American Museum of Natural History in New York City

American Museum of Natural History in New York — A Great Adventure Through Time

Americans love to have everything that is the biggest, the grandest and the most modern. And there must be plenty of it. So much that they can tell others they have less — and certainly that it is not as good as the American version. It must be admitted that they are often right. From streets as wide as rivers, along which lines of gigantic cars flow in endless streams, to buildings so tall that it is difficult to see their roofs. Even the portions served in restaurants are twice the size of those in Europe. As a result, the people leaving those very restaurants are typically twice our size as well.

There are giant factories, vast railway stations, enormous airports and endless open spaces. The largest ships sail the seas and, of course, the largest aeroplanes fly the skies. Americans’ self-confidence is equally boundless — convinced that every visitor to their country must notice the advantage the United States holds over the rest of the world. If one does not, they are happy to remind them. A similar situation exists in the world of art and science. It is here that the greatest scientific discoveries are made, and an artist who succeeds in the USA can count on a major international career. The same applies to museums and art galleries. We realised this when visiting the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Here, without irony, I must admit that it is the largest and best-prepared institution of its kind that we have ever seen.

American Museum of Natural History and Its History

New York offers many extraordinary attractions, and the Museum of Natural History is one of the most fascinating. Today, the American Museum of Natural History is located on 79th Street at Central Park West. Before 1869, the then small museum operated on Fifth Avenue in the Gothic building known as The Arsenal, next to what is now the zoo.

New York’s scientific community quickly realised that scientific discoveries and artefacts collected during research were multiplying so rapidly that far more space was required. The originator of the new headquarters and its greatest enthusiast was the famous naturalist Albert Smith Bickmore. In the future, he would become the principal architect and organiser of the great museum. Many influential scientists, prominent figures and, above all, politicians were persuaded to support the idea of constructing a new building and raised the funds necessary to begin the project.

Theodore Roosevelt — One of the Founders of the Museum of Natural History in New York

One of the benefactors and admirers of the modern museum was the future 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. He was an outstanding and remarkable individual. Before ascending to the American presidency, he had been an enthusiastic biologist, naturalist, and traveller.

That is not all — as a student at Harvard, he nearly won the university boxing championship. He also trained in canoeing and mountaineering. For a long time, he lived in the American West. Living alongside cowboys, he learned about everyday life and the customs of Native Americans. He was interested in all branches of science and the latest technologies. He was aided by an exceptionally sharp mind and a photographic memory. His great contributions to the newly established Museum of Natural History were duly recognised. A monument was erected in front of the main entrance. The former president greets visitors seated on horseback, with a Native American chief standing to his right and an African warrior to his left.

Today, the positioning of these figures raises considerable controversy. Some argue that it symbolises unjustified dominance of the white man and his supposed superiority over others. Others claim there is nothing wrong with it. However, Theodore Roosevelt is not the main subject of today’s article — his extraordinary life deserves a separate piece devoted entirely to him.

In 1874, construction of the first museum building began. The grand opening took place just three years later, attended by the then President of the United States, Rutherford B. Hayes. Although the building was not the most imposing in the area, it marked only the beginning of a great adventure. Soon afterwards, work began on additional buildings and galleries.

Timeline of Natural History in New York

The museum’s origins date back to the 19th century — and from then on, it only became more fascinating.

American Museum of Natural History — 19th Century — The Beginning

The then Harvard student Albert Smith Bickmore, together with several friends — including the future President Roosevelt — conceived the idea of building a great museum. It was to become a monument to human knowledge and the unrestrained desire to expand it. The first headquarters was the old Arsenal building in Manhattan within Central Park. The first collections and exhibitions appeared, but it quickly became clear that the space was far too limited.

The idea emerged to build an entirely new headquarters that would allow all exhibits to be displayed. Eventually, President Hayes ceremoniously opened the first museum building, located at Central Park West. At the same time, exhibits and artefacts began arriving from distant Mongolia and Siberia.

Shortly afterwards, the museum organised and fully funded its first expedition, tasked with studying the cultures of the peoples of the North Pacific. The expedition lasted five years and ended in great success. During this time, the head of the anthropology department became the young student Margaret Mead. She would later be remembered as one of the most eminent anthropologists of all time, and, as some say, she rewrote the discipline itself.

American Museum of Natural History — First Half of the 20th Century

This was a period of dramatic transformation. New scientific disciplines emerged, while the older ones remained equally compelling. At the museum, Carl Akeley, a specialist in creating realistic dioramas, began work on the African exhibition. Within five years, he prepared extraordinary scenes featuring African landscapes. These consisted of painted backgrounds, plants, and taxidermies animals. To this day, they resemble postcards frozen in time and remain a major attraction of the African halls.

