American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)

Attention lovers of all things ancient, today we are showing off one of the great collections of old things. We are taking a peek inside the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. This is one of the most highly regarded museums in the city, which really says a lot. That big praise comes with plenty of evidence. Expectations were met. There are many exciting exhibits inside the walls of this grand building. This includes massive dinosaurs, Rapa Nui (big giant heads) from Easter Island, and rocks from outer space. The museum is quite huge, with a floorplan that includes 190,000 square meters (2 million square feet). Because of this, there is lots of space to show off the collection of artifacts and findings.

There are many great displays celebrating the vastness of the natural world, including the Hall of Biodiversity or Hall of African Mammals. Learn about human history and explore the many halls filled with the best of natural history. It’s been tough to find new adventures lately, especially since we’ve been fairly stationary for the past 14 months. We’ve spent a lot of time daydreaming about the future or remembering travels from the past. There hasn’t been much daydoing and even fewer things to remember. Because of this, we’ve spent a lot of time searching through some of the archives for things to share.

New York is always a great trip down memory lane. These are a few pictures from a trip to New York in 2013 when I got the chance to explore the American Museum of Natural History. This is an unforgettable place, keep scrolling to find out why.

What makes the American Museum of Natural History so amazing?

There are over 5 million visitors to the museum during a normal year. Because of this, you should plan your trip accordingly to avoid the crowds. Inside the museum, there were many great things to experience. It’s easy to get lost. While there were many things to see, the clearcut highlight for me was the dinosaurs. So many dinosaurs! The collection of million-year-old bones is what stands out from this visit.

The towering Tyrannosaurus rex was one of the most imposing features of the museum. It was a quick reminder of why running away is the only correct answer when you are the prey. It is also a reminder that I would not have survived the prehistoric. Dinosaurs like this would have no problem picking me off the ground.

Many of these fossils were discovered by Barnum Brown – also known as Doctor Bones – who helped acquire many of these prehistoric creatures found inside the museum. He was one of the great fossil hunters of the late Victorian period into the 20th century.

There were many great big creatures to see from history, including a great big Wooly Mammoth. The bones are just some of the things to visit inside of the museum. Apparently, if you’re able to stick around after dark, the museum comes to life. This was documented in the 2006 movie “A Night at the Museum”.

Where is the American Museum of Natural History and how do you get there?

The museum is located on the Upper West Side, along Central Park West drive. If you’re looking at a map of Manhattan, it is located about halfway up Central Park on the left-hand side. The museum traces its roots back to 1869, and the current location opened up in 1877. It has been expanded upon several times since then. This part of Manhattan is filled with luxury residences, so it’s probably a good thing the Museum staked its claim to this location early, or else it would be prohibitively expensive to open today.

“To discover, interpret, and disseminate—through scientific research and education—knowledge about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe.”

– American Museum of Natural History

Much like other attractions in New York, the best way to get here is to take the subway. This magical network takes you everywhere. Learning to travel underground is the best way to enjoy the city. The cost of taxis adds up quickly over a weekend or longer.

Don’t be worried, the subway is fast and efficient. To make this process even easier, there is a station just outside of the Museum (that actually connects to the lobby). It’s even been named after the Museum; 81 Street – Museum of Natural History. It’s that easy. Because of the size of the museum, make sure to set aside a few hours to explore. There is a lot to see. Especially with all the dinosaur bones, it’s one of the most memorable things you can do in New York.

American Museum of Natural History

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