Equestrian Statue of Theodore Roosevelt by James Earle Fraser in front of American Museum of Natural History
Our Christmas Holiday 2015 in the Upper West Side of Manhattan positioned us near Central Park and one of the biggest draws for tourists: American Museum of Natural History located at Central Park West at 79th Street. With 27 interconnected buildings and 45 exhibition halls filled with everything from minerals to mollusks, it’s a Christmas gift to the public all year long.
Once inside, you’ll recognize the interior from Night at the Museum. But even if you haven’t seen the movie, you’ll be impressed by the soaring height of the main floor: exhibits so tall you have to bend over backwards (literally) for the full experience.
A soaring entry off Central Park West: Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall, American Museum of Natural History
Add to this iconic structure, a pair of moss-covered dinos bearing Christmas wreaths and flanking the massive front steps — and you have a little holiday happiness to greet you.
Merry Christmas from the American Museum of Natural History
We couldn’t scratch the surface in one day at AMNH, mainly because we could hardly pull ourselves away from two exquisitely researched and artfully showcased halls: Bernard Family Hall of North American Mammals (1st Floor) and Akeley Hall of African Mammals (2nd Floor). Massive showcases house strategically posed animals in real-life situations. As if the animals aren’t enough to see, the settings themselves are notable, too, as they skillfully mix photography, artwork, and natural elements. (Personal Travel Award: Best Combo of Flora and Fauna in a Museum.)
Staring right at us: gemsbok from southern Africa
But if you’ve got a kid (or a kid at heart) with you, head to the 4th Floor. Maybe it’s the influence of Hollywood or the “cinemagic” of Jurassic World or the way that names like Stegosaurus, Diplodocus, or Megalosaurus have become more common — whatever it is, we all have an insatiable fascination with dinosaurs. And you can’t go wrong no matter where you spend time on the 4th floor of AMNH: from areas named Saurichian Dinosaurs to Ornithischian Dinosaurs to Vertebrate Origins — all are remarkable.
In addition, educational signage and expertly mounted specimens brings Christmas year-round to those who love to look and learn.
American Museum of Natural History is open daily from 10 AM to 5:45 PM (except on Thanksgiving and Christmas). Or check out social media (see below) for updates and photos of upcoming and current exhibits. From your own home, you, too, can have a night at the museum!
For more information:
American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024; 212-769-5100; amnh.org
Facebook: facebook.com/amnh
Twitter: @amnh
Instagram: @amnh #InsideAMNH
Pinterest: naturalhistory
Hope you’ll continue to join us as we show you places we saw on our Christmas Holiday NYC!
Bert and Rusha
Amy
So fascinating! 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
Amy, you always amaze me at how you can respond to so many posts. You’re one of the best examples of how to make people feel good in the blogging world. Best wishes to you in the coming year!
Amy
Hi Rusha, Thank you so much for your kind words. I’ve learned so much from our WP blog community, and you have taken us to many beautiful places, exhibits, art shows and shared great stories via your wonderful blog and photos.
I appreciate your support and value our blogging friendship.
Be wishes to you too, Rusha. 🙂
Curt Mekemson
I remember spending a happy day wandering around there… and the feeling that I had hardly begin to explore the building. Thanks for the tour. –Curt
Oh, the Places We See
I’m thinking we need to go back once each December. May have to have that little talk with Bert soon so we can save up! I’m just getting started with NYC. Best wishes to you and Peggy for wonderful holidays!
Curt Mekemson
And may you and Bert have a great Holiday as well! –Curt
cindy knoke
Such an incredible place! Merry Christmas!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for taking a look, Cindy. And you’re so right. I guess I should have expected no less from this first-class, maybe best-in-class natural history museum. I could go back again and again and never see it all. Best wishes for happy holidays!
Oh, the Places We See
Cindy, thanks for your comment. It really is an incredible place!