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!
This review was made by the www.nyctourist.com site editor based on personal experience. NYCTourist was not paid for this review, but we may receive compensation for placement of this travel provider advertisements on our site.
Jason Bushey
(NYCtourist Staff)
Sep 10, 2012
at 3:13 pm
Points: 10
Joined: November 2010
xxx.xxx.185.247
Would recommend to a friend
Date of stay: 08/12
Museum of Natural History - Why Everyone Should Go at Least Once
Venue Reviewed: American Museum of Natural History
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!
This review was made by the www.nyctourist.com site editor based on personal experience. NYCTourist was not paid for this review, but we may receive compensation for placement of this travel provider advertisements on our site.