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Permanent exhibition halls at the American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History exhibitions are diverse and delve into the mysteries of the natural world. Planning a trip can seem overwhelming if you see the sheer size of it. The number of halls with the exhibits spread across each floor can prove quite daunting to traverse, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. Here’s a handy guide with an overview of the permanent exhibitions at the AMNH to help plan your visit.

All permanent exhibitions at the American Museum of Natural History

Biodiversity and Environmental Halls

These immersive halls explore the richness of life on Earth and the delicate balance of ecosystems. From rainforests to ocean depths, visitors can engage with stunning dioramas, life-size models, and interactive exhibits that highlight conservation and climate change. The Hall of Biodiversity features the mesmerizing Spectrum of Life wall, showcasing over 1,500 specimens.

  • Location: Floor 1
  • Must-visit exhibits: Hall of Biodiversity, Spectrum of Life
  • Best for: Nature lovers, students, conservation enthusiasts

Birds and Reptiles and Amphibians Halls

These halls bring you face-to-face with an astonishing variety of avian and cold-blooded species. Detailed dioramas showcase birds in natural habitats, while reptiles and amphibians are displayed with their relevant ecological context. Visitors can examine the unique adaptations and evolutionary traits of these creatures through lifelike models and preserved specimens.

  • Location: Floors 2 and 3
  • Must-visit exhibits: Hall of Birds of the World, Hall of Reptiles and Amphibians
  • Best for: Wildlife lovers, kids, biology enthusiasts

Earth and Planetary Sciences Halls

Unearth the wonders of geology, meteorites, and planetary science in these halls. Visitors can view dazzling gems, massive meteorites, and detailed models explaining Earth's dynamic processes like volcanism and plate tectonics. Interactive exhibits and tactile samples offer a hands-on way to explore Earth’s interior and beyond.

  • Location: Floor 1
  • Must-visit exhibits: Hall of Gems, Arthur Ross Hall of Meteorites
  • Best for: Geology fans, curious minds, rock collectors

Fossil Halls

Step back in time among towering dinosaurs and ancient creatures that once roamed the Earth. These iconic halls include lifelike fossil reconstructions, real skeletons, and fossilized plants, presented in walk-through dioramas and gallery displays. It’s a thrilling journey through 4 billion years of evolution and extinction.

  • Location: Floor 4
  • Must-visit exhibits: Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs, Hall of Ornithischian Dinosaurs
  • Best for: Dinosaur lovers, families, history buffs

Human Origins and Cultural Halls

Explore the story of humankind from early ancestors to diverse global cultures. Exhibits feature archaeological artifacts, replica hominid skulls, cultural objects, and immersive displays that illuminate the human journey and social development across regions and time. Rich in storytelling and visual displays, it’s a powerful educational experience.

  • Location: Floors 1, 2, and 3
  • Must-visit exhibits: Hall of Human Origins, Hall of African Peoples
  • Best for: Anthropology enthusiasts, history lovers, educators

Mammal Halls

Get up close to mammals from around the world, captured in beautifully detailed dioramas that recreate their natural environments. These classic exhibits showcase everything from African elephants to North American wildlife, with lifelike taxidermy, geographic context, and ecological insight.

  • Location: Floors 1, 2, and 3
  • Must-visit exhibits: Akeley Hall of African Mammals, Hall of North American Mammals
  • Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, families, first-time visitors

Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation

The newest addition to the Museum, the Gilder Center is a stunning architectural marvel that houses cutting-edge exhibits, a live insectarium, and the immersive Invisible Worlds theater. It connects science, nature, and innovation through interactive displays and multi-sensory experiences that invite visitors to explore how all life is interconnected.

  • Location: Floor 1, main entrance on Columbus Avenue
  • Must-visit exhibits: Invisible Worlds, Susan and Peter J. Solomon Family Insectarium
  • Best for: Explorers of all ages, tech-savvy visitors, curious minds

Rose Center for Earth and Space

This space-age center is a favorite among astronomy lovers. The Hayden Planetarium sits at the core, surrounded by exhibits about the universe, space exploration, and cosmology. Interactive panels, 3D models, and multimedia displays make complex science accessible and thrilling.

  • Location: Floor 1 (enter through Rose Center)
  • Must-visit exhibits: Hayden Planetarium, Scales of the Universe
  • Best for: Space enthusiasts, teens, science lovers

Theodore Roosevelt Memorial

Celebrate the legacy of the 26th U.S. president and naturalist in this grand memorial. It features a monumental statue, quotes, and displays dedicated to Roosevelt’s contributions to conservation and public lands. This historic hall sets the tone for the museum's mission and values.

  • Location: Floor 1, Central Park West entrance
  • Must-visit exhibits: Roosevelt sculpture, Conservation-themed displays
  • Best for: History lovers

Discovery Room

Designed for young visitors, the Discovery Room offers hands-on learning experiences in science and natural history. Kids can dig for fossils, examine specimens under microscopes, and interact with scientific tools and games. It’s a joyful, educational space perfect for family exploration.

  • Location: Floor 1, near the Grand Gallery
  • Must-visit exhibits: Fossil dig zone, microscope stations
  • Best for: Children ages 5–12, families, school groups

Ellen V. Futter Gallery

This rotating gallery space hosts temporary exhibits that showcase cutting-edge scientific research, art, or cultural collaborations. Expect immersive designs, rich visual storytelling, and themes that range from nature and climate to human innovation. It’s a dynamic space that evolves with each new exhibit.

  • Location: Floor 1
  • Best for: Art and science lovers

All permanent exhibitions are included with your general admission ticket.

Frequently asked questions about exhibitions at the American Museum of Natural History

With a general admission ticket, you can access all permanent exhibitions on display including the Apex display, The Changing Museum, and more (listed above).

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About AMNH

Dinosaur exhibits

Plan your visit