Further expeditions were dispatched — among them to the Gobi Desert and to China, searching for fossilised dinosaur bones. These expeditions lasted nearly ten years, and research on the findings continues to this day. More buildings and exhibitions were created. Among the most impressive were the South Asia exhibition and the Hall of Ocean Life. Here, one can admire a life-sized model of a blue whale suspended from the ceiling, seemingly gliding lazily through the vast space.

American Museum of Natural History — Opening of the Most Modern Hayden Planetarium

A major event was the opening of what was then the largest planetarium — the Hayden Planetarium. It was a true cosmic theatre with seating for over 400 people. Using projectors, images of the cosmos were displayed — both the nearest regions and the furthest corners of the galaxy. Today, of course, the difference between the technology and knowledge of that time and what we can see and know now is immense.

The museum authorities decided to commemorate those who made the institution possible. The Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall was opened. Soon afterwards, the Hall of North American Mammals was created. Visitors can admire ten glass-fronted dioramas filled with animals in their natural habitats. They made an enormous impression on us. New departments were created at an increasing pace, including one dedicated to the life of Native Americans of North America and a fascinating exhibition called the Great Canoe. Here, visitors can see a massive Indigenous canoe and learn about river and lake cultures.

American Museum of Natural History — Hall of Primates

A major milestone was the creation of the Hall of Primates on the third floor. Here, one realises how little separates us from our furry relatives. New departments continued to appear rapidly — including one dedicated to the history of Eastern Woodland Native Americans. To me, they resembled forest elves straight from the pages of The Lord of the Rings — except that in this case, it was the white man who proved to be the monster from Mordor. Eventually, the long-awaited hall devoted to life on the African continent was opened, coinciding with the struggle for African American civil rights.

American Museum of Natural History — Second Half of the 20th Century

The museum expanded further with exhibitions dedicated to life in Mexico and Central America, as well as the cultures of the Pacific peoples. In the 1970s, scientific centres and laboratories began to emerge. The museum gained recognition as a major research institution. The equipment and research facilities acquired overshadowed many other centres of this kind — not only in the United States.

Today, the museum organises and funds at least one hundred scientific expeditions annually to even the most remote corners of the world. Thanks to this, visitors can admire exhibitions of minerals and gemstones — including gold nuggets, diamonds and other wonders in their raw, natural state.

American Museum of Natural History — Creation of the Reptile and Amphibian Halls

In the latter half of the 20th century, the reptile and amphibian halls were established. Intricately prepared skeletons — from giant reptiles to tiny frogs — are displayed. It is difficult to imagine the effort required to create this exhibition. There is also a rich collection of meteorites and extraterrestrial rocks, including stones from the Moon and sand from Mars. Visitors can learn about the history of space exploration and what humanity has discovered about the Universe.

In the 1990s, in the grand Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda, a complete skeleton of a massive Barosaurus from Mongolia was installed, along with an attacking Tyrannosaurus rex. The latter is known from the film Night at the Museum. On screen, it appeared as a friendly creature fond of playing fetch. In reality, it was a dangerous predator with whom play would have been rather one-sided.

American Museum of Natural History — The Arrival of Computers

Around the same time, a library was opened that could be accessed using the then-new technology of computers. From that period onwards, visitors could explore the Hall of Human Origins and Biology. After leaving the exhibition, we found it difficult to believe that despite all the evidence presented, there are still people who reject scientific proof of evolution. On the other hand, there are also those who believe the Earth is flat or refuse vaccinations.

By the late 1990s, the fourth floor was opened, showcasing skeletons of extinct mammals, dinosaurs, birds and contemporary animals. Particularly striking are the complete skeletons of a sabre-toothed tiger and a brown bear. A paradise for lovers of ancient bones.

In cooperation with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), a remarkable educational centre was created where young people — and not only them — can explore the mysteries of the world around us. If you have questions about scientific theories, this is the place to find answers. If not, perhaps there are none.

American Museum of Natural History — Hall of Biodiversity

In the Hall of Biodiversity, one can trace the development of life from its earliest forms well over three billion years ago to the present day. This hall is connected to another titled Planet Earth. Inside a vast sphere, laser projections reveal the farthest reaches of the observable cosmos. Visitors can witness the formation of our Solar System with all its planets and moons and learn about gravity and other forces that shape the Universe.

Nearby is the Discovery Room — an ideal place where children learn through play and engaging activities. Judging by the smiles of youngsters running across the floor, it is a great success. Visitors can explore scientific instruments and research techniques, including simulations with a seismograph that records earthquakes.

