American Museum of Natural History Membership

1. General Admission Is Free for Members.

As a Member, general admission to the Museum is free—so time is on your side. Exploring the American Museum of Natural History is not unlike exploring New York City: far more revealing and far less exhausting when taken a little at a time. With unlimited free admission, you can visit on a whim, take in something new, and walk out with great memories before overload sets in.

As Member Jeff Bower puts it, “With my membership card in my wallet even a quick pop-in to visit my daughter’s favorite moose is 15 minutes well spent.”

2. Special Exhibition Admission Is Free for Members.

Special exhibitions are always worth a repeat visit. Members see them first, and they see them for free.

Illuminating topics from poison to pterosaurs, the Museum’s special exhibitions are packed with information brought to you by world-renowned scientists, writers, artists, designers, and model makers.

With unlimited free admission to special exhibitions, Members can come back as often as they like to study every display, marvel at every model, or try their hand at their favorite interactive exhibit one more time.

And before each special exhibition opens to the public, Members are invited to a special preview after Museum hours.

3. Members Can Go Behind the Scenes.

Follow an expert behind the scenes. For Members ages 10 and up, a behind-the-scenes tour with a curator or collections manager is the perfect way to get a scientist’s-eye-view of the Museum’s world-class collections—from the smallest invertebrates to the largest extinct mammal bones. Check for upcoming tours.

4. There Are Numerous Members-Only Excursions, Walks, and Tours Each Year.

Eager to go farther afield? Member excursions offer fantastic options for naturalists and city-lovers alike. Learn about the history and ecology of greater New York City on guided walking tours, join a bird-watching trip to a nearby park, or preserve with a Museum ornithologist, or roll up your sleeves for a fossil dig across the river in New Jersey.

Belvedere Castle, Central Park

Credit: Stig Nygaard