The American Museum of Natural History in 2 hours: the essential route
Quick answer
In 2 hours you can see the museum's big icons: go up to the fourth floor for the Titanosaur and T. rex in the fossil halls, head down to the Hall of Ocean Life for the blue whale and finish by crossing the Gilder Center. It is an intense route; for more, plan on 3 hours.
Hours and prices checked on · Official website
Point your camera at any artwork
Try it free at American Museum of Natural History
AnyArt recognizes paintings, sculptures and monuments and tells you their story in seconds, like a personal audio guide. Free for iPhone, iPad and Android.
The route: 6 stops in 2 hours
Some halls close temporarily for works or rotation, so check the museum's floor plan. Timings are approximate and include walking.
- 1
0:00 · Floor 4 · Wallach Orientation Center
The Titanosaur
Go up to the fourth floor. The Titanosaur, a giant dinosaur, is so long that its head extends into the next room. It is the museum's best photo.
- 2
0:15 · Floor 4 · Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs
Tyrannosaurus rex
Walk the fossil halls to the T. rex, one of the museum's most famous skeletons. Notice the posture and the size of the teeth.
- 3
0:35 · Floor 4 · fossil halls
Triceratops and Brachiosaurus
Pass the big herbivores and the rest of the dinosaur collection, with around a hundred specimens.
- 4
1:05 · Main floor · Milstein Hall of Ocean Life
The blue whale
Head down to the blue whale hall, where a model about 94 feet long is suspended above marine dioramas.
- 5
1:30 · Gilder Center
The Gilder Center
Cross the Gilder Center, opened in 2023, with its cave-like architecture and its insectarium. It is a very visual finish.
- 6
1:50 · Exit · Central Park West
Exterior photo
Leave by the Central Park West steps or 77th Street and carry on into the park.
Tips to make the most of it
- Enter at 10am: the dinosaurs are the first area to fill up.
- If you buy a planetary show or butterfly ticket, book it outside this 2-hour route.
- Leave coats and large backpacks at the coat check before you start.
- Point the AnyArt camera at any artwork or monument to hear its story on the spot.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see the AMNH in 2 hours?
Yes, if you focus on the icons. This route covers dinosaurs, the blue whale and the Gilder Center in about 2 hours.
What about 1 hour?
Prioritise the Titanosaur and the T. rex on floor 4, and leave the blue whale for the end if time allows.
Which entrance should I use?
The Gilder Center or 77th Street if the Central Park West line is long.
Is the planetarium worth it?
It is a separate show with its own ticket. If you like space, book it when you buy your admission to avoid missing out.