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Museum of Natural History - Why Everyone Should Go at Least Once

The American Museum of Natural History may be best known for hosting the popular Ben Stiller movie, "Night at the Museum". However, while that flick does justice to the signature artifacts you can find at perhaps the most sprawling and relevant natural history museum the world, it really only scratches the surface at at just how massive and diverse this museum really is.

Honestly, there's no way you can see all of the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH for the rest of this review) in one day; it's simply not possible. However, there are of course three or four things you should absolutely do if you only get the chance to visit this museum once. Here they are, in order of "must see" to "definitely consider": 

1.) Hayden Planetarium: It's worth the extra $10 or $15 (I can't remember the precise dollar amount) to catch a 25- 30 minute IMAX movie in the Hayden Planetarium. I took in a great short feature on the Big Bang that was as informative as anything I've seen on the Discovery Channel, and as entertaining as seeing an action-packed feature film in IMAX. Definitely worth the price of admission and a nice way to break up the artifact sight-seeing.

2.) The Dinosaurs: Granted, it's a given that you're going to check out the dozens of dinosaur fossils featured in the AMNH. (Like your 6-year-old would let you do otherwise?) That being said, while The Field Museum in Chicago has the biggest T-Rex fossil on record (the famous "Sue"), for my money the AMNH collection of fossils is bigger better represented.

3.) The Ocean Exhibit: We all know the weirdest creatures come from the deep blue sea. Get up close to some of the wildest artifacts and information in the museum in the ocean exhibit which, in my opinion, was the most dressed-up and kid-friendly of any of the sections in the AMNH.

4.) The Dioramas: As you walk through the seemingly endless hallways of dioramas depicting everything from cavemen times to animals of old North America that used to roam the great plains, you'll be taken aback by the almost life-like depictions of past times. These are perhaps the exhibits that most people think of when they think of the AMNH, and given the sheer number of different dioramas it's no wonder why.

There are some pretty cool gift shops in the AMNH, though after checking out their cafe prices I'd highly recommend grabbing lunch before or after visiting the museum. Also, make sure you and your kids are wearing comfy shoes as you'll be doing a ton of walking throughout your trip. And, whether you're traveling with little ones or not, I can't recommend making a trip to the Hayden Planetarium enough, as it will not only entertain but also recharge your museum-visiting batteries.

You probably don't need me to tell you that the American Museum of Natural History is worth a visit if you've never been before, but in case you do, here it is: GO!

Museum of Natural History - New Hayden Planetarium is Awesome

The American Museum of Natural History is in one word – enormous.  From the building itself, to the list of exhibits to see, the life topics you can explore, and the actual dinosaurs, whales and other monstrously sized animal displays, it’s all grand in size.   This was not my first time visiting the Natural History museum, but as a kid, I remember it being my favorite museum, so I was stoked to re-visit as an adult.

I went with a friend who lives in the City who hadn’t been in awhile, and we decided to purchase a ticket for museum admission plus one video exhibit.  There were a few choices for the extra feature options- there were exhibits about frogs, dinosaurs, butterflies and our choice – outer space! 

I definitely recommend seeing the Journey to the Stars exhibit if you have the chance. I entered the brand-new Hayden Planetarium for the Space Show (which plays every 30 minutes) and was excited to learn it would be narrated by Whoopi Goldberg.  I’ve always been a fan of planetariums and hadn’t been inside one in years – it was awesome!

Complete with the circular dome movie screen and comfy leaned-back chairs, the Hayden Planetarium set-up was tops. The video itself was super engaging, but also explained very complex sciences of space in simple ways that all ages can learn something from.  You feel as if you’re exploring through space as you’re learning about its effects on our daily lives, the past historical times, and the future of the earth and other planets.  I give Journey to the Stars, 5 stars, and I’d be willing to bet all of the other exhibits are quite stimulating as well.

