American Museum of Natural History

There are 3 different ways to get in. Start with the one that needs the least from you.

ManhattanB/C to 81st St-Museum of Natural History

Show almost any ID

“I'm a New York State, New Jersey, or Connecticut resident — I'd like pay-what-you-wish general admission please”

Every way in

Ordered by how much work it takes.

Show almost any ID
Walk in today
Needs: Any ID
Pay-what-you-wish for NY, NJ, and CT residents (General Admission only)
Bring: NY State driver's license, State ID card, IDNYC, student ID, current utility bill with address, voter registration card
Library card → Culture Pass
A little setup
Needs: Library card
General admission to 40+ permanent galleries, including the Rose Center for Earth and Space (hall only)
- Massive museum — plan 3+ hours. Since general admission is pay-what-you-wish for NY residents, save your Culture Pass for somewhere that charges everyone. The dinosaurs, minerals hall, and ocean life are highlights.
Reserve a pass (opens in new tab)
IDNYC — as a membership
Set up first
Needs: IDNYC
Free unlimited general admission for 1 year (plus up to 4 visitors under 18), 10% discount at Museum Shop, 15% discount at cafes/food court
Worth: $135/year individual membership value
1. Get your IDNYC card
2. Visit AMNH admissions desk in person
3. Present your valid IDNYC card
4. Provide a valid email address
5. Receive membership on the spot (no physical card — use IDNYC for entry)
Watch out: Must be 18+. Must activate in person. No physical membership card issued. 5-year rule applies. Cardholders under 18 not eligible.

These cost extra however you get in.

Ticketed exhibitions (Butterfly Vivarium, Invisible Worlds, Hayden Planetarium Space Show, giant-screen films, special exhibitions), cannot be added to a PWYW ticket
Special exhibitions, Hayden Planetarium Space Show, giant-screen film, LeFrak Theater