I live a mere two blocks from the American Museum of Natural History. Visiting as often as I do, I’ve slowly discovered some of the best things to see at the American Museum of Natural History. From impressive habitat dioramas to artifacts from outer space, here’s some of the exhibits you won’t want to miss during your visit.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +3 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Things to See at the American Museum of Natural History
(Click Here for the Table of Contents)
American Museum of Natural History Guide (Table of Contents)
- Best Things to See at the American Museum of Natural History
- The African Elephants
- The Blue Whale
- Willamette Meteorite
- Tyrannosaurus Rex
- Aztec Stone of the Sun
- Mammoth Skeleton
- The Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium (Additional Admission Required)
- Rapa Nui (Easter Island) Moai Cast
- Triceratops
- Sequoia Round
- Amethyst Crystals
- Hayden Planetarium (Additional Admission Required)
- The Big Bang Theater
- Lucy
- Tips for Visiting the American Museum of Natural History
- American Museum of Natural History Self-Guided Tour (Post Summary)
- Map of the Best Things to See at the American Museum of Natural History
- Helpful New York City Guides
The African Elephants
Most people have only ever seen elephants from a distance at a zoo, but at the American Museum of Natural History, you’ll get a chance to stand alongside the largest land mammal in the world. The freestanding heard of eight African Elephants is poised as if ready to charge, a regal display of the critically endangered mammal.
I’ve been here in every season. My favorite? Fall, when the light hits just right.
After admiring the herd, take your time observing the habitat dioramas of African wildlife found from the Nile to the vast Serengeti Plain. Meticulously re-created from professional field studies, you’ll get a glimpse of African lions and gigantic gorillas.
The Blue Whale
Located in the Hall of Ocean Life, the life-size model of the blue whale is one of the most popular attractions at the American Museum of Natural History. Measuring nearly 100 feet long, the blue whale is largest animal known to exist. You really can’t appreciate the size of this massive mammal until your standing right below it, don’t miss the opportunity!
Fun fact. The size of a blue whale is equivalent to three school buses or a Boeing 737.
Willamette Meteorite
Discovered in Oregon in 1902, the Willamette Meteorite (known by the Clackamas people as “Tomanowos”) is the largest meteorite found in the United States and the sixth largest in the world.
Pro tip. most people rush through here. Take your time. It’s worth it.
Weighing more than 15.5 tons, the meteorite is mostly composed of iron and nickle and measures approximately 10.5 feet long, 6.5 feet wide and 4 feet deep.
Scientist believe the meteorite originated from an asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and traveled through space for millions of years before landing on Earth. The thumbprint-like depressions were formed during the meteor’s fiery descent through the atmosphere.
Whether you’re interested in the cosmos or not, one thing is certain. the Willamette Meteorite is one of the coolest things to see at the American Museum of Natural History.
Some spots just hit different when you stumble on them yourself.
Tyrannosaurus Rex
Barnum Brown is arguably the most prolific paleontologist of all time. Nicknamed “Mr. Bones” he joined the American Museum of Natural History in 1897 and discovered the first Tyrannosaurus Rex in the world in 1902. Six years later, he discovered a second (nearly complete specimen) in Montana.
The guy had a knack for this thing, no?
The skeleton was shipped to the American Museum of Natural History where it remains to this day. And while this particular T-Rex has inspired visitors for more than a century, he’s probably most famous for his role in Night at the Museum (“fetch boy!”).
Experiencing the grandeur of the world’s most famous predator is definitely one of the best things to do at the American Museum of Natural History.
Aztec Stone of the Sun
The Aztec Stone of the Sun (known as the Calendar Stone) is a significant monument carved from a single piece of stone. Weighing more than 20 tons, it features symbols that emphasize the Sun’s role in Aztec religion and astronomy, reflecting the civilization’s sophisticated calendar system and deep reverence for celestial bodies.
Local tip. Between you and me, the seasonal menu is always better than the regular one. Ask what’s fresh today.
Mammoth Skeleton
One of my favorite things to see at the American Museum of Natural History is the colossal mammoth skeleton Mammuthus that lived 11,000 years ago.
Discovered in Indiana, Mammuthus shouldn’t be confused with its smaller cousin the woolly mammoth whose hairstyle was all the rage in the Pleistocene era. This particular mammoth was much larger but didn’t have the signature long hair.
The exhibit also includes the mummified remains of “Effie,” a baby woolly mammoth found in 1948 in Alaska (the remains were preserved in frozen ground for 21,000 years). Whether you were introduced to the era through Ice Age or school textbooks, the mammoth is a beloved prehistoric creature so don’t miss the chance to see one up close.
The Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium (Additional Admission Required)
The Butterfly Conservatory is home to more than 80 species of butterflies from around the world. Kept at 80°F year-round, I’d love to call it home too during the winter season.
Enclosed in an expertly-picked habitat that allows the butterflies to interact much like they would in the wild, the beloved flying insect feeds, mates (cover your eyes, kids) and crawls around on visitor’s hands every once in a while.
Since this one of the most popular exhibits at the American Museum of Natural History, an additional ticket is required. When booking tickets, you’ll need to select “General Admission + One” which includes entry to the vivarium ($34 for adults, $20 for children).
Rapa Nui (Easter Island) Moai Cast
Remember how the Easter Island Head in Night at the Museum loved eating gum and calling Larry, “Dum Dum?” Well, while there’s no guarantee this Moai Cast will harass you for gum, he’s still worth a detour.
This plaster cast was made from a mold secured during the museum’s 1934-1935 expedition to Rapa Nui (known as Easter Island). Located in the Margaret Mead Hall of Pacific Peoples, the cast represents one of the 887 revered Moai statues on the island, which are known for their significance in local culture and religion.
