Museums are hard to navigate through without a professional guide and when we’re talking about the largest natural history museums in the world, the museum of natural history, NYC, the ordeal just aggravates. The museum is one of the most iconic museums in the world. It was founded in 1855 and has since amassed an incredible collection of specimens from all over the world. In 1874 The museum of natural history, NYC, was relocated from the park to its current building at Central Park West and 79th street.
The museum of natural history, NYC, contains exhibits on a variety of subjects, including dinosaur skeletons, live animals, fossils, minerals, gems, meteorites, natural-history dioramas, and artefacts from different cultures around the world. The museum also contains a vast research library containing books, periodicals, photographs, and audio recordings. The library is open to the general public at no charge. So, travel today to NYC and experience this for yourself.
History
The Museum of Natural History, NYC was established in 1869 as part of the Columbia University College Departments of Arts and Science and under the direction of palaeontologist and geologist William Diller Matthew. It was initially housed in a small building on West 125th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues that was known as the Crystal Palace of Natural History because of its glass domes. In 1874 the museum moved to its present location on the west side of Central Park. It received a Congressional charter in 1877 and has since become one of the world’s leading research museums in the fields of anthropology, zoology. and palaeontology. It now contains more than 32 million specimens in its collection, making it the largest natural history museum in the world.
Directions to the museum of natural history, NYC
Take the B (Weekdays) or C train to 81st Street / Museum of Natural History, move south on Central Park West to the museum entrance on your right. On the other hand, you can take the 1 train to Broadway and West 79th Street, head southwest on Broadway towards 79th Street, turn left at 77th Street, walk two blocks and turn left on Central Park West.
Structure and modus operandi of the museum
The museum of natural history, NYC, opened in 1869 with the establishment movement, followed by definitive structure built in 1872. The museum of natural history, NYC, ‘s collections now include more than 32 million specimens and artefacts from five continents more than any other museum in the United States. The museum of natural history, NYC, ‘s goal is to further scientific understanding and to promote the exploration and preservation of the natural world. To this end, it organizes and hosts public programs designed to inform and inspire visitors of all ages. It is also committed to supporting scientific research and conservation through research and education grants.
The museum, is governed by a Board of Trustees, with 16 members appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. The museum of natural history, NYC, is currently under the direction of Eric S. Lander, who has held the position since 2000. This museum has three floors featuring permanent and changing exhibitions. The museum, also has educational programming for children and adults that includes lectures. panel discussions, workshops, performances, and special events.
Admission to the New York Hall of Science is free for children age five and younger general admission for adults is $19: students receive discounts at participating museums around New York City: seniors pay $17: and children ages three to six are free. The museum is open seven days a week from 10 am to 5 pm except on Thanksgiving Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
The museum of natural history, NYC, features several historic milestones in the history of space exploration including Apollo spacecraft models and a cockpit simulator that lets visitors experience what it is like to be an astronaut in space The museum, is home to a massive collection of dinosaur fossils that have been found over the world, including New York State. These fossils are displayed in various exhibits that allow visitors to explore the dinosaurs’ habitats and learn more about these ancient creatures
Things to marvel at the museum of natural history, NYC
Biodiversity and environment halls
These halls at the museum of natural history, NYC, are one of the most coveted attractions among locals and tourists alike. The most unique thing about them is that these daunting halls very bravely portray the elements that are putting our environment in peril while keeping things just as interesting as they are intellectual.
Birds and Reptiles
This area of the museum of natural history, NYC, is segmented into 4 halls. The area of Reptiles and Amphibians displays the entire gamut of species of both the classes. The bird hall does a similar job in relation to the plethora of species of birds which are in constant proliferation as you read this. The halls of the museum, are divided by region which is preferred by the birds such as Leonard C. Sanford Hall of North American Birds portrays birds that have North America as their indigenous habitat.
Fossil Area
Conceivably, the most well-known fascination at the museum of natural history, NYC, the fossil lobbies possess a huge segment of the American Museum of Natural History. Aside from showing fossils of ancient animals, this lobby additionally manages progressed themes, similar to vertebrate beginnings, mammalian ancestry, and developmental science.
Anthropology Halls
This lobby in the museum of natural history, NYC, has eight distinct areas that display the starting points and evolution of humanity throughout history. The presentations are primarily cantered around conferring the information that has been acquired about human progress in specified segment areas. It is very fascinating to notice precisely the way in which similar species have advanced to be so unique throughout the long term. The museum, is truly a fascinating place to be at.
Some Special exhibits:
Hayden Planetarium
The museum’s Hayden Planetarium has great shows throughout the day on a variety of topics. The Hayden Planetarium features shows that are suitable for people of all ages and interests. Whether you want to learn more about astronomy or are interested in a show on the environment, the planetarium has something for everyone at the museum of natural history, NYC.
Unseen Oceans
The discovery of our planet has not even begun as reported by sources at the museum of natural history, NYC, . The deep sea still remains the murky hemisphere which is yet to be explored and god knows what lies beneath those deep, blue waters under ocean beds. This exhibition uses emulations and robotics to give you a glimpse of what lies in those deep-seated places.
Recent developments and happenings
- The museum of natural history, NYC, has recently begun a series of lectures by prominent scientists, including Stephen Hawking and Stephen Jay Gould.
- The museum of natural history, NYC, also hosts events for children throughout the year, including musical performances, nature-themed arts and crafts activities, and shows about the insects that live in New York. Tickets for these events are reasonably priced for New Yorkers of all income levels.
- The museum, recently began an ongoing series of community programs designed to bring museum exhibits and resources into the neighborhoods around the Central Park campus. A partnership with a local high school has enabled students to take tours of The museum of natural history, NYC, and participate in workshops and field trips to locations around the city. The museum has also partnered with local libraries in the city to provide a discounted membership program for people who live in some of the city’s poorest neighbourhoods. The museum of natural history, NYC, sponsors a variety of research and conservation projects aimed at protecting endangered plants and animals and helping to ensure that the world’s wildlife resources are preserved for future generations.
- Some recent exhibits include an exhibit on evolution that examines the scientific theory that humans evolved through natural selection; a children’s exhibit about “mad science” that uses real-world experiments to teach concepts such as the scientific method and the nature of science; and an exhibition of rare musical instruments from around the world.
Rules and regulations
- Avoid the trip if you have symptoms of COVID-19, have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 14 days, or have been in close contact (within 6 feet for 10 minutes or more) with someone infected with or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 within the past 14 days.
- Masks are mandatory for the entire visit
- Children under the age of 12 must remain under constant
- adult supervision at the museum of natural history, NYC.
- Follow the Museum’s code of conduct which is available online and a must-read.
- Eating is not allowed in Museum galleries. The Food Court is now open from 10:30 am–4:30 pm, and Cafe on 4 is open from 10:30 am–4 pm.
Tips and hacks
- Water bottles aren’t available on any cafes in the museum, so don’t forget to carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated for the entire visit as you will be walking a lot.
- The dinosaur nuggets at the food court of the museum of natural history, NYC, are a great recommendation to try if you’re in need of a quick delicious snack
- Carry a notepad as there would be a lot of info to assimilate and very little time to do that.
- If you have questions or get turned around during your visit, the museum guides are very well informed and happy to help. You can learn something new or find your way around a lot easier with a little help from the museum staff.
