see the giant dinosaur from Night at the Museum but you won’t find it because that movie was mainly filmed at another museum in Canada so that was a little disappointing. The ocean section of the museum was very cool, especially the huge whale. Fun place for kids, probably skip it if just a bunch of adults. We did not buy tickets ahead and didn’t have to wait at all.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Absolutely the best!!! it’s not a trip to New York. If you don’t go to the museum of natural history. So much to see so many great exhibits when you’re inside you know you’re in the right place when you are greeted by a giant Tyrannosaurus rex. Wonderful museum for anyone of any age. If you get a chance, you should go see the new Gilder center. It just opened and it’s spectacular. It’s laid out nicely and it’s easy to navigate and the butterfly exhibit should not be missed.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

This is an incredible museum - with so much to see. An entire day could be spent here and you wouldn’t see it all. It’s a shame that it costs so much now, as it should be free so that many people can go and see as little as they want. But it’s worth protecting at all costs, there are so many precious things in this museum. The dioramas, especially the forest dioramas, the 34 tonne meteorite, the 33 million yo petrified tree, the list goes on… I didn’t get to see more than 50% and I left exhausted but invigorated. I would never skip a trip here when I’m in NYC unless I have to!

Yesterday was my first time in NYC and my boyfriend brought me here to start the day. I can appreciate the hard work and research put into everything, but overall, it was a snooze fest. The exhibits completely lacked any flow or direction, the cafe was too busy to grab a snack from (line out the door), and the main exit took half an hour of walking in circles to find. To nitpick even further, the museum temperature regulation was very poor—freezing in one room and burning up in the next. If you’re looking for something fun to do as a tourist, spend your money anywhere else.

While visiting NYC me and my husband decided to check out this museum. There is a significant amount of rich history here and it was very informative and interesting. I will say though considering how big the museum is I think it would be nice if a flow through the exhibits existed. The beverages were also a bit pricey, I had purchased water and it was about $5 per bottle. Aside from that I would definitely recommend for people to check this spot out.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

A dream for any museum lover. Buy tickets and book shows in advance, there's a small lineup outside to enter, but it is quick. Once inside, it is almost a days trip. There's way many things to see, experience. It's like the entire movie "Night at the Mueseum" came alive. You can bring your own reusable water bottles and there are fountains every few corners. We did not try the food inside. But go prepared, go fresh and enjoy. It's a wonderland!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

It’s by far my favorite place in the city. If you are interested in any subject such as space, animals, fossils, geology and anthropology then this is your spot. It gets a little crowded, so plan with good time and buy tickets online a couple of days before. You can mía e a quick tour of all 4 floors in 2 or 3 hours but you will be missing a lot of details so, if you want to see everything well, prepare at list 4 hours to check everything.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

We come so often that the membership is worth it. My kids watch the PBS show Wild Kratts, so they like coming often to find the animals they know. The new wing is fantastic! I enjoy it, as do my two boys (4 and 2yo). This is not just for visitors, it’s great for locals, too. In the summer, the entrance line can wrap around the block at opening. I recommend coming in the afternoon around holidays and in the summer when the lines are much shorter. Members can use the member entrance and essentially walk in anytime. Dinosaurs are on the 4th floor!

Scenes and exhibitions are so realistic that they look real, and it feels like being in the jungle or on the savannah. We had the chance to visit the museum as part of a guided tour in Italian. Our guide — a museum’s staff member named Karin — was so kind and clearly passionate about history that she involved us immediately. Really, really interesting. Totally recommend. I’d suggest to take at least half a day to visit since the museum is huge.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Lots of interesting exhibits and things to see, from minerals & precious stones to dinosaurs & ancient animals; from space exploration to human history. Definitely something for everyone. The museum is getting older on the interior and starting to show its years, the flow between exhibits is difficult and often has to work our way back through an exhibit as there was no good way to get through. Overall great place to spend 4 hours
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

the ticket line moved kinda slow, but other than that, i really enjoyed the insect and gem and mineral exhibits! we were blown away by how large the museum was. with other 40 exhibits, it is definitely a multi trip experience. would recommend buying tickets online in advance if you want to skip the line or make sure you get into the limited ticket experiences (butterfly house, planetarium, etc.)
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

