History of the New York Museum of Natural History
The New York Museum of Natural History was established in 1869. At the beginning, this museum was located in the Arsenal, a building located in Central Park. But over time, the collections grew and the space available in the Arsenal began to run out. The museum therefore decided to have another building constructed: between 77th and 81st streets. Construction of this new building began in 1874 and its inauguration took place three years later, in 1877 during a Rutherford B. Hayes official ceremony, the 19th president of the country.
Over the years, the museum has opened new spaces and new rooms to accommodate new collections.
Today, the New York Museum of Natural History hosts more than 5 million visitors per year and it houses more than 32 million objects and specimens. The museum also appeared in the film "Night at the Museum".
The various collections of the Natural History Museum are spread over 5 levels and over 150 000 m². Before visiting this museum, I therefore advise you to choose the collections that you want to see as a priority. Also, don't forget to get the New York Pass or New York City Pass, because the museum is included in it!
How is the Museum of Natural History divided?
As noted, the New York Museum of Natural History is divided into 5 floors and all the rooms respond to a specific theme:
- - spaces on the environment and biodiversity where you can find a room for each of these two themes, but also a space on North American forests and another on the marine world.
- - rooms dedicated to reptiles and birds which exhibit collections of these species.
- - spaces on earth sciences and planets where you can discover meteorites, minerals, precious stones ...
- - mammal rooms dedicated to these animals.
- La room dedicated to discoveries for children and family. Events and exhibitions are also organized there.
- - rooms dedicated to the origins of civilizations and people which trace the history of man from his origin to today through all civilizations.
- - fossil rooms where many skeletons await you.
- Le Rose Center for Earth and Space (Rose Center for Earth and Space) to discover the universe and many others!
- Theodore Roosevelt Memorial which includes the memorial, the west facade and the entrance to the museum.
What can you see at the Natural History Museum?
All the rooms of the New York Museum of Natural History are very interesting and will allow you to learn more about animals, civilizations… But due to the numerous collections, it is very difficult to see everything in one visit. To help you make the right choice, here is a quick overview of the Collections unavoidable that you can see according to the floors:
Lower LevelYou can visit the Cullman Hall of the Universe to dive into the universe. First Floor (ground floor)Here awaits you the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life where a life-size whale can be sighted, the Spitzer Hall of human origins where skeletons are on display, the Ross Hall of meteorites to see meteorites and the Bernard Family Hall of North American Mammals where animal reproductions are presented. Second FloorHere is The Butterfly Conservatory to see many species of butterflies and the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda where skeletons from dinosaurs are on display. Third FloorYou can visit the Hayden Planetarium Space Theater there and thus discover space and Nature's Fury if you wish to have information on the various natural phenomena (cyclones, eruptions…). Fourth FloorIf you want to know all about dinosaurs. [/ Toggle]
Why visit the New York Museum of Natural History?
The New York Museum of Natural History is a very interesting place that I advise you to discover during your stay in the Big Apple. Here, young and old will be amazed at the many works, each more surprising than the last!
At the Museum of Natural History, you will have the chance to see dinosaurs and many other very fascinating specimens!
During your visit, you can also contemplate precious stones like the "Star of India", a famous sapphire and one of the largest in the world. Rubies and diamonds can also be admired.
You will also have the opportunity to live an incredible experience : that of discovering and touching meteorites!
New York Museum of Natural History: how to visit it?
Entrance fee to the museum
The prices are: € 21 per adult and € 12 for children.
Do you want to visit the Museum of Natural History? Don't forget to book your tickets in advance on the internet by clicking here. This will prevent you from queuing at the entrance.
Practical and useful information for your visit $
New York Museum of Natural History opening hours
The Natural History Museum is open from 10h to 17h45 daily (except Thanksgiving Day and December 25).
Where is he ?
The museum is located in Manhattan and its full address is: Central Park West & 79th St, New York, NY 10024. Here is a map to locate it:
How to get to the museum?
To get to the museum, you can take the line 1, B or C from the metro to 81 st - Museum of Natural History station.
As soon as your cultural visit is over, take a stroll through Central Park, located a stone's throw from the museum. You will be able to recharge your batteries before discovering the other wonders of New York!
