American Museum of Natural History
The Upper West Side giant with the blue whale, dinosaur halls and the Gilder Center's canyon-like architecture.
Example
The efficient circuit is dinosaurs first thing, then the blue whale room and the Gilder Center, which takes about three hours with children.
Related terms
Parks
Central Park
The 843-acre engineered wilderness at Manhattan's heart, designed by Olmsted and Vaux in 1858.
Bagels and delis
Barney Greengrass
The Upper West Side sturgeon king since 1908, an unchanged Jewish appetizing restaurant with weekend lines to match.
Museums
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
America's largest art museum, spanning 5,000 years on Fifth Avenue, from Egyptian temples to the rooftop bar.
Museums
Museum of Modern Art
The Midtown museum holding Starry Night, Les Demoiselles d'Avignon and the definitive modern art collection.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best strategy with children?
Book the first entry slot, hit dinosaurs before the groups arrive, then the whale and Gilder Center. Three hours is a realistic limit.
Is the Gilder Center worth adding?
Yes, the architecture alone justifies it and the live insect exhibits are the museum's freshest experience.
Should I book tickets in advance?
Yes. Timed entry online avoids the school group crush at the doors, and the first slot of the day gets you into the dinosaur halls before the groups arrive.
