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 tour: See Rexy the T. rex & other exhibits from the film at AMNH
When history meets Hollywood, and the magic of that meets reality, you know you're in for an unforgettable experience! The American Museum of Natural History brings the enchantment of "Night at the Museum" to life with an epic self-guided tour. Follow in the footsteps of night guard Larry Daley and discover the real-life exhibits that inspired the movie characters which come alive every night in the movie.
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
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
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
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.
No, you don’t. All you need to do is be armed with your admission ticket and you’re ready for your exploration of the exhibits featured in Night at the Museum.
While there is a list of specific exhibits to visit, you can plan your route according to your convenience.
Of course! Keep in mind, it will take you about 2 hours to see all the exhibits, but you can decide when you want to go on the Night at the Museum self-guided tour.
The tour is great for families, movie fans, and anyone interested in history and natural science.
Yes! Kids will love seeing their favorite movie characters come to life through real exhibits.
While there’s no official Night at the Museum guided tour, the Highlights Tour covers many key exhibits from the movies too.
Absolutely! You can pair it with other self-guided or guided tours for a more in-depth experience.
Yes, non-flash photography is permitted in most areas. However, some special exhibits may have restrictions.
The museum gift shop offers movie exhibit-themed merchandise, including T. Rex Soft Rubber Dinosaurs, a book about Theodore Roosevelt, toys, and other memorabilia.
