American Museum of Natural History – Plan Your Visit

Prohibited Items

Do not bring large bags, backpacks, or luggage (larger than 11” x 17”), as they are not permitted inside the museum. Weapons, food, drinks (except water bottles), and pets (except service animals) are also prohibited​​.

Children

Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. If a child gets separated from their group, immediately notify a museum staff member or security guard. They are trained to handle such situations and will assist in reuniting families​.

Photography

Personal photography is allowed, but the use of tripods, selfie sticks, and lights is prohibited. Photography is not permitted in theaters or special exhibitions where signs indicate restrictions​​.

Strollers and Accessibility

Strollers are welcome throughout the museum, except in certain ticketed exhibition galleries where space is limited. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, and assistive listening devices are available for guided tours. Caregivers accompanying visitors with disabilities receive free admission​.

Lost and Found

If you lose any belongings during your visit, please visit the first-floor security desk in the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall.

Foods and Drinks

Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the museum, except water bottles. There are several dining options available within the museum where visitors can purchase meals and snacks.

Animals

Only service animals are permitted inside the museum. Pets and other animals are not allowed on the premises​​.

Tours

The museum offers a variety of guided tours that are included with admission. Visitors are encouraged to participate in these tours to enhance their experience and gain deeper insights into the exhibits​​.

Respect for Exhibits

Do not touch the exhibits unless it is clearly indicated that you may do so. Some interactive exhibits allow for hands-on engagement, but most displays should be respected and left untouched to preserve their condition for future visitors.

Dining Options

The museum provides several dining options to cater to different tastes and preferences:
– The Restaurant at Gilder: Offers a selection of meals and snacks suitable for families.
– Cafés: There are various cafés throughout the museum where visitors can enjoy light refreshments and beverages​.

Restrooms and Facilities

Restrooms are conveniently located on all floors of the museum, including accessible, family, and gender-neutral restrooms:
– Lower Level: Near the subway entrance and Rose Center for Earth and Space.
– Floor 1: Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, near the Grand Gallery, and Rose Center.
– Floor 2: Gilder Center.
– Floor 3: Gilder Center and Hall of Primates.
– Floor 4: Gilder Center and Wallach Orientation Center​

Shopping

The museum features several shops offering a wide range of merchandise:
– Main Shop: A variety of toys, clothing, books, and home decor items.
– Specialty Shops: Including the Gilder Gift Shop, Dino Store, Cosmic Shop, and more, offering themed merchandise related to specific exhibits​.

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Additional Facilities

– Lactation Rooms: Located on the lower level and third floor, providing a private space for nursing mothers.
– Companion Care Rooms: Available for visitors who require additional assistance​.

Wheelchair Accessibility

– Elevators and Ramps: The museum is equipped with elevators and ramps to ensure all public floors and exhibitions are accessible. Public elevators have Braille signage and auditory signals​​.

– Wheelchair Rentals: Complimentary wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the coat check areas. Visitors can also bring their own wheelchairs​.

Assistive Listening Devices

– Tours and Theaters: Assistive listening devices are available for guided tours, the Hayden Planetarium, and other theater presentations. These devices can be requested at the information desks​​.

Visual and Sensory Accessibility

– Touch Tours: Certain exhibits feature tactile elements for visitors who are blind or have low vision. These touchable models and replicas enhance the experience by allowing visitors to engage with the exhibits through touch​.

– Sensory Bags: Sensory bags containing noise-reducing headphones and fidget tools are available at information desks for visitors with sensory needs​​.

Service Animals

– Service animals are welcome throughout the museum. Visitors are encouraged to inform the museum in advance if they will be bringing a service animal​​.

Language Assistance

– The museum offers a Spanish translation hotline for visitors requiring language assistance. For further assistance, visitors can contact the museum in advance to arrange accommodations.