Planning your trip to the American Museum of Natural History



Posted: Saturday, June 13, 2009

by Rob Mabry
Your Museum Store

No visit to the Big Apple is complete without a trip to the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan.  One of nation's preeminent museums, it features a diverse collection of exhibits that span the existence of life on this planet and allow visitors to explore the galaxy.  Many view the Fossil Hall as the highlight of their visit to the AMNH where more than a 100 dinosaur fossil specimens are on display.  For would-be anthropologists the Culture Hall offers an exploration into ancient cultures of Asia, Africa, North and South America, and the Pacific.  Other permanent exhibits enrich our understanding of mammals, birds, reptiles, human origin, ocean life and geology through the famed dioramas familiar to anyone who saw "Night at the Museum."

The Rose Center, opened in February 2000, is the museum's most recent dramatic upgrade.  The center is as renowned for its architecture as it is for its study of the cosmos, with a ceiling higher than Grand Central Station and a glass wall larger than any other in the US.  Home to the Hayden Planetarium, the Rose Center is sure to delight the aspiring astronomer, astronaut or architect in the family with its dramatic architecture and the expansive exploration of the universe inside its glass walls.

In addition to the permanent exhibits, there are a number of special exhibits currently on display at the AMNH.  "Extreme Mammals"  studys the evolution and existence of some of man's more unusual mammal cousins, including the kangaroo, bat and platypus.   The Hayden Planetarium offers "Cosmic Collision," a view of our ever-evolving universe through July 3.  After that visitors can take in "Journey to the Stars," a space show that takes the visitor through the 13-billion year history of the universe and beyond to the eventual death of our solar system as our sun becomes a Red Giant. 

Spoiler Alert:  We all die.  Good news is we still have 5 billion years before this happens.

Running through mid-August is "Climate Change," an exhibit that takes a look at the impact of climate change on the planet, its eventual impact to humanity and what might be done to set the planet back on the right path.  "Frogs: A Chorus of Colors" runs through 2009 and offers a fun, informative look at our amphibious friends.  "Wild Ocean" and "Dinosaurs Alive!" are on the IMAX screen through July 4. 

Don't Miss:  The Fossil Hall with over 600 specimens including the T-Rex, Triceratops and Apatosaurus.

Skip:  The Mammal Hall if you're turned off by taxidermy.

Tips:  The $15 ticket price is "suggested."  You can pay a smaller donation and won't have to endure any disgusted looks from museum personnel.  The museum offers an overnight program for kids.  This could make a great overnight babysitter.  Cost $129.

Looking for ancient Egyptian, Aztec, Mayan, Greek, Roman, Hindu, Buddhist or Christian statues, sculptures and wall reliefs to add a touch of culture to any room?  Check out the hand-crafted, museum quality reproductions at Your Museum Store.

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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)
» left by Teresa Ortiz
 2 years 334 days ago.
188 fans.
Hi Rob, another fun and informative read. I can tell I am going to learn a lot from you on these trips to the Museum. I am joining your fan club so I don't have to miss out. Great job! Teresa
» left by Nenita Wells
from Providence, RI 2 years 333 days ago.
Hi Rob.
 
I shared your enthusiasm. I lived in Manhattan for 27 years and I preferred visiting the American Museum of Natural History than any other museums in New York City. I am at awe just looking at those gigantic ivory tusks adorned at the entrance of the exhibit room. I truly enjoyed your very descriptive article. Thank you for sharing.
 
Best regards,
 
Nenita
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