I wanted to see the museum ever since I ve seen the movie a long time ago. The T-REX is awesome and the other dinosaurs as well. But the museum is more than that! It is huge and there are many animals and climates presented. You should allocate at least 4 hours for it. PS: free tickets starting with 16.30, you will have just 1 hour for the visit but it is a good option if you are in a hurry.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

I can’t wait to come back so much to see and even with the time you have, you still need more!!! This museum is beautiful & very knowledgeable, thankfully they lay out numbers for you to read & review each piece of history. The staff is GREAT & super helpful, I’m planning my next trip I can’t believe how much this museum has to offer, I promise you won’t regret spending half of your day here!!!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Maybe a crowded time to come between Christmas and New Years but the line outside moved very quickly. You buy tickets for entry at a specific time. Plan ahead to buy tickets for the major films and exhibits. Even though there were thousands of people inside, it was not difficult to navigate to and among the exhibits. We paid extra for the invisible world immersive exhibit which was fun and stimulating. Kids will love it.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Wow. We went to the museum on a Sunday while it was raining. Never occurred to me that this would be the busiest place, but it was jam-packed. Overall, it was a fun time. We had lunch there; not the best idea. Consider it cafeteria style food. The 4th floor had the dinosaurs!! They were great to see, but I was disappointed I could not tell which parts are real and which are plaster copies. The rest of the museum wasn’t as interesting to me. I had not thought about the fact they were all stuffed animals.!!?

This place is worth everything again and again. No matter how old you are, something for everyone. The exhibitions are made with such care and immersive, it takes you right there, especially the designs in the African and Asian Mammals. Don’t miss to lay below the blue whale, to understand how small we humans are. We had the pleasure of being there for the special elephant exhibit and that on its own was fantastic.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No

The museum is a great place to spend a few hours or even days. We had access from a pass, so did not have to pay a separate fee, which was handy. We kind of just quickly went through everything we had access to, and it still took us about 3 hours. I'd imagine if you did want to learn and read about the various displays inside, you could easily spend several days coming back here. I didn't take many pictures as it felt more interesting to see things for myself, so I'd thoroughly recommend coming here.

The best museum I've been to so far. From the moment you walk into the building to the time you leave, I was in awe and amazement. Beautiful layout, amazing displays, larger then life models. Must see for any museum lover. OH and you never know you will be there. Me and my daughters shared and elevator with Pink and her daughters. Great experience all around.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

Great museum! I suggest to buy tickets online. A full visit may require 5 to 6 hours. The best areas are dinosaurs and minerals in my opinion. Book the show at the planetarium, if available: the little extra price is worth! 4 stars and not 5 because personnel is sometimes rude and not welcoming at all, especially at security checks, cafeteria and food court.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

What an incredible museum. Full of well maintained and displayed exhibits, set out in a beautiful building. Staff are friendly and helpful and I’d recommend you pre book your free slot at the planetarium as you need a ticket to get in to the show. Word of warning, the food in the lower level cafe is terrible and very expensive, so bring your own food and drink.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

I don’t know how anyone could give this museum less than 5 stars. I spent 5 hours here walking around learning. I did not buy a ticket in advance and didn’t have any problems getting in. I did go right when the museum opened however. You can definitely tell what exhibits are new and which one have been there for a while. Put a good part of the day aside when you come here because you will get lost in history. There is an app that will help you navigate while you are there.

The new Glider hall is amazing! We loved the architecture and overall structure of the space. I came here for the 3rd time in my life and visited the butterfly exhibition. It wasn’t the best, but it was enough. The butterfly room is super hot and humid, and there’s enough chances for some to land on you but ONLY if they choose to. The leaf cutter ants were AMAZING! I absolutely loved watching them cut up leaves and haul them across to their little city across the room.

