The American Museum of Natural History (New York City)

Overlooking Central Park in Upper West Side of Manhattan is one of the world's most prestigious and largest museums. The American Museum of Natural History is a truly vast place with 46 exhibition halls housing over 32 million exhibits, only a fraction of which can be displayed at any given time. Its overwhelming scale makes it virtually impossible to take in all which the museum has to offer on a single visit. There is no better place for a New York family city break than the American Museum of Natural History, where young inquisitive minds will instantly head for the ever-popular dinosaur exhibitions or the high-tech Hayden Planetarium.

 

Immense life-like dioramas depict everything from majestic blue whales to herds of African elephants, and a living, breathing rainforest comes complete with authentic sounds, sights and smells. Throughout the galleries stand hands-on exhibits, which offer a mixture of fascinating fun and knowledge. If time is limited during a weekend in New York City, the Hall of Ocean Life, the Hall of Biodiversity and the Native American history gallery are all captivating must-sees. Virtually every natural science has its very own compelling exhibition space, ensuring all tastes are catered for. Huge displays of precious gems and minerals, ice age fossils, meteorites and Far Eastern art treasures proliferate through the ornate and spacious halls of the museum.

 

Explore the rich biodiversity of Earth and our solar system through IMAX screenings and computer-generated laser shows, or get a more first-hand adventure with personalised guide tours. The American Museum of Natural History is housed in a grand Victorian building, which is as much of an attraction as the exhibits within. It is set in its own expansive grounds, featuring attractive ornamental gardens and is the perfect place to soak up a more gentile pace of life on a New York City short break.