A major event came in 2006 when filming began for Night at the Museum starring Ben Stiller and Robin Williams. One of the newest departments is dedicated to modern humans. Here, we can observe the differences between ourselves and our ancestors and realise how little separates us from other animals. For example, orangutans share 99 per cent of our genome, and the dolphin’s brain is more developed and complex than our own. Here, it is easiest to feel part of the natural world. Visitors also encounter early human species that lost the race for dominance — Homo ergaster, Homo erectus, Neanderthals and the mysterious Cro-Magnon people.

American Museum of Natural History in New York Today

As the timeline above shows, over the years the museum has expanded dramatically. Today it consists of 25 interconnected buildings filled with exhibitions and thematic halls, forming an immense institution. Its scale is staggering — the museum covers 81,000 square metres and houses over 130 million specimens, from insects and plants to rocks from the Moon, Mars, and other distant celestial bodies.

The complex is so vast that it is impossible to see everything, even if one spends weeks there. One employee joked that after more than ten years of working there, he has not yet seen half the collection. It must be noted that only a fraction of the collection is on display at any one time. Exhibitions rotate periodically. It is wise to plan your visit carefully depending on how much time you have. If you have only a day, choose in advance what you most wish to see. Running chaotically through the complex will leave you exhausted and disappointed. We spent several days exploring only a few major halls, leaving the rest for another visit — one I already look forward to.

Practical Information

• American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024.
• Opening hours: daily from 10:00 am to 5:45 pm.
• Convenient ticket purchase and entry to the museum without queuing.
• Free entry for holders of tourist cards such as the New York Pass.
• The museum is accessible by underground. The nearest stations serve lines A, B and C; lines 1, 2 and 5 are also nearby.

Interesting Facts About the Museum

• Ticket prices at the American Museum of Natural History are suggested — visitors may pay more or less, even as little as one dollar.
• Some exhibitions and additional attractions require an extra fee.
• The AMNH Explorer app is very helpful for navigating the museum halls and provides additional information about exhibits.
• Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.
• If you visit during summer, you may experience the famous Sleepover Night, when visitors can explore the museum after dark. The illuminated exhibitions at night are said to look extraordinary.
• More than five million people from around the world visit the museum annually.
• The museum covers over 81,000 square metres and consists of 25 interconnected buildings.
• It employs over 1,200 staff members, including more than 200 scientists — many of them leading figures in their fields.
• Over 100 fully sponsored scientific expeditions depart each year.
• The museum is an outstanding educational destination, frequently visited by teachers with groups of pupils.
• The museum employs over 200 scientists, many of whom are renowned in their fields.
• The museum was founded in 1869 and is one of the largest scientific research and educational institutions in the world.
• It houses collections of over 30 million specimens — from fossils to insects and minerals.
• The museum library contains around 485,000 volumes devoted to natural history and science.
• The Hayden Planetarium, part of the complex, is one of the largest planetariums in the world, featuring a massive spherical projection screen.
• In 2023, the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation opened as a modern new wing with innovative exhibitions.
• The Gilder Center features a spectacular canyon-like central atrium inspired by natural rock formations.
• The Hall of Ocean Life contains a 94-foot model of a blue whale suspended from the ceiling — one of the museum’s most iconic exhibits.
• The museum displays the largest meteorite found in North America — the Willamette Meteorite.
• Among its treasures is the “Star of India” sapphire, weighing 563 carats, one of the largest in the world.
• The original Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton was once mounted upright; in 1993 it was repositioned into a scientifically accurate stance.
• The museum hosts popular Sleepovers, allowing visitors to spend the night inside — an idea that inspired Night at the Museum.
• Some museum dioramas are incredibly realistic, incorporating authentic natural materials to enhance accuracy.
• Museum-led scientific expeditions have led to major discoveries, including the first known dinosaur egg nests.
• Certain historical anthropological displays once included real human remains, reflecting past museum practices.
• The museum includes the LeFrak Theater and an IMAX cinema, showing educational films about astronomy and nature.
• Modern exhibitions such as Invisible Worlds use immersive multimedia technology to explore ecosystems.
• The Hall of African Mammals features a dramatic display of African elephants in a lifelike setting.
• The museum houses a famous “mummified” Edmontosaurus specimen, exceptionally well-preserved.
• During the holiday season, the entrance features the Origami Holiday Tree, decorated with thousands of handmade paper animals.
• The museum actively conducts scientific research and publishes academic journals, contributing to global knowledge and education.

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