There were tons of people who was directed to come in because it was pouring outside. Even with so many entering, this museum is so HUGE that we could still maneuver through. Big- yes, there are 3 floors to the gift shop. The movie on the Blue Whales was well worth the money and time. If I lived in the city, I would definitely be a member!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

The museum was awesome, literally the same as the movie! We started from the top floor to watch the dinosaurs and work our way down. The kids love it so much, because the museum highly resonates with what they’ve seen in the movie. If you plan to visit, maybe enter from the entrance in the basement, that will save you time on the queue.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

It’s so stunning, elaborate and well structured. If you have kids and want them to understand earth, evolution, history or an adult who wants to be wowed, this museum is a must visit. Everything is super detailed and realistic. It’s just soooo big that you will be mentally and physically tired to see it all in a day. Then you can sit in their library or coffee shop :)
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

I've always been interested in universe,and I love to learn more about it .. As I've gotten older, I've decided to focus more on Learning through Joy. Therefore, this museum is really a great start for you to learn .. I would suggest to buy the ticket via the App to have an easy access. I also suggest to have a good break fast and ur favorite coffee before you enter the museum because there is no good place inside the museum for fine food and coffee.

Definitely not to missed museum. Full of awe it is. Beautifully displayed the past telling us about our present n future What an incredible collection of information and stories and insights. Not only dinosaurs attract but everything in the museum makes you visit again If you visit an hour before the closing time Enteryis FREE
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

It hasvast collection of specimens and artifacts, which offer a glimpse into the natural world and human history. Its engaging and informative exhibits, which are suitable for visitors of all ages. Its world-class scientific research facilities, which are used to further our understanding of the natural world.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

We had a very good time, the only problem is that we didn't visit all the sections because we were very tired. I recommend that you wear comfortable shoes. And not to walk too much the day before, so you can walk for hours while you are comfortable, because you will need at least 4 hours to see the whole place.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

The place is incredible, very big, well organized, clean and well planned. It takes a lot of time to explore. We didn't get to see everything, but we did get to see the dinosaurs and the presentation in the planetarium. Which was a wonderful surprise, because the video was extremely interesting. The museum is certainly worth several visits.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Museum of Natural History is a fascinating place to spend time. You can drift back in time, travel through different cultures and regions on earth, or wonder off the earth into the space beyond. The visible and invisible world. A place to explore, experience and learn. Young or old, there is something for everyone who has a curious mind. The museum high light tours (we had Cindy) are very informative and educational.

Totally stop by here is you’re visiting. It’s good for kids and adults. Plenty of unique exhibits and really cool pieces. I did think it was interesting that they avoided European history… the science exhibits and detailed information can make this a long experience that’s worth it’s value.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

Great museum to visit if you are in New York, especially if you have kids, plenty of different rooms, like African, Asian, American arts, ocean life, gems and minerals and others. Huge and interesting, that will deserve your attention for hours. We came 30 min before the opening, otherwise the queue is for hours outside.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Visited today in the morning with high expectations and wasn't disappointed! Asian and African mammals were surprisingly captivating. Excellent presentation and informative exhibits. Helpful staff. Crowded but didn't impact the experience. A must-visit for nature enthusiasts! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

I walked in, and it looked so much better than before. It is amazing how everything is connected to the train station and streets. Planetarium was a great experience with my son. We spent hrs talking about sharks and dinosaurs . I definitely will go again soon.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Great experience. It's enormous. Totally worth it but start your visit earlier in the morning to have time to visit all the exhibitions. If you love to learn about other civilizations it's great. For kids I think there is only 1-2 rooms that can draw their attention.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

The museum ticket was part of the New York Explorer Pass and it was an interesting way to spend an educational afternoon. Tge museum was full of well-crafted animal sculptures along with information of how they survive in various habitats. The dinosaur skeletons were also magnificent to see.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

SO WORTHY. a must go for everybody. so educational, and have great shows and exhibitions. $28 for students and you get to see all the shows, you need reservations for shows so it's the easiest to get your ticket online and save your time standing in line.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

Very nice museum. Don't forget to avoid the Central Park entrance to avoid long lines to get inside. We got in through the Planetarium which is actually the same museum. Be aware, if you want to visit and read every exhibit, it will take the whole day.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

One of the best museums in the world; probably the best natural history museum. The new cave like entrance opens up the AMNH and make sit more open looking, brighter and better flowing. I also liked the new gem section. As a NYC resident, you can pay what you want to enter the museum. As such, its worth going even you only have a short time
Visited on
Weekday

This is a great place to visit! It is even better if you have kids! I purchased tickets ahead of time because every sign said we needed to, but you don't need to and I ran into some issues so I would recommend not buying tickets ahead of time.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$21–30

