We love the American Museum of Natural History; we actually love all the museums of New York City. The American Museum of Natural History, AMNH, contain so much information to be read, observed, viewed and not to be missed, that you may want to devote two days to a visit, but here are a few tips and suggestions that are especially relevant to rockhounds and geology, mineral, and fossil enthusiasts.
The first and we do mean first tip to enjoying your visit to AMNH is to enter on the Columbus Avenue side. Enter on the side opposite, on the other street, on the backside, and do not wait in the long line on the Central Park West main entrance with the pair of lion stone sculptures. That main entrance always has a line that can last up to an hour. On the other side of the museum is another entrance that rarely has a line, and you can walk right in if you pre-paid for your tickets and you can buy your tickets there too. This is a very important trick that you will thank us for once you experience the difference and convenience and ease of entering the museum on the Columbus Ave side.
A benefit of entering the museum on the Columbus Avenue side is that the first major hall and exhibition you enter is the newly remodeled famous Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals. This is a fascinating gem of an exhibition that contains some of the largest minerals in the world, some of the most rare minerals and fossils in the world, and education and insight throughout. When we were there last, we spent 2 hours just in the area for gems, minerals, and fossils, and then right next door is the equally fascinating insect and bug hall and exhibits where you get to see live insects as well.
So plan your visit wisely fellow rockhound and gem, mineral, fossil enthusiasts, and start your visit to the American Museum of Natural History from the Columbus Ave entrance. Enjoy photos below from our March 2025 visit to New York and contact American Geode with any questions. #NewYorkRocks
