In the western part of the Central Park "Big Apple" (Central Park West) is one of the most curious research institutions in the world. The American Museum of Natural History has long been a must-have destination for the tourism program. With nearly 5 million visitors a year, it stores priceless collections of artifacts from different eras.
One of the most interesting sights of New York
The giant museum complex consists of 25 buildings of a light gray hue, interconnected by labyrinths of showrooms. It was founded in 1869 by Albert Bickmore, and among the founders was Theodore Roosevelt himself. The institution, the main exhibits of which were stuffed animals and skeletons, was not very popular. And even the question arose of closing it.
Museum President Morris Jesup, who was looking for ways out of financial difficulties, did the incredible: over 25 years of work, the territory of his brainchild increased almost 11 times, and the amount of donations amounted to about a million dollars. With this money expeditions were equipped to all parts of the globe that were bearing fruit. Researchers brought unique findings, even now causing curiosity in modern man.
The American Museum of Natural History, whose exhibitions combine the past and the present, is divided into several thematic sectors of impressive size. 4 floors of the most interesting sights of New York - this is a cognitive and at the same time entertaining platform for adults and children.
What to see?
The Hall of Origin of Man is one of the most visited. It contains a wealth of material that tells about the different periods of the formation of mankind. Among the unique exhibits, the so-called Lucy stands out - the skeleton of the Afar Australopithecus, found in Ethiopia by an American anthropologist. A bipedal adult lived more than three million years ago.
The Fossils Hall is a permanent exhibition showcasing the world's largest collection of vertebrate fossils. Exhibits, among which there are perfectly preserved, immerse themselves in an unexplored and mysterious prehistoric world.
The Mammals Hall is a spacious room consisting of dioramas that introduce visitors to a wide variety of continents. And in the "Birds" hall you can see both local representatives of avifauna and birds of other continents.
The Universe Hall, in which exhibitions devoted to astronomy take place, leaves no one indifferent.
The hall "Minerals" exhibited rare exhibits. They are stored in special glass containers equipped with bright lighting. And in the Gemstones hall, the unique emerald "Patricia" and sapphire "Star of India" are stored.
The Meteorites Hall attracts those who are interested in space and its riddles. Bodies of cosmic origin that have fallen on our planet, and nanodiamonds, which are 5 billion years old, are an exclusive hall.
The Rose Center for Earth and Space, opened just 18 years ago, includes several exhibition halls where visitors can get to know the myriad stars, planets and galaxies.
The Ocean Life Hall boasts amazing exhibits - inhabitants of the deep sea living in different eras. The most impressive specimen is the blue giant whale, presented in full size. It hangs under the dome of the hall, causing admiration for visitors. On a huge screen, a film is constantly being broadcast about the origin of life in the water, shots of which were shot in different parts of the oceans.
Dinosaurs Hall
Of course, for most visitors, the most interesting halls are those where exhibits of the prehistoric world are presented. For example, living
in the Mesozoic era dinosaurs, reaching a length of several tens of meters. Fossil vertebrates, striking in size and power, are a real highlight of the paleontological collection.
Many exhibits are made of plastic, but there are also the remains of extinct animals, for example, real skeletons of a brontosaurus, mammoth and tyrannosaurus are exhibited here. But the apatosaurus skull is made of plaster. From the signs in the hall you can learn about the types of dinosaurs, their names and the era of existence.
Old library
No less interesting for visitors is the library, founded in 1880. It includes 500 thousand of the most valuable books on natural sciences and other sciences. Those who wish can get acquainted with the reports of scientists who made expeditions to different parts of the world.
Museum dioramas
The installations that reproduce the nature of various corners of our planet are very popular among the guests of the museum complex. The dioramas of the African savannah and the Arctic deserts accurately convey the flavor and identity of these places. The colorful scenery worked by artists, photographers and engineers are the pride of the museum.
Karl Aykley, a well-known taxidermist, worked on them for a long time. For the first time he did not begin to stuff animal skins with sawdust, as was done earlier, but created real skeletons of animals with vessels through which blood runs, and muscles.
Space Cathedral and cinema
In 2000, a giant planetarium appeared that aroused the curiosity of guests with an unusual floating roof resembling a sphere. The 6-story glass building looks majestic. The most interesting installation, according to the guests, is the Big Bang Theory, which reproduces the process of formation of the Universe. It is curious that the performances that the audience likes so much are voiced by the famous actress Whoopi Goldberg.
A few years ago, a modern IMAX cinema opened. All sessions are devoted to popular science topics. For example, the film “Aerial View of the World” is an exciting journey that leaves a lasting impression. Spectators fly on feathered wings from one continent to another, and behind the scenes is the voice of the brilliant Hollywood diva Cate Blanchett.
Where to eat?
Starving visitors can eat in the cafe and restaurant located on the ground floor of the complex. All dishes presented here are thematic. For example, the kids’s favorite dessert is a multi-layer creamy parfait that demonstrates how the soil works. The worms that are found inside are edible: invertebrates that look quite natural are made of marmalade.
Opening hours and ticket prices
The American Museum of Natural History receives visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all year round. It is closed only on Christmas and Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday of November).
The ticket price, depending on what exhibitions the guest wants to see, ranges from 25 to 35 dollars. You can buy it directly at the box office or on the official website.
Those wishing to visit the museum can choose either a standard tour or an individual one, depending on interests. It was here that the family comedy "Night at the Museum" was filmed, in which the main exhibit - a giant tyrannosaurus came to life. After the release of the film, the audience rushed to the American Museum of Natural History. Soon there was a new program that caused a stir. The eponymous tour "Night at the Museum" will allow visitors to follow the trail of the main characters of the film.
Interesting Facts
US President T. Roosevelt has always been a devoted fan of the museum. For 14 months he traveled around Africa, and then handed him his collection of unique exhibits. Now in the African hall stands a sculpture of an outstanding political figure who has made a huge contribution to the country's natural sciences.
Some interactive exhibitions (“Water equals life”, “Brain: a story from the inside”, “Beyond the Earth”) can be compared with unique shows that are held only in this museum.
The American Museum of Natural History, whose exhibits acquaint all stages of the development of mankind, has been rebuilt several times, and now it occupies an area of 4 quarters.