The rest of the museum is bursting with historical information of life on Earth – from pre-historic dinosaur fossils (my favorite outside of the planetarium), evolutionary time-lines and exhibits of animals and peoples from all parts of the world, at periodical points in history.  It’s near impossible to see everything this museum has to offer in one day, but the ticket prices make it worth a return trip if you want to come back and see the rest another day.  Admissions to this museum are actually donation-based, so technically you can go for free.

This is a great place to go with kids, with friends, and it would be enjoyable alone, too, which not all attractions are. You can seek out the exhibits you’re most interested in, opt  for a guided tour if you’re unsure, or just roam around – you’re bound to learn a lot and enjoy doing it. It's right across from Central Park, so it's in a great location to make a day of Uptown Manhattan.

Museum of Natural History - New Hayden Planetarium is Awesome

The American Museum of Natural History is in one word – enormous.  From the building itself, to the list of exhibits to see, the life topics you can explore, and the actual dinosaurs, whales and other monstrously sized animal displays, it’s all grand in size.   This was not my first time visiting the Natural History museum, but as a kid, I remember it being my favorite museum, so I was stoked to re-visit as an adult.

I went with a friend who lives in the City who hadn’t been in awhile, and we decided to purchase a ticket for museum admission plus one video exhibit.  There were a few choices for the extra feature options- there were exhibits about frogs, dinosaurs, butterflies and our choice – outer space! 

I definitely recommend seeing the Journey to the Stars exhibit if you have the chance. I entered the brand-new Hayden Planetarium for the Space Show (which plays every 30 minutes) and was excited to learn it would be narrated by Whoopi Goldberg.  I’ve always been a fan of planetariums and hadn’t been inside one in years – it was awesome!

Complete with the circular dome movie screen and comfy leaned-back chairs, the Hayden Planetarium set-up was tops. The video itself was super engaging, but also explained very complex sciences of space in simple ways that all ages can learn something from.  You feel as if you’re exploring through space as you’re learning about its effects on our daily lives, the past historical times, and the future of the earth and other planets.  I give Journey to the Stars, 5 stars, and I’d be willing to bet all of the other exhibits are quite stimulating as well.

The rest of the museum is bursting with historical information of life on Earth – from pre-historic dinosaur fossils (my favorite outside of the planetarium), evolutionary time-lines and exhibits of animals and peoples from all parts of the world, at periodical points in history.  It’s near impossible to see everything this museum has to offer in one day, but the ticket prices make it worth a return trip if you want to come back and see the rest another day.  Admissions to this museum are actually donation-based, so technically you can go for free.

This is a great place to go with kids, with friends, and it would be enjoyable alone, too, which not all attractions are. You can seek out the exhibits you’re most interested in, opt  for a guided tour if you’re unsure, or just roam around – you’re bound to learn a lot and enjoy doing it. It's right across from Central Park, so it's in a great location to make a day of Uptown Manhattan.

Check Out the Planetarium at the Natural History Museum

No matter how much knowledge you have about natural history, you will still gain a lot from visiting the American Museum of Natural History.  In addition to the artifacts the museum displays all the time, the museum also hosts many exhibits.  The recently added Planetarium is worth a visit in and of itself.  You'll get to experience being in space and seeing how a star is formed, as you look up at the incredible display.

This review is provided by anLumena staff member and is a composite of actual reviews. This may be a paid advertiser.

Definitely Worth a Visit - Natural History Museum

Whether you're traveling in NYC by yourself or with a group, the American Museum of Natural History is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys history or dinosaurs.  In addition to the fun dinosaur exhibits that will delight people of all ages, you'll likely get to see the interesting temporary exhibits as well.  Even if you don't think of yourself as a "museum person," you will probably end up spending a lot of time wandering around this museum.

Since the museum has such an incredible location, you'll be able to take a stroll around Central Park after you take in all the fun information the Natural History Museum has to offer.  Heading to the museum then walking around the park seems like a pretty relaxing day in New York City.

This review is provided by anLumena staff member and is a composite of actual reviews. This may be a paid advertiser.