The Museum began to present to the public exhibitions in the building of Central Park Arsenal thirty years before the official opening. Its main task is to provide guests with information about anthropology and natural science, and exhibitions unite the past and the present. From the giant dinosaur skeletons to the modern planetarium, the four floors of the Museum are a huge entertainment area for both adults and children. Especially impressed will be those who love animals and science and want to visit one of the most popular museums in New York.
The permanent exhibitions of the American Museum of Natural History include the fantastic Fossil Hall, which houses the world's largest collection of vertebrate fossils — almost one million exhibits. The cultural halls house an Anthropology Unit and explore the unique traditions of Asia, the Pacific, North and South America and Africa.
The Mammal halls are full of exciting dioramas that will guide visitors through different continents and periods of ancient times. Bird halls represent both local inhabitants and representatives of other continents, including the exciting world of ocean birds.
The 11,000-square-foot Biodiversity hall opened in 1998 as one of the newest additions to The Natural History Museum. It is devoted to "the need to protect and preserve the biodiversity of our planet, the diversity and interdependence of life forms on Earth". The magnificent rose center of Earth and Space opened in 2000. This section of the Museum is 333,500 square feet and features a newly renovated Hayden planetarium and exhibition halls that explore the planets, stars and galaxies.
The American Museum of Natural History also offers a variety of temporary exhibitions and a number of government programs, including lectures, family events, production practices, seminars, film festivals and live performances. The Museum is open throughout the year, except for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Ticket combinations are also available, which include admission to Museum exhibitions, planetarium shows and IMAX films. The food court and two cafes are open to hungry visitors, while the Museum shop offers books, posters, jewelry, clothing and unique gifts for children and adults.
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