These iconic statues were carved by the people of Rapa Nui from volcanic tuff. Located chiefly along the island’s coastlines, the statues are believed to represent deified ancestors guarding the community.
Weighing up to 12 tons, their build has puzzled explorers for years. Which is why adding this exhibit to your self-guided tour of the American Museum of Natural History is a must.
Triceratops
Did you know the museum displays a 65-million-year-old Triceratops skeleton? It’s true! An interesting aspect of the exhibit is the visible injury on the side of the skull (possibly from a conflict with another dinosaur).
The skull of a triceratops is so large it accounts for nearly a third of the length of the body (the more you know, right?). This a must-see at the American Museum of Natural History for dinosaur enthusiasts.
Sequoia Round
This cross-cut section of a giant sequoia comes from a tree that stood over 300 feet tall before it was felled in California in 1891. By comparison, the largest tree in the world today is the soaring 275-foot General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park.
The exhibit emphasizes the tree’s remarkable characteristics, including its fire-resistant bark and natural repellent to disease. Counting the rings on the round gives you perspective into how massive the tree was and how long it lived.
For context, when the tree spouted 1,400 years ago, the English language didn’t exist. No wonder Theodore Roosevelt admired these giants so much!
Amethyst Crystals
The giant amethyst geode is a remarkable specimen of quartz crystals formed nearly 135 million years ago through a hydrothermal process. The crystals formed quickly (probably within a year), but it millions of years for them to turn into the purple amethyst we see today.
Weighing 12,000 pounds and standing more than 9 feet tall, at first glance it’s easy to assume you’ve accidentally stepped into the planetarium (the geode is out of this world!). But, I assure you, the geode hails from our planet and is one of it.
Hayden Planetarium (Additional Admission Required)
The planetarium is a hub for education and scientific research, providing insights into the cosmos through state-of-the-art exhibits and presentations. Offering an immersive experience into space and astronomy, you can catch interesting movies in the Dome Theater (25-minutes, additional admission required).
I highly recommend adding this to the docket if you’re visiting the American Museum of Natural History for the first time and are interested in learning about the universe’s wonders.
The Big Bang Theater
Located in the Planetarium, The Big Bang Theater presents a short 5-minute film (free) on the creation of our universe (or what we know of it thus far). Aptly named, the presentation touches on the Big Bang Theory and subsequent formation of galaxies. Since it’s a quick detour, it’s worth adding to your American Museum of Natural History must-see list.
Lucy
First discovered in 1973, Lucy stunned the world upon her discovery. Why? It’s the most complete skeleton ever found of Australopithecus afarensis (a hominid that existed between 2-4 million years ago).
The original skeleton is housed in Ethiopia, but this replica is one of the best things to see at the American Museum of Natural History. And in case you’re wondering, the skeleton gets its name from the Beatles song, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” The song was playing while anthropologists celebrated their discovery.
Tips for Visiting the American Museum of Natural History
Don’t Rush the Experience
Spanning 2.5 million square feet, you won’t be able to see everything during a single visit. Instead of qualifying for the Olympics while visiting the American Museum of Natural History, prioritize your top five exhibits and take your time gaining a deeper appreciation of those.
Pay What You Wish
Residents of the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) aren’t subject to general admission and can pay what they wish, but tickets must be booked online in advance. You’ll need to show ID when you arrive at the museum.
American Museum of Natural History Self-Guided Tour (Post Summary)
- The African Elephants
- The Blue Whale
- Willamette Meteorite
- T-Rex
- Aztec Stone of the Sun
- Mammoth
- Butterfly Conservatory (Additional Admission Required)
- Moai Head
- Triceratops
- Sequoia Round
- Amethyst Crystals
- Hayden Planetarium (Additional Admission Required)
- Lucy
- Big Bang Theater
- Folsom Spear Point
Frequently Asked Questions. American Museum of Natural History Guide
Don’t miss the famous dinosaur exhibits, including the Tyrannosaurus rex and Apatosaurus skeletons, at the American Museum of Natural History.
The most famous exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History is the towering Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton known as “Sue.”
Yes, the American Museum of Natural History is definitely worth visiting for its extensive collection of fascinating exhibits, including dinosaurs, cultural artifacts, and interactive displays.
Visitors should plan to spend between two and four hours at the American Museum of Natural History. However, visitors can tailor their experience based on personal interests and the exhibits they choose to prioritize.
The choice between the Met and the Museum of Natural History depends on your preferences, with the Met offering an extensive art collection and cultural exhibits, while the Museum of Natural History focuses on natural history, including dinosaurs and scientific displays.
The American Museum of Natural History is suitable for all ages, but it is particularly enjoyable for children and adults interested in science, nature, and history.
Map of the Best Things to See at the American Museum of Natural History
Helpful New York City Guides
- Where to Eat After the Museum. 10 Best Restaurants on the Upper West Side
- 15 Exciting Museums in New York City (& What to See at Each)
- 20 Epic Things to See at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) in NYC
- 10+ Great Museums for Kids in New York City (Fun & Educational)
- 10 Interactive Museums in New York City (You Need to Know About!)
- 15 Enjoyable Things to Do in Central Park (Local’s Guide)
And there it is folks! My personal roundup of the best things to see at The American Museum of Natural History! Let me know if I missed any of your favorites.
Cheers!
Final Thoughts
That wraps up our guide to Things to See at the American Museum of Natural History. Have a favorite spot we missed?
Hungry while exploring? Check out our guide to the best food in SoHo for local dining picks.
Planning a visit soon?
If you liked this guide, you might also enjoy exploring my other local recommendations.
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