This place is so cool. I suggest starting at the top and working down. So many people are here all the time. So don’t be shocked when you have to wait to see some things up close. But it’s exactly like the movie and so many different things to see in that regard as well.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Yes

It’s a marvelous educational experience. You can buy the tickets online or at the front desk (15 minutes tops) It is a crowded place on Sunday with space enough to walk and enjoy the displays. There are QR codes at every entry to download the pdf map. I was very happy!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Usually, I come here with my family, but today we are on a school trip. The students so far are enjoying the exhibits. They especially liked the Hall of Human Origin. Great place to visit if in New York. Take the B train to 81st drops you right at the museum.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Growing up in New York, I've always loved this museum. I've been here multiple times throughout my life, and still notice new things each time. One visit is just enough to get a glimpse of all of the exhibits, but definitely not enough to see everything. I recommend this museum for everyone visiting New York and anyone currently living here.

Loved it here. All the exhibits were beautiful, and I will definitely return with family. I suggest showing up at least an hour early to eat before going in, it took us 2 hours to see everything and shop.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

We bought the ticket for 197 $ in citypass with 11 attraction in 9 days so we could visit this place ( was on the list). I was in many museums but I have never seen so huge exhibition. I recommend this place so much, everybody will find something for themselve, just prepare comfortable shoes and many free time

Such an awesome place but I feel like they are trying to get money out of you with the charges for all the exhibits. Museums should be free especially the child-friendly ones. Photos are from the Van Cleef jewelry exhibit.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Beautiful place! Actually really nice because you can pay as you wish if you’re a NY resident. The staff, ticket people, security, and even the guides were so nice. Although it gets crowded, it’s really a nice museum to have fun. So much childhood memories were unlocked :) (I paid $5 for two tickets) More

Impressive, one of the biggest museum I've seen in my life! Special mention for the Dinosaurs and previous mammals collection. We sadly missed the gems parts as museum was closing.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

The museum is huge. Meticulously detailed. History from all continents, oceans, a large dinosaur exhibition. I particularly enjoyed the film about the Big Bang and the section on Native American history. The museum caters to both children and adults. Plan for a full day visit, around 8-10 hours

Just breath taking exhibits, unique display styles, and diversity. Was amazed to see all the exhibits used in the film night of the museum. A nice way to spend 2-3 hours
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

We loved it. I took a lot of pictures. It has four floors and takes at least 4 hours to walk around. However, the good news is that ticket prices start at $25, which is not bad.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure

The place is huge .. the collection is mind blowing. In fact it feels like 10 different museum in one. After 4 hours we could hardly finish 2nd and 3rd floor. Anyone can spend a day there. Would love to return to the museum again. Next time will plan a day for this alone.

An absolutely fantastic museum. You will get your money's worth with a regular ticket, but if you're only making one visit I'd suggest the butterfly vivarium and the Invisible Worlds immersive experience. The new Gilder Center is an absolutely beautiful update! More

It was wonderful! We did all of the paid exhibits and many of those included with entry. Our favorites were the Butterflies and the Rocks, Gem etc hall. Would definitely like to go back again and see more if we had more time in New York. More

Great museum! The exhibitions are made with great attention to detail and are accompanied with highly informative and interesting descriptions. Definitely a must to round off your NYC trip. The lines can be long but advance quickly. Best to

One of my favorite museums in New York! Pay-what-you-wish for NY ID holders/residents. Make sure to download the museum’s app: Explorer! It shows you the map and follows you as you walk through, it has interesting audios about the

Quite a beautiful museum worth the detour. The museum staff is very welcoming. The vendors are pretty nice, except for the cosmic shop where the reception is very cold, and they are not attentive enough to the tourists.

This was my first time visiting the museum and it was amazing. I don't know if they have a two day pass, it's a lot to see in one day. Four floors and that doesn't include the 25 min presentation Beyond the Earth.

It was an amazing experience, and the museum is spectacular and immaculate. It's perfect. However, I think ALL museums should be 100% free and affordable to the public.

My FAVORITE museum in NYC! Takes me back to when I was a child and we came here on a school trip. Appreciate it more as an adult. Highly recommend! More

So many things to be amused by. Would be a well spent and knowledgeable day spent with the kids! The best part were the add-ons like:

A world class museum that always has new content to discover and learn. I always bring people here who are visiting from out of town.