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Contents
Where is the American Museum of Natural History located?
Address: 200 Central Park W, New York, NY 10024, United States | Find on Maps
The American Museum of Natural History is on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, directly across the street from Central Park. The museum complex is within Theodore Roosevelt Park and consists of 21 interconnected buildings that feature 45 permanent exhibition halls, a planetarium, and a library.
Closest landmark: Central Park ( 0.1 mile )
Getting there by public transport
By bus
- M79 Bus: This bus travels east/west on West 79th Street and has a stop right next to the museum on West 81st Street. From there, it’s a 3-minute walk to the doors of the museum.
- Other Bus Routes: A few other buses stop near the museum including the M7, M10, M11, M86, and M104.
Nearest stop: Columbus Av/W 80 St ( 0.1 mile )
By public transport
- Take the B (weekdays only) or C train to the 81st Street station. This station is located directly across the street from the museum's main entrance on Central Park West. Note that this station is not wheelchair accessible.
- You can also take the 1 train to the 79th Street station on Broadway, which is about two blocks west of the museum.
- For an accessible subway option, take the 1, 2, or 3 train to the 72nd Street station and transfer to the northbound M7 bus on Amsterdam Avenue.
Nearest station: 81 St-Museum of Natural History ( 0.0 mile )
Getting there by car
Driving route
Travel time: 10-15 minutes from Midtown Manhattan
The American Museum of Natural History is centrally located in Manhattan and is easy to drive to. Once in Manhattan, head towards the Upper West Side and turn onto Central Park West to continue southbound. The museum will be on your right between 77th and 81st Streets. Turn right onto 81st Street to access the museum's parking garage entrance.
Parking
The museum has an on-site parking garage that is open daily from 6am to 11pm on weekdays and 8am to 11pm on weekends. The entrance is located on 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.
Parking rates:
Up to 1 hour: $26
Up to 2 hours: $29
2 to 5 hours: $36
5 to 10 hours: $46
Maximum price till closing time: $51
Walking to the museum
Travel time: 16-20 minutes
Distance: 0.8 miles
If you’re on the opposite side of Central Park, you can easily walk through the park to reach the American Museum of Natural History, which sits right along its edge. Walking in Central Park is always a good idea since you get to spot a beautiful display of foliage like black cherries, pin oaks, red maples, sassafras, and sweetgums.
Book the American Museum of Natural History tickets
Frequently asked questions about getting to the American Museum of Natural History
What are the best public transportation options to reach the museum?
The subway is one of the best ways to reach the museum directly. You can take the B (weekdays only) or C train to the 81st Street/Museum of Natural History station.
Are there parking facilities available at the museum?
Yes, the museum has an on-site parking garage located at 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. It’s open from 6am to 11pm on weekdays and 8am to 11pm on weekends.
Is parking charged hourly?
Parking at the museum starts at $26 for an hour after which the rates increase incrementally.
Is there street parking available near the museum?
Street parking is limited and metered, but you might find spaces on the streets nearby.
What are some nearby parking alternatives if the museum's garage is full?
If the museum’s garage is full, nearby parking garages include Icon Parking on 77th Street and Central Park West, and the West 83rd Street Parking Garage.
Is the parking space at the American Museum of Natural History accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, the museum is fully accessible. There are designated parking spaces in the museum’s garage for visitors with disabilities.
Are there bicycle racks available near the museum?
Yes, there are bicycle racks located near the museum entrance on 77th Street and Columbus Avenue.
Is there a specific entrance I should use if I have purchased tickets online?
Online ticket holders can use any of the museum’s entrances except the member’s only ground-level entrance at Central Park West.
How far is the museum from Central Park?
The museum is directly adjacent to Central Park, located on its western edge at Central Park West and 79th Street.
What’s the best time to arrive to avoid traffic when driving to the museum?
Get to the museum during opening hours at 10am to avoid heavy traffic.