Best time to visit the American Museum of Natural History

Weekday vs Weekend

Visit the museum on weekdays, especially in the mornings to late afternoons, for a quieter and more relaxed experience compared to weekends. At this time, you can explore the exhibits at a leisurely pace without the hustle and bustle of crowds that are more prevalent on weekends.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

Peak season (June to August) can be a lively experience with families, tourists, and school groups flocking to the museum, but it may also lead to a more hectic visit. In contrast, low season (January to March) visits generally provide a more tranquil experience, allowing you to explore the exhibits, even the popular ones like the Dinosaur Wing and the Rose Center for Earth and Space, at a more leisurely pace.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long should I spend at the American Museum of Natural History

For the artistic sprinter

Pressed for time? Don’t worry—we’ve got a straightforward plan to help you hit the museum’s must-see artworks and collections. Even on a shorter visit, you’ll be sure to have a great experience.

We suggest you set aside 2.5 to 3 hours for your shorter visit.

Here’s what we think you must catch to have a fulfilling visit even with limited time:

Dinosaur Halls: Home to iconic dinosaur fossils, including the impressive Tyrannosaurus Rex and a 122-foot-long Titanosaur skeleton, this is arguably the museum’s highlight.
Rose Center for Earth and Space: Make your way to the Hayden Planetarium and participate in the space-related immersive experiences at the Rose Center.

Milstein Hall of Ocean Life: It’s hard to miss the life-size model of a 94-foot blue whale at the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life so take a peek before you go.
Butterfly Conservatory: If you’re visiting during its seasonal run, this exhibit is home to nearly 500 butterflies, making it an interactive experience you won’t want to miss.

For the inspired art enthusiast

To enjoy the complete American Museum of Natural History experience, plan to spend at least 4 to 6 hours and if time permits, a full day is even better. Rest assured the museum has enough and more exhibits to fill in that time!

Here’s a look at how you could artfully structure your day at the museum:

Morning: Start with a visit to the Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life, where you can find the impressive blue whale model. After this, make your way to the famous Fossil Halls, which include dinosaur skeletons and other prehistoric exhibits.
Midday: Take a break and pick up a snack at Cafe on 4 located on the same floor as the Fossil Halls. Next, head to the Rose Center for Earth and Space and into the Hayden Planetarium.
Afternoon: Visit the Human Origins and Culture exhibit and the Gilder Center after that to be enamored by all the butterflies fluttering around you at the vivarium.
Evening: Wrap up your visit by browsing the Hall of Gems and Minerals to see geological formations and learn about the artistry involved in gem cutting. Don’t forget to go to the gift shop to take home unique souvenirs like books and collectibles from your museum visit!

Restaurant and cafe hours

The Restaurant at Gilder: Open daily for lunch from 11:30am to 3:30pm.

Museum Food Court: Open daily for lunch from 10:30am to 4:30pm.

Cafe on 1: Open daily for lunch from 11am to 4:30pm.

Cafe on 4: Open daily for lunch from 11am to 4:30pm.

Dining at AMNH

Gift store hours

The gift shop at the American Museum of Natural History is open daily from 10am to 5:30pm.

Closed: Thanksgiving Day (November 28) and Christmas Day (December 25)

Shopping at AMNH

Frequently asked questions about the American Museum of Natural History timings

Are there special hours during holidays or specific seasons at the museum?

No, the museum maintains regular daily hours year-round and is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas days.

How long do visitors typically spend at the American Museum of Natural History?

The average museum-goer spends about 2-3 hours exploring the museum, but with so many exhibits, you could easily spend an entire day there if you wish to see everything in detail.

Are there guided tours available throughout the day at the museum?

Yes, the museum offers free guided tours that you can sign up for at the information desk in the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall. Set aside about 75 minutes for these tours which are wheelchair accessible and are offered in different languages based on tour guide availability. The tours are available from when the museum opens at 10am till around 4pm.

Can I enter the museum multiple times in one day with the same ticket?

Yes, once you have your ticket, you can re-enter the museum on the same day. Just be sure to hold onto your ticket for re-entry.

Is there a time limit on how long I can stay inside the museum?

No, there is no time limit on how long you can stay at the museum. Once inside, you’re welcome to explore the exhibits at your own pace until closing time.

What is the latest time I can enter the museum?

The last entry into the museum is around 4:30pm. This gives you about an hour to explore before the museum closes.