What to expect from a guided tour at the American Museum of Natural History

Why take a guided tour of the American Museum of Natural History

✔️Expert knowledge

Guides provide in-depth insights and fascinating facts that you won’t find on exhibit signs, and expert storytelling can improve your experience.

✔️Structured experience

A guided tour is the best way to ensure that you see the most important exhibits without wandering or missing important highlights.

✔️Exclusive details

Learn behind-the-scenes stories, little-known facts, and museum secrets that make the exhibits even more compelling.

✔️Interactive and engaging environment

You can ask questions, participate in discussions, and get a more immersive experience than you would on a self-guided tour.

✔️Hassle-free visit

A guided tour takes care of everything, so you don’t need to plan your route. Just follow the guide and focus on enjoying the museum.

Overview

Visitors observing African Elephant Hall at American Museum of Natural History, New York.

Your guided tour through AMNH’s most iconic exhibits will be led by expert guides who provide in-depth insights and behind-the-scenes stories. The tour covers all major halls and exhibits so that you have a deeper, more engaging experience.

Timings: 10:30am to 3:30pm. Check the schedule on-site to select the tour of your choice
Duration: Approximately 75 minutes
Included with admission ticket: Yes
Where to sign up: Information desk in the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall on Floor 1
Wheelchair accessible: Yes, all tours are wheelchair-accessible

Highlights covered in the American Museum of Natural History tour

Pride of African lions exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History.
Theodore Roosevelt Hall of Biodiversity exhibit featuring diverse animal species and ecosystems.
Exhibits inside American Museum of Natural History
Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton exhibit at American Museum of Natural History, New York City.
Tourists exploring exhibits inside the American Museum of Natural History, New York City.

Foreign language tours

Guided tours are offered in multiple languages, so non-English speakers can also explore AMNH and gain a better understanding in a language of their choice. Each language has specific tour times, so check the schedule in advance when you plan your visit.

Timings for French tours

Tuesdays at 1pm
Wednesdays at 12pm
Thursdays at 1pm

Timings for Italian tours

Thursdays at 2pm

Timings for Spanish tours

Tuesdays at 2pm
Saturdays at 2pm

Timings for Mandarin Chinese and Hebrew tours

Ask the information desk on Floor 1 for tour timings or click here for more details.

Accessible tours

AMNH also has the option of participating in accessible guided tours. This way, all visitors can fully experience the museum’s exhibits with individualized and tailored support and accommodations.

For visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing

ASL-interpreted tours that are spoken and signed simultaneously are available at scheduled times, with engaging presentations of the permanent and special exhibits at the museum. You need to register at least 72 hours in advance to participate in this tour.
Contact: accessibility@amnh.org or 212-313-7565

For visitors who are blind or partially sighted

These verbal description guided tours are curated by specially trained Museum tour guides. They feature detailed exhibit explanations and engaging touchable objects for an interactive experience. You must book this tour at least two weeks before your visit.
Contact: accessibility@amnh.org

For visitors with intellectual/developmental disabilities

The Discovery Squad at AMNH is a hands-on program designed for neurodivergent children, children with other developmental disabilities, and their families. The tour takes place at 9am on the third Saturday of every month. Prior registration is necessary. Participants explore select halls for 45 minutes before the gates open to the public and spend 45 minutes after engaging in free play and exploration in the Discovery Room.
Contact: accessibility@amnh.org or 212-769-5200

Frequently asked questions about American Museum of Natural History tours

You can sign up for a guided tour at the Information Desk on Floor 1 of the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall. Special tours require prior reservations, so check the AMNH website for details before your visit.

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Permanent exhibitions

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