Why take the Night at the Museum tour at AMNH

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A unique movie experience

Relive your favorite moments from Night at the Museum and see the real-life exhibits featured in the film, including the Easter Island Moai, African elephants, and Rexy the T. rex.

See the museum in a new light

The tour highlights the museum’s most fascinating exhibits in a fresh and engaging way, even for those who have visited before.

Explore at your own pace

Since this is a self-guided tour, you have the freedom to enjoy your favorite exhibits as long as you like. Take your time to click photos with Rexy and explore without feeling rushed.

No additional cost

The self-guided tour is included with your general admission ticket, making it an easy and cost-effective way to enhance your visit.

Age no bar

Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, this tour is a fantastic way to spark curiosity and imagination. It’s a hit with families and movie lovers.

A lowdown on the films

American Museum of Natural History's Exhibits Hall.

The Night at the Museum trilogy follows the adventures of Larry Daley, played by Ben Stiller, a night guard at the American Museum of Natural History. In the film, Larry discovers AMNH’s exhibits magically come to life after dark making for humorous and thrilling encounters. From T. rex skeletons to historical icons, he embarks on a wild quest to save history!

Night at the Museum exhibits

Rexy the T. rex

Undoubtedly the most popular exhibit at the museum, this towering Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton is a fan-favorite character in the movies. Unlike the playful Rexy on screen, this fossil represents one of the most formidable predators in history.

Floor: 4
Exhibit: Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs

The T-rex exhibit at AMNH

Dexter the Capuchin Monkey

Dexter, the mischievous capuchin, was based on these intelligent primates. See real capuchin specimens at AMNH and learn about their behavior in the wild.

Floor: 3
Exhibit: Hall of Primates

Theodore Roosevelt

Robin Williams brought the 26th U.S. president to life in the films. Visit the Roosevelt Memorial to learn about his legacy in conservation and American history.

Floor: 1
Exhibit: Theodore Roosevelt Memorial

Easter Island Head

The film’s talking Moai statue was inspired by real Easter Island artifacts. While the real Moai don’t talk, you can see an authentic replica at AMNH. Don’t forget to say its famous dialogue right back at it, "Dum Dum, give me gum gum!"

Floor: 3
Exhibit: Hall of Pacific Peoples

Lewis and Clark

While you can’t actually spot Lewis and Clark in any of the dioramas within the museum, step outside and you’re in for a treat. At the top of the Museum’s Central Park West façade are statues of the two explorers alongside statues of frontiersman Daniel Boone and naturalist-painter John James Audubon.

Floor: Ground
Exhibit: Main entrance

American Bison & Pronghorn

The American bison is North America’s largest land mammal, and the pronghorn is its fastest. Both appear in AMNH’s dioramas that showcase these iconic species in their natural Great Plains habitat.

Floor: 1
Exhibit: Bernard Family Hall of North American Mammals

African Lions

You can watch a pride of African lions appear as exhibits that magically come to life at AMNH. One of the museum’s most famous exhibits, the display captures lions in a dramatic hunting scene, showcasing their raw power and social dynamics.

Floor: 2
Exhibit: Hall of African Mammals

Alaskan Moose

The movie shows Alaskan moose spring to life during the night along with other giant creatures. These majestic animals are native to the cold northern regions, moose are solitary creatures known for their ability to navigate snowy landscapes.

Floor: 1
Exhibit: Bernard Family Hall of North American Mammals

African Elephants

The African elephants are memorable in the museum's lively chaos. Known for their intelligence, these mammals form complex social relationships and boast strong family bonds.

Floor: 2
Exhibit: Hall of African Mammals

Find all permanent exhibitions at AMNH here.

Black Rhinoceros

Part of the museum’s after-dark magic, the Black rhinoceros adds to the movie’s wild, thrilling atmosphere. This exhibit showcases the rhinoceros’ distinct features, like their hooked upper lip and formidable size. Did you know? Rhinoceros means "horn-nosed" from a combination of the Greek words “rhino”, meaning nose, and “keras” meaning horn.

Floor: 3
Exhibit: Hall of African Mammals

Mammoth

While not a main character in the movie, the mammoth plays a part in the chaotic atmosphere when the exhibits come to life at night. These ancient, elephant-like creatures once roamed the Ice Age landscapes of North America, Europe, and Asia. They are known for their massive size, long tusks, and thick fur.

Floor: 4
Exhibit: Hall of Advanced Mammals

Ostrich

Part of the film’s lively museum chaos at night, the ostrich showcased its speed and quirky behavior in the Night at the Museum. The world’s largest bird, the ostrich is known for its powerful legs, incredible speed (up to 60 mph), and flightless nature.

Do you know what the fastest running bird in the world is? The Ostrich!

Floor: 3
Exhibit: Hall of African Mammals

Water Hole

The Water Hole exhibit in the Akeley Hall of African Mammals features various African animals like giraffes, zebras, and antelopes gathered at a watering spot. Though not a central focus in the movie, it adds to the film’s immersive setting.

Floor: 2
Exhibit: Hall of African Mammals

Frequently asked questions about the Night at the Museum tour

You can access the Night at the Museum self-guided tour on the AMNH website, the museum’s free Explorer app, and on this page where you can see which are the key exhibits you must visit.