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Dinosaur at the American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is a favorite for the whole family.
Location: MAP | Central Park West between 77th & 81st Streets
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Tickets: All admission to the museum is by timed entry and must be reserved online.
The newly constructed Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation boasts innovative exhibition galleries and unique attractions, such as an insectarium, and a butterfly vivarium. It seamlessly links with the remaining sections of the American Museum of Natural History, spanning four floors.
The Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium was inspired by the museum's previous seasonal exhibition. This gallery provides a year-round opportunity to immerse yourself in a lush tropical environment featuring 80 different butterfly species.
Access to the Gilder Center is complimentary with Museum admission, while separate tickets are necessary for entry into the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium and the immersive experience known as Invisible Worlds.
Visitors to the museum should make it a point to see the Hayden Planetarium, which is located in the Rose Center for Earth and Space. The planetarium hosts shows that detail cosmic events, such as the formation of stars and planets, as well as shows that describe the celestial bodies viewable from Earth.
The museum also shows giant-screen films throughout the day in the LeFrak Theater. These films encompass an array of scientific subjects, including the natural world and zoology. Films are shown on a 40-foot-wide, 66-foot-high screen that makes audience members feel that they are part of the movie.
Those who are interested in animals can visit one of the only preserved dodo bird skeletons on display anywhere in the world. Though most of the museum's animal specimens can be seen in the habitat dioramas in the main halls, the dodo is located next to the museum's rainforest exhibit.